Sports medicine care
What we do for athletes – from prevention and the typical risks of individual sports to the question of when you had better come in.
Sports medical care in detail
Comprehensive sports medical care goes far beyond treating injuries and covers every aspect of an athlete’s health.
Preventive examinations
Regular health checks to detect risk factors and signs of overuse early.
- Pre-participation medical examination with ECG and exercise testing
- Mobility and strength testing to identify imbalances
- Analysis of body composition and training status
- Recommendations for individual training and injury prevention
Performance testing
Scientific analysis of physical performance using modern test procedures.
- Incremental lactate test to determine endurance capacity
- Spirometry to measure lung function
- Isokinetic strength testing
- Coordination and balance tests
Nutritional advice
Optimising nutrition for maximum performance, recovery and injury prevention.
- Individual nutrition plans based on your sport and training goals
- Competition nutrition and the timing of nutrient intake
- Supplements: what makes sense and what does not
- Weight management for different sports
Training management
Evidence-based training planning to avoid overtraining and injury.
- Periodisation of training for optimal development
- Managing load and recovery using heart rate variability
- Adjusting training intensity to your current level of fitness
- Coordinating the different components of training
Recovery management
Optimising recovery phases for better performance and a lower risk of injury.
- Sleep optimisation: quality and quantity for proper recovery
- Active recovery strategies: cool-down, stretching, light movement
- Passive recovery: massage, compression, cold therapy
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
Mental support
Psychological support for competition preparation and coming to terms with injury.
- Mental training for better concentration and competitive performance
- Coping with stress and the pressure of competition
- Motivation and goal-setting for long-term success
- Psychological support after injury
Sports and their typical risks
Every sport brings its own specific loads and injury risks. Understanding those risks is the first step towards preventing them.
Contact sports
Examples: Football, rugby, handball, ice hockey
Typical risks:
- Cruciate ligament tears from sudden changes of direction
- Concussion from collisions
- Fractures from direct impact
- Bruising and haematomas
Prevention: Protective equipment, fair play, conditioning, athletic training
Running sports
Examples: Marathon, triathlon, orienteering
Typical risks:
- Overuse syndromes (runner’s knee, shin splints)
- Stress fractures from repetitive loading
- Achilles tendon problems and plantar fasciitis
- Muscular imbalances
Prevention: Building training volume slowly, good running shoes, additional strength and athletic training, deliberate recovery periods
Overhead sports
Examples: Tennis, volleyball, swimming, badminton
Typical risks:
- Shoulder impingement from repetitive overhead movements
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Wrist overuse
Prevention: Learning good technique, warming up, strength training, athletic training
Jumping sports
Examples: Basketball, volleyball, long jump
Typical risks:
- Ankle injuries on landing
- Knee problems from frequent jumping loads
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Calf injuries and Achilles tendon ruptures
Prevention: Jumping and landing technique, coordination training, athletic training
Winter sports
Examples: Skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey
Typical risks:
- Complex knee injuries from falls
- Shoulder problems in snowboarding
- Skier’s thumb
- Head injuries when no helmet is worn
Prevention: Protective equipment, fitness, the rules of the piste, strength and athletic training
Strength sports
Examples: Weightlifting, bodybuilding, powerlifting
Typical risks:
- Spinal problems from heavy loads
- Joint overload from poor technique
- Muscle injuries from progressing too quickly
- Tendon problems from overtraining
Prevention: Correct technique, gradual progression, supervision
Injury prevention as the key to success
The best injury is the one that never happens. Modern prevention strategies can reduce the risk of injury by up to 50%.
Warming up and cooling down
A structured warm-up raises body temperature, improves circulation and prepares the muscles properly for the load ahead. The cool-down aids recovery and reduces the risk of muscle soreness and tightness.
Strength, conditioning and athletic training
Balanced strength and conditioning training strengthens not only the muscles but also the tendons, ligaments and bones. Stabilising the core is particularly important, as is training the often-neglected antagonist muscles. Regular athletic training also puts the focus on reactivity, stability and coordination.
Equipment and technique
The right equipment and correct technique are fundamental preventive measures. Regular technique coaching and adapting equipment to individual needs can prevent a great many injuries.
Recovery and rest
Adequate rest between training sessions is essential for the body to adapt. Lack of sleep and overtraining are among the main risk factors for injury. Active recovery through light movement supports healing.
When should you see a sports physician?
A sports physician is the right person to turn to not only for injuries, but also for preventive measures and for optimising performance.
For acute injuries
Immediate pain, swelling, restricted movement or instability after a fall or collision calls for prompt assessment by a sports physician.
For chronic complaints
Persistent pain lasting more than two weeks, or problems that keep coming back, should be assessed early – before they become chronic.
To optimise performance
Even without any complaints, sports medical advice can help you improve performance and prevent injury – particularly if you train intensively or compete.
When returning after a break
After a longer break from training, or when taking up a new sport, a sports medical examination is advisable in order to minimise the risks.
Acute versus chronic sports injuries
Understanding the difference between acute and chronic injuries matters for choosing the right treatment strategy.
Acute injuries
Characteristics:
- Sudden onset
- A clear mechanism of injury
- Immediate pain
- Swelling and inflammation
Examples:
- Cruciate ligament tear
- Fractures
- Muscle fibre tear
- Ankle sprain
Immediate measures (the RICE rule):
- Rest – stop straight away
- Ice – cooling
- Compression
- Elevation
Chronic injuries
Characteristics:
- Gradual onset
- Caused by overuse
- Increasing symptoms
- Little visible inflammation
Examples:
- Tennis elbow
- Runner’s knee
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Stress fractures
Treatment approach:
- Identifying the underlying cause is essential
- Modifying training
- Increasing load in stages
- Preventive measures
Prof. Dr. med. Gerrit Bode
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, additional qualification in specialist trauma surgery
Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Feucht
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
PD Dr. med. Lisa Bode
Consultant in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, additional qualification in Paediatric and Adolescent Orthopaedics