Surgery Alternatives for Sports Injuries
Any time an athlete, either recreational or professional, engages in a sport, the body is placed at risk for injury. The majority of active individuals who become injured seek non-surgical treatments to help return them to the activities they love. Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Jervis Yau offers regenerative medicine options as a treatment alternative to surgery.
What Should I Know About Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries are classified as acute or chronic. Acute injuries occur suddenly, such as a ligament tear, bone fracture or concussion, and cause patients to experience severe pain, swelling and the inability to place weight on the affected joint. Chronic injuries occur over time and include tendonitis, bursitis and stress fractures.
Common sports injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Fractures
- Joint instability
- Achilles tendonitis
Sports Injuries and Common Non-Surgical Treatments
Many acute and chronic sports injuries are initially treated with conservative measures including the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method, anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers. Depending on the injury, a splint or sling may be required to help ensure proper healing.
Physical therapy is another common non-surgical treatment prescribed by many physicians for sports injuries. Physical therapy involves the use of a series of progressive exercises to help accelerate the healing process. Many programs begin with passive range of motion exercises, followed by active range of motion exercises and strength training.
Regenerative Medicine as a Sports Medicine Surgery Alternative
Dr. Yau may recommend regenerative medicine in patients who do not improve with traditional non-surgical treatment. Regenerative medicine, also known as biologic treatment, is becoming more popular as a sports medicine surgery alternative since it uses the body’s own ability to heal itself.
Dr. Yau offers two sports medicine surgery alternatives associated with regenerative medicine to his patients, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. These non-surgical treatments are proven to accelerate healing, repair damaged tissues and improve overall joint discomfort.
For additional information on non-surgical treatments for a sports injury, or for more resources on regenerative medicine as a sports medicine surgery alternative, please contact Dr. Jervis Yau – orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist serving the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California communities.
