Sport Medicine

OLD

What do Sport Medicine Physicians do?

Sport Medicine Physicians are specialist doctors that deal with the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise. They have completed medical school and then a specialist training program (i.e. Residency) in a discipline such as Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine. Following Residency, they do a Fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine to become certified and earn the designation "Dip Sport Med".

The foundation of injury management begins with establishing a specific diagnosis for the problem. This may be accomplished with a physical examination in combination with imaging modalities such as X-ray, Ultrasound, and MRI. Once the specific diagnosis has been determined, treatment can be initiated. Treatments may include medications, injections, referral for therapy, or referral for surgery.

In addition to injury treatment, Sport Medicine Physicians also help manage medical problems like asthma or mental health issues that may affect performance or participation in exercise. They also help guide patients with exercise prescriptions to help with weight loss, to keep active during pregnancy, and to help manage chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Sport Medicine Physicians work in our integrated team, connecting you with the right care, whether physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, or psychology. Patients range from adolescents to elderly, and from weekend warriors to professional athletes.

Sport Medicine Physicians require a referral

Clinicians with a Practice ID (Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Family Doctors etc) can provide this referral via detailed letter or by completing our referral form and faxing it in.

Currently, our Sport Medicine Physicians are available at our Seton location.

Sport Related Concussions

One of the most common referrals to a Sport Medicine Physician is for a sport-related Concussion. In Seton, Dr. Wowk collaborates closely with concussion trained physiotherapists to diagnose, rehabilitate and return-to-play following the latest protocols and evidence. Read about our Sport Related Concussion program in Seton here.

Who pays for a visit to the Physician?

The fees to see a Sport Medicine Physician are covered by Alberta Health.