Injury Conditions That a Sport Medicine Doctor Can Treat

Sports medicine doctors from Los Angeles Pain Relief Clinic  specializes in the effects of physical activity and sports on your muscles, joints, tendons and bones. He or she can evaluate your fitness level and recommend a training program to prevent injuries.

A sports medicine evaluation is beneficial for professional athletes and casual exercisers alike. Schedule an appointment today by calling or booking online.

Many schools require a sports PPE (preparticipation physical evaluation) before the beginning of the sport season. These exams are performed to help identify medical conditions that could interfere with or predispose an athlete to new injuries.

A comprehensive medical history and detailed physical exam are essential components of a PPE. A general health screen should include a history of alcohol, drug and tobacco use; risk-taking behaviors; ownership of firearms; sun-protective behavior; and examination of the genitals which includes checking for undescended testicles in male athletes.

It is also a great opportunity for the examiner to review lifestyle issues such as proper diet; female athlete triad (disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis); and domestic violence.

With digital X-rays, physicians can view the results of their patients’ X-rays on a computer monitor right in the exam room. This makes the entire process quicker and easier for patients.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test that uses computers to create cross-sectional images of bones, muscles, fat and organs. This test can detect bone fractures, ligament injuries and small calcifications.

Dr. DeLaMora spent his fellowship caring for professional athletes at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Institute in Los Angeles, CA. He now specializes in sports medicine at WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery PC treating local high school, college and professional athletes.

Injuries to musculoskeletal structures such as muscles, ligaments and tendons are often diagnosed using MRI. MRI is a painless examination that provides detailed information about soft tissue injuries.

During the MRI, you lie down on a table that slides into the opening of a large tube-like machine. A technologist monitors you from another room. If you are claustrophobic, a doctor may give you medication to help you relax.

You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove any jewelry, piercings or dentures as well as metal zippers and buttons. Some specialty MRI exams require additional restrictions. These restrictions will be explained to you after your appointment is scheduled.

This is a test to see how well your muscles and nerves are working. It can help your doctor decide what is causing pain, weakness or numbness. It can also tell if you have a certain muscle disease, like myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy.

During a surface EMG, your doctor will place electrodes on the skin over your muscles and nerves to measure how fast your nerves send signals to the muscle. The next part of the test, called a needle EMG, involves inserting a tiny needle into your muscle to stimulate and record its electrical activity at rest and during contraction.

This portion of the test may cause tenderness, soreness or small bruising in the muscles where the needles are inserted. Tylenol(r) or an ice pack can help relieve this discomfort.

A sports medicine doctor will assess the results of your diagnostic tests and work with you to create a treatment plan. They may recommend conservative treatments that are non-surgical in order to prevent the need for surgery. They will also counsel you on proper training techniques to help you avoid injuries.

A sports medicine specialist has completed medical school, earned a license, completed an orthopedic residency program, and received additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that occur due to exercise or sports-related activities. They have experience working with a variety of professional and amateur athletes. They also serve as team physicians for local high school and college athletic teams.

In many cases, we first try non-surgical treatments to prevent surgery and prolong healing. However, when a patient does need surgery, our orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in treating sports injuries.

Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, our team of orthopedic physicians provides comprehensive treatment for sports-related bone, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. Our doctors also work closely with primary care physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers to provide patients with the best possible outcome.

We offer world-class orthopedic care for youth sports injuries in our Echo Park and North Hollywood offices serving Los Angeles, CA. To learn more, call us or book an appointment online now!