Sports Medicine, once thought to be exclusive to professional athletes, is now also being applied to athletes of all levels, from grade school through college, and recreational athletes. A physician specializing in this area of patient care is known as a Sports Medicine Physician.

These professions promote lifelong fitness and wellness and encourage the prevention of illness and injury. He or she is the leader of the sports medicine team, which can also include specialty physicans and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel and, of course the athlete.

Sports Medicine Physicians have specialty training in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and obtain their sports medicine training with an additional 1-2 years with an accredited Sports Medicine Program.

Sports Medicine Physicians and Orthopaedic Surgeons are both well trained in musculoskeletal medicine, but Sports Medicine Physicians specialize in non-operative treatments of sports-related conditions. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. The task of a Sports Medicine Physician is to evaluate, facilitate referrals to a surgeon if needed, and also give guidance regarding rehabilitative care and ancillary treatments. Common examples of musculoskeletal problems include:

• Acute injuries (ankle sprains, muscle strains, knee & shoulder injuries, fractures)
• Overuse injuries (tendonitis, stress fractures)
• Other specialized training of non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine include:
• Mild traumatic brain injury and other head injuries.
• Athletes with chronic or acute illness (infections, mononucleosis, asthma, diabetes, etc.).
• Nutrition, supplements, ergogenic aids and performance issues.
• Exercise prescriptions for patients who want to increase their fitness.
• Injury Prevention.
• Return to play decisions for the sick or injured athlete.
• Strength training or conditioning.
• Healthy lifestyle promotion.

Most Sports Medicine Physicians serve as Team Physicians for local/national teams and clubs. They must fulfill published qualifications with the following responsibilities:

• Pre-participation physical examination.
• Injury assessment and management.
• Care of sports related and general medical needs of athletes.
• Special populations (elderly, disabled, women, youth, etc.).
• Addressing substance abuse.
• Education and counseling on illness/injury prevention.
• Coordinating care with other members of the sports medicine team.
• Communication with athletic trainers, coaches, school administration, and athletes and their families.

Sports Medicine Physicians are ideal for the non-athlete as well, and are excellent sources for those who wish to become active or begin an exercise program. For the weekend warrior or industrial athlete who experiences injury, the same expertise is used to return them as quickly as possible to full function.

Please call 919-220-5255 for more information or to make an appointment.