What does a Sports Medicine Physician do?
Sports medicine physicians treat health problems in active people and athletes. This includes musculoskeletal problems (non-operative orthopedics) and medical problems in athletes (things like exercise-induced asthma, diabetes, heart problems, skin conditions, concussions, etc). Our definition of sports medicine is broad – working with people of all ages, from elite and world class athletes to weekend warriors and little leaguers. In addition, sports medicine doctors are committed to educating patients and communities regarding fitness and wellness, with particular focus on prevention of disease and injury.
Sports medicine physicians treat health problems in active people and athletes. This includes musculoskeletal problems (non-operative orthopedics) and medical problems in athletes (things like exercise-induced asthma, diabetes, heart problems, skin conditions, concussions, etc). Our definition of sports medicine is broad – working with people of all ages, from elite and world class athletes to weekend warriors and little leaguers. In addition, sports medicine doctors are committed to educating patients and communities regarding fitness and wellness, with particular focus on prevention of disease and injury. Do you take care of fractures (broken bones)? Yes. We regularly take care of a variety of fractures. We do casting and splinting on site. If you happen to have a very complex fracture or a fracture that warrants surgery, we will refer you to one of our orthopedic colleagues. What is the difference between a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) and an MD (medical doctor)? Both MDs and
A good Sports Medicine physician will work in conjunction with, not in replacement of, your primary care physician, an orthopedist when necessary, and other medical professionals to maximize your care. This means you don’t have to give up your “regular” doctor when you seek care from a Sports Medicine physician. In fact, in most instances given your permission, the Sports Medicine doctor will inform your other physician to coordinate best care and get everyone, including you, “on the same page.” Sports Medicine physicians are not physical therapists or athletic trainers, although, as leaders of a sports medicine team, they work closely with these and other health care providers to enhance healing, maximize physical function, and minimize disability or time away from physical activity. In addition to treating injuries or medical problems, Sports Medicine physicians emphasize and promote lifelong fitness, wellness, and health.
