With increased participation in sports and fitness, the healthcare industry has seen a growth in careers related to sports medicine. Physicians, physical therapists, and certified athletic trainers are some of the many specialists involved in this field.
A medical doctor with a specialization in sports medicine is trained to diagnose and treat any injury that could result from a patient’s physical activity. This includes a sprain (stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect bones at a joint) and strain (stretching or tearing of muscle). These injuries may be exacerbated by sudden movement, such as twisting the ankle or turning the wrist, or by repetitive motion, such as running or swimming laps.
Overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow or runner’s knee, are another common problem that a sports medicine specialist can treat. These injuries often occur because athletes push their bodies to the limit, which can lead to overuse and eventually damage a joint or muscle.
In addition to treating sports injuries, sports medicine doctors also help their patients prevent injuries from occurring. This can be done by educating athletes about proper technique and training methods. They can also advise patients on how to stay hydrated and eat properly before, during, and after physical activity.
There are many controversies that are associated with the practice of sports medicine. For example, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has been a major issue in professional and amateur sports. Some of these drugs are illegal, and some doctors have been accused of doping, or assisting in the doping of athletes.