Sports medicine has evolved over the years into a highly respected specialty of orthopedics that treats both elite athletes and weekend warriors. Although the specific nature of the injury may vary from group to group, the main goal of this specialty is to return the athlete to his or her prior high functioning state. Many injuries are acute, and the goal of the sports medicine physician is to make sure they do not become chronic.
The causes of athletic injury vary from microtrauma from overuse to major impact trauma to a joint or limb. (Sports injuries usually more involve limbs and joints, but can include the spine.) Orthopedic surgeons have been joined to a small degree by pain management physicians since many of our techniques overlap.
Correct diagnosis (cause) of the injury is important. In many cases the diagnosis is obvious. More and more, sports medicine physicians are using diagnostic ultrasound to fine tune their examination.
Treatment of injuries, especially overuse injuries, is to stop doing that particular activity. This is not desirable in sports medicine. Treatment options are many, and include: 1) careful reconditioning and retraining; 2) non-pharmacologic interventions such as acupuncture, massage, etc.; 3) directed injections of anything from local anesthetics to PRP to stem cells; or 4) surgery.
At the Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Las Vegas, we have a new option: electronic cell signaling treatment (EST). Much of the microtrauma is manifested by an inflammatory response as the body tries to heal itself. Muscles can spasm and pain inhibits performance. EST can affect both muscle and nerve cells directly through a variety of actions. Pain can be diminished by direct muscle relaxation, blocking inflammation and blocking nerve pain signals temporarily or permanently.
Serial treatment is usually required: 2-3 times per week for several weeks. Healing is a process, and patients must be patient! Sample applications of EST are accomplished by the simple application of our electrodes to the involved body part and the choice of the correct specific parameter program, whether anti-inflammatory, boosting of circulation or reducing edema. In this way we can assist in healing your minor or major injuries which include joint sprains, superficial or deep muscle sprain/strains in any part of the body. Commonly treated conditions include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shoulder sprains, ankle injuries and low back sprain/strain. The application of the Sanexas EST device will substantially speed up healing time. It has been used successfully by the Atlanta Hawks pro basketball team, USC Trojan football team and other sports teams.
If you or anyone you know has an acute or subacute joint, limb or back injury, please do not hesitate to come in for an evaluation.