Sport Medicine physicians have specialized training and skills that position them to provide care to active patients of all ages. They have an interest in the promotion of lifelong wellness and fitness, as well as in prevention, diagnosis, and management of illness and injury. They have completed further professional training, in the form of a Sports Medicine Fellowship
The Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM) has developed a standardized and specific certification examination – the CASEM Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine. This is an objectively judged examination to assess competency to practice Sports Medicine. Within Canada, this is a necessary credential to call oneself a Sports Medicine physician
- Sports medicine physicians are experts in providing a diagnosis for musculoskeletal injuries. They often see and manage acute injuries such as ACL tears, meniscal tears, rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, ankle sprains and more
- They are OHIP covered medical doctors
- Sports medicine doctors use a combination of interview and clinical examination to come up with their diagnosis. Further imaging such as x-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans are used to help complete an accurate diagnosis, if necessary
- They manage the injuries by providing guiding the therapy plan and follow up with patient’s to make sure they are improving. They can prescribe custom or over the counter bracing for stability and pain reduction
- Sports medicine physicians are also able to prescribe medication that can enhance the healing process or help to control pain during the acute injury phase
- They provide injection therapy for joint issues such as also osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, meniscal tears, ACL tears. They can use a variety of injectables including cortisone, hyaluronic acid such as Synvisc or Durolane
- They also provide new emerging therapies like platelet rich plasma which is a natural injection using platelet cells from the patient’s body. This can enhance the cellular healing process providing improved pain and stimulate the body’s ability to recover faster
- Platelet-rich plasma injections are useful for joint pain but also for soft tissue pain such as tendon injuries, muscle strains, ligament injuries
- Review and recommendation of exercise prescription for both individuals and teams; including pre-screening for exercise, activity or sport-specific needs, and counseling about strength and conditioning
- Pre-participation physical assessments to determine ability to participate in specific sport related activities
- Counseling regarding medications and supplements in terms of health, doping control, and legal implications
- Management of rehabilitation goals and plan for the return to sport or activity in coordination and cooperation with other medical and rehabilitation professionals
- Advice and counseling regarding concussion management, psychological issues and mental preparation for sport
