Sports Injuries

What are some common sports injuries?

Dr. Westerdahl is an experienced and skilled sports medicine physician. At Sports Health Northwest, Inc, he treats many types of sports injuries.

Common types of sports injuries include:

• Tendinopathy
• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains
• Tendon tears
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
• Meniscus tears
• Patella injuries
• Rotator cuff tear
• Shoulder or hip labral tear
• Stress fractures
• Contusions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sports-related concussion (SRC)
• Herniated disc

Dr. Westerdahl also treats arthritis, which causes joint pain and inflammation. Athletes with a history of joint injury may be at greater risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in that damaged joint later in life. 

When should I seek help for sports injuries?

You should schedule a consultation at Sports Health Northwest, Inc for your sports injury right away. Continuing to work out or participate in games with an injury may worsen your condition or lead to other damage.

Even if you have a minor sports injury, Dr. Westerdahl can provide care to enhance healing, speed recovery, and prevent a recurrence. 

Dr. Westerdahl treats people of all ages and skill levels.  No matter which sport or activity you enjoy, we want to help you have fun and succeed.   Whether you belong to an organized team or play for fun, he can provide the care you need. 

How are sports injuries treated?

Dr. Westerdahl takes a patient-centered approach to care. Treatment for your sports injury depends on the location and type of injury, severity of symptoms, the kind of sport you play, your goals, and your overall health.

In addition to accurately diagnosing your condition and discussing the various treatment options and expectations for recovery, he also offers many innovative and interventional treatments for sports injuries to enhance healing, reduce pain, and restore function, including:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP is a type of orthobiologic containing a high concentration of your body’s platelets, growth factors, and stem cell markers. Dr. Westerdahl uses PRP injections to accelerate the healing process. 

Bone marrow aspirate (BMA)

With BMA, Dr. Westerdahl extracts stem cells from your bone marrow and injects them into your injured tissue. Stem cells are cells that can transform into bone or muscle cells, which support the healing of your injury.

Alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) injection

Dr. Westerdahl injects A2M, a substance found in your blood, to treat knee injuries and potentially prevent knee osteoarthritis. 

Percutaneous tenotomy or fasciotomy

For damaged tendons and muscles, Dr. Westerdahl offers percutaneous tenotomy or fasciotomy. During this minimally invasive procedure, he uses advanced tools and techniques to remove the damaged tissue without harming the healthy tissue. 

Don’t let your sports injury keep you from an active lifestyle. Call Sports Health Northwest, Inc, or schedule an appointment online today.