Sports Medicine
Dr. Azlan Tariq, D.O.
Dr. Tariq is a Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine specialist. He uses non surgical and the latest innovative diagnostic tools to treat musculoskeletal injuries and pain. He treats any new or old injuries, muscle aches and pain and a variety of muscle, joint, or arthritis-related issues.
Originally from Naperville, IL, he earned his undergraduate degree with honors in Biology, Business Management, and Anthropology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and obtained his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon graduating from medical school, Dr. Tariq joined the Department of Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital Chicago as an intern and went on to complete a three year residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois. Dr. Tariq was awarded the Resident of the Year honors by his residency program. He then went on to University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed six months of additional training in Pain and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Dr. Tariq has volunteered at various races, high school team sports and events including the Chicago Marathon for the past 4 years.
SPORTS MEDICINE – FOR ATHLETES AND NON-ATHLETES
Whether you are a competitive athlete with a recurring condition, a weekend warrior suffering a sudden injury, or a fitness enthusiast who endures chronic pain, Optimal Health Medical Fitness Advanced Sports medicine department can help!
THE SPORTS MEDICINE SYSTEM OF CARE
Sports Medicine at Optimal Health Medical Fitness is led by Dr. Tariq. Along with physical therapists and athletic trainers, Dr. Tariq works to help people become and stay healthy. The comprehensive system of care, offered under his direction, includes direct access to physical rehabilitation and medically supervised weight loss programs. Should surgical intervention be required, Dr. Tariq will coordinate care with the appropriate orthopedic specialists.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are used for the repair of chronic degenerative joints, ligaments and tendon injuries. This new technology is backed by research and is changing the way we treat injury, pain and aging. Conditions treated include; chronic overuse injuries to the ankles, knee and shoulders; arthritic joints, chronic back and spine arthritis and pain, and degenerative disc disease. In addition, e specific injuries including tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee ligament tears, shin splints, partial thickness rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and IT band syndrome may all be effectively treated using PRP.
PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing: bone, tendon and ligament regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels and stimulate the wound healing process resulting in new collagen formation. PRP is often combined with ultrasound to guide the injections to the specific pathologic tissue or joint.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy, or ligament reconstructive therapy, is a safe,non-surgical treatment for chronic pain, injury and arthritis. Common problems treated with Prolotherapy include joint arthritis, TMJ dysfunction, chronic neck and back pain, shoulder injuries, Fibromyalgia, injuries to the wrists, elbows, knees and ankles, and whiplash-type motor vehicle accident injuries.
Prolotherapy targets the joint, ligaments and tendons that are weakened and stretched out from injury or aging. This stimulation of the body’s healing mechanism helps to restore strength and integrity to the damaged area. The procedure involves injecting a solution into the damaged joint, ligament or tendon. This stimulates the body and starts the healing process. With Prolotherapy, the pain is NOT covered up. The injury and source of the pain is healed.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
An ultrasound possesses unique real-time capability permits examination and diagnosis during movement. It also allows for guidance of needles during treatment. The exquisite resolution created by state-of-the-art scanners and high-frequency transducers makes musculoskeletal ultrasound a powerful tool when diagnosing an injury. Optimal Health Medical Fitness utilizes the ultrasound tool without the need for x-ray exposure or MRI. We also use it for needle guidance to treat injured tissue or joints during a procedure.
Sports Medicine Services
Some services include :
Fitness assessment and exercise prescription for the healthy and those with chronic disease
Evaluation, treatment and prevention of sudden and chronic injuries
Rehabilitation with our physical therapists, which offers the attest in rehabilitation services and equipment
Screening physicals for athletes or anyone who wants to start an active lifestyle
General medical care of athletes and non-athletes
Education and counseling on healthy lifestyle options with our onsite dietitian and physician
