Sports Medicine specialists and Orthopedic surgeons both specialize in musculoskeletal medicine, with Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the operative management of musculoskeletal conditions. Sports medicine physicians specialize on the non-operative management of musculoskeletal conditions.

Most Common Sports Injuries (around 80-90%) are managed through non-surgical measures. Sports Medicine Physician who excels in this field can maximize non-operative treatment, and expedite the process of return to play. In many cases where surgery is required, they work in tandem with Orthopedic/Sports Surgeon where they refer cases for surgery and get referred back post-surgery for accelerated return to play.

Sports Medicine Physicians have also received additional training in the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports and exercise medicine. Some of these include:

• Injury prevention
• Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and other head injuries
• Athletes with acute or chronic illness (such as hypertension, asthma, type 1 diabetes)
• Sports cardiology
• Exercise physiology
• Sports pharmacology and Anti-doping measures
• Nutrition, supplements and ergogenic aids
• Exercise prescription for individuals who want to improve their fitness
• Accelerated "Return to play" management for the  injured athlete
• Healthy lifestyle promotion at the individual and community level.
• Recommendations on Safety and performance-enhancing strength training and conditioning exercises
• Athletic development in children

Most Sports Medicine physicians also serve as Team Physicians for local and/or national teams and clubs. These physicians work with the players with the following responsibilities

• Pre-participation medical examination
• Assessment and management of injuries
• Care of sports-related and general medical needs of athletes
• Anti-doping education and measures
• Psychological and mental health of athletes
• Focusing on illness & injury prevention
• Coordinating treatment with other members of the sports medicine team to include physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and other medical and surgical specialties.
• Acting as the coordinator with physios, athletic trainers, coaches, school and college administration, as well as athletes and their families.