A doctor who practices sports medicine is dedicated to the practice of
medicine as it applies to physical activity, for the better good of the
individual to promote health, prevention and the encouragement of sport.
A sports medicine doctor has specialized training and the necessary skills
that allows them to provide the proper care and management for patients that
engage in physical activity. They have special interest in the promotion of
health, wellness, prevention, fitness and the diagnosis and treatment of sports
related injury and disease.
To become recognized as a Sports medicine doctor they must first become part
of the Canadian Association of Sports Medicine (CASM)
and partake in a standardized evaluation process. A Sports Medicine doctor must
have considerable knowledge in many areas and disciplines such as; the ability
to diagnose, recognize and treat injuries and illnesses, to recommend exercise
programs, perform pre-participation physicals, have knowledge of current
pharmaceutical needs for injury management, doping control and supplements and
coordinate the rehabilitation and eventual return to sport or activity with
other health professionals. They must be able to interpret laboratory results be
knowledgeable in environmental and travel issues, nutrition, gender and sex
related issues, and the list goes on.
Sports Medicine doctors show a commitment towards sport and physical
activity, prevention of injuries, health promotion and safety. They can be seen
working on the sidelines ready for any emergency that might arise with
professional teams, clubs, universities, and National and Provincial teams. They
also work in association with Physiotherapy and Athletic Therapy
clinics to convey their acquired skills, ability and knowledge to regular
weekend warriors who injure themselves. They attend regular continuing
education courses, conferences and seminars to stay abreast with the latest
information, treatment options and injury trends. They provide recommendations
to sporting organizations to improve sport safety and reduce the potential for
injury. They also educate coaches, athletes, parents, officials and
administrators the benefits of exercise, the prevention, awareness and
recognition of injury.
A sports medicine doctor has many shoes to fill and because of that requires
many special skills, knowledge and abilities to make them all fit. Kinatex
Sports Physio has several sports medicine doctors affiliated with our clinics,
visit our website at www.kinatex.com for more information and locations that
offer sports medicine consultations. For more details on “What is a Sports
Medicine doctor” visit the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine
here.