A sports medicine specialist is a physician who:
Is board certified in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Physical Medicine/ Rehabilitation.
Has obtained one to two years of additional training in Sports Medicine through one of the accredited Fellowship (subspecialty) Programs in Sports Medicine.
Has passed a national Sports Medicine certification examination allowing them to hold a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.
Further adds to their expertise through participation in continuing medical education activities and recertification via re-examination every ten years. This rigorous process was instituted to distinguish certified Sports Medicine Specialists from other physicians without specialized training.
Is a leader of the Sports Medicine team, which also may include specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel, and the athlete.
(Copyright The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine).
Both are well trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports Medicine Specialists specialize in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative treatment of these conditions. However, approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. The Sports Medicine Specialist can maximize non-operative treatment, guide appropriate referrals to physical and occupational therapies, and if necessary expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon. Sports medicine physicians help guide specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel, and the athlete. (Copyright The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine).
The most common types of injuries involve overuse injuries, sprains, strains, acute fractures or growth plate injuries (in children), and heat-related illness. These types of injuries generally do not require surgical intervention and can be treated by a skilled sports medicine specialist.
If your injury requires surgical intervention, a sports medicine specialist will refer you to an appropriate choice of skilled surgical specialists. If your injury requires physical therapy, a sports medicine specialist will provide you with a medical prescription for physical therapy and provide you with appropriate choices of skilled physical therapists.
No, Dr. Scott treats non-athletes as well. He is also a great resource for patents wanting to become more active or that desire to begin an exercise program. Dr. Josh treats patients from age 0-109. Dr. Josh’s goals are to get his patients back to their full function as quickly and safely as possible.