Sports injuries range from minor sprains to severe ligament tears. Without proper treatment, they can lead to long-term issues.
This is why you may be promptly referred to a sports injury clinic in case of injury. A sports injury clinic is preferred for these kinds of injuries as they have the desired capacity to provide specialised care.
They focus primarily on diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries. Unlike general clinics, these facilities have experts trained in sports medicine. Learn more: https://www.coveorthopaedics.com.sg/conditions-we-treat/sports-injury/
The medical team in a sports injury clinic includes different specialists. Each plays a key role in recovery. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, these professionals ensure patients return to peak performance.
Who are the Key Specialists to Expect in a Sports Injury Clinic?
The combined efforts of medical professionals in sports injury clinics help athletes recover fully. Some key specialists you can expect to find in a good sports injury clinic in Singapore include:
· Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic surgeons are experts in treating severe sports injuries that require surgery. For example, you can be referred to a sports injury clinic in Singapore to see an orthopaedic surgeon for issues like fractures, ligament tears, and joint dislocations.
They work to restore the function and mobility of the injured area, often using advanced techniques to ensure the best possible recovery. Common procedures include:
- ACL Reconstruction: Repairs torn knee ligaments.
- Shoulder Stabilisation: Helps dislocated shoulders.
- Meniscus Surgery: Treats knee cartilage damage.
Not all injuries need surgery. Many cases are managed with physical therapy first. If pain or instability persists, surgery may be needed.
· Sports Medicine Physicians
These specialists focus on non-surgical treatment options for sports injuries. They offer care that emphasizes recovery through physical therapy, medication, and other interventions.
They also provide long-term care where they monitor athletes’ progress and help them prevent future injuries. Common conditions they treat include:
- Runner’s Knee: Runner’s knee refers to pain or discomfort around the kneecap. It’s often caused by repetitive stress from running or jumping. This condition can result from misalignment, overuse, or muscle imbalances, leading to inflammation and discomfort when moving or bearing weight.
- Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, typically from repetitive motions or overuse. It is most common among athletes who perform activities involving gripping or swinging, like tennis. However, it can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements.
- Shin Splints: Shin splints involve pain along the shin bone, usually felt during or after physical activity like running or jumping. The condition is typically caused by stress on the muscles and tendons surrounding the tibia, often due to overuse, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity intensity.
· Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists assist in the rehabilitation process by developing personalized exercise programs aimed at restoring mobility, strength, and flexibility. These are the specialists who will work closely with you to improve joint function and muscle performance after an injury
Some of the most common treatments that a physiotherapist at your chosen sports injury clinic can help with include manual therapy, ultrasound therapy and dry needling. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to reduce pain, ultrasound therapy uses sound waves for healing and dry needling relieves muscle tightness.
Generally, rehabilitation focuses on reducing pain, improving flexibility, and preventing re-injury. In a good sports injury clinic, you will receive personalised exercise programmes to speed up recovery.
· Podiatrists
Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries, which are common in athletes. They use various methods, such as custom orthotics or surgical procedures, to relieve pain and restore function. Here are some of the most common conditions that may warrant a referral to a podiatrist in a sports injury clinic:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It occurs as a result of inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It typically causes sharp pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, and can be aggravated by prolonged standing or walking.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone becomes inflamed due to overuse or repetitive stress. This condition causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. It can get worse with physical activity or prolonged pressure.
- Bunions: Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to angle towards the others. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes. It often requires treatment such as orthotics or, in severe cases, surgery.
- Morton’s Neuroma: Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition caused by thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes. It often leads to sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. It is typically worsened by tight shoes or high-impact activities, and treatment options may include padding, injections, or surgery in more severe cases.
- Flat Feet: Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot falls. This may lead to the entire sole making contact with the ground. This condition can cause pain and fatigue in the feet, ankles, and legs. Treatment often involves arch supports, orthotics, or physical therapy.
· Chiropractors
Chiropractors specialize in spinal health and the proper functioning of the nervous system, which plays a crucial role in overall body movement and performance. Their care focuses on natural, non-invasive treatments to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve overall mobility. Chiropractors commonly treat the following conditions:
- Lower Back Pain: This condition is widespread among runners, weightlifters, and athletes who engage in high-impact activities. Lower back pain can result from overuse, improper posture, or sudden, forceful movements.
- Neck Stiffness: Often associated with contact sports like football and rugby, neck stiffness can arise from impacts or whiplash injuries. Chiropractors use gentle spinal manipulations to relieve tension, reduce pain, and restore neck mobility.
- Joint Misalignment: Sudden falls, awkward movements, or repetitive stress can cause joint misalignment, particularly in the shoulders, knees, and hips. Chiropractors apply targeted adjustments to realign these joints, improving motion and reducing discomfort.
- Sciatica: Sciatic nerve pain, often caused by a herniated disc or pinched nerve in the lower back, is a common issue for athletes involved in heavy lifting or sports with repetitive twisting motions. Chiropractors provide treatments to relieve pressure on the nerve, ease pain and encourage healing.
- Sports-Related Strains and Sprains: Chiropractors also treat soft tissue injuries like muscle strains or ligament sprains. For these issues, they use a combination of spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and stretching exercises to speed up healing and restore mobility.
Closing Thoughts
A sports injury clinic has multiple specialists who work together for better recovery. Since sports injuries require expert care, be sure to choose the right clinic with certified professionals. If you’ve been recommended a visit to a sports injury clinic in Singapore, call or visit us at;
Cove Orthopaedic Clinic @ Mount Elizabeth Orchard – Orthopaedic Surgeon Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-13 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Leave a Reply