What does a sports physician do?
Sports medicine physicians are doctors who diagnose and treat sports-related injuries. These include:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Injuries to the shoulders or knees
- Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
- Concussions
- Heat illnesses
- Cartilage injuries
- Asthma caused by exercise
Sports medicine physicians diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, order and analyze diagnostic imaging or lab results, and perform physical examinations for their patients. They also provide treatment plans, prescribe medication, and supervise rehabilitation after injury.
Although sports medicine doctors can perform micro-invasive surgical procedures, they do not conduct large-scale surgeries.
Is a sports medicine doctor a real doctor?
A sports medicine doctor must obtain Board Certification in one of several medical specialties, such as family medicine or emergency medicine. Sports medicine physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete three to four years of residency training, and one to two years of fellowship training.
They must also take and pass a national certification and licensing exam.
Why should you see a sports medicine doctor?
You should see a sports medicine doctor if you are are experiencing an acute musculoskeletal injury, overuse injury, or would like guidance on starting or maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Sports medicine doctors can help diagnose and treat strains, sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. They can administer injection therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma or stem cell injections, to help with conditions like osteoarthritis and manage conditions like asthma and diabetes.
They can also help you with diet and lifestyle changes that can improve physical performance when exercising or playing a sport.
What is a sports medicine visit?
A sports medicine visit is similar to a primary care provider visit. Your sports medicine physician obtains your medical history and asks about your current medical concerns during the visit.
They perform a preliminary exam to determine whether further testing or diagnostics are necessary. Following these procedures, your sports medicine physician discusses your results and provides you with a treatment plan.
Your sports medicine doctor visit may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance plan. Sports medicine is considered a subspecialty within orthopedic medicine, so check with your insurance provider for coverage prior to scheduling your visit.
Should I see a sports medicine doctor or an orthopedic surgeon?
Both sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons have training in musculoskeletal medicine. However, orthopedic surgeons are trained to perform full-scale operative procedures for musculoskeletal conditions.
If you require any of the following procedures, you likely need to see an orthopedic surgeon rather than a sports medicine doctor:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Internal fixation
- Bone fusion
- Arthroscopy
- Soft tissue repair
- Osteotomy (bone repositioning)
Around 90% of musculoskeletal injuries do not require surgical intervention, so you may choose to see a sports medicine doctor before visiting an orthopedic surgeon for treatment of non-musculoskeletal injuries.
Do sports medicine doctors treat back pain?
Sports medicine doctors can help you treat back pain. They specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions caused by overuse or injury to ligaments or tendons. Back pain is often brought on because of muscle overuse, such as lifting heavy objects or repetitive motions.
Your sports medicine physician can prescribe treatment options, such as specific stretches or heat application. They can also run diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause of your back pain and prescribe medications if necessary.
