What is an orthopedic sports medicine physician?
An Orthopedic Sports Medicine Physician is an orthopedic surgeon, with specialized post-residency training, who promotes life-long fitness and wellness by applying knowledge and experience to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sports related injury or illness. He serves as the leader of the sports medicine team, and coordinates and integrates care between other medical specialists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches and, of course, the athlete. Sports medicine physicians specialize in both operative and non-operative treatment of sports or recreationally derived injuries. Common examples include strains and sprains of the ankle, knee, shoulder and spine, as well as overuse injuries, such as tendonitis and stress fractures. They also routinely evaluate and refer appropriately many of the non-musculoskeletal problems that affect an athlete within his or her personal or social environment. Common examples include: traumatic brain injury (concussion), athletes with acu
