Sports Physicians

What is a Sports Physician? How does it fit in with Physio?

When it comes to managing sports injuries and maintaining peak physical performance, the expertise of both sports physicians and physiotherapists is invaluable. But what exactly is a sports physician, and how do they work in tandem with physiotherapists? Let’s delve into the world of sports medicine to understand the roles and collaboration between these two essential professionals, and how EBR Physio stands out as a specialist in treating sports injuries.

Understanding the Role of a Sports Physician

Sport and Exercise Physicians are medical experts who specialise in sports, exercise, and musculoskeletal-related medical conditions. Their primary focus is on diagnosing and managing sports-related injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a closer look at what they do:

1. Diagnosis and Management: Sports physicians are skilled in diagnosing a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. They employ various diagnostic tools such as X-rays, scans, and MRIs to get a precise understanding of the injury.
2. Treatment Plans: Once a diagnosis is made, sports physicians prescribe appropriate treatments. This can include medication, physical therapy, and sometimes minor surgical procedures. If necessary, they can refer patients to surgeons or other specialists.
3. Patient Demographics: While sports physicians often work with elite athletes, their expertise is not limited to this group. They also help weekend warriors, manual workers, and individuals with chronic conditions. This broad range of patients benefits from their in-depth understanding of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal health.
   

The Role of a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are crucial in the recovery and rehabilitation process. They focus on helping patients recover and improve mobility through hands-on treatment and personalised exercise programs. Here’s what they bring to the table:

1. Hands-on Treatment: Physiotherapists use techniques such as mobilisation, stretches and other manual therapies to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
2. Exercise Programs: They prescribe specialised exercise programs tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition. These programs help restore function and range, improve strength and prevent future injuries.
3. Rehabilitation and Education: Physiotherapists play a significant role in the rehabilitation process, guiding patients through their recovery journey. They also educate patients on injury prevention and correct techniques to avoid re-injury.
   

EBR Physio: Specialists in Treating Sports Injuries

At EBR Physio we pride ourselves on being specialists in treating sports injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to ensure that every patient, whether an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, receives the best possible treatment. Here’s how we excel:

1. Expert Team: Our team of physiotherapists work closely with doctors including sports physicians and orthopaedic surgeons as well as sports trainers and coaches to deliver comprehensive care. With advanced training and experience in sports medicine they are equipped to handle a wide range of sports-related injuries.
2. Cutting-Edge Techniques: We utilise the latest diagnostic and best-practice treatment techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.
3. Personalised Care: At EBR Physio, we understand that every injury is unique. Our personalised treatment plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, ensuring a thorough and efficient recovery process.
   

Collaboration Between Sports Physicians and Physiotherapists

The collaboration between sports physicians and physiotherapists is essential for providing comprehensive care. Here’s how they work together:

1. Specific Diagnosis and Prognosis: Sports physicians and physiotherapists collaborate to ensure a specific and accurate diagnosis. The sports physician diagnoses the underlying medical issues with radiology and pathology assessments while the physiotherapist utilises clinical assessment tools.
2. Tailored Treatment Plans: Together they create a customised treatment plan that addresses both the medical and functional aspects of the injury. This holistic approach ensures that all facets of the patient’s recovery are considered.
3. Ongoing Communication: Effective communication between the sports physician and physiotherapist is key. They regularly discuss the patient’s progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and ensure that the patient is on the right track to recovery.
   

Case Studies: Collaboration in Action

To illustrate the collaboration between sports physicians and physiotherapists, let’s look at a couple of case studies.

Case Study:  Pilates instructor with a shoulder strain

A twenty-five year old Pilates instructor presents with a very painful shoulder on a background of multi-directional instability (hyper-flexible). Clinically she had signs of shoulder instability and was improving with physio treatment but was reliant on continual shoulder taping.  She was referred to the sports physician for a definitive diagnosis to determine whether there was any structural damage to her shoulder joint or rotator-cuff muscles.  The MRI confirmed no major structural damage, and she was sent back to the physio for stabilisation and strengthening rehabilitation. 

Case Study:  Athletic 60 woman with a hamstring Injury

A sixty-year-old athletic woman who plays golf, swims most days and does combat classes at gym presented with a simple hamstring strain after bending down at golf.  After two weeks of physio treatment her pain had improved but not enough to return to combat, she still had pain when sitting.   She could continue to swim with no problem.  As she wasn’t progressing quickly enough, we referred her on to the sports physician.  An MRI was ordered which found a significant tear of her hamstring.  The sports physician treated the tear with a PRP (Platelet rich plasma) injection.  This treatment involves injecting a small amount of one’s own blood into slowly healing soft tissue injuries to speed up the body’s own healing process.  She also returned to the physio to for guidance on graduated return to exercise and sport as well as a guided exercise rehabilitation programme.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

The collaboration between sports physicians and physiotherapists exemplifies the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in sports medicine. By combining their expertise, they provide patients with comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and functional aspects of their condition.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who enjoys staying active on weekends, the combined efforts of sports physicians and physiotherapists ensure that you receive the best possible care. Their goal is to help you recover from injuries, improve your performance, and maintain your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

In the realm of sports medicine, the roles of sports physicians and physiotherapists are distinct yet complementary. Sports physicians bring medical expertise in diagnosing and managing sports-related injuries, while physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation and functional recovery. Their collaboration ensures a holistic approach to patient care, benefiting everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors and beyond.

At EBR Physio, our team’s combined expertise and dedication to personalised care make us specialists in treating sports injuries. So, whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your physical performance, the combined expertise of sports physicians and physiotherapists is here to help you achieve your goals and maintain your active lifestyle.