The branch of medicine known as Sports Medicine offers a unique condition where we try to understand ourselves in terms of what the human can do physically and to what benefit. It is only since the late 20^th century that Sport Medicine has emerged as a distinct field of health care.  The title has extended itself to Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) to remind the benefit of exercise to anyone and at any point of their life.  You do not have to be a professional athlete to seek a sport medicine specialist, they are available for anyone engaged in exercise.   

Since the early Olympiads, the spirit of man yearned to express the ability of his physical form. Whether running, jumping, or weight-lifting, he felt it necessary to measure his physical strength and endurance alongside his peers. It also represented the physical capabilities that were needed to perform certain work in the labor field for his practical survival.  

Now days, most physical activity is probably performed in the sport field, followed by a brand of militia occupying such jobs as fireman and police, and various construction work. However this trend may vary, it is thought necessary to preserve man’s physical abilities which by lack of other practical means, is through the form of sport.  

While sports began popularizing, it was observed a remarkable improvement took place in those who participated regarding their health and stamina. This drew the attention of medicine, and the interaction of athlete and medical doctor unraveled the workings of what is now called Sports [and Exercise] Medicine. It is now quite established that those who partake in some form of regular exercise will experience a benefit of improved health, improved outlook, and even increased longevity. Exactly what the specifics are to cause such condition is the major focus of this branch of medicine. 

Sport medicine doctors are specialist physicians who have completed medical school.  Specialization in sport medicine may be a doctor’s first specialty – as in Australia, Netherlands, and Norway – or a sub-specialty following such fields as orthopedic surgery, reflecting the medical culture of the country. 

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SEM doctors spend a majority of their time diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries involving muscle, ligament, tendon and bone problems.  Other conditions include sport cardiology issues, unexplained underperformance syndrome, exercise-induced asthma, screening for cardiac abnormalities and diabetes in sport.  A team physician may monitor the physiology of an athlete to attain peak performance.  

Sport medicine physicians are often involved in promoting the therapeutic benefits of physical activity to the public, and the benefit of sport and exercise to the individual and community.  SEM physicians in the UK spend a good period of their training in Public Health.  Western society has recognized the increasing dangers of physical inactivity and has made significant efforts within the public health community to encourage the nation to become more physically active.  Reflecting this school of thought, the British Association of Sport Medicine (BASM) has renamed itself to BASEM (British Association of Sport & Exercise Medicine) and rebranded the specialty itself to Sport & Exercise Medicine.