Acute Injury Treatment: Fast & Effective Sports Medicine Care

Acute Injury Treatment

Acute injuries can happen to any athlete, from minor sprains to serious fractures. At CORE in Princeton Junction, NJ, we specialize in diagnosing and treating acute injuries to help you recover quickly and safely. Our expert team provides personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, restore function, and get you back to peak performance as soon as possible.

What Are Acute Sports Injuries?

Acute injuries occur suddenly due to trauma, impact, or overuse during athletic activity. These injuries require immediate attention to prevent further complications. Common acute sports injuries include:

  • Sprains and Strains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains), commonly affecting the ankles, knees, and wrists.
  • Fractures and Dislocations: Broken bones and joint dislocations caused by high-impact forces or falls.
  • Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, etc.): Damage to major stabilizing ligaments in the knee or other joints, often occurring in high-intensity sports.
  • Tendon Ruptures (Achilles, Rotator Cuff): Complete tears in tendons that require immediate medical attention and often surgical intervention.
  • Contusions and Bruises: Blunt force trauma causing localized swelling, tenderness, and discoloration.
  • Concussions and Head Injuries: Brain injuries resulting from direct blows or sudden jolts, requiring careful monitoring and treatment.

Ignoring acute injuries or attempting to play through the pain can lead to long-term damage, chronic pain, and prolonged recovery times. Seeking proper treatment as soon as possible is critical for optimal healing and reducing the risk of reinjury.

Our Approach to Acute Injury Treatment

  • At CORE, we use a comprehensive, multi-step approach to acute injury care. CORE currently does not provide X-ray, MRI on site:

    1. Accurate Diagnosis: Our team conducts a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, utilizes advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound to assess the severity of your injury and develop the most effective treatment plan.
    2. Pain & Inflammation Management: We implement targeted treatments such as cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and compression therapy to minimize swelling, pain, and discomfort in the affected area.
    3. Immobilization & Stabilization: For fractures, ligament tears, and severe sprains, we use braces, or splints to protect the injured area and promote healing. In some cases, crutches or slings may be recommended to avoid further strain on the injury.
    4. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: Once the initial healing phase is complete, we will help facilitate and expedite our patients rehab process.  Our goal is to ensure a safe and effective return to activity while reducing the risk of future injuries.
    5. Return-to-Play Guidance: A carefully monitored return-to-play protocol is crucial for athletes recovering from an acute injury. We provide progressive rehabilitation exercises, sport-specific drills, and functional assessments to determine when it is safe to resume competition.
    6. Preventive Strategies & Long-Term Care: Beyond treating the injury, we educate patients on proper biomechanics, strengthening techniques, and injury prevention strategies to maintain peak performance and reduce the likelihood of recurring issues.

Advanced Treatments for Acute Injuries

  • At CORE, we utilize cutting-edge sports medicine treatments to enhance the healing process and improve outcomes for acute injuries. These may include:

    • Regenerative Medicine: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
    • Shockwave Therapy: Non-invasive treatment that promotes healing and reduces pain in soft tissue injuries.
    • Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques such as myofascial release, and joint mobilization to reduce scar tissue formation and enhance mobility.
    • Neuromuscular Training: Strengthening exercises designed to improve coordination, stability, and overall athletic performance.

Why Choose CORE for Acute Injury Care?

  • Specialized Sports Medicine Experts: Our team has extensive experience treating acute injuries in athletes of all levels, from youth sports participants to elite professionals.
  • Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Options: We utilize regenerative therapies, and evidence-based rehabilitation techniques to provide the highest level of care.
  • Emphasis on Long-Term Health & Performance: We don’t just treat the injury—we focus on full recovery, injury prevention, and performance enhancement to help athletes return stronger than before.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work closely with athletic trainers, coaches, and physical therapists to ensure a seamless recovery process and successful return to sports.

    Conditions We Take Care Of

    What is a sports medicine physician?

    A sports medicine physician is a fellowship trained physician who specializes in the non-operative treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. As the vast majority of these injuries do not require surgery, sports medicine physicians can help diagnose your condition, guide your treatment, perform procedures to optimize recovery and refer to other providers and practitioners when appropriate. Whether it’s an acute injury like a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle, an issue you’ve had for a while like shoulder tendonitis or arthritis, or you simply do not know where to begin, we, as sports medicine physicians, are here to help you!

    Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?

    No, you do not need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor. We take care of musculoskeletal conditions in patients of all ages and activity levels, from elite athletes and weekend warriors to those who are looking to stay active or become more active.

    What is a lifestyle medicine physician?

    Lifestyle medicine physicians are board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and are trained to utilize evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease. A prescriptive and individualized approach, guided by the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine (plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, social connections, and sleep management) helps patients in achieving a healthier lifestyle.

    How does lifestyle medicine fit into sports medicine?

    Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases through healthy habits, such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep. It integrates exceptionally well with sports medicine by promoting overall well-being and optimizing physical performance.

    Can I use my insurance for office visits?

    In order to remove barriers and improve the quality of healthcare for our patients, CORE Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine does not accept insurance. We have a policy of transparent pricing for our services and you will never receive a surprise bill from our office. We accept payment for your visit at the time of service and will provide you with an itemized receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have out of network benefits. You can check with your insurance company prior to your visit to better understand your out of network benefits.