What They Do
A sports medicine physician specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and conditions related to physical activity and exercise. The field covers both athletes and everyday active individuals, and includes physicians from a range of base specialties who pursue additional focused training in sports medicine.
What They Treat
Sports medicine physicians manage a wide range of exercise-related injuries, including sprains, strains, and overuse injuries, and provide guidance on returning to activity safely following injury. They also address broader aspects of exercise-related health, such as optimizing performance and preventing future injury, and often coordinate with physiotherapists and, when needed, orthopedic surgeons as part of a patient's overall care.
Training Path
Becoming a sports medicine physician requires completing a medical degree, followed by residency training in a related base specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, or orthopedic surgery, and then additional specialized fellowship training specifically in sports medicine.
When to See One
People commonly see a sports medicine physician following an exercise or sports-related injury, when seeking guidance on returning safely to physical activity after an injury, or for evaluation and management of overuse injuries related to a particular activity. Sports medicine physicians are also often consulted for pre-participation evaluations before starting a new or more intense exercise program.
Background
Sports medicine developed as a more formally recognized medical specialty over the second half of the 20th century, growing alongside increased participation in organized sports and exercise, and a corresponding need for physicians with specific expertise in exercise-related injuries and conditions. The field has continued to expand considerably, incorporating advances in areas such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance-related health guidance.