Medically Reviewed by Brandon McDonald, DO

Coaches, athletes, and parents know that if you’re involved in sports, injuries are frequently a byproduct of play. Active people often experience joint sprains and muscle strains, and timely assessment and treatment of an injury is critical to a patient’s safe return to work, sports, and even their daily activities.

Medical investigation of any sports injury is important, because the athlete may be hurt more severely than they think. For example, what seems like an ankle sprain may actually be a fracture. Therefore, timely medical evaluation is vital to reduce the risk of serious complications, which may cause further damage.

One critical aspect of diagnosing sports injuries is functional assessment. Functional assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an athlete’s physical abilities, including their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. This assessment is essential in determining the extent of an injury and creating an effective treatment plan.

Functional assessment can also:

• Help determine the underlying causes of an injury. This can be particularly important in the case of overuse injuries, which may be caused by imbalances in the athlete’s musculoskeletal system. By identifying these imbalances, practitioners can create a targeted rehabilitation program that addresses the root cause of the injury.
• Be used to monitor an athlete’s progress during rehabilitation. By regularly assessing an athlete’s physical abilities, practitioners can determine whether they are improving and adjust their treatment plan accordingly. This ensures that the athlete is not only recovering from their injury but also improving their overall physical capabilities.
• Be used to prevent injuries. By identifying potential issues before they become injuries, athletes can take proactive steps to address imbalances and avoid future injuries.

Now patients can get the care they need quickly for minor orthopedic injuries such as contusions, bruises, sprains, strains, and even fractures by visiting an orthopedic trained specialist at McLeod OrthoNOW in Florence. McLeod OrthoNOW is a service that’s open seven days a week with extended hours, and walk-ins are welcome. With on-site imaging, splinting and casting, the path to recovery begins here.

To learn more, speak with a sports medicine specialist near you.