Many patients question the difference between a sports medicine physician and an orthopedic surgeon. A sports medicine fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializes in non-surgical and surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Getelman is double board certified in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery and serves the Van Nuys, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles, California communities.
It is estimated that 90% of all sports injuries can be treated non-surgically. When conservative treatment measures are recommended, we will first provide non-operative treatment options to prolong or eliminate the need for surgery. When a musculoskeletal injury does not respond to non-surgical options, surgical management may become necessary. Dr. Mark Getelman specializes in treating knee and shoulder disorders using both non-surgical and surgical options.
Common musculoskeletal injuries treated by Dr. Getelman include:
- Acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures and knee and shoulder injuries
- Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures and tendonitis
- Injection therapies for osteoarthritis and similar degenerative disorders
Sports medicine specialists, such as Dr. Getelman, have received additional training in non-musculoskeletal injuries associated with athletic activities, including:
- Injury prevention
- “Return to play” decisions
- Safe training and conditioning programs
- Overall healthy living guidelines
Dr. Getelman has primary care sports medicine partners who also specialize in other medical issues sustained by athletes:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Chronic or acute illnesses in athletes, such as asthma or diabetes
Dr. Getelman has served as Team Physician for a number of local athletic organizations. In order to participate in such an important medical role, the sports medicine physicians must fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Sports injury assessment and management
- Pre-participation physical examination
- Care of sports-related and general medical needs of athletes
- Substance use issues
- Special populations, such as women, youth, etc.
- Sports psychology issues
- Illness and injury prevention education and counseling
- Communication with athletic trainers, coaches, etc.
- Communication with other members of the sports medicine team, such as physical therapists, personal physicians, etc.
Injury is a part of sports participation and can occur in high level and recreational athletes alike. If a patient experiences a sports injury, it is Dr. Getelman’s primary goal to return them to the athletic activities they love. Dr. Getelman cares for athletes of all levels, from professional to weekend warriors, in order to get them back in the game they love.
For additional resources on musculoskeletal injuries and other sports injuries, please contact the Van Nuys and Westlake Village, California medical office of sports medicine physician Dr. Mark Getelman.