Sports Medicine Disciplines

Different injuries may require different health professionals.

Sports injuries are managed by a range of qualified health professionals, each with different areas of training and expertise. Sports Medicine Australia members work across allied health and medical disciplines, supporting the assessment, treatment and management of sports and activity-related injuries.

The overview below explains the different types of professionals involved in sports injury care, and how they may assist.

Sports Medical Practitioners

Sport and Exercise Physician             
A Sport and Exercise Physician is a medical specialist trained in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity. They also prescribe exercise for injury recovery and chronic disease management, working with athletes and the broader community to optimise performance, health and lifelong participation in physical activity. 

Sports Doctor   
A sports doctor is a medical practitioner working in the field of sports medicine who provides high‑level clinical care for people involved in sport, exercise and physical activity including diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal injuries and other conditions related to sport and activity, and supporting safe participation across all levels of competition and participation

Orthopaedic Surgeon    
An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical specialist who diagnoses, treats, prevents, and manages disorders, injuries, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and related structures. They use both surgical and non‑surgical methods to restore function, reduce pain, and improve patient mobility and quality of life.

Allied Health Practitioners

Physiotherapist
Diagnoses and treats injuries affecting movement and function using exercise, education, and manual therapy. See a physiotherapist for acute or ongoing injuries, pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, or to safely return to activity.

Exercise Physiologist     
Designs and delivers tailored exercise programs for injury rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and long-term health improvement. See an exercise physiologist if you need structured, supervised exercise to recover from injury or manage a medical condition.

Podiatrist           
Specialises in foot, ankle, and lower-limb conditions. You may see a podiatrist for foot or heel pain, lower-limb injuries, gait issues, overuse injuries, or advice on footwear and orthotics.

Sports Psychologist       
Supports mental health, wellbeing, and performance. A psychologist can help with stress, anxiety, motivation, confidence, coping with injury, or mental skills related to sport and physical activity.

Sports Dietitian
Provides evidence-based nutrition advice to support health, performance, recovery, and injury management. See a sports dietitian for help with fuelling training, managing body composition, improving recovery, or addressing nutrition-related health concerns.

Sports Dentist   
Manages oral health issues related to sport, including dental injuries, jaw problems, and mouthguard prescription. See a sports dentist for dental trauma, jaw pain, concussion-related bite issues, or to reduce injury risk with a custom mouthguard.

Osteopath         
Uses hands-on techniques to assess and manage musculoskeletal pain and movement restrictions. Osteopaths take a whole-body approach and may help with back pain, joint issues, and movement-related discomfort.

Chiropractor        
Focuses on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly involving the spine. You may see a chiropractor for back or neck pain, joint stiffness, headaches, or movement-related discomfort affecting daily activities or sport.

Optometrist      
Assesses eye health and vision, including visual skills relevant to sport. An optometrist can help with blurred vision, eye strain, visual tracking, depth perception, or eye protection advice for sporting activities.

Sport and Exercise Scientist       
Applies exercise science to improve performance, fitness, and injury prevention. See a sport and exercise scientist for fitness testing, performance analysis, conditioning programs, or evidence-based training guidance.

Myotherapist    
Treats musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction using hands-on techniques and exercise advice. See a myotherapist for persistent muscle pain, restricted movement, or soft tissue injuries affecting work, sport, or daily activities.

Massage Therapist         
Provides hands-on soft tissue treatment to reduce muscle tension, soreness, and stress. Massage therapy may help with general muscle tightness, recovery after activity, or relaxation, but does not diagnose or treat injuries.

Sport and Exercise Physician source: Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians
Sports Doctor source: Sports Medicine Australia
Orthopaedic Surgeon source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Allied Health Practitioner source: Allied Health Professions Australia