Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with physical activity type sports.
What does a sports doctor do?
A sports doctor can certify the fitness level of a patient in order for them to take part in competitive and non-competitive sports, and can conduct tests and evaluations to identify any medical issues related to the sport or advise against the practice, such as in case of a heart disease. The specialist can also provide advice on nutrition for an athlete, take care of sport related injuries, and is responsible for the management of chronic disease through exercise prescriptions such as therapy. Finally, the doctor is involved in assessing doping cases for athletes.
What diseases are treated by a sports doctor?
The disease most often treated by a sports doctor are sport related injuries such as damage to the joints and ligaments, distortions, patellofemoral pain such as runner's knee, medial and lateral epicondylitis such as golfer's and tennis elbow, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, and head trauma. The doctor can also address problems such as back pain and gonalgia.
What are the procedures used by a sports doctor?
A sports doctor assesses the state of mental and physical health of those who practice a sport, provides help in case of trauma, and can uses sport as a therapy to prevent and manage chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Among the tests and treatments that the doctor uses include exercise testing, protocol RICE which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation, and corticosteroid injections.
When should a patient visit a sports doctor?
A patient can visit a sports doctor if they require a certificate of fitness to practice sports, if they are recovering from a sports injury, and in the case where the patient wants to use sport therapy to prevent or deal with a chronic disease that can drawn benefit from physical activity.
