Sports Medicine
If getting back in the game is your goal, the Westfield Orthopedic Group will help you make it happen. Whether you’re dealing with some heel pain that just won’t go away or an ACL tear that’s preventing you from walking, we have the experience and expertise to help you return to full function as efficiently as possible.
Sports medicine covers all aspects of physical fitness and the management of injuries as they relate to sports and exercise. All forms of physical activity come with a certain degree of risk for injury, which generally increases with the intensity level of the pursuit/activity. When pain develops or an injury does occur, it could interfere with one’s ability to perform, or sideline them for an extended period of time.
This is where we come in. Dr. Shaw, Dr. Krell and Dr. Choi are each Fellowship trained sports medicine specialists. Dedicated to their careers, they have worked directly with sports teams of all levels and have provided top-notch orthopedic care to a wide range of patients with both common and atypical sports-related injuries.
Treat and prevent sports-related injuries
Dr. Shaw, Dr. Krell and Dr. Choi know that for many injured individuals, time is of the essence, and they evaluate all possible treatment routes with this at front of mind. With an enhanced understanding of how athletes use their bodies during activity and how pain can affect these mechanics, they work with each patient on a personalized basis to identify the issue and then determine how to best address it. This involves educating patients on the cause of their injury, explaining what treatments are available, and discussing the risks and benefits associated with each option. At all stages, they will emphasize the importance of not only treating the current injury, but also taking measures to reduce the chances for future injuries.
What treatment is best depends on the age, activity level, strengths/weaknesses, and goals of each patient. Many sports-related injuries can be managed with non-surgical methods, such as gentle exercises, pain-relieving interventions, and physical and occupational therapy. In some cases, surgery may be recommended for severe injuries and those that don’t respond to a non-surgical approach, but the final treatment decision will always be up to the patient. Waiting until the appropriate time to return helps keep the risk for re-injury at a minimum.
Using the latest technology and evidence-based techniques, we have the capability to treat most sports-related injuries, including both acute (immediate) and overuse (gradual onset) issues. Below is a select list of the sports medicine conditions we manage at the Westfield Orthopedic Group:
Acute injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tears
- Dislocations
Overuse injuries
- Rotator cuff tendinitis/shoulder impingement
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Runner’s knee
- Jumper’s knee
- Tennis elbow
- Tendinitis
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Shin splints
Learn more about sports medicine at the Westfield Orthopedic Group
Regardless of your sport, activity level, or injury, the Westfield Orthopedic Group can help you get back to your exercise routine with our comprehensive sports medicine services. If you’re dealing with pain and would like to get started on your path to recovery, please call us at 908-232-3879 or fill out an appointment request form.