postgraduate certificate in sports medicine

Last Updated on January 16, 2023

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. Although most sports teams have employed team physicians for many years, it is only since the late 20th century that sports medicine has emerged as a distinct field of health care. In some countries, Sports medicine (or Sport and Exercise medicine) is a recognized medical specialty (with similar training and standards to other medical specialties), whereas in other countries it is a special interest area but not an actual specialty.

A sports medicine physician has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. They are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams or active individuals who are simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sports medicine physicians specialize solely in non-surgical sports medicine and serve as team physicians at the youth level, NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NHL, as well as with Olympic teams.

A Sports Medicine Physician’s Training:

  • Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics or Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation.
  • Has obtained one to two years of additional fellowship training in Sports Medicine.
  • Has passed a national Sports Medicine certification examination allowing them to hold a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.
  • Participates in continuing medical education activities and recertification via re-examination every 10 years. This rigorous process was instituted to distinguish certified Sports Medicine Physicians from other physicians without specialized training.
  • Is a leader of the Sports Medicine team, which also may include specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel and the athlete.

Sports Medicine is a recognized subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Subspecialties and by Medicare.

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Both are well trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports Medicine Physicians specialize in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative treatment of these conditions. However, approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. The Sports Medicine Physician can maximize non-operative treatment, guide appropriate referrals to physical and occupational therapies, and if necessary, expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon.

Common examples of musculoskeletal problems include:

  • Acute injuries (such as ankle sprains, muscle strains, knee & shoulder injuries, and fractures)
  • Overuse injuries (such as rotator cuff and other forms of tendonitis, stress fractures)Medical and injection therapies for osteoarthritis

Sports Medicine Physicians have received additional training in the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine. Common examples of these include:

  • Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and other head injuries
  • Athletes with chronic or acute illness (such as infectious mononucleosis, asthma or diabetes)
  • Nutrition, supplements, ergogenic aids, and performance issues
  • Exercise prescription for patients who want to increase their fitness
  • Injury prevention
  • “Return to play” decisions in the sick or injured athlete
  • Recommendations on safe strength training and conditioning exercises
  • Healthy lifestyle promotion

Scope

Sports medicine can refer to the specific medical specialty or subspecialty of Sports Medicines. Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM), which is now well established in many countries. It can broadly also refer to doctors and other paramedical practitioners who work in a more broad setting. The various sports medicine experts often work together as a team to ensure the best recovery plan for the individual. Team members can include orthopedic surgeons, certified athletic trainers, sports physical therapists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, as well as specialty SEM physicians

Specializing in the treatment of athletes and other physically active individuals, sports and exercise medicine (SEM) physicians have extensive education in musculoskeletal medicine. SEM doctors treat injuries such as muscle, ligament, tendon and bone problems, but may also treat chronic illnesses that can affect physical performance, such as asthma and diabetes. SEM doctors also advise on managing and preventing injuries.

SEM consultants also deliver clinical physical activity interventions, negating the burden of disease directly attributable to physical inactivity and the compelling evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of disease.

European templates for SEM specialisation generally recommend 4 years of specialist training in all of:

  • internal medicine with special emphasis on cardiology, emergency medicine and clinical nutrition
  • orthopaedics and traumatology
  • physical and rehabilitation medicine
  • fellowship at a recognised sports medicine centre.

Establishment as a medical specialty

Sports (and Exercise) Medicine (SEM) is now a recognized medical specialty in over 30 countries worldwide, and a recognized subspecialty in many others.

The Italian version of this page Medicina dello sport states that Sports Medicine societies were first established in Switzerland (1922) followed by: Germany (1924), France (1929) and Italy (1929) (Italian Sports Medicine Federation). Sports medicine was established as a specialty in Italy, the first country to do so, in 1958. The European Union of Medical Specialists has defined necessary training requirements for the establishment of the specialty of Sports Medicine in a given European country.[1] It is a goal of the European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations to eventually establish Sports Medicine as a specialty in all European countries.

In Australia and New Zealand, Sport and Exercise Medicine is a stand-alone medical specialty, with the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians being one of Australia’s 15 recognized medical specialty Colleges.

An anomaly with respect to (medical) specialty recognition of SEM is that it has not yet occurred in some of the countries with very strong pedigrees in academic publication in the Sports Medicine field, including Sweden, Norway and South Africa. Sports medicine is only a subspecialty field rather than stand-alone specialty in the USA and Canada. All of these countries have very strong research publication records in the SEM field.

How to Become a Sports Medicine Doctor in 5 Steps

Sports medicine physicians work with both athletes and non-athletes to prevent and treat sports related injuries and to promote overall health through healthy lifestyle habits and safe exercise practices. Read on to learn about sports medicine physician school and how to become a sports medicine doctor.View Schools

Sports Medicine Requirements

Sports medicine physicians are specialized in the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. Primary care sports doctors use non-operative procedures to treat injuries. They lead a sports medicine team, which may include athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and specialty surgeons. They diagnose injuries, recommend treatment, and refer patients to other specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons are surgeons who are specialized in the operative treatment of sports injuries.

These sports medicine physicians may work with student athletes, amateur athletes, and professional athletes. They may also work with people who are seeking to improve their fitness or people who are injured through exercise.

Degree RequiredBachelor’s degree;
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Training Requirements:
Primary Care Sports Doctors
Residency in internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, neuromusculoskeletal, or rehabilitation medicine;
Fellowship in sports medicine
Training Requirements:
Orthopedic Surgeon
Residency in orthopedic surgery;
Fellowship in surgical sports medicine
LicensureU.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA)
Certification: Primary Care Sports DoctorsBoard certification in residency specialty;
Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine
Job Growth (2018-2028)7% for all physicians and surgeons*
Average Salary (2019)$181,250**

How to Become a Sports Medicine Doctor

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step towards a career in sports medicine is to earn a bachelor’s degree. The next step will be to attend medical school, so undergraduates should plan their undergraduate coursework and extracurriculars accordingly. Science majors are recommended, such as biology or chemistry. All medical schools require applicants to have taken a certain number of specified science courses. Students should also participate in activities that demonstrate their leadership abilities, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

Step 2: Attend Medical School

Aspiring sports medicine physicians must next earn a medical degree, either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Osteopathic programs place more emphasis on preventative care and the musculoskeletal system than medical doctor programs.

During the first two years of medical school, students take courses on the human body, patient care, and medical ethics. The next two years are spent in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, where students learn to care for and communicate with patients, record medical information, and collaborate with other physicians.

Step 3: Complete a Residency

Residencies are where the path for individuals pursuing a primary care sports medicine career and those pursuing an orthopedic surgery career will diverge. Aspiring primary care sports medicine doctors generally first complete a 3-year residency in family medicine. Other residency options are: internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, neuromusculoskeletal, and rehabilitation medicine. Aspiring orthopedic surgeons complete an orthopedic surgery residency.

Step 4: Pursue a Fellowship

Following their residencies, physicians pursuing a career in primary care sports medicine will complete a one- to two-year fellowship in sports medicine. During their fellowship, they learn more about sports injuries and work as team doctors for a local high school or college sports team. They also work within an orthopedic surgery setting and assist in some surgeries. Finally, they continue their training in their initial specialty, such as pediatrics or family medicine.

Individuals pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery can complete a one- to two-year surgical sports medicine fellowship, where they gain more experience in surgically treating sports injuries. Some fellowships train orthopedic surgeons in treating a variety of sports-related injuries. Other fellowships are focused on treating sports-related injuries to a particular joint, such as the shoulder.

Step 5: Earn Licensure and Certification

Both primary care sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons must pass a national standardized licensing exam. Medical doctors must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Osteopathic doctors must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA). These exams consist of three parts. The first two parts are taken during medical school. The final part is taken during the residency.

Primary care sports medicine doctors can earn the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine. In order to be eligible for the CAQ, candidates must have completed their Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved fellowship, hold a medical license, and have a certification in their residency specialty. Board certification programs must be approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

What Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Do?

A sports medicine doctor is a primary care doctor who is specially trained to diagnose and treat injuries that are sustained while playing sports and any other type of orthopedic (musculoskeletal) injury.

“A patient who would be a candidate to see me is really anybody who is active and wants to improve their overall health,” says UNC Health sports medicine specialist Lauren Porras, MD. “I think there’s this common misconception that all I do is take care of 18-year-old football players. The majority of my practice tends to be older people who are trying to be active but are limited by pain.”

Sports medicine doctors often serve as a steppingstone between primary care and an orthopedic surgeon.

“We have more experience than a routine primary care physician managing musculoskeletal issues and any sort of metabolic or bone condition, nutrition and other elements that deal with activity,” Dr. Porras says. “And we also have a lot of experience in managing acute injuries, chronic injuries and conditions that don’t require surgery.”

Acute injuries happen suddenly—often while playing sports or exercising. Think of an ankle sprain or a stress fracture. Chronic injuries develop over time, often from overuse—training too hard or too long. An example of a chronic injury is a torn rotator cuff.

Sports medicine doctors will not only treat an injury but also explain how to properly care for an injury while remaining in shape.

If an injury or condition does require surgery, sports medicine doctors have the expertise to identify that quickly and “get the patient to the appropriate surgeon,” Dr. Porras says.

Sports medicine physicians often work in orthopedic practices, and although the goal is to avoid surgery if possible, they know who can best help you if you do need surgery. For example, some orthopedic surgeons specialize in knee replacements, while others may specialize in shoulder surgeries.

Finally, sports medicine doctors understand the tests and imaging that surgeons will need before a surgery, so they can make sure those are completed before you see the surgeon.

“We get all those things taken care of so the patient is not having to wait or go back and forth to have them done before surgery,” Dr. Porras says.

How Are Sports Medicine Doctors Trained?

After medical school, sports medicine physicians do a primary care residency.

“The most common residencies are family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics or emergency medicine,” Dr. Porras says.

After their residencies, sports medicine physicians complete an accredited fellowship in sports medicine. Then they are certified as primary care sports medicine physicians.

Sports medicine doctors are orthopedic specialists who work with athletes and those with musculoskeletal injuries. They are trained to address any issue that is associated with sports – everything from joint pain to osteoarthritis to nutrition.

Although sports physicians are best known for their role in advising and treating amateur and professional athletes who have suffered from a sports injury, they also diagnose and treat “weekend warriors” and retirees who are sore or injured from playing tennis or golf.

IS SPORTS MEDICINE ONLY FOR ATHLETES?

No. Sports injuries are musculoskeletal injuries that tend to occur during exercise or when participating in sports activities. Children are more prone to sustaining sports-related injuries than adults are, but adults can get hurt especially when they play contact sports or don’t warm up properly before exercising. If you are not regularly active but suddenly begin to engage in a sport or physical activity, it can increase your chances of getting a sports injury.

Moreover, sports doctors are knowledgeable in preventing musculoskeletal injuries, not just treating them. Sports physicians are also specially trained to diagnose and treat young children and older adults who have health issues or injuries in the bones, muscles, or joints.

INJURIES TREATED BY A SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

Here are three of the medical conditions and injuries that a sports doctor most frequently diagnoses and treats:

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

A torn rotator cuff is an injury that affects the group of muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint. It frequently affects those who repeatedly perform overhead motions, such as baseball pitchers and tennis players; it can also affect those who perform incorrect repetitive motions that pull on the shoulder. The tear can be partial or total, and a total rotator cuff tear may require surgery.

Symptoms usually start with a dull ache in the shoulder. It often causes sleep disturbances, especially if you lie on your affected shoulder. Patients with this shoulder injury often complain of arm weakness which makes it difficult to comb their hair or put on a shirt.

ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

The Achilles tendon may tear, or rupture, when extreme pressure is placed on the back of the lower leg or even with foot impact, such as landing from a jump. Patients who suffer from a torn Achilles tendon may feel a sudden onset of sharp pain in the heel area. Others may also hear a snapping sound as the tendon breaks, which makes it very difficult to walk.

ANKLE SPRAIN

A sprained ankle is an injury to the ligaments that connect and surround the bones of the ankle. An ankle sprain usually happens when you twist your ankle severely and awkwardly, resulting in a stretch or tear of the ligaments that hold your ankle bones together.

SPORTS DOCTORS IN CENTRAL MARYLAND

A sports medicine physician can help you with musculoskeletal pain or injuries of all kinds, including arthritis. They are experts in restoring the function of injured joints and lessening the pain. They can also coordinate with physical therapists to help patients develop a treatment program that works best.

If you would like to see a sports medicine doctor about your own health concerns, schedule a consultation with an orthopedic physician at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland. We provide innovative, comprehensive care with one goal in mind – keeping our patients moving through life with ease and comfort.

Sports medicine is a fast-growing healthcare field that focuses on the treatment of athletic injuries. Sports medicine healthcare providers help athletes and other physically active patients improve movement and performance. These professionals also work to prevent illness and injury and treat sports-related injuries.

The field of sports medicine encompasses a variety of career paths, including physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology. Those interested in healthcare and sports may find a career in this industry highly rewarding.

Why Pursue a Career in Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine healthcare providers give treatment to anyone who sustains injuries from physical activity — not just athletes. Because this field contains many different medical positions, the career path you take will depend on the degree level you choose and the environment you want to work in.

A sports medicine degree allows graduates to work in the healthcare and sports sectors. Those interested in treating all types of physically active patients, from young children to professional athletes, can pursue careers as physical therapists and exercise physiologists. If you are passionate about working exclusively with athletes, a career as an athletic trainer or team physician might be a good fit for you.

Sports Medicine Career Outlook

The career outlook for sports medicine positions varies depending on a worker’s role, educational level, and industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of athletic trainers will grow by 19% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S.

Graduates with a sports medicine bachelor’s degree can pursue a career as an exercise physiologist. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $49,170, and the BLS projects this occupation to grow by 10% from 2018-2028.

Other positions in this field, such as physical therapists and physicians, require a doctoral degree and have much higher earning potential. According to the BLS, physical therapists and team physicians earn median annual salaries of $84,400 and more than $208,000, respectively.

The table below features salaries for a few popular sports medicine careers, as well as salary prospects for professionals with various levels of work experience.

JOB TITLEENTRY-LEVEL
0-12 MONTHS)
EARLY CAREER
1-4 YEARS)
MIDCAREER
5-9 YEARS)
EXPERIENCED
10-19 YEARS)
Sports Medicine Physician$174,350$179,810$186,610$195,210
Occupational Therapist$61,850$64,560$71,130$76,060
Athletic Trainer$39,410$40,760$45,570$49,180

Compassion

Compassion plays a vital role in sports medicine careers. Professionals must possess empathy for their patients and a genuine desire to help others. This skill cultivates patient trust and helps professionals provide higher levels of care.

Communication

Excellent oral and written communication skills allow sports medicine professionals to understand patients’ needs and deliver effective treatment plans. These skills also promote professional collaboration and learning.

Research

Sports medicine careers require professionals to stay up to date with the latest discoveries and advancements. Students in sports medicine degree programs hone research skills applicable to their career through research papers, projects, and other coursework.

Organization

Organizational skills help sports medicine professionals manage dozens of patients, meet deadlines, and keep track of important information. These skills are particularly crucial for managers who are responsible for an organization’s budget and personnel.

Dexterity

As physical therapists spend much of their time therapeutically touching patients, they must possess excellent physical dexterity. This skill allows professionals to guide and assist patients without inflicting discomfort or harm. Internships and supervised mentoring help sports medicine students hone this skill.

Sports Medicine Career Paths

As a broad field that contains positions in healthcare and sport, students can pursue a variety of career paths with a sports medicine degree. With an undergraduate degree, students can find job opportunities with hospitals and professional sports teams, where they may work as athletic trainers or exercise physiologists.

Alternatively, graduates with a master’s degree can explore positions in clinical settings as occupational therapists or kinesiotherapists. Students can also go on to earn a doctor of physical therapy and become a licensed physical therapist.

Health Informatics

This occupation combines sports medicine with information technology. Health informatics use technology to provide better care and improve patient outcomes. Prior to starting their careers, graduates often earn the certified specialist in business intelligence certificate.

Executive Leadership

Some graduates with a master’s in sports medicine pursue executive leadership positions. These professionals’ responsibilities may include team management, strategic planning, and analyzing business strategies.

Athletic Training

Athletic trainers need specialized training to work with people recovering from sports injuries. They focus on injury prevention, common disabilities, and differentiating treatment for men and women.

Kinesiology

Kinesiologists study how anatomy, physiology, and lifestyle choices affect physical health. Kinesiologists who specialize in sports medicine can work as personal trainers and physical therapy assistants.

How to Start Your Career in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine encompasses many industries and roles. Depending on their degree, graduates can pursue sports medicine careers as coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, physicians, and professors, among other roles.

The degree and concentration you select significantly impact your career choices. A bachelor’s degree qualifies you for many entry-level roles, but a master’s degree is typically needed for managerial and leadership roles. To work as a physician or professor, you must obtain a doctoral degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine

A bachelor’s in sports medicine or a related field represents the minimum degree you need to work in most sports medicine careers. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can continue your education in a master’s program or look for entry-level positions. As some master’s programs require applicants to possess relevant professional experience, you may need to work for a few years before applying to graduate school.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine?

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Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers work with athletes to identify and treat common sports injuries. Much of their job involves observing athletes for signs of injury and implementing rehabilitation programs. Bachelor’s programs prepare students for this profession by covering essential anatomy and physiology topics, including first aid.

Salary: $48,440

Coach

Coaches train athletes at all levels to play sports competitively. They organize practice sessions, mentor athletes, and provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. They also recruit new talent. Coaches can use their bachelor’s in sports medicine education to help protect athletes from injury.

Salary: $34,840

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists help patients with physical impairments and illnesses regain mobility and improve their overall health. They meet with patients, take vital signs, and create exercise programs that their patients can perform independently. A bachelor’s in sports medicine provides these professionals with essential medical knowledge and skills.

Salary: $49,170

Recreational Therapist

Like exercise physiologists, recreational therapists help patients with physical impairments and illnesses. However, recreational therapists often take a more hands-on approach by leading patients through activities. These professionals also focus on patients’ mental health by holding group activities where patients with similar afflictions can bond with one another.

Salary: $48,220

High School Teacher

Many sports medicine bachelor’s graduates pursue careers as high school teachers in public or private schools. They often work as physical education or nutrition teachers, promoting healthier lifestyles through exercise and lessons on health and wellness. Other job duties may include mentoring students and addressing students’ behavioral issues.

Salary: $61,660

Accredited Colleges Offering Sports Medicine Degrees

Associate Degree

Associate degrees in sports medicine are offered through some community colleges. Students must generally commit two years to earning an associate degree although, on a part-time basis, it can take three or more years. Every college varies somewhat in the classes it requires and any additional requirements it puts in place to earn an associate degree. In order to apply to an associate degree program in sports medicine, students must have high school or GED diplomas. Tuition for these programs varies, but typically an associate degree can be completed through a community college for less than $10,000 a year.

Students in these programs usually must take general course requirements. At most schools, this includes classes in math and English composition. Other courses that students must take to earn an associate degree in sports medicine may include kinesiology, physiology and nutrition. Kinesiology and physiology help students understand the human body so that they are aware of how various exercises affect muscle groups, joints, and bone health. Nutrition classes introduce students to the fundamentals of food groups, vitamins and other nutrients. CPR classes are not uncommon, and some programs assist students in earning their CPR certification, which is essential for those who hope to become certified personal trainers.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in sports medicine typically requires four years of full-time study. In order to be admitted to a university or college that offers a four-year degree in sports medicine, prospective students typically need high school transcripts, faculty recommendations, a resume, and a personal essay; exact requirements vary based on the school. Many students transfer into bachelor’s degree programs after completing an associate degree in a related discipline, like fitness or personal training. Tuition for a bachelor’s degree program in sports medicine varies greatly based on the school.

Bachelor’s level sports medicine students take general courses in science, including biology, kinesiology, anatomy, and physiology. In addition to general core science courses, sports medicine students must fulfill their schools’ requirements for all undergraduates – which may include courses in math, science, composition, foreign language, and humanities. Sports medicine students also take specialized courses in their major including sports medicine principles and injury evaluation and rehabilitation. These courses enable them to work with injured athletes safely and effectively.

Master’s Degree

A sports medicine master’s degree requires approximately two years of full-time study, though there are plenty of part-time options that require three or more years of school. Master’s degree level sports medicine students are required to study the fundamentals of kinesiology, physiology and sports injury treatment and evaluation. They also study physical therapy and rehabilitation, and proper fitness training fundamentals. Essentially, these are most of the same classes required for a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, but studied on a more in depth level.

Students interested in earning a master’s degree must complete a bachelor’s degree first, though this does not necessarily have to be in sports medicine. It is helpful if the degree is in a related area, such as physiology, anatomy, or physical therapy, as these disciplines all help graduate students succeed in their chosen program.

In addition to completing their coursework, students who are seeking a master’s of sports medicine degree may write an original research thesis on a topic of interest to them. Students dedicate at least one semester to the research and writing of their thesis, though many students spend at least an entire year on their thesis.

Medical Degrees: Becoming a Sports Medicine Physician

For those interested in pursuing careers as sports medicine physicians, they must first complete a four-year pre-med bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year university. This degree should be in sports medicine, kinesiology, exercise science, or related. This degree needs to be obtained from an accredited university, online or on-campus. Applicants to medical school must also take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam. MCAT scores are a competitive factor in medical school admissions.

After being accepted to medical school, prospective sports medicine physicians must obtain either a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. Both MDs and DOs require four years of medical school. Holders of MDs and DOs have the equal rights and privileges of practice and complete the same programs of residency and fellowship.

New physicians must complete either a three- or five-year residency before continuing on to a two-year fellowship. Becoming a primary care physician requires three years of residency in family medicine and other practices. Orthopedic surgeons must complete five years of surgical training. Those choosing the primary care track must continue on to complete another two years of fellowship training, working alongside doctors to learn the causes and treatments of sports-related injuries. Once the fellowship is complete, prospective physicians must apply for a state medical license. Each state has its own licensing program.

Program accreditation

Accreditation is the process of an independent, outside organization evaluating a school or program to see if it meets certain educational standards. All students should seek to earn a degree from a school that has achieved regional accreditation, which means that the school as a whole has met standards in such areas as curriculum, faculty, and facilities, which were set by a regionally-based accreditation agency. There are also program-specific accreditation processes for different types of programs. There is no accrediting body that specifically looks at sports medicine programs. That being said, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredits programs related to athletic training, including exercise science and physical education programs. Students who know that they want to pursue a career in athletic training should look for a CAATE-accredited program.

Professional Certification

Sports medicine is a diverse field for individuals who are passionate about athletics, physical performance, and physical fitness for people from all walks of life. As with any occupation, it is important to maintain a standard for all sports medicine practitioners, whether they be physicians or athletic trainers. Certification is a crucial process when becoming a qualified sports medicine practitioner– it ensures the public that the professional is skilled at their job, and it prevents those who are not from assuming a false title.

There are many different certificates that can be earned, depending on one’s specific career interests. Certification may or may not be required by an employer or the state, depending on the field and where an individual wants to work. However, earning a certification can help a job candidate stand out, as it shows that they are dedicated to the profession and that have a high level of knowledge of their field. Professional certificates that can be earned include Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Health Fitness Specialist, Clinical Exercise Specialist, and Clinical Exercise Physiologist. There are a variety of accredited certifying agencies, such as The American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, and The National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Other Sports Medicine Specialties

  • Physical Therapist: Physical therapists use a variety of methods to help patients deal with different physical issues. These practitioners use techniques such as manipulation, traction, massage, application of hot or cold compresses, and exercise to assist in their patient’s recovery. Physical therapists offer services to those in chronic pain or immobilized from injury or disease.
  • Nurse: Nurses are an integral part of disease prevention, health promotion, and recovery from illness. Nurses may practice independently or as a member of a health care team. This field has a wide variety of nursing certification and degrees which range from entry-level to doctoral-level.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: Orthopaedics is a branch of surgery concerned with problems in the musculoskeletal system. Using both surgical and nonsurgical procedures (like braces), orthopedics treat skeletal trauma, sports injuries, and other disorders.
  • Kinesiotherapist: A kinesiotherapist designs and monitors rehabilitation programs for diseased or injured patients seeking to regain muscle strength and function. These professionals know not only anatomy but the physiology of the human body as a whole. Kinesiotherapists must choose the right exercises for strength building while not causing further damage the patient. They use coordinated therapies that involve motivation and goals to help their patients improve faster. 
  • Exercise Physiologist: Exercise physiologists administer exercise tests, design individualized exercises, and customize exercise programs for athletes, those with chronic diseases, or people who are just interested in sports. Unlike a “personal trainer,” physiologists are certified by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. Often doctors refer patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease to see an exercise physiologist.

Sports medicine is an area of medical practice concerned with the treatment of injuries resulting from athletic activities. A physician practicing sports medicine focuses on sports-related medical services. This may include preventative measures such as conditioning and injury prevention, as well as treatments such as osteopathic manipulation, rehabilitation, or injections. Sports medicine physicians will often treat athletes with back pain due to strain and injury placed on the back from various sports including bicycling, weight lifting, running, and golf.

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Injuries

ACL Injuries in Children and Adolescents

The primary difference between an adult and child knee is the growth center or physis. These are regions at the end of the femur and tibia on both sides of the knee that provide most of the growth of the leg.

Breaking Stride

Fractures and dislocations are two of the more serious types of injuries that can occur during an athletic event. Early recognition and prompt medical treatment are extremely important with these injuries in athletes.

Cauliflower Ear

Cauliflower ear, or “hematoma auris”, is a collection of blood between the cartilage of the ear and the skin. When the ear lobe is repetitively struck or bent, as in taking a helmet on and off, the underlying cartilage is traumatized.

Cheerleading Injuries: Risk Factors and Prevention Tips

Competitive cheerleading involves a great deal of tumbling and stunting activities. The repetitive tumbling routines place a great deal of pressure on the spine and can result in stress fractures.

Concussions in Sports

A concussion occurs whenever a child’s mental status changes as a result of trauma (usually a blow to the head). A child who shows signs of mental confusion or is “dinged” by a blow to the head has suffered a concussion.

Hip Pointers

The term “hip pointer” is often used as a catch all phrase for any injury resulting in pain to the front of the hip. However, this is not always the case.

Is Your Rotator Cuff A Sore Subject?

What exactly is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that form to hold parts of the shoulder together. 

Little League Elbow

Today, “little league elbow” includes injuries that are not only unique to the immature upper extremity, but also to the specific demands of sports like baseball, tennis, golf and gymnastics.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is an injury or condition affecting a surface of the joint that involves separation of a segment of cartilage and the underlying bone. This can occur in any joint, it is most common in the knee, followed by the ankle, elbow and shoulder.

The Sprains and Strains of Sporting Injuries

Sprains and strains are some of the most common types of injuries in any sport. They involve the stretching or tearing of tissue.

Why Does My Knee Hurt?

One thing that all of these causes of anterior knee pain have in common is that they are usually overuse injuries and can be treated and prevented without surgery.

Swimming with a SICK Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

The shoulder joint and scapula work and move together to perform the overhead motions that occur in swimming. To perform the overhead motions in swimming correctly, swimmers need a lot of shoulder mobility and stability.

Wrestling and Skin Conditions – What Is THAT?

The following are skin diseases associated with wresting that may not be covered for competition. Report anything suspicious to your athletic trainer or physician ASAP so you can stay competitive.

Highlights of the OHSAA Concussion Policy

Are you familiar with the OHSAA concussion policy? The policy states that all adults involved with high school athletics are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following this policy.

Injury Prevention

Are You Prepared for Your Sport?

As competitive levels increase in younger age groups it is the responsibility of parents and coaches to be knowledgeable in proper conditioning programs and to know when to rest athletes to prevent unnecessary and avoidable injuries.

Mouth Guards in Sports: A Necessary Piece of Equipment

Some experts recommend that mouthguards be worn by athletes in competitive and recreational sports in which impact, contact and collision are likely to occur.

Preventative Measures for Asthmatic Athletes

The seasonal transition often takes a toll on asthmatic athletes. With proper education and prevention, asthma shouldn’t have to sideline your child.

Stretching

Stretching is used to increase the flexibility of muscles. There are several different types of stretching including static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

Tips for New Runners: How Much is Too Much?

There are recommendations for level and intensity of training for kids in all sports but the number one rule is to emphasize fun, safety and fitness when it comes to kids.

Use Strength and Preparation to Keep Your Dancer in Top Form

Most young ballerinas can’t wait to take their dancing to the next level, but there are some things to consider so they don’t end up damaging their feet.

To Tape or to Brace… is that the Question?

Ankle sprains are the most common sports-relates injuries in the United States, accounting for an estimated 12 million injuries per year. These injuries can result in significant time away from games and practices.

How to Choose Running Shoes

Shoes that are chosen specifically for foot type and fitted properly can help keep athletes healthy and possibly prevent injuries such as shin splints and stress fractures.

How to Choose Orthotics

Improper foot alignment can cause pain anywhere in the foot, legs, and back. Some lower extremity pain and injuries may be helped and/or prevented by 

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