If you are an athlete, then you know that injuries are a part of the game. Unfortunately, many athletes try to tough it out and play through their injuries instead of seeking proper medical attention. This can often lead to further injury and even long-term damage. In this article, we will discuss three steps that will help make the process easier. So read on and find out how to choose the best sports doctor for you.
When you think about a sports medicine doctor, what comes to mind is probably someone who’s waiting at the sidelines and jumps into action whenever an athlete gets injured during a competition. The role of a sports doctor is to help athletes who have been injured during a competition. They diagnose and treat orthopedic (musculoskeletal) injuries, as well any other types that arise from playing sports or otherwise getting hurt, their goal is rapid recovery so you can get back on your feet quickly without risking further injury.
They also aim to help people exercise safely and effectively for them to achieve optimum performance. This includes prescribing strength-training of muscles that the physician notices are lacking balance with other body parts, like bones or joints. Sports doctors will not only treat an injury but explain how you can properly care for your injuries while staying at top form, and they handle non-operative treatments on ankles, elbows, knees, and more.
When you are an athlete, there is always a chance of getting injured. It is important to have the best sports doctor possible when this happens. However, how do you choose the best one? Here are three steps that can help:
1. Get A Referral
The first step to choosing the best sports doctor is to get a referral. This means that you ask your friends and family who they use as their physician. Ask them if they are happy with the service that they receive from this person or not? It will also help if you can talk to other athletes such as teammates, coaches, trainers, and more.
These people might be able to give more information about the doctors in your area so make sure it matches what others say before deciding on one though. You can also search online for reviews of medical professionals nearby or try asking around at local sporting events where there may be many players competing against each other, these types have probably experienced some sort of injury themselves which would make them great resources when looking for a sports doctor.
2. Check Their Credentials
The second step to choosing the best sports doctor is checking their credentials. This means that you ask for any certifications, licenses, or degrees that they may have in the field. The best way to do this is by looking online at their website and doing some more research on them personally (if possible).
Another important thing when it comes to the credentials of a sports doctor is asking what kind of experience they have treating injuries related specifically as athletes so they make sure patients receive only top-quality care no matter where they’re coming from. If possible, try contacting other offices where they may have worked before, this could give insight into how well respected they are within the field which makes it easier to determine if someone is qualified or not.
3. Go In For A consultation
The third and final step to choosing the best sports doctor is to go in for a consultation. This means that you will be able to sit down with them and discuss what happened during your injury, what are your goals, and your medical history as well. You should also ask any questions that you may have about their practice so it’s easier to make an informed decision whether or not they are the right fit for you. You can also get an idea of what the cost might be for services rendered so make sure to bring up this topic during your visit.
Finding the right sports doctor can make a world of difference in your recovery. It can be difficult to know who is the best. To find one who meets all of these qualifications and more, we’ve provided three easy steps that should help make this decision easier. And if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us today. We would be more than happy to help guide you through this process and answer any questions that you may have.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions, including back injuries. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com