Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an athlete to visit The Sports Medicine Clinic?
No. Our physicians, physical therapists and professional staff treat all kinds of patients with all kinds of injuries. Athletes and non-athletes alike receive the same level of care and service, and we treat each patient based on his or her individual condition and goals.
How is sports medicine different?
When athletes or active adults are hurt, they look for comprehensive treatment that will help return them to their sports or activities as quickly as possible. We have built years of experience in sports-related injuries and conditions related to physical activity. We combine that expertise with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques and an integrative, team approach to care. Physicians, physical therapists and professional staff work together to develop treatment and rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient and designed to achieve the most positive outcome.
My doctor said I should rest this injury. Isn’t there anything else I can do?
Rest is always an important component in healing an injury. Resting helps reduce pain and prevents side effects including de-conditioning or atrophy, when muscles decrease in mass and lose tone. In addition to rest, adding therapeutic exercise or treatment at the right time is important in helping you avoid re-injury. The professionals at The Sports Medicine Clinic can assess the injury and how it affects your range of motion, strength, balance, joint stability, flexibility and other factors. We’ll then use that information to develop a personalized care and exercise program for you, to help ensure a pain-free return to your normal activities.
Should I use ice or heat on my injury?
We recommend ice for the first day or two after you suffer an acute injury. Applying ice helps reduce circulation, which, in turn helps decrease the amount of swelling after an injury. An easy reminder for reducing swelling and pain is “RICE” – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. You can use moist heat after the first 72 hoursto increase the blood flow to the injured area to reduce pain and stiffness.
How do I know if I need an X-Ray?
If you can’t put your weight on the injured limb after an injury or by the time you see your doctor, he or she will probably order an X-ray. See your doctor if you have persistent pain, swelling, discoloration or a locking or catching sensation. Call our North Seattle clinic at 206 368-6100 or our Ballard clinic at 206 782-3383, for an injury assessment.
When will I be back to normal after an injury?
Returning to normal activity depends upon many factors. Our specialists evaluate each patient based on his or her injury and goals, and then develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan designed to return patients to physical activity safely and at the right time to help avoid re-injury.
What types of injuries do you treat?
We treat a variety of injuries and conditions, ranging from sprains and strains to more severe injuries such as ligament ruptures, joint instabilities or chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis. We also treat work and industry-related injuries, as well as injuries resulting from auto accidents.
How do I know if I need treatment?
Your doctor may refer you to us for treatment, or you can call The Sports Medicine Clinic directly if you have pain or discomfort that limits your everyday or recreation activities or if you've just experienced acute trauma, a fall or an accident. For a consultation or a free injury assessment, or to make an appointment, call our North Seattle office at 206 368-6100, or our Ballard office at 206 782-3383.