Sports medicine. 1. The physiatric approach.

This self-directed learning module highlights key elements in this topic area. It is part of the chapter on sports medicine in the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article covers the role of the physiatrist in sports medicine and presents an overview of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries. We describe how the physiatrist relates to other sports medicine practitioners and detail the stepwise physical examination of an injured athlete by a physiatrist.