Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions related to physical activity, sport, and exercise. It encompasses a wide range of patients—from elite athletes and active individuals to those with chronic illnesses who benefit from physical activity.
SEM professionals aim to optimize performance, improve recovery, and promote overall health through physical activity. They also address issues like injury prevention, musculoskeletal problems, exercise prescriptions for various medical conditions, and the management of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
It’s a multidisciplinary field, often involving collaboration between sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and coaches

HOD's Message:

As a medical doctor and Head of the Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine at RLKU, I am very proud to announce that this is the first ever department of “Sports And Exercise Medicine” in Pakistan in any institution thus far. I will be excited to lead a team committed to advancing the health, performance, and well-being of individuals and sports personnel through evidence-based practice, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
We will equip students with advanced skills in the latest technologies available in the field of sports injury prevention and management technologies that are not yet offered by any other institution or medical faculty in Pakistan.

DR AMMAD AHMAD
Consultant Sports Physician;
Sports & Exercise Medicine,
Musculoskeletal Disease, Functional Rehabilitation MBBS; FCS(S. Africa); Diplomate,
Sports and exercise medicine(UK);Diplomate, Rheumatology Eular (CH)

Sports & Exercise Medicine department- Services

A Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) department offers a wide range of services tailored to athletes, active individuals, and patients using exercise for health management. Here’s a breakdown of the key services typically provided:

1. Injury Diagnosis & Management
Assessment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. sprains, fractures, tendonitis)
Imaging referrals (e.g. X-rays, MRIs, MSK ultrasound)
Non-surgical treatments like joint injections or Radiofrequency treatments and low light laser treatments.
Sports & Exercise Medicine department- Services
2. Rehabilitation & Return-to-Play Planning
Personalized rehab programs to ensure safe and effective recovery
Functional assessments to guide return to sport or physical activity
Coordination with physiotherapists and trainers
3. Injury Prevention Programs
Screening for injury risk factors (e.g. muscle imbalances, biomechanics)
Preventative training plans (e.g. warm-ups, conditioning)
4. Exercise Prescription for Health
Tailored exercise programs for managing:
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Mental health conditions
Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
5. Concussion Management
Baseline testing and post-injury assessmentReturn-to-learn and return-to-play protocols
6. Sports Performance & Health Optimization
Fitness and performance testing (VO2 max, lactate threshold, body composition)
Nutrition advice and supplementation guidance
Recovery strategies (e.g. sleep, hydration, load management)
7. Mental Health in Sport
Support for stress, anxiety, or burnout in athletes
Referrals to sport psychologists if needed
8. Team and Event Coverage
On-site medical coverage for sporting events
Travel medicine and support for teams