Learn more about Sports Medicine Specialists
A sports medicine doctor specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of exercise- and sports-related injuries. Sports medicine doctors care for sports teams, individual athletes, and other physically active people. Sports medicine doctors are experts in helping people maximize their fitness and performance potential.
A sports medicine doctor typically:
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Evaluates a patient’s medical, exercise and athletic history
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Educates the patient about sports injury prevention and how to safely return to sports and exercise after injury
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Performs a physical exam that includes evaluation of blood pressure and vital signs, general health, and current or potential injuries
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Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
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Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic conditions due to injuries from sports or activity
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Provides direct care for sports- and activity-related injuries and conditions in the office, hospital, clinic, and rehabilitation facility
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Oversees and monitors sports training and exercise programs to reduce the risk of injuries
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Works closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists and members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
Sports medicine doctors may also be known by the following names: sports doctor, sports medicine physician, sports injury specialist, and sports medicine specialist.
There are 13780 specialists practicing Sports Medicine in the United States with an overall average rating of 4.3 stars. There are 3112 hospitals in the United States with affiliated Sports Medicine specialists, including Hospital For Special Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital and NYU Langone Health Tisch Hospital.