How is sports medicine different?

When athletes are injured, they want their problem resolved as soon as possible. Based on the nature of activity they need to return to, it is important that their program be as complete and thorough as possible. Sports Medicine practitioners combine the best in hands-on treatment with access to the most up-to-date equipment and techniques, resulting in the most appropriate treatment plan and exercise routine.

By developing programs with the goals of athletes in mind, Sports Medicine practitioners sharpen their skills setting and achieving the goals of patients. By taking into consideration the patients goals, they can develop a program more specific to the individual patient.

Many Sports Medicine clinics often allow their patients to utilize the facilities during off days or develop a home exercise program for their patients. Patients at the Elite Clubs' S.M.A.R.T Clinic have access to the club during their non-treatment days, dramatically increasing the overall effectiveness of a home exercise routine.

In addition to the unique skills, equipment, goal setting, and individual exercise and treatment plans that Sports Medicine clinics offer, patients also benefit from a team approach. Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Athletic Trainers, all work together assuring that each component of a rehabilitation program is carried out by someone that specializes in that particular area. The unique experience and expertise of each team member helps assure a positive outcome.

Do I have to be an athlete to use a Sports Medicine clinic?

No. All types of patients with all types of injuries benefit from the approach the Sports Medicine team utilizes. While goals may be different for athletes the process is the same. Non-athletes receive the same level of care and service that professional athletes receive. Someone who injures an elbow at work doing repetitive tasks like keyboarding or hammering may suffer an overuse injury similar to someone who hits too many backhands in tennis. Different mechanisms may be the cause of the same injury. Sports Medicine practitioners are able to offer many services to those injured at work or in auto accidents, suffering from a range of orthopedic injuries like sprains and strains to post surgical conditions.

My doctor said I should rest it, is there anything else I can do?

Resting an injured body part is always an important component of healing. It is true that most often pain will subside with rest. Unfortunately for athletes and others, rest has undesired effects, namely deconditioning and atrophy (decrease in muscle mass and tone). This is why therapeutic exercise or treatment is important to avoid a cycle of reinjury, (see below) which is common when decreased pain is the sole basis for return to activity. This is where the S.M.A.R.T Clinic professionals come in. They can assess not only your pain, but also your range of motion (ROM), strength, balance, joint stability, flexibility, and functional abilities. By developing a program based on their findings, they can assure you a painfree return to activity without the risk of reinjury.

"I've just rolled my ankle, how do I know if I need an XRay?"

The ability to bear weight is a primary indicator for when to xray an ankle injury according to the Ottawa ankle rules. If you are unable to bear weight on the injured ankle immediately after an injury or at the time of an evaluation an xray should be taken. If you are tender at the medial or lateral malleolus (innermost and outermost bones of the ankle), an xray should be taken. Additionally, you should consult a physician if you have persistent pain, any deformity, swelling, discoloration, or a locking/catching sensation. If you are unsure of what to do, or need a physician referral call the S.M.A.R.T Clinic hotline at 262-641-2610 for a free injury assessment.

How can S.M.A.R.T Clinic help my back pain?

S.M.A.R.T Clinic Physical Therapists and Chiropractors can evaluate and assess the cause of your back pain. Then they can develop a treatment plan that may include; Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilizations or adjustments, modalities for pain like therapeutic ultrasound, or electric stimulation. Education is an important part of any treatment program. You may be instructed on proper lifting mechanics or postural cues for back protection. You will also be instructed in exercises to strengthen weak muscles or stretches for stretching tight muscles. You will be given a home exercise program to do on your own at home or you can come to the club to do your prescribed exercises as part of your treatment or on your own on days you are not being treated. You do not have to be a member to use the club if you are a patient of the S.M.A.R.T clinic.

Our goals are always to return you to your previous level of activity painfree.

Remember it is better to prevent back pain than to treat it. For more information on prevention programs like:

• Personal Training
• Massage Therapy
• Aquatic and other exercise classes
• Pilates exercise class
• Core stabilization on the Physioball class

Check out our website at www.smart-clinic.com or the Elite club at www.elite-clubs.com

Do I have to be a member of the club to use the S.M.A.R.T Clinic?

No, you do not have to be a member of the club to use the S.M.A.R.T Clinic. S.M.A.R.T Clinic patients have access to club facilities and programs as deemed necessary by their therapist. The S.M.A.R.T Clinic at the Elite Clubs offers services and amenities that are not available at other clinics such as free childcare. For more info go to www.smart-clinic.com

When can I play?

When to return to previous activity is a common question that is difficult to answer. That is where consulting the S.M.A.R.T Clinic Therapists and Athletic Trainers can be the most valuable. Our understanding of various injuries and the demands of competitive sports make us a valuable resource when determining return to action. With the facilities to put you through the paces and relationships with doctors, coaches and sports teams at various schools and clubs we can assure your return to activity will be timely and that risks will be minimized. For more information, make your next call a S.M.A.R.T call.

What services are available at the S.M.A.R.T Clinic?

The S.M.A.R.T Clinic offers a wide array of services such as; Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Personal Training, Massage Therapy, Nutrition, Sports Performance Training, Athletic Training, Free Injury Assessments, and Physician Referrals. Programs available include a Golf enhancement program, Physioball class, Post-rehab exercise programs, and aquatic exercise/rehab. Medical membership to the clubs is also available for convenient access. You do not have to be a member of the club to take advantage of SMART Clinic services.

Does Insurance Cover S.M.A.R.T Clinic services?

Yes, insurance covers Physical Therapy and Chiropractic. A physician referral is needed for Physical Therapy, a referral is not needed for Chiropractic care. Call the S.M.A.R.T Clinic for insurance authorization, verification or for a physician referral. It is also a good idea to check your insurance policy regarding therapy and chiropractic care.

What types of injuries do you treat?

S.M.A.R.T Clinic professionals are trained to treat a variety of injuries and conditions, post-surgical and non-surgical. Your injury may or may not be sports related, but we apply a sports medicine approach to all patients we treat. Most injuries are sprains and strains but may be more severe ligament ruptures, joint instabilities or chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis can benefit from therapy services. S.M.A.R.T professionals are also experienced with work related and automobile accident injuries.

How do I know if I need treatment?

Your doctor may refer you for treatment, or you can call the S.M.A.R.T Clinic hotline at 262-641-2610 for a consultation or to schedule a free injury assessment. If you have pain or discomfort that limits your everyday or recreation activities or if you've just experienced acute trauma, a fall or accident call today. It's important to get help early to avoid future complications.

Should I use ice or heat?

Ice is recommended for an acute injury (within the first 24 - 72 hours). By reducing circulation the application of ice helps to decrease the amount of swelling following an injury. Follow the R.I.C.E. acronym; Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce swelling and pain. After the first 72 hours, moist heat may be used to increase the blood flow to the injured area reducing pain and stiffness.