A Sports Medicine specialist is a physician specialized in the prevention, treatment and injury caused by sports illness and injury. He helps in increasing the functioning, minimizing disability and helping in not losing time away from sports, work, or school.
Sports medicine is not a separate medical speciality. A sports medicine specialist is usually a doctor certified in a certain speciality like orthopedics, paediatrics, emergency medicine etc. followed by an additional training for the treatment and management of any sports injuries. For instance:
Physical therapists: Helps in rehabilitation of people and their recovery.
Certified Athletic Trainers: Povide a rehabilitative exercise regime helping patients to regain strength and develop conditioning programs to prevent future injury.
Nutritionists: Assists in weight loss or weight gain and provides dietary plan or advice to help improve the physical functioning and recovery.
If you have come across any injury while playing sports, riding bicycle, running or performing any other vigorous activity, then it is advised to visit a sports medicine specialist.
Below are the major job roles commonly performed by a sports medicine specialist:
Some of the injuries treated by a sports medicine doctors are:
