Sports Medicine Spearfish, SD
Introduction to Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is important for keeping athletes at their best, addressing injuries, and providing a safe return to their active lifestyle. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or enjoy staying active, proper care is essential when injuries occur.
Dr. Jensen brings his extensive experience as a sports medicine physician, providing expert care and personalized treatment plans. His professional background includes serving as a lead physician for local rodeo teams, ski events, and mountain bike races, showcasing his dedication to supporting athletic performance and recovery.
(605) 569-6000
311 N 27th St, Spearfish, SD 57783
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dr. Jensen Services
Overview of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, or improper technique, often affecting the shoulder and knee—two of the most active and vulnerable joints in the body. Athletes may experience acute injuries such as ligament tears or chronic conditions like tendonitis. Without treatment, these injuries can lead to long-term complications, impacting performance and daily activities. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for optimal recovery and a safe return to the activities you love.
Common Sports Injuries
Elbow
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury among athletes who repeatedly extend their wrist, such as tennis players or golfers. Symptoms include pain on the outer elbow and weakness in grip strength. Prevention includes proper technique and strengthening the forearm muscles. Treatment options include rest, bracing, and physical therapy to reduce strain on the tendon.
UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Injuries
UCL injuries are common in throwing sports, such as baseball, where repetitive stress affects the inner elbow. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced throwing ability. Proper throwing mechanics and strengthening programs for the elbow and shoulder can help prevent injury. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, or surgery, such as Tommy John surgery, in severe cases.
Foot & Ankle
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, often caused by twisting or rolling the ankle during activities like running or jumping. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Prevention involves wearing proper footwear, strengthening the ankle muscles, and improving balance to reduce the risk of injury. Treatment typically includes rest, bracing, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity, with surgery rarely required for severe cases.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Achilles tendon injuries, including tendonitis and ruptures, are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. Tendonitis causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, while a rupture may produce a “pop” sensation and significant difficulty walking or pushing off the foot. Prevention includes proper warm-ups, stretching, and avoiding overuse. Treatment for tendonitis involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory measures, while ruptures often require surgical repair followed by rehabilitation.
Hip
Hip Labral Tears
Labral tears in the hip joint are common in athletes who perform repetitive pivoting or twisting motions, such as dancers or soccer players. Symptoms include hip pain, stiffness, and a clicking sensation. Strengthening the core and hip stabilizers can help prevent these injuries. Treatment may involve physical therapy or surgery to repair the damaged labrum.
Hip Flexor Strains
Hip flexor strains often result from overuse or sudden movements, such as kicking or sprinting. Symptoms include pain at the front of the hip and difficulty lifting the leg. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip flexors and surrounding muscles can reduce the risk of strain. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity.
Knee
ACL Tears
ACL tears are common in sports requiring sudden changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, or skiing. Symptoms include knee instability, pain, and swelling. Prevention focuses on improving balance, strength, and agility through targeted exercises. Treatment typically involves surgical reconstruction followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program to restore stability and function.
Meniscus Tears
A meniscus tear often occurs from twisting or pivoting movements and is common in sports like football or tennis. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and a locking sensation in the joint. Prevention involves maintaining strong quadriceps and hamstrings to support knee stability. Treatment ranges from rest and physical therapy to arthroscopic surgery in severe cases.
Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tears
A rotator cuff tear often occurs from repetitive overhead motions, common in sports like swimming, baseball, and tennis. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Early prevention includes strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and maintaining proper form during activities. Treatment options range from physical therapy to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, with rehabilitation focused on restoring mobility and strength.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability can occur after trauma, such as a dislocation, or from repetitive strain, causing pain and a feeling of the joint “slipping” out of place. Preventative measures include shoulder stabilization exercises and avoiding overexertion during sports. Treatment may involve physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles or surgical repair in severe cases.
Treatment and Recovery
Dr. Jensen provides comprehensive care for sports injuries, offering a range of treatment options to suit each patient’s needs. For many injuries, non-surgical approaches like rehabilitation exercises and activity modifications are effective.
When necessary, advanced techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, may be recommended. Recovery plans are designed to promote healing, restore function, and work towards a gradual, safe return to sports and other activities.
Sports injuries can disrupt your lifestyle and performance, but with expert care, you can recover and return to doing what you love. Dr. Jensen’s extensive experience in sports medicine, combined with his commitment to personalized treatment plans, helps to work towards the best outcomes for athletes. Whether you need injury prevention advice, advanced surgical care, or a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, Dr. Jensen is here to help.