We all have questions from time to time, so we’ve pulled together the most common ones about the surgical experience at Summit. Have other questions not covered here? Ask your physician, physical therapist, or any member of the medical team – we’d be glad to help answer your questions.
Is Sports Medicine only for athletes in formal sports?
No, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to seek help from a sports medicine professional. Sports medicine professionals treat people who participate in sports just for fun or want to get better results from their exercise program. They also treat people who have suffered injuries and want to regain full function, as well as people who have disabilities and want to increase their mobility and capabilities.
When should I see a non-surgical sports medicine specialist versus a sports medicine surgeon?
Most primary care sports medicine specialists are doctors who have completed baseline training, often in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine or rehabilitation medicine, before pursuing additional sports medicine training. They do not have expertise in surgery. Sports medicine surgeons, however, have completed an orthopedic surgery residency. Orthopedic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Both non-operative sports medicine specialists and surgeons will suggest conservative approaches first, whenever possible and safe for you. The only time when you should default to a sports medicine surgeon is if you are fairly certain your situation will require a procedure to remedy. Otherwise, both are great options and provide exceptional sports medicine care.
Check out our Ask the Expert sports and active medicine video library, where specialists answer the most common questions we receive.
