What does a Sports Medicine Doctor do? Learn about the profession

2 years back Nara 8 minutes reading time

THE sports medicine doctor is a fundamental professional for the health of athletes and those who practice physical activities.

It is responsible for optimizing physical performance, preventing and treating injuries, and promoting adequate recovery.

Its work goes beyond high-performance sports, also encompassing individuals who seek to stay healthy through physical activity.

Sports medicine is a field that combines in-depth knowledge of physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and rehabilitation, and requires constant updating with technological and scientific advances.

What are the functions of a Sports Physician?

THE sports medicine doctor acts comprehensively, performing different functions in different areas.

One of the main tasks of this professional is the physical and functional assessment of athletes.

Through specific tests, he can identify strengths and weaknesses in the body, offering guidance to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.

This monitoring is continuous, adapting according to the athlete’s needs.

Another key role is to develop rehabilitation programs.

For example, when a injury, the sports medicine doctor develops a recovery plan that aims to restore the athlete to their best condition in the shortest possible time, without compromising their health.

Additionally, he works directly with coaches and physiotherapists, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach.

An often overlooked factor is the promotion of mental health in sport.

The sports physician also monitors the psychological well-being of his patients, understanding that emotional balance is vital for sporting success.

In this sense, he can collaborate with sports psychologists to ensure that the athlete maintains good mental health, a crucial factor in preventing performance declines and burnout.

Essential training and skills

To become a sports medicine doctor, the path begins with a degree in medicine, followed by a specialization or residency in the area of sports medicine.

Training requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining disciplines such as exercise physiology, orthopedics, cardiology and nutrition.

Furthermore, the physician must be up-to-date with new technologies and scientific studies involving the optimization of physical performance and the treatment of injuries.

The sports physician also needs to develop practical skills in biomechanical assessment, movement analysis, and exercise prescription.

In the context of sports, their role goes beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses; they need to act preventively, analyzing every aspect of the body in motion.

This way, the professional can anticipate problems and work to avoid them, ensuring the athlete's longevity and well-being.

+ Mental Training in Sports: What is it and why is it important?

Injury Prevention: One of the Primary Roles

Injury prevention is one of the pillars of the work of sports medicine doctorIt is estimated that up to 50% of sports-related injuries can be avoided with proper guidance.

This monitoring is essential for both professional athletes and amateur practitioners.

The sports physician helps identify technical flaws, provides guidance on the need for muscle strengthening, and suggests modifications to equipment or sports practice.

According to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), proprioception training, which improves body perception and motor coordination.

In fact, it is one of the main tools used in injury prevention, especially in high-impact sports.

Below is a table with the most common types of injuries and the main preventive recommendations:

Preventable Injuries	Percentage of Occurrence (%)	Recommended Interventions
Ankle sprains	20%	Proprioception training
Muscle injuries	30%	Stretching and muscle strengthening
Tendonitis	15%	Proper technique and rest periods

This professional's preventive work also extends to monitoring pre-existing conditions, such as heart, orthopedic, or metabolic problems, ensuring that physical activities are performed safely and effectively.

How much does a Sports Medicine Doctor earn?

The remuneration of a sports medicine doctor can vary widely depending on your experience, specialization, and area of expertise.

In Brazil, the average salary for this professional is around R$ 15,000 to R$ 25,000 per month, according to data from Brazilian Society of Exercise and Sports Medicine (SBMEE).

Professionals who work for major sports clubs, national teams, or major events can earn even more, especially when involved in international competitions.

In countries like the United States, the salary range is even higher.

According to American Medical Group Association (AMGA), the average annual salary of a sports medicine physician ranges from US$180,000 to US$350,000, depending on the region and the demand for this type of service.

Doctors who work directly with elite athletes can earn substantial bonuses, especially if associated with sporting achievements or major endorsement deals.

Job market for Sports Medicine

The job market for the sports medicine doctor is expanding, driven by increased awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.

These professionals find opportunities in a variety of areas, such as sports clubs, gyms, private practices and hospitals.

Furthermore, the growth of amateur and professional sports competitions generates a constant demand for doctors specialized in the field.

Currently, sports medicine has also gained prominence in the area of public health, with initiatives aimed at promoting physical exercise as a tool for preventing chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

This scenario further expands the possibilities for sports medicine, which can collaborate with government programs and NGOs.

According to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the growth in demand for sports doctors has been approximately 10% per year.

Furthermore, with the increase in women's participation in sports and the popularization of sports such as running and cycling, opportunities for these professionals are expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Challenges and future of the profession

Despite the opportunities, the work of sports medicine doctor also presents challenges.

One of the main ones is the need for constant updating, as sports medicine evolves rapidly with new research and technological innovations.

New treatments for injuries, such as regenerative therapy and the use of stem cells, are already being tested and could revolutionize how injuries are treated in the future.

Another important challenge is the balance between sports performance and long-term health.

In some cases, athletes push for a faster recovery or treatments that allow them to return to sport sooner than is ideal, which can compromise their health in the future.

Sports medicine physicians must manage these pressures ethically and professionally, always prioritizing the patient's well-being.

With the growing popularity of esports (e-sports), there is also a new field for the sports physician to explore.

Although it may appear that e-athletes are not exposed to physical risks, intensive video game practice can lead to postural problems, repetitive strain injuries, and sleep disorders.

These new challenges require adaptations to traditional medical approaches, making the profession increasingly dynamic and challenging.

Final considerations

THE sports medicine doctor is an indispensable professional both in the world of sports and for promoting health in general.

Its work goes beyond treating injuries, encompassing prevention, improving physical performance and caring for the mental health of athletes.

The career offers a wide range of opportunities, and the demand for qualified professionals is continually growing.

“The human body is nature's most extraordinary machine, and sport is its greatest test.” – Socrates

This specialization requires dedication, constant study and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

For those who want to pursue this career, the future looks promising, with a booming market full of challenges that encourage professional and personal growth.