Don’t Let Pain Sideline Your Spring Season: Our Orthopedic Specialists Reveal Preparation Secrets

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated athlete, proper preparation is essential for spring sports. The orthopedic specialists at Conway Medical Center, including Dr. Phillip Sussman and Dr. Iridi Pavliqoti, offer expert guidance on preparation and comprehensive care for sports-related injuries.

Pre-Season Preparation

After reduced activity during winter, jumping straight into intense spring sports can put your body at risk for injuries. According to our orthopedic experts, a gradual approach to training gives your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system time to adapt to increased demands. Many sports injuries occur when athletes rush their return to activity without proper conditioning.

Dr. Phillip Sussman, who specializes in sports medicine at CMC Orthopedics, recommends starting 4-6 weeks before your season with:
• Cardiovascular conditioning through walking, jogging, or swimming
• Strength training focusing on sport-specific muscle groups
• Flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
• Sport-specific drills to reestablish movement patterns

Common Spring Sports Injuries

Despite preparation, injuries occur. Dr. Iridi Pavliqoti and our team regularly treat:

1. Sprains and strains from sudden movements
2. Shoulder injuries common in baseball, tennis, and golf
3. Knee injuries including ACL tears and meniscus damage
4. Achilles tendon injuries in running and jumping sports
5. Stress fractures from repetitive force

How We Can Help

At Conway Medical Center, our orthopedic specialists and sports medicine team work together to provide comprehensive care for athletes of all levels. Our approach includes:

Pre-Season Assessments: We take a proactive approach to identify potential problem areas before they lead to injury.
Advanced Diagnostics: Including high-resolution imaging and specialized assessments.
Customized Treatment: From conservative management to advanced surgical interventions performed by Dr. Sussman. with rehabilitation overseen by Dr. Pavliqoti.
Specialized Athlete Care: At CMC Orthopedics, we understand that athletes have unique needs. 

Our sports medicine specialists provide:
– Sport-specific rehabilitation protocols: Tailored to the demands of your particular activity
– Return-to-play guidance: Clear criteria and progressive programs to ensure safe resumption of sports
– Performance enhancement strategies: Techniques to improve biomechanics and efficiency
– Injury prevention education: Teaching proper technique and training approaches to minimize future injury risk