What Is Sports & Exercise Medicine?
Sports & Exercise Medicine is a Medical Specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and health problems related to physical activity.
Despite the name, it is not only for athletes. Sports & Exercise Medicine Specialists also treat the general public for knee, shoulder or back pain, as well as muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.
Who Is a Sports & Exercise Medicine Specialist?
A Sports & Exercise Medicine Specialist is a medical doctor who has completed clinical specialist training. In Malaysia, the only recognised pathway is the four-year clinical Master of Sports Medicine programme at University Malaya (UM), which doctors enter after gaining clinical experience as medical officers for at least 2 years.
Sports Medicine vs Sports Science vs Orthopaedics
| Field | Main focus | Background | Diagnosis and medication | Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Medicine | Non-surgical treatment (Minimally invasive procedures with ultrasound guidance) Rehabilitation after injury / surgery Return to physical activity |
Medical specialist | Yes | No |
| Orthopaedics | Bone and joint problems | Medical specialist | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Science | Application of science to increase performance of athletes (including conditioning, exercise physiology, psychology and nutrition) |
Sports scientist | No | No |
Services Offered by a Sports & Exercise Medicine Specialist
- Injury and pain management: Muscle, tendon, ligament and joint problems, whether from sport or daily activities.
- Ultrasound and procedures: Musculoskeletal ultrasound examination, and joint and tendon injections when needed.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery after injury or surgery, including assessment of readiness to return to sport.
- Exercise medicine: Exercise prescription to help manage obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Athlete care: Health screening, injury prevention and medical coverage during training or competition.
Where Can You Get Sports & Exercise Medicine Care in Malaysia?
Sports Medicine services are available at Ministry of Health (KKM) hospitals, university hospitals, the National Sports Institute (Institut Sukan Negara) and private medical centres.