Sports Medicine Specialist

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a health care specialty that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating exercise-related injuries. Visiting a sports medicine specialist can also help enhance your athletic performance, stamina, and overall fitness. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Halbrecht offers the latest advancements to restore function after a sports injury.

What injuries does sports medicine treat?

Dr. Halbrecht treats many sports injuries at IASM, including:

Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of soft tissues that supports the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries commonly occur during sports that involve throwing, like baseball. Injuring your rotator cuff can cause pain and restricted range of motion. It may also lead to shoulder instability.

ACL injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the shin and thigh bone. Basketball, soccer, football, and other sports that involve sudden twisting and turning can strain or tear the ligament.

Meniscus tears

The meniscus is a type of flexible cartilage that protects the shin and thigh bone. The rubbery cartilage provides stability and plays a role in transferring your weight when you move. Athletes are at an increased risk of meniscus tears and other knee injuries.

Tennis and golfer’s elbow

Tennis and golfer’s elbow affects the soft tissues on the outer or inner elbow. Repetitive stress can make extending your arm difficult and painful.

Strains and sprains

Strains and sprains occur when muscles and ligaments extend too far too quickly or at an awkward angle. Common sprains, such as ankle sprains, can cause chronic pain and limit your mobility.

What are the treatments in sports medicine?

Dr. Halbrecht performs many Bay Area sports medicine treatments at IASM, including:

• Immobilization (bracing, casting, etc.)
• Night splints
• R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Surgery

Dr. Halbrecht offers multiple types of surgery for sports injuries. Along with cartilage restoration, which implants new cartilage to protect your joints, Dr. Halbrecht performs arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves performing surgery through small incisions for less bleeding, lower risk of infection, and shorter recovery than open surgery.

To learn more about sports medicine, call IASM or schedule an appointment online today.