Expert Care for Chronic Sports Injuries at Core Sports

Chronic Injury Management

Dealing with a persistent injury can be frustrating and limiting, especially for athletes and active individuals. At Core Sports in Princeton Junction, NJ, we specialize in Chronic Injury Management, offering personalized treatment plans that address pain, promote healing, and optimize performance. Our goal is to help you return to the activities you love with minimal discomfort and reduced risk of further injury.

What Are Chronic Sports Injuries?

Unlike acute injuries that occur suddenly, chronic injuries develop over time due to repeated stress, improper biomechanics, or insufficient recovery. These injuries often result in long-term pain and dysfunction, requiring specialized care to ensure effective rehabilitation. Common chronic sports injuries include:

  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often affecting the shoulders, elbows, knees, and Achilles tendon.
  • Stress Fractures: Small cracks in bones caused by repetitive impact, common in runners and high-impact athletes.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, frequently seen in runners and athletes on hard surfaces.
  • Shin Splints: Pain along the shin bone, often caused by repetitive running or jumping.
  • Chronic Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis): Degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, often seen in shoulders, hips, and knees.

Our Approach to Chronic Injury Management

  • At Core Sports, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to managing chronic injuries:

    1. Comprehensive Evaluation: A detailed assessment, including movement analysis, imaging (if needed), and an injury history review.
    2. Pain & Inflammation Reduction: We implement a combination of therapies, such as cold therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, and soft tissue mobilization.
    3. Biomechanical & Postural Correction: Addressing improper movement patterns that contribute to repetitive stress and chronic pain.
    4. Physical Therapy & Strength Training: Customized rehabilitation programs to strengthen weak areas and restore mobility.
    5. Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Therapies: Options like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), shockwave therapy to promote healing and tissue repair.
    6. Injury Prevention & Maintenance Programs: Long-term strategies, including flexibility training, neuromuscular exercises, and load management to prevent reinjury.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Injuries

  • At Core Sports, we utilize cutting-edge treatment methods to support chronic injury recovery:

    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses concentrated platelets from your blood to stimulate tissue repair.
    • Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that accelerates healing in tendon and muscle injuries.
    • Myofascial Release: Relieves muscle tightness, improves circulation, and promotes mobility.
    • Joint Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

Why Choose Core Sports for Chronic Injury Management?

  • Sports Medicine Specialists: Our team understands the demands of athletic performance and the importance of long-term injury care.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a customized rehabilitation program designed to fit their sport, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
  • State-of-the-Art Therapies: We integrate advanced techniques to enhance recovery and optimize performance.
  • Focus on Long-Term Health & Performance: Our approach goes beyond symptom management to improve movement quality and prevent future injuries.

    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.