Physical therapists assess patients and create plans to help them improve their movement, relieve pain and increase strength. They evaluate the effects of treatment and adjust to maximize the benefits. Physical therapists also test the patient’s strength, motor skills and functions, sensory perceptions, respiratory or circulatory efficiency and show patients how to perform the prescribed exercises and review progress. Physical therapists help decrease or prevent problems due to disease or injury.

Registered nurses (R.N.s) care for sick and injured patients. Registered nurses will assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Registered nurses monitor and record patients’ conditions and report any changes to physicians. They maintain detailed reports, record vital signs, and order, interpret and evaluate tests to identify and assess patients’ conditions and work closely with patients and their families.

Sports medicine physicians prescribe treatments for professional and amateur athletes who have become injured. These doctors may work in hospitals and clinics, or with high school, collegiate or professional sports organizations. Specialized training in a sports medicine fellowship program is required.