Chicago Bulls' team physician, Brian Cole, MD, of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, discussed the way sports medicine has changed, and how he takes a team-based approach to treating athletes.
Here are five points:
1. Since Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush began providing medical care for the Chicago Bulls 12 years ago, the practice now uses digital technology with most stadiums equipped with cameras to monitor plays, movements, time on the floor and physiological load.
2. The NBA has taken a more proactive approach to collecting data, which can be used to assess risk of injury and even performance issues.
3. As the head physician, Dr. Cole is the "quarterback," who manages the team with the help of several other physicians including Kathleen Weber, MD, the director of primary care/sports medicine and women's sports medicine at Rush University Medical Center.
4. Dr. Cole says providing care for the team requires "a small army," and many specialists are needed to address the needs of the athletes.
5. The physicians work closely with the team's trainers as well as head coach to best manage injury as well as prevent injury.
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