Sports medicine might sound like something only athletes need, but the truth is, it’s for anyone who wants to stay active and feel their best. It goes beyond fixing injuries. Hitting the gym, doing yoga, running around with your kids, or just trying to stay fit, sports medicine can offer a ton of benefits.
No wonder it is becoming more and more popular each year. In 2023, the sports medicine market was valued at USD 5.89 billion and is projected to reach USD 10.82 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2033.
For non-athletes, sports medicine prevents injuries in the first place so that you can recover faster, and it gives you expert advice on how to improve your fitness safely.
So, even if you’re not training for a marathon, sports medicine can help you move better, feel stronger, and keep doing the things you love without burning out or getting hurt.
Injury Prevention
One of the biggest perks of sports medicine is injury prevention. A decreased risk of sports injuries was associated with the use of insoles, external joint supports, and multi-intervention training programs. But sports science goes beyond treating injuries after they happen. It can even stop them before they even start.
Sports medicine professionals can assess your movement patterns, identify potential problem areas, and give you personalized tips and exercises to avoid common issues like sprains, strains, or joint pain.
For example, if you love running but often deal with knee pain, a sports medicine expert might notice that your running form is putting extra stress on your joints. They could recommend exercises to strengthen your hips and core, along with adjustments to your stride.
Faster Recovery
If you do get injured or experience soreness from a workout, sports medicine can help you bounce back quicker. A simple rest might help. But smart recovery strategies work a lot better.
Let’s say you’ve strained a muscle during weightlifting. Instead of just waiting it out, a sports medicine professional might recommend gentle exercises to keep the area strong and flexible, paired with treatments like massage or ice therapy to reduce inflammation.
Sports medicine specialists use techniques like physical therapy, targeted stretches, and strength training to speed up healing while also addressing the root cause of the injury. This way, you’re not only recovering but also preventing future issues.
The most used methods of recovery were sauna bathing (96.7%), massage (86.9%), daytime nap (81.0%), and long night sleep (at least 9 hours) (61.4%).
Personalized Fitness Plans
We’ve mentioned it before: sports medicine is more about injuries. It’s also a great way to improve your overall fitness with a plan tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build strength, or boost endurance, sports medicine professionals can create a customized workout routine that aligns with your goals and fits your current fitness level.
They’ll take into account any limitations you might have, like past injuries or chronic pain, and design a plan that pushes you without putting your body at risk.
Improved Performance
Even if you’re not an athlete, sports medicine can help you get the most out of your workouts by optimizing your performance. Sports medicine professionals analyze your form, posture, and overall movement to give you tips to improve efficiency and technique.
Whether you’re a construction worker recovering from a job-related injury or a retiree looking to garden without pain, they can assess your orthopedic issue and help you get back to your routine. This means you’ll not only avoid injury but also see better results from your efforts.
Long-Term Health and Sports Medicine
Sports medicine doesn’t just focus on the here and now. It helps you maintain your fitness and mobility for the long haul. When you’re able to address imbalances, correct poor movement patterns, and keep your joints and muscles healthy with sports medicine, you can prevent chronic issues like arthritis, back pain, or joint degeneration as you age.
This article was written for WHN by Andre Oentoro, SEO consultant of DPS Power, a genset provider company.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583677
https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/sports-medicine-market-size
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/769864
