Sports physician

A sports physician specialises in assessing and treating sports-related complaints. This applies to elite athletes, recreational athletes and people who want to start exercising.

A sports physician can help people with a sports injury or (chronic) illness, people who want to start exercising again after a long time, or people who want to know how fit they are. You can see a sports physician for a sports medical examination, which assesses the musculoskeletal system and heart and lung function. They are also the right person to consult for advice about a (persistent) injury.

Assessment by the sports physician

To determine the problem, the sports physician first asks questions about the nature and onset of the symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination and, if necessary, further investigations such as an MRI scan, X-ray or blood tests.

Treatment by the sports physician

Treatment begins based on the results of the examination. This may be a training schedule for running a marathon, or specific advice and exercises to recover from an injury.

Where and with whom does a sports physician work?

A sports physician often works with an orthopaedic specialist and refers patients to them if surgery is considered necessary. A cardiologist or respiratory physician may be involved for heart or lung problems. A sports physiotherapist may be involved in treating an injury. The sports physician works in a sports medical advice centre or hospital.