What is Sports Medicine?
Sports Medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and conditions affecting muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones. While commonly associated with athletes, Sports Medicine is for anyone who wants to stay active, recover from an injury, or improve physical performance.
Do I have to be an athlete to see a Sports Medicine physician?
No. Sports Medicine is for people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you're training for a marathon, hiking in the mountains, recovering from an injury, or simply want to stay active without pain, Sports Medicine can help.
What conditions can a Sports Medicine physician treat?
A Sports Medicine physician can assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendon injuries (such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy)
- Knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and foot pain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Overuse injuries
- Running injuries
- Concussions
- Muscle injuries
- Chronic pain related to physical activity
- Return-to-sport or return-to-work concerns
Do I need a Doctor’s Referral?
What can I expect during my first appointment?
Your appointment will include a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, activity level, and goals. A thorough physical examination will be performed, and if needed, your physician may recommend imaging, rehabilitation, injections, or other treatment options. Together, you'll develop a personalized treatment plan.
Will I need imaging like an X-ray or MRI?
Not always. Many musculoskeletal conditions can be diagnosed through a detailed history and physical examination. If imaging is necessary to confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment, your physician will discuss the most appropriate option.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment recommendations depend on your diagnosis and goals but may include:
- Education and activity modification
- Exercise prescription
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation programs
- Bracing or taping
- Image-guided injections when appropriate
- Pain management strategies
- Referral for surgical consultation if necessary
The goal is always to help you recover while keeping you as active as possible.
Can Sports Medicine help me avoid surgery?
In many cases, yes. Most musculoskeletal injuries can be successfully managed without surgery. Your Sports Medicine physician will explore conservative treatment options first and will only recommend a surgical consultation when it is the best option for your condition.
Can Sports Medicine help with chronic pain?
Yes. Sports Medicine physicians treat both acute injuries and long-standing musculoskeletal conditions. If you've been dealing with ongoing joint, tendon, or muscle pain, they can help identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to improve your function and quality of life.
Can I continue exercising while I'm being treated?
Often, yes. Rather than recommending complete rest, your Sports Medicine physician will usually help you modify your activity so you can continue moving safely while your injury heals.
How is Sports Medicine different from Physiotherapy?
Sports Medicine physicians diagnose medical conditions, order diagnostic imaging, prescribe medications when appropriate, perform injections, and coordinate your overall treatment plan. Physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation through hands-on treatment, exercise, education, and movement retraining. These services often work together to achieve the best outcomes.
Does Sports Medicine treat concussions?
Yes. Sports Medicine physicians assess, diagnose, and manage concussions and can provide guidance on safely returning to school, work, exercise, and sport.
Is Sports Medicine covered by Alberta Health Care?
Many physician consultations are covered by Alberta Health Care (AHCIP). However, some procedures, injections, or specialized treatments may not be covered. Our team will discuss any costs with you before treatment.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Please bring:
- Your Alberta Health Care card
- Any relevant imaging reports or test results
- A list of current medications
- Comfortable clothing that allows the injured area to be examined
- Any braces or supports you currently use
Can Sports Medicine help improve my athletic performance?
Yes. Sports Medicine isn't only about treating injuries. Your physician can help identify movement limitations, reduce injury risk, and develop strategies to keep you performing at your best, whether you're a recreational or competitive athlete.
Why choose One Wellness for sports medicine?
At One Wellness, we take a collaborative approach to your care. Our Sports Medicine physician works closely with our team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the right treatment at the right time. Whether you need diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, exercise programming, regenerative medicine, or ongoing injury prevention, your care can be seamlessly coordinated under one roof. Our goal is not only to relieve pain but to help you move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love with confidence.
