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.