Sports Medicine: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Sports Medicine?
A sports medicine specialist provides this care. These doctors work with athletes and others who have muscle, bone, or joint injuries. Some orthopedic surgeons, doctors who diagnose and treat injuries to bones, joints, and muscles, have extra training in sports medicine. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Exercise is good for you, but you can get hurt when you play sports or exercise.
Sports injuries are the kinds of injuries that most often happen during sports or exercise, but they are not limited to athletes. The goals of treatment are recovery of the injured body part and prevention of future injuries.
Acute injuries happen suddenly, such as in a fall or a blow. Chronic injuries come from overuse of one area of the body and develop slowly over time.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Common injuries in athletes include fractures, sprains, strains, and tendinitis.
- A fracture is a break in a bone.
- A sprain is a tear of a ligament, a band of tissue that joins one bone to another.
- A strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or tendon.
- Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, a flexible band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
How to prepare
These points can help before a visit.
- Stop right away when a movement or activity causes pain.
- Do not try to work through the pain of an injury.
- If pain or other symptoms last or get worse, check with a health care provider.
What happens during it
To find the cause, your doctor will likely do the following.
- Ask about the injury and how it happened.
- Ask what sports or work you do and if that has changed lately.
- Do a physical exam of the injured area.
- Order imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI scan to look at the bones and soft tissues.
Treatment often begins with the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Immobilization, which limits movement in the area, is a common treatment for serious injuries. Splints, braces, and casts support and protect injured bones and soft tissue.
Surgery is needed in some cases to repair torn connective tissues or to realign fractured bones. Most sports injuries to muscles, bones, and joints do not require surgery.
Recovery
A rehabilitation program is usually advised before you return to the sport that caused the injury. A physical therapist or physiatrist will make a plan to rebuild strength and range of motion. Most sports injuries respond well to treatment and rehabilitation, but if pain lasts, seek help from a health care provider.
See a health care provider if you have symptoms of a serious injury, such as the following.
- Severe pain, swelling, or bruising.
- Pain and swelling that do not go away after a few days.
- Being unable to bear any weight on the area.
- An obvious deformity.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Continuing to play or exercise after an injury can cause more harm. To avoid cold injury and frostbite, do not put ice on for more than 20 minutes. Do not use heat right after an injury.
Who performs it
Emergency doctors usually see serious sports injuries first. Family doctors and other primary care providers see less serious injuries. They also coordinate care between specialists.
Physiatrists, doctors who specialize in nonsurgical care of muscle and bone problems, can plan your rehabilitation.
Your primary care provider may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine specialist.
Common questions
Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?
No, sports injuries are not limited to athletes. Painters can get shoulder injuries, and gardeners can get tendinitis.
Will a sports injury need surgery?
Usually not, because most sports injuries to muscles, bones, and joints do not require surgery. Surgery is needed in some cases.
Should I keep playing through the pain?
No, you should stop right away when a movement or activity causes pain. Continuing the activity may cause further harm.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- NIAMS - Sports Injuries: Types, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
- NIAMS - Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- MedlinePlus - Sports Injuries
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
