Sports physician

A sports physician specialises in assessing and treating sports-related complaints. This applies to elite athletes, recreational athletes and people who want to start exercising.

A sports physician can help people with a sports injury or chronic illness, people who want to start exercising again after a long time, or people who want to know how fit they are. You can see a sports physician for a sports medical assessment, which examines the musculoskeletal system and heart and lung function. They can also advise on a persistent injury.

Assessment by the sports physician

To determine the problem, the sports physician first asks questions about the nature and onset of the symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination and, if necessary, further tests such as an MRI scan, X-ray or blood test.

Treatment by the sports physician

Based on the results of the examination, treatment is started. This may be a training schedule for running a marathon or specific advice and exercises to recover from an injury.

Where and with whom does a sports physician work?

A sports physician often works with an orthopaedic surgeon and refers you to one if surgery is considered necessary. A cardiologist or respiratory physician is involved for heart or lung problems. A sports physiotherapist may be called on to treat an injury. Sports physicians work in sports medicine advice centres or hospitals.