Sports Medicine

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine professionals are trained in the assessment, evaluation, and rehabilitation of injuries, particularly sports-related injuries, and injury prevention. This includes diagnostic testing such as MRIs, X-rays, and physical exams. They can also prescribe protective equipment.

Sports medicine doctors are specifically trained and qualified to:

• Prescribe medications when necessary

• Diagnose and treat athletic injuries and other injuries

• Consult with patients throughout the healing process

• Design customized treatment and rehabilitation plans

Sports medicine is also especially effective for people with disabilities who are trying to increase their mobility and physical capability.

What are the benefits of sports medicine?

There are numerous benefits of sports medicine, including:

• Pain relief

• Improved health

• Faster injury recovery

• Preventive care and injury prevention

• Personal training and one-on-one medical support

• Improved strength, endurance, and athletic performance

The Integrative Pain Institute works with you on a customized treatment plan that gives you relief from pain and help on the road to recovery.

What can I do to help my injury recovery?

After an injury, it’s best to continue with ongoing medical care and support to help your recovery. Alongside the care provided by the Integrative Pain Institute’s sports medicine specialists, there are other ways to help you recover from an injury.

Healthy eating

Eating healthy nutritionally-dense foods helps to boost your immune system and build muscle, such as leafy greens, vegetables, and protein.

Rest and relaxation

Getting plenty of rest and relaxation allows your energy to be spent on healing.

At-home ice and heat therapy

Taking an ice bath or using a heat compress as an at-home ice/heat therapy is an effective pain-relieving technique.

Epsom salt bath

Epsom salts can absorb through the skin and relieve pain, muscle tension, and inflammation.

Cognitive stimulation

Engaging in cognitive stimulation and brain exercises can distract from the pain and stimulate mental and physical recovery. For example, playing video games, board games, or reading a book.

Monitor your personal exercise plan

Continuing to reassess your exercise plan can help you to make sure you’re not overexerting yourself.

The key is to listen to your body and remember that injury recovery is a time-consuming process that’s different for everyone.

What is testosterone therapy?

Also known as testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone therapy is any method of restoring testosterone in a man from a depleted level to a normal or younger level.

In men, testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for sex drive and sperm production, but it also impacts the development of your muscles, bones, hair, fat, and red blood cells.

You may or may not experience one or more symptoms of low testosterone with a widely varying level of severity:

• Low energy

• Depression or low self-esteem

• Low libido

• Infertility

• Cognitive issues like memory loss and inability to focus

• Sleep disorders

• Hair and/or muscle loss

• Fat gain or other body changes

What causes low testosterone?

With men, there are two main causes of low testosterone: aging and hypogonadism, a testicular or pituitary disease that impairs the production of testosterone in your testicles.

Most men gradually lose testosterone levels starting between the ages of 30 and 40. Hypogonadism has many causes and risk factors, from birth defects and infection to testicular injury.

Other possible causes of low testosterone may include diabetes, sleep apnea, and thyroid issues.

What are the options for testosterone therapy?

Once your doctor at Integrative Pain Institute confirms you have low testosterone, usually with a blood test (especially to diagnose hypogonadism), there are many effective treatment options.

Topical applications deliver testosterone into your bloodstream via skin patches, mouth patches (on your gums), or gels. Other methods include injections, dissolving implants, and oral tablets.

What are the benefits of testosterone therapy?

Your results may vary, but there are several possible benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, including:

• Improved mood

• Elevated sexual desire

• Boosted physical energy

• Harder erections

• Higher muscle mass and bone density

• Greater responsiveness to insulin

What are the risks of testosterone therapy?

More common side effects include itchy rashes, but it’s possible testosterone therapy may also raise your risk of stroke and heart attack, though more studies are needed to fully understand long-term side effects. Oral tablets may also potentially harm your liver.

Testosterone therapy is not for every man. If you have prostate issues, blood clots, sleep apnea, and heart conditions, taking testosterone may exacerbate these conditions.

If you’re not a good candidate for testosterone therapy, the doctors at Integrative Pain Institute may recommend increasing your muscle mass through weight lifting or lowering your body weight since both can sometimes naturally restore your testosterone levels.

For more tips, information, and quality injury care and sports medicine, visit the Integrative Pain Institute. Call or book today to schedule your appointment online.

We service patients from all over the DFW area including North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Garland, Irving, Allen, Richardson, and University Park, Highland Park, Frisco and McKinney. 

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