Sports Medicine

At Valley Baptist Health System, our physicians offer a comprehensive range of sports medicine care plans in the Rio Grande Valley, helping athletes and physically active individuals maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and enhance their sports performance.

Providing Care for Sports Injuries in the Rio Grande Valley

Participating in sports and engaging in physical activities is both enjoyable and beneficial to one's health. Yet, injuries can occur for various reasons, such as accidents, overuse, lack of conditioning, poor training practices and more. And whether your injury is mild or severe, immediate care and treatment must be the priority.

At the Valley Baptist Health System, we have sports medicine care teams across the Rio Grande Valley that provide personalized care programs for all types of sports-related injuries. Our teams are comprised of sports medicine doctors, sports orthopedic surgeons, nurses, technologists and administrative staff who want nothing but to help you get back to your best performance. Additionally, we have registered physical therapists who work in both inpatient and outpatient capacities for your convenience.

Who Is at Risk for Sports Injuries?

You may be at an increased risk of a sports injury if you:

  • Play contact sports (e.g., football, basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, etc.)
  • Physically train to be a part of a sports team
  • Bike, swim, hike or do any other sports to stay in shape or as a hobby
  • Skip warming up or cooling down before and after physical activity (or do them incorrectly)
  • Have been physically idle for a while and returned to training or playing recently

Some other factors that may increase your risk for a sports injury include being overweight, ignoring mild injuries and old age.

What Are the Injuries and Conditions We Treat?

Sports injuries occur mostly during contact sports as compared to non-contact sports. Some of the most common sports injuries we help diagnose, manage, prevent and treat include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
  • Concussions
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures
  • Groin pull
  • Knee injuries
  • Overuse injuries
  • Patellofemoral syndrome
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Swollen muscles

How Do Sports Medicine Doctors Diagnose Sports Injuries?

Your doctor may conduct a physical test during your appointment and ask about your symptoms and medical history. If further tests are required, they may also request imaging tests, such as:

  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasounds
  • X-rays

Which Sports Medicine Treatment Options Do We Offer?

Our sports medicine doctors in the Rio Grande Valley usually recommend nonsurgical treatment options for sports and exercise-related injuries, such as:

  • Assisted exercises to improve strength and range of motion
  • Oral medications (i.e., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, pain killers, etc.)
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Splints and casts (for partial tears)

When nonsurgical treatment options are not enough to treat an injury, our physicians may recommend specific procedures such as:

  • Arthroscopy
  • Joint fusion
  • Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery
  • Traditional surgery

What Does a Sports Medicine Physician Do?

Sports medicine physicians diagnose, treat, manage and prevent sports and exercise-related injuries. They are first specialized in a specific field of medicine such as orthopedics, emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine. Then, they subspecialize by going through a two-year fellowship in sports medicine. These doctors are required to have a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

Do Sports Medicine Physicians Perform Surgery?

Yes. While there are sports medicine physicians who prefer to provide care for nonoperative musculoskeletal conditions, some of them are focused on surgical treatment options specifically for sports injuries. In addition, some of these physicians exclusively care for athletes or professionals with specific athletic teams, while others care for individuals from all walks of life, just like we do at Valley Baptist Health System.

When Is the Best Time to See a Sports Medicine Physician?

If you experience a minor sports injury like a sprain or strain, your training coach or doctor may recommend the RICE (rest, ice application, compression and elevation) method. Meanwhile, if you’re suffering from a medium to severe injury, such as a concussion, fracture or dislocation or if you don’t see any improvement after 24 to 26 hours of RICE, we recommend that you see a sports medicine doctor for immediate care and further evaluation.

Call 911 if you experience any of these serious signs and symptoms of an injury:

  • A popping or crunching sound in your joint(s)
  • Difficulty walking, standing or functioning
  • Inability to carry weight on the affected body part
  • Instability when standing
  • Noticeable deformities (e.g., bumps or lumps)
  • Severe pain and swelling surrounding the affected body part

How to Prevent a Sports Injury

If you’re an athlete or someone who simply loves to keep moving or exercise, following these tips can help you prevent experiencing a sports injury:

  • Warm up and stretch properly before any physical activity
  • Use proper techniques (e.g., correct posture, stance, etc.)
  • Use the proper equipment for the sport or activity (e.g., appropriate shoes, safety gears, etc.)
  • Don’t overdo it
  • Always cool down
  • If you have an existing injury, resume activity slowly for faster healing and to avoid further injuries

Personalized Sports Injury Care at Valley Baptist Health System

We understand that every patient requires a different care approach and treatment plan, depending on the type and degree of their injury, age, gender, overall health, physical activities and more. When you go to any of our hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley, our sports medicine doctors will pay attention to your case and conduct diagnostic tests and screening using advanced technology to provide the best type of care and treatment plan.

At the same time, our administrative staff and other healthcare professionals will guide you throughout the care process, from the moment you reach out to us to recovery. We’re here for you with the experience and compassion that makes us a community built on care.

Find a Sports Medicine Doctor

From ACL tears to rotator cuff injuries, we’re here for you. Find a compassionate sports medicine doctor close to home.

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