What's the difference between a sports medicine physician and a sports-centered physical therapist?

Treat independently: In most states, pts are not allowed to treat (pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically) independently, they would need physician's (md/do) written prescription.

One's a DOCTOR: Lots of folks like to hang out a shingle advertising sports medicine! be careful. Not all are fellowship trained. True sports medicine should imply an md or do who is fellowship trained. A sports interested physical therapist is a great way to define a physical therapist who wants to care for athletes. Other titles: sports chiropractor, athletic trainer, sports psychologist are exactly that.

Different training: A sports medicine physician completed medical school (4 years), residency (3-5 years), and sports medicine fellowship (1-2 years) and is a doctor who can order tests, prescribe medications, prescribe physical therapy, some give injections, some are surgeons. A physical therapist treats patients with hands on treatments.