TOP
5
SPORTS-RELATED
MEDICAL CAREERS
- Bababunmi Mayowa, 500L MBBS he strong relationship
Tbetween physical activity and health has become so important and apparent, that it is almost impossible to talk about one without mentioning the other. Sportsmen and athletes, professionals or amateurs, need to be at optimal physical conditions in order to deliver optimum performances. However, physical fitness and the prevention and treatment of injuries are, to a large extent, the responsibilities of practitioners of sports medicine. Sports medicine, hence, is a multidisciplinary sub-speciality of medicine which deals with health promotion for the general population, by stimulating a physically active lifestyle and diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation following injuries or illnesses from participation physical activities, exercises and sport at all levels. Being a relatively broad aspect of medicine, sports medicine has various specialization areas. Below are some of the more mainstream specialties:
SPORTS PHYSICIAN / SURGEON Sports medicine physicians have specialized training in the field in medicine that deals with sport or exercise-related injuries. Their primary focus is on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries that occur during sports and other physical activity. Most primary care sports medicine doctors complete a three-year primary medicine residency after medical school. Many then choose a fellowship in sports medicine for specialized training. An orthopedic surgery residency leads to a career as an orthopedic surgeon, many of whom treat athletes.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Physical therapists, PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. They treat a variety of injuries but many specialize in the care and treatment of sports injuries. Those who focus on sports medicine and orthopedics work with both recreational and professional athletes. Physical Therapists are in demand and will be for some time. These therapists are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries. PTs usually have a four-year degree, but many schools now offer an entry-level Master of Physical Therapy option.
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST Sports psychology is a growing
AMSUL Digest 2014