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Sports Medicine, a relatively new branch of health care, grew out of the urgent need for the specialized treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries. Whenever a professional basketball player rolls an ankle or a football player gets a concussion, they will almost certainly see an expert in this growing field. It is important to note, however, that not all health professionals who are trained in sports medicine are doctors or nurses. With that in mind, we will now discuss the most popular professions in this relatively new branch of medicine. Athletic Trainer An experienced, certified athletic trainer helps patients recognize, prevent, manage, and rehabilitate injuries that result from physical activity. They will work under the direction of a medical doctor and coordinate with coaches, athletic administrators, and other healthcare professionals. Their working environments may include hospitals, rehab clinics, intermediate and secondary schools, and college and professional sports teams. Because they deal with acute and chronic injuries, athletic trainers often spend a lot of one-on-one time with their patients. Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialist Trained to provide care for an athlete's musculoskeletal system, an orthopedist can specialize in sports medicine if they complete their residency in the field. In addition to helping athletes with their conditioning and training, these medical doctors also coordinate treatment and care with other healthcare professionals, including athletic trainers and physical therapists. Because they have more experience and knowledge of soft tissue biomechanics, orthopedists generally oversee and direct treatment of serious injuries sustained by the athletes under their care. Exercise Physiologist Exercise is good for your health, and even people with chronic diseases and disabilities can benefit from it as long as they follow the advice of a medical professional. An exercise physiologist helps at-risk patients maintain and improve their health through rehabilitation and specific fitness programs. They often work with people who struggle with heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic, potentially life-threatening conditions. Unlike personal or athletic trainers, exercise physiologists must complete a college degree in the subject and/or receive their certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP). They are then able to prescribe exercise as a form of treatment for people with serious illnesses. The objective of the medical specialty is to always improve overall health and wellness with physical activity. Kinesiotherapists Because illnesses and injuries make exercise difficult, or even impossible, people almost always lose muscle strength and endurance when they are taken out of the game for extended periods of time. A kinesiotherapist has the training and experience to help patients improve the strength and/or mobility of affected areas with specific exercise programs. Although treatment goals vary from patient to patient, the objective is always to improve overall fitness without aggravating an existing injury or impairment. Because we have an aging population, the demand for qualified kinesiotherapists is on the rise. Sports medicine is a growing medical specialty that offers a number of attractive career options for those interested in helping others with targeted fitness plans. When looking for information on sports medicine, Cleveland, Ohio residents should consult http://www.oaidocs.com/OurAdvancedServices/SportsMedicine/tabid/8827/.
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