Sports medicine is a specialized branch of medical science that mainly deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries resulting from sports and athletic activity. It is usually practiced by physicians who graduated from medical schools that specialize in sports medicine, osteopathic, chiropractic and sports medicine. Sports medicine has branches like sports orthopedic, athletic training, sports medicine, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. In the United States, there are numerous colleges that offer degree programs in sports medicine.Checkout Sports Medicine Toledo for more info.

As compared to the medical specialty, pediatric sports medicine has limited scope because most injuries in children occur during childhood. Children often engage in games that involve repetitive motions and contact such as wrestling, basketball, baseball and football. Children who play sports other than baseball are less likely to sustain injuries because they engage in non-impact activities. pediatric sports medicine therefore focuses more on treating injuries in pediatric patients. This subspecialty is widely recognized by insurance companies, which provide coverage for medical procedures involving children.

Athletic trainers, instructors, sports medicine doctors and chiropractors must complete a national board certification course in order to be certified to practice. The course includes one year of college coursework and an internship at a participating medical facility. Students can also complete a course in sports medicine and apply for an exam to become eligible to take the board exam after completing it. Passing the examination is the only step towards obtaining a license to practice.

A student pursuing a career in sports medicine needs at least four years of college courses including English, math, biology, chemistry and physics. Four years of college is the minimum requirement in most states for licensure. Licenses can only be renewed for four years after the current license expires. It is possible for students to get extensions on their licenses once they have passed all requirements.

There are different types of sports medicine, including athletic training; rehabilitation; physical fitness counseling; sports medicine; and rehabilitation of injured athletes. Athletic training includes strength and conditioning, agility and conditioning, and motor skills training. Rehabilitation of injuries usually involves physical therapy, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Conditions that fall under this category include torn ligaments, tendinitis, osteoporosis, tendonitis, joint separation, sports injuries, muscle sprains, and muscle bruising. Conditions considered secondary to physical fitness include endurance sports, power sports, and competition sports.

A chiropractor is trained as an athletic trainer or a physical fitness professional. In sports medicine, the chiropractor is considered an expert who is capable of diagnosing and treating athletes with sports injuries. Chiropractic services deal with neuromusculoskeletal issues related to the musculoskeletal system. Sports medicine can also include massage, physical education, sports nutrition, and therapeutic exercise. Sports medicine can address other areas such as allergy prevention, exercise, and sports supplements.