Monday, 29 May 2023

Fly High With A Career in Sports Medicine

 

New professions appear roughly every several decades, some of which are the result of shifts in how we view life. Look at Sports! Though not a new phenomenon, sports participation, particularly the desire to participate in professional sports, has acquired popularity.

Sports medicine, a rapidly expanding area, focuses on the care of athletes' injuries. Sports medicine healthcare professionals assist patients who are athletes or otherwise physically active with better movement and performance. Besides treating sports-related injuries, they work to prevent disease and injury. Sports medicine includes different professional pathways, including athletic training, physical therapy, and exercise physiology. Sports and healthcare enthusiasts might find employment in this field to be gratifying.

What does the field of Sports Medicine entail?

Amalgamating general medical training with exercise, physiology, biomechanics, orthopaedics, sports science, sports nutrition, and sports psychology, sports medicine is not a single profession, but rather a diverse group of specialists concerned with the athlete's health and well-being. In particular, it focuses on physical health, including the treatment and prevention of injuries associated to sports and exercise and offers the following types of treatments:

1. Acute injuries (fractures, sprains, and dislocations)

2. Degenerative diseases, overuse illnesses (such as tendinitis), and overtraining syndrome.

Be it about aiding athletes (or other people) heal from injury or helping athletes increase their athletic performance, sports medicine is not 'only' limited to medicine alone.

Numerous medical and non-medical specialists are active in sports medicine, incuding Nutritionists, Physicians, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Surgeons, Personal Trainers, Sports Psychologists, Physical Therapists.

Sports medicine is crucial not just for athletes, but also for patients with impairments wanting to increase their physical capabilities or for patients looking for more efficient training regimens.

What Makes Sports Medicine a Good Career Choice?

Not just players but anyone injured during physical exercise can receive treatment from a sports medicine physician. This sector encompasses several different medical roles.

Graduates of sports medicine programs might find employment in both the medical and sporting industries. Physical therapists and exercise physiologists are two vocations open to anyone interested in working with physically active people of all ages, from infants to professional athletes. One passionate about working only with athletes might find success as an athletic trainer or team physician.

Sports medicine-related industries

People are increasingly becoming aware of and committed to maintaining their health and well-being. Thus, the scope of sports medical employment has expanded. Sports medicine can be used to various fields and sectors, including:

·    Elementary and Secondary Schools

·    Home care Facilities

·    General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

·    Offices of Health Practitioners

·    Spectator Sports

·    Nursing Care Facilities

Employment Opportunities in Sports Medicine

Some popular sports medicine careers include:

1. Sports Psychologist:

Academic Qualification:

·    BS/BSc in Psychology

·    MS in Psychology

·    Ph.D.

Sports Psychologist: Roles

·    Offers counseling on mental health

·    Evaluates an athlete's physical performance and mental status

·    Determines how the athlete's physical prowess affects their cerebral prowess and limitations

·    Aids athletes in overcoming pressures (both on and off the pitch)

·    Conducts studies to advance understanding of sports psychology

·    Provides assistance and treatment for sportsmen with mental health issues

·    Gives advice and care to people who have sustained physical injuries playing sports

·    Enhances athletic potential by using modern scientific theories

2. Team Physician (Sports Medicine Physician):

Academic Qualification:

·    BS/BSc in Medicine, Sports Medicine

·    MS in Medicine, Sports Medicine

·    Ph.D.

Team Physician: Roles

·    Conducts physical examinations before participation

·    Injury evaluation and treatment

·    Medical support for sporting events

·    Injury avoidance

·    Fitness and strength training

·    Understands risks caused due to substance abuse

·    Advising and educating coaches, administrators, and family members about sports-related medical issues

3. Nutritionist (Sports & Fitness):

Academic Qualification:

·    BS/BSc in Clinical Nutrition, Food and Nutrition

·    MS in Nutrition, Exercise Physiology

·    Ph.D.

Sports and Fitness Nutritionist: Roles

·    Prepares an adequate meal plan after evaluating the athlete's dietary requirements and overall health

·    Advices athletes on how to maintain a certain level of body mass, body fat, and muscle mass

·    Creates and provides advice on hydration protocols

·    Educates athletes on the best diets for regaining health post injury/sickness

·    Offers consumers diet recommendations to improve their endurance and vigor

·    Informs clients on the need for post-workout recovery

·    Prepares menus for team trips and training sessions

4. Exercise Physiologist:

Academic Qualification:

·    BS/BSc in Clinical Nutrition, Food and Nutrition

·    MS in Nutrition, Exercise Physiology

·    Ph.D.

Exercise Physiologist: Roles

·    Plans a suitable diet and exercise routine considering your medical history and current fitness level

·    Creates specialised fitness training regimens

·    Collaborates with other fitness and sports specialists

·    Regularly checks and reevaluates training schedules

·    Creates reports and long-term studies

·    Follows ongoing research to stay informed

·    Increases public understanding on health and fitness related issues and the advantages of sport and exercise

5. Physical Therapist:

Academic Qualification:

·    BS/BSc in Physical Therapy (associated healthcare areas)

·    MS in Physical Therapy (associated healthcare areas)

·    Ph.D.

Physical Therapist: Roles

·    Plans and carries out medically prescribed physical treatment

·    Analyses and interprets assessments and test results

·    Plans your physical treatment regimen in consultation with your doctor or pursuant to a prescription

·    Records patient care services

·    Teaches patients how to perform appropriate workouts and therapies at home

·    Analyses how prosthetic and orthotic devices are used and fitted, and makes necessary adjustments and changes

Sports Medicine: A Thriving and Expanding Industry

The worldwide sports medicine market is rapidly gaining ground and is anticipated to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2024 from USD 6.6 billion in 2019 (at a CAGR of 6.5%). According to Reportlinker, there are three primary causes for the increase in popularity:

·    A rise in sports injuries

·    The ongoing introduction of new goods and medical techniques, and

·    Advancements in the field of regenerative medicine

Additionally, the worldwide sports market is predicted to increase significantly starting in 2021 and reach $556.1 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 8%. In view of this, if you have the interest, a career in sports medicine might be fulfilling.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Australia, study in Australia, study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Ireland, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.


No comments:

Post a Comment