Skip to main content

I'm an Athlete: How Does Sports Medicine Work?

I'm an Athlete: How Does Sports Medicine Work?

Sports medicine physicians are orthopedic experts who work with athletes and those who have musculoskeletal ailments. They're specially trained to deal with any sports-related ailment, including joint pain, osteoarthritis, and nutrition.

Sports physicians are most recognized for advising and treating recreational and professional players who have sustained a sports injury, but they also diagnose and treat "weekend warriors" and retirees who are sore or injured after playing tennis or golf.

Matthew Pifer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon caring for patients in the Santa Barbara, California community. As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Pifer’s top priority is to get our patient athletes back in the game as quickly and safely as possible. Keep reading to learn what sports medicine can do for you.

Sports medicine 101

Injuries are incredibly common in sport, and when you sustain an injury, you want to get back into the game as soon as you can. That’s where sports medicine comes in. Common injuries we treat in sports medicine include:

Our treatments are individualized to your specific needs, tailored with consideration for the sport you participate in.

What can sports medicine do for you?

In addition to treating sports injuries, sports medicine physicians can help you prevent injury and stay in tip-top shape by:

Your sports medicine doctor is on your team and in your corner to help you keep the edge in your sport.

Innovative treatments 

Dr. Pifer incorporates the latest in regenerative orthopedic medicine to help you heal faster and return to your sport quickly and safely. We offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy. These treatments reduce inflammation and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. 

Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes

To see a sports medicine doctor, you don't have to be a competitive athlete. You don't even have to be an athlete.

Dr. Pifer sees a wide range of patients and many do not participate in competitive sports, but they do suffer from acute or chronic injuries as a result of exercise, training, or even their occupations.

Whether you sustain a repetitive stress injury or a sudden injury from an accident, we can help you recover. 

Rely on our top-quality team for comprehensive sports medicine care. To get started, give us a call at 805-967-9311 to schedule a visit with Dr. Pifer or book your request online

You Might Also Enjoy...

Does Your Frozen Shoulder Really Need Surgery?

A frozen shoulder is painful and difficult to move, making it challenging to lead an active lifestyle and perform daily activities. When conservative measures aren’t enough, it’s time to consider surgery.

Life After a Shoulder Dislocation

Recovering from a shoulder dislocation is necessary to restore functioning. For active people and athletes, returning to play requires dedication to rehabilitation. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Manage Shoulder Pain After Sleeping

Don’t let morning shoulder pain ruin your day or keep you from doing activities you enjoy. A visit to a shoulder specialist can help you get back to enjoying a life without shoulder pain. Read on to learn more.