Sports Medicine
The American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM) will present Sports Medicine: Back to Basics for 2026. In a world of increasing complexity with medical conditions, this year we wish to emphasize the importance of reinforcing a strong foundation upon which to build more individualized care plans. Our programming this year will include detailed physical exam techniques with osteopathic considerations, updates on preparticipation exam, concussion management, exercise prescription, and more. Our organization is looking forward to revisiting our most fundamental principles to patient care that allow us to springboard to more advanced strategies to optimize performance. For additional information, contact the AOASM National Office at info@aoasm.org, or visit the AOASM website at www.aoasm.org.
The Shoulder Examination
Description
Discuss the organization of an anatomically-based integrated physical exam of the shoulder to identify common shoulder diagnoses Locate and identify the acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and glenohumeral joints as well as the scapulothoracic junction Discuss tests that are helpful for diagnosing rotator cuff dysfunction, acromioclavicular conditions, biceps tendonitis, and other common conditions of the shoulder Discuss opportunities to consider osteopathic manipulative treatment in the care of common shoulder conditions
Speakers
Sideline to Clinic: Practical Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Exam With Osteopathic Insights
Description
Perform a structured, efficient examination of the hand, wrist, and elbow, including key provocative maneuvers to improve diagnostic accuracy Differentiate common upper extremity conditions (e.g., tendinopathies, ligament injuries, nerve entrapments) based on history and physical exam findings Integrate osteopathic principles—structure-function relationships, regional interdependence, and somatic dysfunction—into upper extremity evaluation and management Apply high-yield clinical pearls to avoid missed diagnoses and streamline clinical decision-making in both clinic and sideline settings Determine appropriate initial management, including indications for imaging, treatment, and return-to-play/work guidance.
Speakers
High-Yield Clinical Examination of the Knee and Hip - Evidence, Ultrasound, and Osteopathic Pearls
Description
Review which peptides are legal to prescribe and which ones are illegal at this time
Speakers
Osteopathic Cervical and Lumbar Spine Evaluation
Description
Perform an organized, region-specific musculoskeletal examination that integrates osteopathic structural assessment with evidence-based orthopedic physical examination techniques Develop a focused differential diagnosis by correlating history and physical examination findings with common musculoskeletal pathologies encountered in primary care and sports medicine Select and interpret appropriate imaging studies, including plain radiographs, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, based on the suspected diagnosis and clinical presentation Identify appropriate radiographic views and imaging protocols for common musculoskeletal conditions to optimize diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary imaging Integrate osteopathic principles and orthopedic examination findings to formulate comprehensive diagnostic and management plans for patients with musculoskeletal complaints
Speakers
Evaluation of the Foot and Ankle
Description
Identify anatomical structures in the foot and ankle Explain the structure and function of the foot and ankle List and demonstrate the exam of the foot and ankle List a differential diagnosis for common foot and ankle injuries List and describe treatments for common foot and ankle injuries List and demonstrate OMT for the foot and ankle
Speakers
Sports Supplementation
Description
Review the latest evidence for common supplement use in sports medicine Identify and explain the mechanisms, efficacy, and dosing protocols of well-researched supplements Recognize potential adverse interactions between dietary supplements and standard prescription medications
Speakers
The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation, 6th Edition Update
Description
Review updates published within the contents of The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Monograph, 6th Edition Review risk of pre-existing conditions or hidden medical issues (cardiac or structural abnormalities) Summarize eligibility criteria within medical clearance and recommend appropriate sports-specific accommodations or restrictions Focus on injury prevention and evaluation and address risk factors for orthopedic injuries Promote wellness and address general health topics, including mental health, nutrition, and safe lifestyle behaviors
Speakers
Cardiac Clearance for Sports Participation
Description
Review the risks of cardiovascular events in sports participation Discuss appropriate screening methodologies Explore safety of exercise counseling in healthy children and in those with heart disease who will participate in sports
Speakers
Amenorrhea as a Vital Sign: A Sports Medicine, Neuropsychology, and Nervous System Approach to Athlete Health
Description
Identify the physiologic, endocrine, nutritional, psychological, and training-related contributors to secondary amenorrhea in adolescent and adult athletes Implement a comprehensive diagnostic approach to secondary amenorrhea that considers endocrine function, nutritional status, recovery patterns, psychological wellbeing, sleep quality, and physiologic stress burden Explain how energy availability, psychological stress, sleep, recovery, and nervous system regulation influence hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function and menstrual health in athletes Develop multidisciplinary treatment plans that incorporate nutritional rehabilitation, training modification, behavioral health interventions, patient education, and recovery strategies to restore menstrual function and optimize long-term athlete health and performance
Speakers
Current Updates on Office-Based Treatment of Sports-Related Concussion
Description
Review concussion management as of September 2026 Discuss history clues in the updated treatment of the concussed athlete Discuss the physical examination clues in the updated treatment of the concussed athlete Discuss new treatment for concussion and Persistent Symptoms After Sports Related Concussion (PSaSRC) Discuss the 6th CISG Consensus Statement and highlight that which is new information or information altered by the document Discuss return to learn/play criteria
Speakers
Sideline Synergy: The Critical Dynamic Between Athletic Trainers and Physicians
Description
Identify the educational requirements, national certification standards, and state licensure governing modern Athletic Trainers (ATs) to better understand their clinical qualifications and scope of practice Analyze how ATs extend a physician’s reach across distinct practice settings—including high school, collegiate, professional, clinical, and industrial/occupational environments Differentiate the complementary roles of physicians and ATs in emergency response, injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation to optimize multidisciplinary patient care Implement strategies to integrate ATs into clinical workflows, improving efficiency, communication, and continuity of care for athletic and active populations
Speakers
High-Yield Radiography in Sports Medicine: 19 Can't-Miss MSK Pathologies
Description
Select appropriate standard and specialty radiographic views for 19 high-yield MSK pathologies based on mechanism of injury and clinical presentation and apply validated quantitative thresholds (Torg-Pavlov ratio, alpha angle, Southwick angle, atlantodental interval) to interpret findings accurately Distinguish pathognomonic radiographic signs (lightbulb sign, fleck sign, sail sign, Scotty dog collar, dreaded black line) from non-specific findings and analyze how the presence or absence of each alters surgical versus non-operative management decisions Differentiate the imaging escalation pathway for each pathology—identifying when plain radiography is sufficient, when CT or MRI is required, and when a negative initial radiograph must be treated as a presumptive diagnosis Evaluate the contraindications and appropriate applications of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as an adjunct to radiographically-confirmed MSK injury, justifying technique selection based on injury stage and tissue integrity Critique radiographic findings in clinical vignettes to construct a differential diagnosis, prioritize diagnostic next steps, and defend management decisions at the application-to-synthesis level consistent with sports medicine board examination standards
Speakers
Imaging of Bone Lesions - Pearls and Pitfalls
Description
Recognize the radiographic findings that help to differentiate aggressive from non aggressive skeletal lesions Illustrate the characteristic appearance of commonly encountered skeletal lesions Discuss the imaging workup of suspicious lesions and an algorithmic approach to incidental lesions/tumors Review tumor mimics and how to avoid misdiagnosis
Speakers
Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth - OMT for Face Trauma
Description
Review commonly dysfunctional sutures of the face and how to diagnose them Discuss indirect unwinding of facial sutures Demonstrate competence in the use of techniques presented
Speakers
GLP-1 Medications: Risks, Side Effects, and Clinical Considerations
Description
Critically appraise the evidence supporting current and emerging pharmacologic and procedural therapies for obesity, with emphasis on GLP-1 receptor agonists therapies. Recognize and manage the common, serious, and emerging adverse effects of GLP-1–based therapies, incorporating patient-specific risk factors into clinical decision-making. Identify barriers to effective obesity treatment—including medication access, adherence, cost, and healthcare disparities—and develop practical strategies to improve equitable patient care.
Speakers
Optimizing Muscle and Bone Health During GLP-1 Treatment: A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to GLP-1 Success
Description
Describe the effects of GLP-1 medications on bone density, lean muscle mass, and overall musculoskeletal health during weight loss Identify evidence-based lifestyle medicine strategies – including nutrition, protein optimization, resistance training, yoga, balance, and mindful movement – to preserve bone and muscle health while using GLP-1 therapies Apply the pillars of lifestyle medicine as practical recommendations for integrating movement, stress management, sleep optimization, and sustainable behavior change to enhance physical function, reduce injury risk, and support long-term health outcomes
Speakers
Beyond "Exercise More": Writing an Exercise Prescription for Patients Using GLP-1 Therapy
Description
Apply a clinical framework to create an individualized exercise prescription for an adult receiving GLP-1–based obesity treatment Use the FITT-VP principles—frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression—to prescribe resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, and daily physical activity based on the patient’s current capacity, goals, symptoms, and available resources Modify exercise prescriptions around common musculoskeletal injuries, deconditioning, fatigue, and changes in body mass while identifying patients who require referral to a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, or other qualified professional
Speakers
Performance Nutrition: Evidence-Based Fueling for Active Individuals
Description
Review current evidence-based recommendations for energy, macronutrients, and hydration needs in physically active individuals Identify nutrition strategies that support exercise performance, recovery, and injury prevention Evaluate common sports nutrition products and dietary supplements for safety, efficacy, and appropriateness