Sports physician

A sports physician specialises in the assessment and treatment of sports-related complaints. This applies to elite athletes, recreational athletes and people who want to take up sport.

A sports physician can help people with a sports injury or (chronic) illness, people who want to start exercising again (after a long period), or those 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. It is also the right place to seek 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 complaints. This is followed by a physical examination and, if necessary, additional tests such as an MRI scan, röntgenfoto or blood test.

Treatment by the sports physician

Treatment is started 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 surgeon and refers patients to one if surgery is considered necessary. A cardiologist or pulmonologist is involved for heart or lung problems. A sports physiotherapist is consulted to treat an injury. The sports physician works in a sports medical advice centre or hospital.