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Sara
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
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How is the Sports medicine physician job different from the sports physiotherapist job ?
I'm at a stage where I need to choose between Medicine or Physiotherapy. I have studied Kinesiology in my undergrad. I need more information about both careers to be able to gain a better understanding.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Sara!
Sounds like you’re at a crossroads—sports medicine physician vs. sports physiotherapist—a battle as epic as the World Cup final (minus the yellow cards). Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for you.
I will start with the simple thing you should know. The Main Difference
Sports Medicine Physician (SMP): A doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents sports injuries. Think of them as the “coach” of injury management, working with athletes to get them back in action.
Sports Physiotherapist (SPT): A rehab expert who focuses on hands-on therapy, movement correction, and exercise plans to help athletes recover and stay injury-free. More like the “trainer” who keeps players in top shape.
Next you want know the Education Path (How Many Years Will You Be Stuck in School?)
SMP: Medical school (4 years) → Residency (3-5 years) → Fellowship (1-2 years in sports medicine). Total: 8-12 years (Yep, a long haul, but you get the "Dr." title!)
SPT: Bachelor’s (you already have Kinesiology—nice!) → Master’s in Physiotherapy (2 years). Total: 6 years (Much shorter if you start working faster.)
Okay so the Daily Life on the Job for each.
SMP: Diagnosing concussions, treating fractures, ordering MRIs, working with pro teams or clinics. Some travel with teams (hello, courtside seats!).
SPT: Hands-on rehab, stretching, strengthening, working directly with athletes in clinics, hospitals, or even on the sidelines.
Most importantly the Work-Life Balance ( “Will you Have a Life?”)
SMP: Longer hours, hospital rounds, some emergency cases, but rewarding work if you love medicine.
SPT: More stable hours, less emergency stress, and more direct patient interaction.
Now the $$$ – Let’s Talk Money because it is something you want to consider too unless you got a passion burning for one.
SMP: $200K+ in Canada, but you’ll start later due to all that schooling.
SPT: $75K-$100K, but you’ll be earning sooner (and with less student debt).
Okay so, Who Should Pick What?
Choose Sports Medicine if you love diagnosing, treating a variety of conditions, and the idea of being a doctor excites you.
Choose Physiotherapy if you enjoy hands-on treatment, direct patient interaction, and a quicker path to your career.
Final Tip, and the best thing to help you out is to Shadow Both Professions!
Spend a day with a sports doc and a physio—real-world experience will tell you everything. Either way, you’ll be helping athletes crush their goals (and avoid crutches).
So… team Doctor or Physio? Either way, you win! Al the best and let me know if I kissed anything or you need nay clarification. Good luck out there Sara. 🤗
Sounds like you’re at a crossroads—sports medicine physician vs. sports physiotherapist—a battle as epic as the World Cup final (minus the yellow cards). Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for you.
I will start with the simple thing you should know. The Main Difference
Sports Medicine Physician (SMP): A doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents sports injuries. Think of them as the “coach” of injury management, working with athletes to get them back in action.
Sports Physiotherapist (SPT): A rehab expert who focuses on hands-on therapy, movement correction, and exercise plans to help athletes recover and stay injury-free. More like the “trainer” who keeps players in top shape.
Next you want know the Education Path (How Many Years Will You Be Stuck in School?)
SMP: Medical school (4 years) → Residency (3-5 years) → Fellowship (1-2 years in sports medicine). Total: 8-12 years (Yep, a long haul, but you get the "Dr." title!)
SPT: Bachelor’s (you already have Kinesiology—nice!) → Master’s in Physiotherapy (2 years). Total: 6 years (Much shorter if you start working faster.)
Okay so the Daily Life on the Job for each.
SMP: Diagnosing concussions, treating fractures, ordering MRIs, working with pro teams or clinics. Some travel with teams (hello, courtside seats!).
SPT: Hands-on rehab, stretching, strengthening, working directly with athletes in clinics, hospitals, or even on the sidelines.
Most importantly the Work-Life Balance ( “Will you Have a Life?”)
SMP: Longer hours, hospital rounds, some emergency cases, but rewarding work if you love medicine.
SPT: More stable hours, less emergency stress, and more direct patient interaction.
Now the $$$ – Let’s Talk Money because it is something you want to consider too unless you got a passion burning for one.
SMP: $200K+ in Canada, but you’ll start later due to all that schooling.
SPT: $75K-$100K, but you’ll be earning sooner (and with less student debt).
Okay so, Who Should Pick What?
Choose Sports Medicine if you love diagnosing, treating a variety of conditions, and the idea of being a doctor excites you.
Choose Physiotherapy if you enjoy hands-on treatment, direct patient interaction, and a quicker path to your career.
Final Tip, and the best thing to help you out is to Shadow Both Professions!
Spend a day with a sports doc and a physio—real-world experience will tell you everything. Either way, you’ll be helping athletes crush their goals (and avoid crutches).
So… team Doctor or Physio? Either way, you win! Al the best and let me know if I kissed anything or you need nay clarification. Good luck out there Sara. 🤗
Julie Jenkins
1
Answer
Bozeman, Montana
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi! The main difference is that a sports medicine physician goes to medical school and the sports physiotherapist goes to physical therapy school to learn how to treat sports related injuries. The physician can prescribe medication and give injections as well as some surgeries. The physical therapist gives exercises for motion, strength, and pain reduction. The physical therapist sees patients twice a week for 8 weeks for example.
Julie, thank you!
Sara