Sports medicine
Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that cares for people who exercise or play sports. It focuses on keeping people fit, treating injuries, and preventing future problems.
What sports medicine doctors do
- Diagnose and treat injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
- Help patients recover, return to daily activities, and get back to sport safely.
- Advise on how to stay active, improve performance, and prevent injuries.
- Work with a team of specialists to create the best plan for each person.
Who works in sports medicine
- Sports physicians or sport and exercise medicine (SEM) doctors
- Orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors
- Athletic trainers, physiotherapists (physical therapists), podiatrists
- Exercise physiologists, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and strength coaches
- Other professionals who support fitness and recovery
Where SEM is practiced
- In many countries, SEM is a stand-alone medical specialty.
- In the United States, it is often a subspecialty within other medical fields or part of primary care.
- Training and recognition vary by country, but the goal is the same: safe, evidence-based care for active people.
Common injuries and treatments
- Common problems include knee and shoulder injuries, ankle sprains, fractures, concussions, and cartilage issues.
- Treatments usually involve medicine for pain and swelling, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the PRICE method), physical therapy, and sometimes immobilization. Surgery may be needed for more serious injuries.
- SEM doctors also help with nutrition, supplements, and prevention strategies to avoid injuries.
Concussions and safety
- Managing head injuries carefully has become a major focus in sport.
- Guidelines aim to protect the brain and ensure athletes return to play safely, with careful testing and slow recovery when needed.
Doping and ethics
- Doctors in sports medicine play a key role in promoting fair play and detecting or preventing doping.
- The field has faced scandals where medical staff were involved in enabling performance-enhancing drug use.
Team approach
- Injuries are treated by a team, not just one doctor.
- The team may include athletic trainers, physiotherapists, doctors, and coaches, all working together to help the person recover and stay healthy.
Training and qualifications
- SEM doctors usually have extensive medical training and special education in musculoskeletal care.
- Europe has worked on standardizing SEM training, and in 2024 there was cross-recognition of SEM qualifications across several countries.
- Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are considered pioneers in SEM as a stand-alone specialty.
Who benefits
- SEM helps athletes and other active people of all ages, from beginners to professionals, stay healthy and perform well with fewer injuries.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:46 (CET).