SPORTS MEDICINE

Sports medicine is a medical discipline concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions associated with physical activity and sport. This clinical speciality is not only aimed at professional athletes, but also at people of all ages and activity levels who want to maintain or improve their health through sport. 

Before starting any physical activity, it is necessary to obtain a medical certificate of fitness by undergoing a more detailed examination (competitive sports medical examination) or a non-competitive sports medical examination. A competitive sports medical examination comprises a series of tests, including spirometry, an electrocardiogram at rest and a stress electrocardiogram, urine tests and a vision test, which are designed to assess the athlete’s fitness to practice competitive sports. For non-competitive sports, athletes must undergo a medical examination, which includes a basic electrocardiogram, and obtain a certificate of good health. In addition to these examinations, injury prevention education programmes such as workshops and seminars are available for athletes, coaches and parents to help prevent common sports injuries. 

In the event of injury, after appropriate treatment and surgery, physiotherapy is used to help the athlete regain strength, endurance, flexibility, motor function and aerobic capacity: all these parameters can be assessed through functional testing. In sport and competitive sports, physiotherapy also integrates psychological support, as athletes can try out new techniques to manage stress and improve concentration, as well as motivational strategies, following an injury.