‘Career in sports medicine is lucrative’

I have always been interested in watching sports of all kinds but never have I managed to do well in sports, be it cricket, football or table tennis. I am studying Commerce in Class 12 currently. But post-school, I want to pursue sports medicine. I have been told it is an upcoming field with lucrative prospects. Can you tell me more about its prospects and how to go about it? 

Manikandan, it is all right if you have not fared well in sports, but your love for sports and sportspersons is a good motivation enough to pursue a career connected with sports. There is only one hitch, if you are keen on pursuing a career in sports medicine, then you should shift preferably in your undergraduate to biology, zoology or science related subjects and then go for regular medical courses with specialisation in sports medicine. It is a tedious option.  There is no need to panic. Let me ask you plainly. Do you want to be a Sports Physician or Sports Therapist?  Often sports medicine is confused with sports therapy. Sports medicine is more diagnostic and clinical. Taking account of your aspiration and background, I assume you probably meant to be a sports therapist. In your case, it fits perfect.  A therapist need not attend medical school. For a degree, at the undergraduate level, you can study Physiotherapy or Bachelors in Physiotherapy. There is wide range of specialized masters degree (M.PT.,) in Sports Physiotherapy, Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy, Neurology, Orthopedics, etc., There are also other diploma and certificate courses. Basic certification in first aid and life support is also necessary. It helps you with the skills to assess physical abilities, teaching physical therapy techniques and monitoring the progress. It is indeed lucrative. 

All forms of sports are gaining importance in India. Cricket is as popular as gods in the temples. ICC, IPL, TNPL, Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) have all added more opportunities and demand for physiotherapists. Football’s Indian Super League (ISL), Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Premier Badminton League, Celebrity Badminton League, Premier Futsal and so on have celebrity and corporate patronages and involve huge money. They invest to ensure that their players stay fit at all times. The players too wish to remain high on auction and keep playing without interruption. The sports injury clinics, sports clubs, gyms or directly with are avenues open for you. As a therapist, you have the responsibilities to assess the fitness and advice exercise prior to an event, physically and mentally preparing the players and providing emergency aid during the event. 

Jobs are available throughout India. You need to develop that extra sensory input to evaluate natural progression of healing and adapting to multiple techniques of healing to achieve optimum fitness. Develop a vast knowledge of human body and its dynamic capabilities. Learn to work independently and in a team. Build your ability to motivate and encourage. Your personal physical fitness and positive attitude is the key to handling the players. Go ahead and play on your turf with ease and élan.