Primary care sports medicine is a specialized field within orthopedics that focuses on the comprehensive care of athletes and active individuals. Unlike traditional sports medicine, primary care sports medicine aims to treat injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and tears using non-surgical methods whenever possible. This approach also prioritizes the patient’s overall health by discussing injury prevention strategies, improving performance, and addressing underlying issues that may contribute to the injury. The focus is on treating the whole patient, not just the injury, to promote long-term well-being and a safe return to activity.

Many, if not most, sports injuries can be treated without surgery, except in cases of severe trauma or when conservative care has been exhausted. Non-surgical treatment is often the first line of care, and it can effectively address a wide range of conditions. Some common injuries treated non-surgically include:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Tendonitis
• Shoulder dislocations
• Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy

In many cases, non-surgical treatment can effectively manage and heal these injuries, allowing the patient to return to their normal activities without the need for surgery.

Non-surgical treatment can range from non-invasive to minimally invasive treatment, including:

• Physical therapy
• Home exercise regimens
• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)
• Medications (NSAIDs)
• Injections (corticosteroids, PRP, hyaluronic acid, etc.)

Each of these treatments is carefully chosen based on the injury and the patient’s individual needs, aiming to promote healing while avoiding the need for surgery when possible.

Non-surgical treatments can often help prevent the need for surgery by addressing injuries early and promoting the body’s natural healing process. Early intervention is crucial because untreated injuries can worsen over time, increasing the risk of long-term damage that may eventually require surgery.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in the recovery process after a sports injury. It focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to the injured area, which is essential for a full recovery. Through customized exercises and hands-on techniques, physical therapy helps reduce pain, improve range of motion, and accelerate healing. In addition to rehabilitation, physical therapy also teaches injury prevention strategies. Strengthening muscles around the injury site helps protect the area, while correcting movement patterns can prevent future injuries.

If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or restricted movement after an injury, you should consult a sports medicine physician. These signs can indicate underlying issues that may not resolve on their own. Athletes or active individuals should also seek evaluation if their performance is limited or if symptoms reappear with activity. Early intervention can prevent further damage and lead to a quicker, more effective recovery, often avoiding the need for surgical options. If you’re unsure, a physician can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Dr. Daniel Scura is a non-operative Sports Medicine physician from Farmingdale, New York. He is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and in Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Through his extensive training, Dr. Scura can address and treat musculoskeletal complaints from head to toe, offering various modalities of treatment.