The Global Sports medicine market was valued at USD 5.6 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.85 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9 % for the forecast period 2023-2030.
Market Definition
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine focusing on physical fitness as well as the management and avoidance of injuries sustained during exercise and sports. Sports medicine has just recently come into its own as a separate medical specialty, despite the fact that most sports teams have had team physicians on staff for a long time. Sports medicine, also known as sport and exercise medicine, is regarded as a real medical specialty in some nations and is held to the same standards of education and training as other fields of medicine.
The sports medicine market is driven by increasing participation in sports, increasing sports injuries, growing awareness about injury prevention, advancements in treatments like arthroscopy and regenerative therapies, popularity of fitness trends like yoga and cross-training, and increased healthcare access due to the Affordable Care Act in the US. These factors contribute to the market's growth and demand.
Market Size:
- 2022: USD 5.6 billion
- 2030: USD 8.85 billion
- CAGR (2023-2030): 5.9 %
Sports Medicine Market Dynamics
Drivers: Increasing participation in sports and physical activity
One of the key factors driving the demand for the sports medicine market is the increasing participation in sports and physical activity. As more individuals engage in various sports and fitness activities, there is a higher likelihood of injuries and the need for specialized medical care. This trend has led to a surge in demand for sports medicine products and services, creating a lucrative market for healthcare providers and manufacturers in this field.
The increasing popularity of recreational sports like running, cycling, tennis, swimming, and football is leading to an increase in sports injuries and the need for sports medicine services. Health club memberships, yoga studios, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are also contributing to this increase. Governments are promoting grassroots sports participation and fitness campaigns to combat obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, expanding the consumer base for injury treatments. Younger demographics are more aware of sports nutrition, injury prevention aids, and physical therapy solutions. Aspiration for better fitness and appearance drives more people to engage in strenuous exercise and extreme sports, increasing injury incidence and demand for sports medicine.
For instance, according to a 2022 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in fitness sports in the US increased from 60.9 million in 2020 to 66.2 million in 2021, an 8.7% growth. This growth in participation across various sporting and fitness activities has corresponded with greater demand for sports medicine services. Per SFIA data, the sports medicine industry revenue jumped from $8.6 billion in 2020 to $10.7 billion in 2021, showing the impact of increased sports engagement on the market's growth.
Rising incidence of sports injuries:
The rising incidence of sports injuries across professional and recreational domains is a major factor driving growth in the sports medicine market. With more people participating in sports activities, there has been a consistent increase in acute sports injuries such as sprains, fractures, dislocations, concussions etc. This necessitates medical treatment. Overuse injuries like stress fractures, tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries are also rising as people undertake more strenuous exercise regimes for fitness. Younger athletes are playing single sports year-round from an early age, resulting in more overuse injuries. This requires physical therapy and rehabilitation. The advent of extreme sports and risky behaviors like increased height/rotation in gymnastics, and bigger ramps in snowboarding has increased the severity of sports trauma. Advances in diagnosis like MRI and arthroscopy are also detecting more sports-related musculoskeletal injuries that previously went undiagnosed. Sports medicine facilities are reporting a higher incidence of injuries. For example, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York saw a 95% increase in operative knee procedures among youth athletes from 2010 to 2017.
Additionally, according to a study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of Tommy John surgeries performed on baseball pitchers in recent years. The number of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgeries, known as Tommy John surgeries, rose from 179 in 2000 to 628 in 2019 among Major and Minor league baseball pitchers, a 251% increase. Tommy John procedures generate significant revenue for the sports medicine industry, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 on average.
Growing awareness about injury prevention:
Growing awareness about sports injury prevention is a key factor driving growth and revenues for the sports medicine market. Both professional athletes and amateurs are more informed today about injury mechanisms, risk factors and prevention aids like protective gear, braces, sleeves, taping, etc. Leagues, teams, schools and sports medicine bodies are emphasizing injury prevention protocols like neuromuscular training, strength programs, controlled workload increases etc. Advances like motion analysis, force plate testing, wearables and predictive analytics help customize injury prevention strategies for individual athletes. Sports medicine clinics actively promote injury screening and assessment services to identify athletes at high risk who can undertake prevention programs. Products like knee braces, ankle supports, and kinesiology tape see strong adoption for injury prevention during sports participation Several awareness campaigns such as STOP Sports Injuries by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine promote athlete education on protection against overuse injuries. Sports medicine conferences highlighting injury prevention research attract large practitioner and trainer audiences looking to implement such protocols.
For instance, according to a 2022 injury prevention report by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the use of ankle braces and tape as a preventive measure has steadily grown over the last decade. This rise aligns with greater awareness among athletes about prophylactic bracing and taping to prevent ankle sprains, which are the most common sports injury.
Recent Developments
In October 2022, Smith & Nephew acquired Engage Surgical for $135 million, adding the OsteoImpact Uni Knee Implant to its knee replacement portfolio. The acquisition strengthens the company's knee replacement and reconstruction offerings, broadens offerings for younger patients, and improves its competitive position in the market.
In September 2022, Conformis, a medical device company focused on joint replacement implants and technology. Paragon 28, a medical device company specialized in foot and ankle implants. The acquisition provides Conformis entry into the fast-growing foot and ankle market segment.
In January 2022, Stryker has completed the $3 billion acquisition of Vocera Communications, a clinical communication and workflow solutions company, allowing Stryker to expand its digital and AI offerings for hospitals and surgery centers, with an expected sales contribution of over $350 million in the first year.
In August 2021, Zimmer Biomet has received FDA clearance for its ROSA® Hip System, a robotically-assisted direct anterior total hip arthroplasty procedure. The system uses AI and robotics to accurately implant hip replacements, guiding pelvic tilt and spatial orientation using real-time data.
In June 2021, DJO planned to acquire Swiss orthopedic implant manufacturer Mathys AG Bettlach, expanding its European operations and orthopedic solutions portfolio, focusing on joint reconstruction, trauma, and sports medicine products over 90 years old.
Restraint : High treatment costs
High treatment costs and expenses associated with sports medicine is a major restraining factor for the growth of this market globally. Surgeries like ACL reconstruction or shoulder labrum repair cost anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000 without insurance in the US. These high costs deter people from undergoing surgery. Ortho biologics like platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies used widely in sports medicine are expensive and rarely covered by insurance. This affects adoption. Expensive imaging like MRI scans is often required for diagnosis before injury treatment. Lack of insurance coverage deters many from getting diagnosed. Premium prices of products like custom knee braces, computerized exercise equipment restricts uptake by middle- and low-income groups. Sports medicine is highly specialized so even basic consultations cost $100-$300 without insurance, pricing out several patients. Lack of insurance and high out-of-pocket costs in emerging markets especially limit access to sports medicine services. As a result, many opt for lower-cost options like over-the-counter painkillers, massage therapy, or acupuncture instead of appropriate sports medicine treatment.
For instance, according to a study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021, the median costs of outpatient knee arthroscopy procedures in the US are very high and a major barrier to access. The median insurer payment for a meniscectomy was found to be $3,501 while the patient out-of-pocket cost was $1,419. For an ACL reconstruction surgery, the median insurer payment was $11,447 and patient responsibility was $1,860. The study states these high costs deter many patients from undergoing surgery even when clinically indicated. This illustrates how high expenses and lack of insurance deter uptake of sports medicine procedures, thus hampering market growth.
Challenges: Self-medication tendencies:
Self-medication refers to athletes or active individuals attempting to treat injuries, pain, or other conditions by themselves without seeking professional medical advice. This could involve taking over-the-counter medications beyond recommended doses or using medicines prescribed for others. This is a concern because inappropriate self-medication can delay proper diagnosis and treatment, lead to adverse side effects, and potentially worsen injuries. For example, taking very high doses of NSAID pain relievers can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney damage. Reasons athletes may self-medicate include wanting to avoid costly medical visits, lack of access to sports medicine specialists, not wanting to stop training/competing, lack of awareness of risks, and poor medical guidance from coaches. The global sports medicine market aims to provide effective evidence-based treatments for athletic injuries and improve prevention through research. However, self-medication tendencies can undermine these goals. Self-medication could lead to overuse of certain medications that then become less effective. It could also cause complications that then require more invasive treatments later on, raising overall costs. The tendency of athletes to self-medicate instead of seeking professional care is a worrying trend that poses risks to their health and undermines the aims of the sports medicine sector. Tackling this issue requires better medical guidance, education, and access for athletes globally.
For instance, A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 60% of elite athletes reported using over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen beyond the recommended dosing. Exceeding recommended doses can increase the risk of kidney, liver and gastrointestinal side effects. This demonstrates a high tendency towards self-medication without medical guidance.
Opportunities: Advances in sports medicine treatments
Advances in sports medicine treatments have opened up new opportunities for the Global Sports Medicine Market. These advancements, such as minimally invasive surgeries and regenerative therapies, have revolutionized the way athletes are treated and have significantly improved recovery times. Additionally, the growing awareness of the importance of preventive care and injury management has also contributed to the market's growth. As more athletes and sports enthusiasts prioritize their health and performance, the demand for sports medicine products and services continues to rise. This has led to increased investments in research and development, resulting in innovative and effective treatment options.
Technological and medical advancements in sports medicine offer significant growth opportunities. Regenerative medicine, arthroscopic surgery, orthopedic implants, biologic treatments, wearable sensor technology, pharmaceuticals, enhanced imaging, robotics, and nutritional supplements are some of the key advancements. These advancements can help repair damaged tissue and cartilage, reduce recovery times and scarring, improve performance and longevity, promote natural healing, optimize training and conditioning, and enhance the accuracy and precision of orthopaedic surgeries.
Increased healthcare access:
Expanding health insurance coverage in countries like the US due to reforms has increased the number of people with access to sports medicine treatments covered by insurance plans. This grows the market of patients who can afford care. Growth of telehealth during the pandemic has enabled virtual physical therapy and athlete counseling/training. This increases access for those limited by travel or costs associated with in-person visits. Sports medicine programs at colleges/universities provide medical services to student-athletes on campus. This model could be expanded to more high schools to give young athletes access.
Investments in clinics and mobile units to bring sports medicine specialists to rural/underserved communities improve access to those who can't reach urban centers easily. Increased training and certification of sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other providers expand capacity to meet demand, especially in developing nations. Partnerships between teams/leagues and hospital systems increase the availability of sports medicine services directly where athletes train and compete. Digital innovations like wearable sensors, telerehabilitation devices, and athlete apps enable remote patient monitoring and at-home physical therapy, improving convenience. Efforts by major sports leagues to enhance insurance coverage for retired professional athletes ensure this group continues receiving care for ongoing health issues. With greater healthcare access, more patients can seek early treatment leading to better outcomes, faster recovery, lower costs, and increased productivity. This benefits the entire sports medicine field.
Snapshot:
| Attributes | Details |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 5.6 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 | USD 8.85 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 5.9 % |
| Unit | Revenue (USD Million) and Volume (Kilo Tons) |
| Segmentation | By Product/Device Type, By Application, By End users, By Region |
| By Product/Device Type |
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| By Application |
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| By End-Use |
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| By Region |
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| Base Year | 2022 |
| Historical Year | 2018 - 2022 |
| Forecast Year | 2023 - 2030 |
Segment Analysis of the Sports Medicine Market
By Product/Devices
The body reconstruction devices and repair segment held the largest market share in 2022: By product/ device, the sports medicine market is segmented into surgery device, body reconstruction devices and repair, body support and recovery devices, and others. The body reconstruction devices and repair segment held the largest market share. Due to orthopaedic implants like knee, hip and shoulder replacements and bone screws are essential for surgical treatment of joint and bone injuries sustained during sports. Advances in materials and designs of joint implants have improved longevity and outcomes specifically for athletic patients who put high demands on prosthetics. Reconstruction of damaged ligaments and tendons using grafts, scaffolds, and fixation devices is common for injuries like ACL tears to restore stability and strength. Implantable sensors and instruments allow surgeons to precisely track a range of motion and biomechanics after repair procedures in athletes. Additionally, demand rises as aging professional athletes require joint replacements from accumulated trauma and younger patients experience traumatic fractures. Companies are developing smaller, less invasive reconstructive implants tailored to youth and female athletes with anatomy differences from adult men.
By application
The knee injuries segment held the largest market share in 2022: By application, the sports medicine market is segmented into knees, shoulders, ankles and feet, wrists and elbows, and others. The knee injuries segment held the largest market share. The knee joint is vulnerable to injury during athletic activity due to its complex anatomy and weight-bearing function, leading to high incidence of sprains, tears, and fractures. Knee injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal damage are extremely common in sports like football, soccer, basketball, skiing etc. requiring treatment. Many knee injuries, especially cartilage and ligament tears, increase risk of osteoarthritis later in life necessitating ongoing therapy. This expands the affected population. Younger athletes are sustaining knee injuries at higher rates as youth sports become more rigorous, expanding the patient demographic. An aging population susceptible to degenerative knee problems is also seeking sports medicine help to remain active, further growing demand. the magnitude and complexity of knee injuries fuels consistent, sizeable demand for sports medicine treatments targeting this vulnerable joint.
End-use
The hospitals held the largest market share in 2022: By end use, the sports medicine market is segmented into hospitals and specialty clinics. The hospitals held the largest market share. There are several factors that contribute to hospitals holding the largest share of the global sports medicine market. Many sports medicine procedures like surgeries, complex imaging, and rehabilitation require specialized facilities and equipment predominantly found in hospitals. Serious injuries sustained during sporting events often necessitate emergency care services that only hospital ERs can provide. This includes trauma, cardiac events, etc. Hospitals have the capital to invest in advanced sports medicine technologies like robotic surgery systems, biologics processing equipment, and diagnostics like on-site MRI, CT, and X-ray. Leading sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons often operate out of hospitals due to access to ORs, tools, nurses, and other infrastructure. Hospitals provide holistic care including psychological counseling, nutritional advice, and social work alongside medical treatments for athletes. Many sports leagues, teams, and colleges partner with hospital systems for the care of their athletes given the comprehensive services they can offer. the breadth of resources, facilities, physicians, and financial means make hospitals the dominant delivery setting for sports medicine services currently.
Regional Analysis
North America occupied the largest market share in 2022: North America occupies the largest share of the global sports medicine market due to High interest and participation rates in sports like football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey etc. which have high risks of injury. This creates a substantial demand for sports medicine services. In North America, there is a Presence of major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL which have significant infrastructure and resources dedicated to player health and injury management. They have High per capita income allowing greater consumer expenditure on sports medicine treatments, which can be costly and may not be covered fully by insurance. Favourable reimbursement landscape for many orthopaedic procedures and physical therapy compared to other regions, making access to care easier. In North America, there is a large number of sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals who serve both professional and recreational athletes.
Additionally, the Presence of major sports medicine equipment and technology companies like Arthrex, DJO Global, RTI Surgical, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, etc.
High adoption rates of innovative treatments like biologics, advanced surgical techniques, wearable sensors, etc. contribute to growth. North America's combination of favorable demographics, economics, infrastructure and healthcare policies reinforce its position as the largest regional sports medicine market.
Competition Analysis
- Smith & Nephew
- Stryker
- Zimmer Biomet
- Arthrex GmbH
- Wright Medical Group N.V.
- Enovis (DJO Global)
- CONMED Corporation
- Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.
- Breg, Inc.
- Medtronic
- RTI Surgical
- Bauerfeind
- Össur
- MedShape
- Cramer Products
- Agilent Technologies, Inc
- RôG Sports Medicine
- Performance Health Holding, Inc.
- Bauerfeind AG
- KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
- DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson)
Segmentation Analysis of the Sports Medicine Market
By Product/Device Type
- Surgery Devices
- Body Reconstruction Devices & Repair
- Body Support & Recovery Devices
- Others
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Ankle & Foot
- Wrist & Elbow
- Others
- Hospitals
- Specialty clinics
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sports Medicine Market:
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the sports medicine market by reducing demand for sports medicine products and services. The cancellation of professional sports leagues, tournaments, and recreational events reduced the incidence of acute sports injuries requiring treatment, lowering demand for sports medicine products and services. Additionally, elective procedures like ACL reconstructions and meniscectomies were postponed or cancelled, affecting market revenues. Supply chain disruptions caused by restrictions on manufacturing and transport led to shortages of key sports medicine supplies. Telehealth and virtual physical therapy increased due to limited in-person access, reshaping the delivery of sports medicine. The end of lockdowns led to a flood of pent-up demand from recreational athletes and professional sports leagues seeking injury treatment and rehabilitation. The pandemic also prompted increased consumer interest in physical activity, health supplements, and preventative care, supporting long-term sports medicine adoption.
