Have you ever sprained an arm or leg, pulled a muscle while playing cricket, playing netball, or just exercising? Or are you bothered by persistent pain in your knee or shoulder? Many people think that when something like this happens, you need to go to an orthopedic surgeon. But did you know that there are specialist doctors who can treat many of these injuries without surgery? Those are the people we call 'Sports Medicine Physicians'.
Who exactly is a Sports Medicine Physician?
Simply put, a sports medicine doctor is a doctor who is highly trained to treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system of our body. Now you may be wondering what the musculoskeletal system is. It is the entire system that is formed when our bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and related tissues come together.
When you hear the name of these doctors, you might think that they only treat athletes, but that's not the case. These doctors specialize in treating injuries that can affect anyone who leads an active life, meaning you, me, any of us. So you don't have to be a professional athlete.
What is the difference between a sports doctor and an orthopedic surgeon?
This is a confusing and very important topic for many people. Both of these doctors specialize in our bones, muscles, and joints. But the main difference is this:
- Orthopedic surgeons are those who perform operations on these parts if necessary.
- Sports Medicine Physicians are those who treat these parts without surgery .
Just think, about 90% of sports-related injuries don't require surgery. That means that most of the time, a sports doctor can help you.
So, if you have a torn or sprained muscle, you don't have to immediately fear surgery. You can first see a sports doctor and see if you can heal with non-surgical treatments.
What services do we receive from a sports doctor?
A sports medicine doctor's main job is to diagnose and treat problems related to the functioning of our bodies, as well as help prevent future injuries.
Some of the main things they do:
- Diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders and conditions of your musculoskeletal system.
- Advising athletes and the general public on how to prevent injuries, proper nutrition, and how to exercise safely .
- Providing medical facilities during events such as sports competitions.
- Guidance on when and how an injured player can safely return to play .
| Common conditions treated | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Sprains | A sprain or tear of the ligaments of a joint (e.g., an ankle sprain) |
| Muscle strains | A strain on a muscle or the tendon that connects it to a bone. |
| Fractures | Treatment of minor fractures that do not require surgery. |
| Joint injuries | Pain and disorders in joints such as the shoulder and knee. |
| Overuse injuries | Injuries caused by repeated repetitive motions. For example, rotator cuff injuries, stress fractures. |
| Tendinitis | Swelling and pain in the tendons. |
| Joint pain (Osteoarthritis) | Pain caused by the wear and tear of cartilage in the joints with age or due to injury. |
| Concussions | Management of conditions that occur after brain damage from a head injury. |
How long does it take to study to become a sports doctor?
It's not an easy journey. A sports medicine doctor needs at least 12 years of education and training to become qualified to treat patients. The journey typically looks like this:
- Four years for a degree
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of residency in another medical field (e.g. family medicine, emergency care)
- One year fellowship in sports medicine
After completing this education, they must also pass the national certification exams in sports medicine, so you can see how deep their knowledge of this field is.
When should I see a sports doctor?
As we've said before, you don't have to be an athlete to see these doctors, even though they're often seen on the sidelines of major sporting events. You can see one of these doctors for any non-surgical problem involving your bones, muscles, or joints. If you want to start exercising, if you're someone who does light physical activity, or if you're a competitive athlete, they can all help you.
Here are some situations when you should see a sports doctor:
- If you get injured while playing sports or doing other activities.
- If you have long-term pain or a disorder related to your bones or muscles that affects your body's function.
- If you want to be more active and improve your physical fitness .
- If you want accurate advice on how to exercise safely and healthily .
If you have a problem like this, the best thing to do is talk to your family doctor , seek his advice, and then refer you to a sports medicine specialist.
Take-Home Message
- Sports physicians are medical specialists who treat not only athletes, but anyone who is active.
- They treat disorders of our bones, muscles, and musculoskeletal system.
- The main thing is, they don't do surgery. 90% of sports-related injuries don't require surgery.
- You can see this doctor for treatment of a sprain, muscle strain, joint pain, and for advice on exercise.
- To find out if a sports medicine specialist is right for your problem, first talk to your doctor.
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