What is a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician?

A Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician has a primary specialty in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics, and has done an additional year of subspecialty training in sports medicine. They promote fitness and wellness and encourage prevention of injuries. They act as leader of a team including physical therapists, athletic trainers, coaches, and other physicians to care for the athlete.

What is the difference between a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

While both are well-trained in musculoskeletal medicine, primary care sports medicine physicians specialize in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Approximately 90% of sports injuries are non-operative. Sports medicine physicians can expedite the referral to orthopedic surgeons as needed, or guide referral to appropriate rehabilitation care as indicated.

Common Problems :

• Acute Injuries: i.e. ankle sprains, muscle strains, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, fractures
• Overuse Injuries: tendonitis, stress fractures
• Mild traumatic brain injuries and other closed head injuries
• Female Athlete Triad
• Nutrition, Supplements, Ergogenic Aids, and performance issues
• Return to play decisions in the sick/injured athlete
• Injury Prevention

Do Sports Medicine Physicians Only Care for Competitive Athletes?

NO! Sports Medicine Physicians are excellent resources for individuals who wish to become active, for the “weekend warrior”, or for the “industrial athlete”. The same expertise used for the competitive athlete can be applied to return any individual to full function as quickly as possible.

K Valley Orthopedics, P.C. and Southwestern Michigan Sportsmedicine Clinic Physicians