4 Habits That Support Strong Healthy Shoulder Joints
Daily habits influence shoulder health. Certain habits may harm shoulder health, while others can enhance it. Find out which habits to adopt to keep your shoulders strong and healthy.
Get Help for Your Sports Injury From the Comfort of Your Home
Sports injuries not only sideline you from the game, but also require expert treatment to help you heal quickly. Fortunately, telemedicine keeps orthopedic patients connected to superior care.
Telemedicine appointments are especially helpful when a sports injury has affected your mobility. Temporarily immobilizing the affected body part, whether it be your shoulder, knee, arm, or leg, is a key part of the early phase of treatment for most sports injuries. Of course, that means that it takes extra effort to get around, including to in-person doctor appointments.
Board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Matthew Pifer, MD, offers telemedicine appointments to enhance your care and keep you connected when you’re hurt. Keep reading to learn more.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a platform that uses technology to coordinate care for patients. Orthopedic practices that offer telemedicine allow patients to connect to care and services without coming into the clinic.
A telemedicine appointment involves using your computer, phone, or another mobile device to connect to the platform via video or chat. You receive the same outstanding sports care you’ve come to expect when you visit our Santa Barbara, California office.
Telemedicine has a high satisfaction rate among patients and physicians.
Sports injuries treated with medicine
Certain things, such as imaging scans and surgical procedures, require you to come into our clinic. However, you can take care of a surprising number of issues from the comfort of your home, thanks to telemedicine. Here are some of the injuries we can treat via telemedicine.
Acute injuries
- ACL injuries
- Joint sprains
- Muscle strains
- Knee
- Shoulder injuries
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Fractures
Overuse injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendinitis
- Stress fractures
Additionally, Dr. Pifer can review imaging scans with you, prescribe and refill medication, and go over your treatment plan.
Advantages of telemedicine for sports injuries
When you’re injured, being able to stay home and focus on healing can help you recover and get back in the game. The following are some of the advantages of telemedicine for sports injuries.
Rapid care
If an athlete gets hurt during a game, assessing the injury is an important element of early treatment. In the event of an injury, telemedicine allows Dr. Pifer to intervene swiftly. If a concussion, back and spine damage, or other injury is suspected, having an immediate assessment and treatment plan is critical.
Telemedicine enables athletic trainers and coaches to give hands-on care on the field of play while being supervised by an orthopedic sports doctor such as Dr. Pifer. As a trained sports medicine professional, Dr. Pifer can make key decisions on whether it’s safe for you to return to immediate play.
Fewer unnecessary emergency room visits
When adult and student athletes are hurt during a game, it can be difficult for coaches and training staff to evaluate whether the condition requires a trip to the emergency room. Telemedicine allows you to connect with Dr. Pifer who can recommend the next steps. This can reduce unnecessary visits to the ER, which could require transportation that runs into the thousands.
Access to care wherever you go
Another key aspect of telemedicine is that the technology enables Dr. Pifer to travel to you. If you’re hurt during an away game, Dr. Pifer can provide additional care. It's a significant step toward enhanced orthopedic care. Telemedicine can bring sports medicine to you, allowing you to receive care from a trusted physician even when you’re away.
Pre-game training assistance
Telemedicine brings Dr. Pifer into the training room to help with workout routines. The sports doctor can provide training, dietary, and workout recommendations. Dr. Pifer can answer health-related questions and provide further assistance without the need for an in-person office visit.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Most sports-related orthopedic injuries do not require surgery, so rehabilitative treatment is crucial. However, when mobility is restricted, recovery can be especially painful and challenging. Telemedicine allows athletes to visit their doctors without adding the stress of travel when mobility is limited.
Telehealth reduces the inconveniences of driving and physically getting to the doctor when you’re hurt. Telemedicine allows Dr. Pifer to check in with you at any time it is convenient for you, from the comfort of your home.
Telemedicine is a valuable addition to orthopedic care that has expanded rapidly. To get started, contact our Santa Barbara, California office to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment with Dr. Pifer.
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