Sports Medicine
-
- Tweet
Dr. Matthew Pifer
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon & Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon located in Santa Barbara, CA
A sports medicine specialist, Matthew Pifer, MD, is honored to play a role in improving the health, performance, and fitness of the men and women in Santa Barbara, California, who entrust him with their care. Trained in the latest orthopedic techniques and procedures, Dr. Pifer offers outstanding sports medicine diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care. Schedule a visit today using the simple online booking tool, or call the office to check appointment availability.
Sports Medicine Q & A
What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is an area of medical specialty focused on conditions related to athletics, fitness, and high-intensity physical activities. Don’t let the name of the specialty mislead you; you don’t have to be an elite athlete to benefit from sports medicine.
Whether you play football, mixed martial arts, basketball, or enjoy kickboxing classes at your gym, are a surfer or a busy parent running around after your kids, sports medicine has plenty to offer. Dr. Pifer has provided medical support to a variety of athletic teams and is familiar with the stress that sports and fitness place on your body.
Everyone goes through a range of physical motions every day. For those men and women who embrace frequent, repetitive, or high-intensity physicality at work or in their leisure time, the risk of injury rises.
That risk level is acceptable to most because of the many benefits of being physically active. However, when a sports medicine issue arises, having a trusted medical professional to turn to can get you back in the swing of your normal routines swiftly.
What are some common sports medicine treatments?
Sports medicine incorporates many elements of science, including sports psychology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, orthopedics, and nutrition. Some of the issues treated under the umbrella of sports medicine include:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- Overuse injuries
- Dislocations
- Degenerative diseases
- Overtraining syndrome
These are just some of the issues that a sports medicine approach can address.
Can sports medicine boost my performance?
One of the biggest benefits of sports medicine is the ability to prevent injuries and boost performance. Don’t wait until you’re in pain to reach out to Dr. Pifer. Come in for a thorough sports medicine evaluation and a targeted training program to help you reach your highest potential.
The best training routines include a balance of cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility work. Ignoring any of these areas can create imbalance, which can lead to injury or keep you from performing at peak levels. The same can be said for nutrition, as your body needs a variety of nutrients to function at the highest level.
A comprehensive evaluation can determine areas where you can make meaningful improvements to protect your joint health and keep you feeling your best. For example, if you struggle with lingering knee pain that flares up from time to time, a targeted workout and physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles and connective tissues that support your knee joints.
Regenerative medicine like stem cell therapy and PRP can help restore optimal joint function before significant damage is done. Taking the preventive steps can make a big difference in how you feel and how well your body performs.
Many sports treatments don’t require any form of surgery. When surgery is called for, minimally invasive options can offer a good solution.
Learn more during a personalized sports medicine consultation with Matthew Pifer, MD, which you can schedule in moments online or by phone.
