What Is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine is a sub division of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries resulting from athletic pursuits and sports. Sports medicine has branches in many countries, including Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Australia. It is generally regarded as a subset of health care, offering specialized treatment only to athletes. The scope of sports medicine includes not only physical therapy but also x-ray, diagnostic tests, therapeutic procedures and preventive care.
To be qualified to practice sports medicine, one must be a graduate of an accredited college of medicine or the American College of Sports Medicine. Two years of anatomy, science and physiology are a minimum requirement. To be eligible for a degree in sports medicine, four years of undergraduate study at an accredited university or college is required, including one year of clinical study. A doctor of chiropractic or physical therapy is usually required to complete a master's degree program in sports medicine. After you have completed your undergraduate coursework, you should enroll in a chiropractic college for a minimum of two years. Visit this page to get more info about sports medicine qualifications.
There are various sports medicine specialties available in the United States. They include athletic trainers, athletic training instructors, cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, podiatrists and athletic rehabilitation therapists. Physicians specializing in pediatric and orthopedic subspecialties are required to complete a 2-year internship under the supervision of a licensed physician. In general, sports medicine doctors are required to have a master's degree, undergo board certification and obtain experience in various sports medicine practices.
If you're seeking further information on sports medicine, the American Board of Sports Medicine (ABSM) provides comprehensive online resources. Starting with the ABSM website, which serves as the main portal for the entire association, you can get comprehensive information on all aspects of the discipline. The ABSM website provides doctors resources and current listings. You can also go through the link to the left and browse through the various specialty areas that the ABSM has associated with.
Injuries are often the leading cause of athletic team dismissals. This is especially the case when a physician has not been properly trained in sports medicine. For instance, an athlete may have twisted his ankle while playing basketball. The twist may have resulted in ligament tears, which will require physical therapy, rehabilitation and possible surgery.
When treating these athletes with sports medicine, the physician should consider the fact that the patient has experienced pain and swelling before the injury occurred. This will help him evaluate the severity of the injury and recommend a conservative treatment plan. He will also consider any history of past musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Physiotherapy for injured athletes will include a balanced program of stretching and strengthening to improve flexibility, balance and range of motion. Rehabilitation will also be a key component of the plan. Discover more details related to this topic on this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_medicine_and_rehabilitation.
