An Introduction to Sports Medicine

Original Editor - User Name

Top Contributors - Wanda van Niekerk, Jess Bell, Kim Jackson and Nupur Smit Shah  

Introduction

Sport and exercise medicine is rapidly growing and evolving as a specialist discipline. It includes various tasks and responsibilities and it is often practiced by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Each of these professionals have specific specialised skills that is necessary for the optimal care of athletes of all levels and those taking part in physical activity and exercise. A physician is commonly involved as part of the sports and exercise medical team (often orthopaedic surgeons, or emergency medicine physicians, general practitioners and more recently specialist sport and exercise medicine physicians). Physiotherapists have a key role in athlete management as part of the multidisciplinary team and depending on the specific sports setting may be the only sports medicine professional working directly with the athlete or team. While when working in a professional sports environment the physiotherapist may be part of a larger network of sports medicine professionals looking after the team and athletes.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports Medicine is "the scientific and clinical testing, manipulation, and care of those who exercise, especially athletes."

There is often a misconception that sports medicine professionals only work with elite and high-level athletes, but these professionals provide services to athletes of all ages and of all levels, as well as to physically active people and those who take part in recreational exercise.

Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists are involved in the prevention and management of injuries resulting from sport and exercise participation at all ages and at all levels of ability. They provide evidence-based advice on safe participation in sport and exercise, as well as promoting a physically active lifestyle to help individuals improve and maintain their quality of life.

Read more: The Role of the Sports Physiotherapist

History of Sports Medicine

• Sports Medicine has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome
  • Physical education was valued and an integral part of an adolescent's life
  • Specialists took care of athletes
  • The first team doctor was Galen - doctor of the gladiators
    • Galen recommended: "Take fresh air, get a good sleep, eat and drink properly, control emotions and empty bowels once a day!" He also added: "No activity is exercise unless you become breathless".
• Multidisciplinary model was part of sports medicine from the beginning
• Initially, it was a more physician-centered approach, whereas now it is a patient-centered approach

If you are interested in the history of sports medicine and want to find out more, here are some interesting resources to consult:

• The Origins of Sports Medicine
• History of Sports Medicine/Physiotherapy Timeline
• This lecture presented by Dr Robert Johnson on A History of Sports Medicine: A Sports Physician's Perspective is part of Aspetar's Tuesday Lecture Series.

What Does Sports Medicine Encompass?

Sports Medicine is an umbrella term that includes all professionals concerned with enhancing the performance and healthcare of physically active individuals. It encompasses a broad range of medical areas, such as:

• Biomechanical
• Psychological
• Nutrition
• Environmental
• Pathological
• Physiological

Professions in Sports Medicine

Professions that may be part of the sports medicine team can include:

Various Professions in the Sports Medicine Team
Kinesiologist Athletic Trainer Physician Psychologist Nutrionist/Dietician Coach Physiotherapist Dentist Soft tissue therapist Rheumatologist Radiologist Cardiologist Biokineticist	Orthopaedic surgeon Exercise physiologist Chiropractor Ophthalmologist Podiatrist Emergency medical technician (EMT) Nurse Athletic director Physical educator/ Fitness Advisor Osteopath Biomechanisists Occupational therapist Orthotist

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