Co-authored by: Ameera N. Teal MS, CSCS, EP
While the physician has a central role in the prevention, examination, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for athletic injuries, they work with a diverse network to navigate patient referrals for the best treatment methods. It’s important to differentiate the roles within the sports medicine discipline and how they all support the overall health of active people. The following allied health professionals work alongside the physician:
The sports medicine discipline has grown significantly in recent times. The overwhelming evidence for the health benefits of an active lifestyle extends over an entire lifespan. These benefits include cardiovascular fitness, weight management, increased musculoskeletal strength, optimal metabolic health, and mental stability. However, the rise in activity is naturally accompanied by an increasing number of injuries.
Sports Medicine Physician
The sports medicine physician is an ideal starting point for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses sustained during physical activity. Sports medicine physicians are licensed medical and osteopathic doctors with primary training in internal, family, pediatric, or emergency medicine who complete an additional subspecialty fellowship training in sports medicine.
Because approximately 90% of the injuries can be resolved non-surgically, sports medicine physicians often work with other sports professionals such as physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers for treatment. When operative treatment is indicated, sports medicine physicians engage surgeons who specialize in sports orthopedics.
To learn more about Sports Medicine Physicians, visit the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine website. Or book a consultation with our own Sports Medicine Physician.
Veronica Jow, MD
Sports Medicine Physician
Athletic Trainer
Athletic Trainers (AT) are licensed and certified professionals that often function as first responders to injury in practice and competition. AT also oversee the rehabilitation of injuries and provide education on how to reduce the risk for recurrent injury. AT create sport-specific programs that fill the gap between the initial rehabilitative process and returning to high-level activities. They have a diverse skill set in treating everything from musculoskeletal injuries to concussions. AT are certified to practice through the Board of Certification and are primarily employed by universities, private practices, and professional teams. The certification exam is taken after successful completion of a university level program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training.
To learn more about athletic training, visit the National Athletic Trainer’s Association website.
Avid Sports Medicine offers treatment with these Certified Athletic Trainers:
Julieta M. Guzman, MA, ATC, SFG1, FRCms
Certified Athletic Trainer
Delana Henderson, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists (PT) treat individuals who are limited in movement and hindered in their activities of daily living. PT use a multitude of treatment strategies including, but not limited to joint mobilization, exercise prescription, and ultrasound therapy. PT hold a minimum bachelor’s degree in an allied health related field and complete the National Physical Therapy Exam at the conclusion of graduate study. Graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and PT must maintain state licensure to practice.
To learn more about physical therapists, visit the American Physical Therapy Association website.
Avid Sports Medicine offers appointments with these Physical Therapists:
Elizabeth Adams, PT, DPT
Lifestyle Physical Therapy
Megan-Marie Delegas PT, DPT, PNc1
Lifestyle Physical Therapy
Doctor of Chiropractic
Chiropractors (DC) perform spinal manipulations using hands-on methods and specialized instruments. Their non-invasive spinal adjustments target skeletal malalignments that hinder movement. DC may obtain a specialty certification in sports medicine through the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians following a postdoctoral sports medicine residency. DC hold graduate level degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. They must maintain state licensure to practice after successful completion of a qualifying exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
To learn more about chiropractors, visit the American Chiropractic Association or the World Federation of Chiropractic websites.
Avid Sports Medicine has appointments available with an amazing Doctor of Chiropractic
Pooja Manchanda, DC, CCSP
Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
Sports Massage Therapist
Sports Massage Therapists (SMT) apply massage techniques to enhance sports performance. SMT are licensed to treat athletes suffering from muscle soreness resulting from repetitive use and vigorous activity. While licensing standards vary by state, it typically entails successful completion of a post-secondary massage therapy program. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation and award credentials after extensive hands on experience and passing the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. SMT are additionally certified to care for athletes specifically through a sports massage specialty certificate program.
To learn more about sports massage therapists, visit the American Massage Therapy Association website.
You can also book at appointment with our Sports Massage Therapist.
Maury Argento
Sports Massage Therapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Strength and Conditioning Coaches (SCC) apply scientific knowledge in developing sport and activity-specific training programs for injury prevention and athletic performance. SCC hold a minimum bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field and are certified through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) after successful completion of the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam. The NSCA has additional certifying programs for active individuals with physically demanding occupations (Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator, TSAC-F), chronic and acute health conditions (Certified Special Population Specialist, CSPS) and the general population (Certified Personal Trainer, CPT).
To learn more about strength and conditioning coaches, visit the National Strength & Conditioning Association website.
Sports Dietitian/ Sports Nutritionist
Sports Dietitians/Nutritionists (RDN) provide counseling to individuals and teams on best dietary practices for optimal athletic performance. They assess body composition and analyze energy expenditure to make recommendations for adequate caloric intake before, during and after activity. RDN hold a minimum bachelor’s degree from education programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. They complete extensive hands on practice before completing a qualifying exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
To learn more about sports nutritionists, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists specialize in helping athletes, coaches, and sports administrators alike improve and maintain optimal mental health in order to meet the demands of high performance and goal achievement in athletics. Sports psychologists hold a doctor of psychology and practice in the specialized proficiency in sports. They obtain licensure to practice after extensive hours of supervised experience and successful completion of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Practice administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. They apply for additional certification to practice with sports through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
To learn more about sports psychologists, visit the American Psychological Association website.
If you are suffering from or limited in movement by an injury or pain, consider seeing a Sports Medicine Physician first. A physician can help identify the specific injury and direct you in the best steps for diagnosis and treatment. At Avid Sports Medicine, we have a comprehensive network of professionals to create a team around you.
Key Takeaways:
- Sports Medicine is an umbrella that encompasses many diverse professions.
- Each Sports Medicine profession has its own specialty training and accreditation process.
- At Avid Sports Medicine, many Sports Medicine professionals work together on recovery from injury and pain, maintaining an active lifestyle, and achieving sports performance.