Sports Medicine
Physicians at GRSM specialize in sports medicine and are certified with the Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM). Our physicians provide expert medical care for both high performance athletes, recreational athletes and active individuals. GRSM sports medicine physicians specialize in:
- assessing and treatment of athletic injuries
- managing of exercise-related medical problems (e.g. exercise induced asthma)
- exercise counselling for a healthy lifestyle
- preventing athletic injuries and medical problems
Physician visits are covered by OHIP. You must present a valid health card at each visit.
Please note that a referral from a Physician/Medical Doctor is required to book an appointment with our Sports Medicine Physicians.
Our Sports Medicine Physicians do not see injuries related to WSIB or motor vehicle accidents.

Pediatric Sports Medicine
Kids are naturally active and enjoy playing with other kids. Sports are a great way to keep kids active, help them learn new skills and play with other kids. However, injuries can occur with sport participation. And because kids are growing and developing, they can get injuries that adults do not get. It is important that injuries are recognized and managed appropriately so that kids can keep active and get back to their sports safely. Pediatric sport medicine physicians are trained in both pediatrics (children and adolescents) and sport medicine (treatment and prevention of injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activity) and can treat injuries that kids get while playing sports. They can also give advice to help prevent sport injuries.
COMMON CONDITIONS WE TREAT
- Osteoarthritis
- Sever's Disease
- Stress Fractures
- Patellofemoral Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Concussion
- Rotator Cuff Dysfunction
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Finger/Wrist Tendonitis
- Achillies Tendonitis
- Acute Injuries
- Osgood-Schlatter's Disease
- Joint Instability
- Pinched Nerve
- Shin Splints
- Ankle/Foot Sprains
- Hip Flexor Strains
- Hip Bursitis/Tendonitis
- Low Back Pain/Strain
- Neck Pain/Strain
- Patellar Tendonitis
- Overuse Sports Injuries
- Groin Pull
- Hamstring Strain
- Elbow Pain (Golfer’s/Tennis Elbow)
- Knee Ligament Tears (ACL, MCL)
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Post-Fracture Rehabilitation
- Shoulder Separation
- Frozen Shoulder
- Shoulder Pain
- Calcific Tendinopathy
“If athletes were given less care and more thought, the doctors might come up with some original ideas on why illness persists, why injury doesn’t clear up.
If more non-physicians – podiatrists and physiotherapists, for instance – could be induced to lend their ideas and talents, we might see a completely new approach to sports medicine.”
– Dr. George Sheehan (1975), long distance runner and one of the world’s first sports medicine physicians








Our Sports Medicine Program
Osteoarthritis Centre of Excellence
A program to help people achieve their exercise and lifestyle goals when faced with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA).
Sports Concussion Program
GRSM is committed to providing an efficient and comprehensive assessment and treatment of sport concussions in the high standard of care that GRSM is renowned for.
Acute Injuries Rapid Response
GRSM is committed to providing a Rapid Response in assessing and treating Acute Injuries that have been referred by Physicians.
Need Help?
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked question on our Sports Medicine services.
What is "Sport Medicine?"
Sport Medicine is more appropriately called “Sport and Exercise Medicine” or even “Activity Medicine” because it applies to many different types of people who are active – not just competitive athletes. Sport Medicine is a focused area of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment physical activity-related injuries and conditions. For example, sport medicine encompasses injuries to muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, bones and joints, as well as conditions such as exercise-induced asthma, osteoarthritis and post-concussion syndrome. Sports Medicine is especially concerned with non-surgical treatment approaches and requires in-depth understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, exercise physiology, exercise technique, exercise prescription, as well as psychology and internal medicine. Sport Medicine also encompasses treatment modalities such as specialized injections.
In Canada, how do I know who qualifies as a Sport Medicine Specialist?
To be a Sport Medicine physician in Ontario, you must first be a Medical Doctor registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Most sport medicine physicians are Family Physicians who have specialized training and certification in the field of sport and exercise medicine. However, other sport medicine physicians have a background as Pediatricians, Physiatrists or Orthopedic Surgeons. Specialized training for a sports medicine physician ideally involves post-graduate year of residency training (or “fellowship”) specific to sport medicine. Sport Medicine certification includes the rigorous practical examination administered by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM). If a physician successfully completes this exam, he or she will gain the designation of “Diploma of Sport and Exercise Medicine” after his or her name, abbreviated as “Dip SEM”. Also, the College of Family Physicians of Canada offers a Certificate of Added Competency in Sport and Exercise Medicine (shown by the designation of “CCFP (SEM)” after the physician’s name. In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Health offers a review process in which they allow qualified physicians to describe their practice as being a “Focused Practice in Sport and Exercise Medicine”.
Can anyone besides a medical doctor say that they practice Sport Medicine?
No. Physiotherapists can say that they are “Sport Physiotherapists” who diagnose and treat “Sport Injuries” or that they offer “Sport Physiotherapy.” They must follow their provincial colleges’ rules on making these kinds of claims. Chiropractors can say that they are “Sport Chiropractors” and must follow their provincial colleges’ rules on making these claims. However, if you claim to be a “Sport Medicine Physician” in Canada, you must be a Medical Doctor (designated by an MD beside your name) and you should have the “Dip SEM” credential as recognized by the Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and/or additional credentials as described above. Any credible clinic that says it offers “Sport Medicine” services should have a medical doctor with the appropriate credential and training working at its facility.
Does GRSM offer Sport Medicine consultation?
Yes. GRSM offers Sport Medicine consultations. Our Sport Medicine Physicians have been certified by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (CASEM), and have appropriate additional certifications from their regulatory organizations.
Do I need a referral? Should I go to my family Physician?
Under most circumstances, the sport medicine physicians at GRSM require a referral from a family medicine physician, general practitioner, emergency medicine doctor or other physician. GRSM sport medicine physicians greatly value the opinion of the referring physician as well as the supporting information that is provided in the referral (e.g., most family physicians send a comprehensive background about the patient’s medical history and tests/investigations which could have a significant impact on the patient’s treatment). Also, the referring physician plays a very important role in determining whether or not the patient’s condition is appropriate to be assessed by a sports medicine physician.
For consultations with the orthopaedic surgeon, a referral from another physician is always required.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments may be made in person or by calling (519) 622-4529 (Cambridge) or (519) 571-7111 (Kitchener-South) or (519) 804-9164 (Kitchener-Downtown). Please give us at least 24-hours notice if you need to cancel.
What is a sport injury?
We define a sport injury as any injury or condition that prohibits you from participating in your regular sport, fitness or recreational activity. You may or may not have become injured during your activity. Work-related injuries are not sport injuries.
What is an acute/chronic injury?
An acute injury is an injury that has occurred within 24 hours. A Chronic injury is an injury that may have occurred weeks, months or years in the past. By quickly managing an injury in the acute stage, you may be able to avoid chronic complications.
Services

SPORTS MEDICINE
Our physicians specialize in sports medicine and are certified with the Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM). They provide expert medical care for high performance athletes, recreational athletes and active individuals.

PHYSIOTHERAPY
Our physiotherapists focus on sport- and activity-specific rehabilitation. Our goal is to return you to your activity as soon and as safely as possible.

CHIROPRACTIC
Our chiropractors utilize functional assessments to diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment plan and therapeutic methods. These techniques include Active Release Technique (ART), Athletic Movement Assessment (AMA), Diversified chiropractic Manipulation technique.

MASSAGE THERAPY
Our Registered Massage Therapists use preventative and restorative therapies to help you maintain, rehabilitate and improve physical function or relieve your pain.

ATHLETIC THERAPY
Our Certified Athletic Therapists use a full range of treatments to rehabilitate, prevent injury and help you return safely to your sports and other activities.

FOOT ORTHOTICS
Our pedorthists are trained in assessing, casting, design and fitting of foot appliances (orthotics) and in fitting of footwear to reduce painful and debilitating conditions of the lower limbs and feet.

BRACING
Our bracing professionals help fit you with a stocked or custom brace so that you may be able to return to sports or recreational activities sooner and safer.

DIETITIAN & NUTRITION
Our Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist helps to promote good nutrition habits that can help you maintain your energy levels, weight and muscle mass and can lower your risk of certain diseases.