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Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is the treatment by medical, surgical, and rehabilitative means, all musculoskeletal system structures that are affected by athletic activity. 

SEM physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating any medical conditions that physically active individuals or athletes encounter. SEM doctors treat injuries such as muscle, ligament, tendon, and bone problems and treat chronic illnesses that can affect physical performance, such as exercise-induced asthma and diabetes. Common sports injuries include concussion, ACL sprains and tears, ankle sprains, shin splints, and muscle strains. SEM doctors also advise on managing and preventing injuries. 

Team physicians working in elite sports also often play a role in performance medicine, in which an athletes’ physiology is monitored, and aberrations are corrected to achieve peak physical performance.

SEM physicians are specialist physicians who have completed medical school, appropriate residency training, and specialize further in Sports and Exercise Medicine. Sports medicine may be a doctor’s first specialty (as in Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Italy). It may also be a sub-specialty or second specialization following a specialization such as physiatry or orthopedic surgery.

SEM physicians may work closely with Orthopedic Surgeons, Radiologists, Physiotherapists, Medical Massage Therapists, Rheumatologists, and Psychologists.

What Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Do?

If you suddenly find yourself with a sports-related injury, then visiting your regular family doctor might not be the best option. Sports medicine is focused on preventing and treating exercise- and sports-related injuries, so a sports doctor is best equipped to help you.

In addition to diagnosing and treating these injuries quickly, a significant benefit of sports medicine doctors is that they know how to implement alternative methods to avoid requiring surgery. Whereas many physicians may be quick to recommend surgery, a sports physician will try other methods first.

Who Are Sports Medicine Doctors?

When you think of a sports medicine doctor, you probably picture a physician who’s waiting at the sidelines and who jumps into action whenever an athlete is injured during a competition. They are specially trained to swiftly diagnose and treat injuries sustained from playing sports and any other type of orthopedic (musculoskeletal) injuries. Their goal is to get the player back to their sport as quickly and safely as possible.

They also aim to help people exercise safely and effectively to achieve optimum performance. This includes prescribing strength-training of muscles that the physician notices are lacking in balance with other muscles.

Sports medicine doctors will treat an injury and explain how to care for an injury while remaining in shape properly. Usually, these physicians handle the non-operative treatment of injuries of muscles, bones, and joints, such as the following:

Treating Medical Conditions

A sports doctor can also handle chronic or acute illnesses as well as nutrition and performance issues. Additionally, they can help patients in determining when to return to their regular activities after treatment.

Their work consists primarily of injury management to ensure fast recovery and a safe return to the sport, including the following:

Sport medicine doctors can work closely with other medical practitioners, such as orthopedic surgeons, therapists, and dieticians.

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## What is a Sports Medicine Physician?



**Definition and Overview**



A sports medicine physician is a specialized⁤ doctor who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries related to ⁤physical activity and sports⁤ participation. These physicians possess advanced knowledge of sports-related conditions and have expertise in managing various musculoskeletal and medical‌ issues ​that impact athletes.



**Education and Training**



To become ⁣a sports medicine physician, individuals typically undergo extensive medical training, including:



– Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.)

– Post-graduate residency in primary care (family medicine, internal medicine,‍ or paediatrics)

– Fellowship training in sports ​medicine accredited by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) or Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine‌ (CASM)



**Scope of ⁢Practice**



Sports medicine physicians provide a range of services to athletes‌ and active individuals, including:



– **Evaluation and Diagnosis:**⁣ Assessing injuries and medical conditions through physical examinations, history-taking, and diagnostic tests

– **Treatment:** Developing and implementing treatment plans to manage acute or chronic injuries and improve athletic performance

– **Rehabilitation:** Guiding patients through exercises, therapies, and protocols to restore mobility, strength, and function

– **Nutrition and Supplementation:** Providing nutritional guidance and recommendations for sports-specific needs⁢ and ​performance optimization

– **Mental Health​ and Performance Psychology:** Addressing‍ psychological factors such as motivation, ⁤anxiety, and injury ⁢coping strategies

– **Prevention and Injury Management:** Educating athletes on injury prevention techniques and developing ​individualized strategies to minimize risk



**Benefits of‌ Seeing‌ a ‍Sports Medicine⁣ Physician**



Consulting a sports medicine physician can ‍provide numerous⁢ benefits for⁢ athletes and active ⁣individuals:



– **Expert Care:** Accessing the knowledge and skills of‍ a physician ⁢specializing in sports-related conditions

– **Improved Performance:** Receiving guidance and support to enhance athletic performance​ and ⁢efficiency

– **Optimized Recovery:** Benefitting from tailored rehabilitation ‌and recovery plans to expedite injury management

– **Enhanced Injury Prevention:** Learning techniques to reduce the risk of injuries and maintain health

– **Comprehensive‌ Approach:** Addressing⁤ both ‍physical and mental aspects of athletic ‍performance and well-being



**When to See a Sports​ Medicine Physician**



Consider seeking ⁣consultation with a sports medicine physician if you experience:



– Persistent pain or discomfort during or after physical activity

– Decreased mobility or range of motion

– Suspected ligament, muscle, or tendon injuries

– Difficulty ⁤performing sports activities due to medical conditions

– Need for nutritional ⁢advice ⁢to fuel⁢ your performance

– Mental or emotional challenges that impact your athleticism