Sports Medicine Sports Medicine CareersCareers

Introduction to all the careers involved in Sports

Medicine

Sports MedicineSports Medicine

The study and application of scientific and mental knowledge to aspects of exercise and injury prevention.

The multidisciplinary approach to health care for those seriously involved in exercise and sport.

Promotes health and fitness while preventing, treating and rehabilitating injuries

First Recognized in the twentieth century Cared for injured military veteransTrue sports medicine specialists have training

that allows them to treat athletic injuries.

Athlete’s Circle of CareAthlete’s Circle of Care

All individuals involved in the care of an athlete.

Vitally important in the holistic approach to athletic health care

Certified Athletic Trainers rely on many health professionals to help treat their athletes.

Illustrates the team approach to the care of the athlete

There needs to be good communication between the coach, athlete, and certified athletic trainer

Parents should be actively engaged in the prevention and treatment of the injuries

Family and Team DoctorFamily and Team Doctor

Team doctor: specializes in sports medicine and helps the athlete maximize their function and minimize the time away from sports.

Family doctor: primary physician in the care of the athlete.

Family doctor has athlete’s complete medical history on file.

Team doctor and family doctor work hand in hand for the treatment and care of an injured athlete

Team doctors may be involved in a primary specialty and have a one to two year fellowship in sports medicine.

Physician AssistantPhysician Assistant

Works interdependently with a physician to provide diagnostic and therapeutic care.

Originated in the 1960s at Duke University

Dr. Stead believed that mid-level practitioners could increase consumer access to health services by extending the time and skills of the physician

Duties:◦Take patient histories◦Perform physical examinations◦Order laboratory and diagnostic studies◦Develop patient treatment plans

Many PA’s work in a sports medicine/team doctor office.

Physical TherapistPhysical Therapist

Originally called restorative aids and provided care during WW1

Specializes in a wide variety of areas in addition to sports medicine.

They are responsible for performing treatments that require special training in therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy.

Work in a variety of settings:◦Hospitals◦Nursing homes◦Schools◦Outpatient clinics◦Fitness facilities◦Home environments

Physical Therapist Physical Therapist AssistantAssistant

Work along with physical therapistsDevelopment of treatment plans and

documenting the progress of treatments while making modifications to treatment plans

Not responsible for initial evaluation but note patient’s responses to treatment and report them to the PT

Both PTs and PTAs work along side other members of sports medicine team to improve athlete’s:◦Movement◦Function◦Relieve pain◦Expand mobility potential

ChiropractorChiropractor

Health care specialist who provides conservative management of neuromuscular disorders and functional clinical conditions

Provide spinal manipulations and adjustments of articulations to promote body’s natural healing process

Massage therapistMassage therapist

One of the oldest methods for relief of pain and reducing stress

Started in China and spread to Europe. Taught by Hippocrates who believed all

physicians should be trainedThey work with physicians, nurses, and

physical therapistsUsed during WW1 and WW2 during

rehabilitationThis is a growing profession

Certified Strength and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)/Personal (CSCS)/Personal Trainer(NSCA-CPT)Trainer(NSCA-CPT)

Specialist who designs and implements safe and effective strength and conditioning programs

A personal trainer has actual clientsA CSCS works with athletes

conditioning and strength trainingA personal trainer works with clients in:

◦Schools◦Health and fitness clubs◦Client’s house

Sports NutritionistSports Nutritionist

Healthcare specialist who designs special diets with the goal of enhancing athletic performance.

Informs athletes about eating properly and instructs them on supplements and dietary aids.

Bottom line... Proper diet can result in better performance

Sports PsychologistSports Psychologist

Specialist who works with athletes to recover from serious injury through emotional support. Two tools they use are goal setting and imagery

Can be found in:◦Clinical settings◦Educational institutes◦Private practices◦Professional sports teams◦Olympic medalists

Can work through emotional trauma or keep athlete motivated within a chosen sport.