With the increase in the frequency of physical activity among Brazilians, follow-up by a sports doctor becomes increasingly essential for professional and amateur athletes. After all, he is one of the allies necessary for the continuity of practice and […]
With the increase in the frequency of physical activity among Brazilians, follow-up by a sports doctor becomes increasingly essential for professional and amateur athletes. After all, he is one of the allies necessary for the continuity of the practice and the maintenance of the individual’s health. According to the National Health Survey (PNS), comparing the years 2013 and 2019, there is a significant increase in the practice of physical exercise throughout the national territory. In 2019 alone, for example, nearly a third of Brazilians aged 18 and older demonstrated an exercise routine. With that in mind, you can check out an interview with in this article
resident in sports medicine, on the importance of the support of a qualified professional in the sector in question and on the benefits for athletes and practitioners. Happy reading and meet the sportsman’s best friend!
What is a sports doctor?
The sports doctor is part of an innovative activity area and operates in all fields of physical activity, both competitively and recreationally. Therefore, even amateur practitioners should seek out an expert to help them with their performance. According to sports medicine resident Dr. Nicole Nardy, the review is comprehensive.
“Assess cardiopulmonary and vascular health, prevent and treat injuries, align nutrition planning, supplementation, and other factors such as sleep and gut“, he says. Therefore, with it it is possible to have an evolution of performance, an improvement in body composition and quality of life.
The sports doctor has extensive knowledge in different areas, such as cardiology, endocrinology, immunology, orthopedics and even psychology. The combination of different fields is necessary for the analysis to include different aspects of the individual. Professionals are also responsible for diagnosing possible problems that may be caused by the exercises. In addition, your sports doctor will help you recognize your body’s limitations and the treatment needed to avoid unwanted injuries.
What does a sports doctor do?
As you have seen, the sports doctor can act in different scenarios within the reality of each practitioner. But it can also be present in other scenarios of the life of an athlete or an amateur, namely:
- coordinate sports health teams;
- manage technology and innovation projects in sport;
- monitor and guide high performance athletes on doping.
In specific cases, such as people with disabilities (PCD) and chronic diseases, the specialist will work differently for each reality. However, it is important to bear in mind that the sports doctor will not replace the specialist who already follows the individual. In these cases, his action will be a guide regarding the inclusion of physical exercises in the routine. Thus, the business will be an ally for the existing treatment. The specialist comes to the aid of implementing and maintaining a dynamic routine.
Is the job only for professional athletes?
A common belief in this field is that monitoring by professionals is only necessary for high-performance athletes, i.e. those who compete. However, this is a misperception of reality.
“Any active or sedentary person who wants to improve their quality of life, body composition and physical performance can consult a sports doctor”, marks Dr. Nicola Nardi.
The specialist’s work is not only focused on athletes, but can also be used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic diseases such as diabetes.
“Including these individuals may have clinical control with improved lifestyle habits”
, emphasizes the expert. In this way, sports medicine can be an ally for countless individuals, amateurs or professionals, in cases such as:
- body weight control;
- improvement in sleep quality;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- falls prevention.
That is, sports medicine is recommended for all individuals who desire a comprehensive assessment and improvement in their quality of life. Monitoring is indicated for all age groups.
When is it important to have this support?
It is recommended that you have the help of a sports doctor before starting physical activities and during them. However, the evaluation can be done at any time. It is necessary to emphasize that many patients seek the specialist only after an injury or trauma. According to the doctor. Nicole Nardy, you should see a doctor if you feel
“any pain or injury that prevents movement, trauma during sports, sudden illness or chest pain”
. Therefore, the doctor will act to resolve the problem in the most appropriate way for each case. However, the ideal is to work to prevent a possible injury. After all, as you followed, the action of this specialty takes place at all stages of practice.
What are the benefits of having a sports doctor?
With extensive knowledge of the human body, sports medicine studies the main characteristics of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of movement. It is therefore a complete area on the world of physical activities.
“By understanding the human body and the peculiarities of each sport, it is possible to predict and avoid injuries through adequate preparation, favoring the development and muscle groups most used by the patient, with improvement of sports movements”emphasizes the doctor.
The sports doctor carries out a sort of monitoring through various analyzes and examinations. Balance is the keyword so that it is possible to align a satisfactory development and guarantee continuity in the activities. Furthermore, technology plays a key role in this analysis.
“Bioimpedance scale, measures body composition; ergospirometry, provides exact parameters for correct training prescription; indirect calorimetry which evaluates metabolism and gaseous exchanges of the individual”
, he says. In addition to those mentioned, the specialist also points out other tools such as anti-gravity treadmills to correct the biomechanics of the exercise and for rehabilitation; even pills that read body temperature to prevent injuries during training.
“A prepared body is a healthy, willing body that functions well in daily activities and during exercise”concludes Dr. Nicola Nardi.
*Dr. Nicole Nardy Paula Razuck is a Sports Medicine resident at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia in São Paulo. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Nutrology from the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital and holds a medical degree from the Faculdade Santa Marcelina.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
