Which term is used for the medical specialty focused on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries?

The term that refers specifically to the medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries is Sports Medicine. This field encompasses a wide range of practices and services, including injury prevention techniques, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation protocols tailored to athletes and active individuals. Sports medicine professionals work with individuals involved in varying levels of sports, from amateurs to elite athletes, addressing their unique needs related to physical activity and sports injuries.

Orthopedics, while closely related, is a broader medical specialty that deals with the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, and does not exclusively focus on sports injuries. Physical therapy is a rehabilitative service aimed at restoring movement and function, often after injury, but it's not limited to sports. Rehabilitation is a more general practice concerning various types of recovery from injuries or surgeries and doesn't specifically target injuries common in sports. Hence, Sports Medicine is the most accurate and encompassing term for this specialty.