Sports Medicine Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on sports medicine vocabulary: sprain, strain, ligament, tendon, concussion, physiotherapy, MRI, taping, electrotherapy, rehabilitation and biomechanics. B2–C1 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Sports Medicine is actually used in context at B2–C1 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as sprain, strain, ligament, tendon and concussion, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Keep building your sports medicine vocabulary.
Sports Medicine Vocabulary — FAQ
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament — the tissue connecting bone to bone — caused by sudden stretching or tearing, typically at a joint such as the ankle or knee. A strain, by contrast, is an injury to a muscle or tendon, usually caused by overstretching or excessive force. A helpful way to remember: sprains affect ligaments and strains affect muscles. Both can range from mild to severe depending on how much tissue is damaged.
What is the difference between a ligament and a tendon?
Both ligaments and tendons are bands of tough connective tissue, but they serve different functions. A ligament connects bone to bone, stabilising a joint and limiting excessive movement. A tendon connects a muscle to a bone, transmitting the force of muscle contraction to produce movement. When you sprain your ankle, you damage a ligament; when you strain your calf, you damage a muscle or its tendon.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Symptoms of a concussion can appear immediately or within hours of a head impact. They include headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, feeling mentally foggy and, in some cases, brief loss of consciousness. In sports, any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play and assessed by a medical professional before returning to activity.
What does a physiotherapist do in sports medicine?
A physiotherapist who specialises in sports medicine assesses, diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. Their work includes designing rehabilitation exercise programmes, using manual therapy such as massage and joint mobilisation, applying electrotherapy and taping, advising on injury prevention, and supervising a gradual return to sport. They work closely with doctors, coaches and athletes to achieve the fastest safe recovery.
When is an MRI scan used instead of an X-ray for sports injuries?
An X-ray is best for imaging bones and detecting fractures, whereas an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is used when a doctor needs to see soft tissue in detail — muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and the spinal cord. MRI is therefore preferred for diagnosing ligament tears, muscle tears, tendinopathy and cartilage damage. It is more expensive than an X-ray but provides far more information about soft tissue structures.
What is the purpose of taping in sports?
Taping serves several purposes in sport and rehabilitation. Rigid strapping tape is used to restrict joint movement and provide mechanical support — for example, ankle taping to prevent re-sprain. Kinesiology tape is applied in specific patterns to support muscles, reduce swelling and alleviate pain without restricting full movement. A physiotherapist will choose the appropriate taping method based on the injury and the athlete's needs.
What types of electrotherapy are used for sports injuries?
Several forms of electrotherapy are used in sports injury management. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) sends low-voltage impulses to block pain signals. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to warm deep tissue and promote healing. Interferential therapy uses medium-frequency electrical currents to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Laser therapy stimulates cell repair. The choice depends on the type and stage of injury.
What are common examples of overuse injuries in sport?
Overuse injuries result from repetitive stress without adequate recovery. Common examples include shin splints in runners, tennis elbow in racquet sport players, swimmer's shoulder in swimmers, jumper's knee in volleyball and basketball players, and stress fractures in distance runners. Prevention involves progressive training load increases, adequate rest, correct technique and appropriate footwear.
What are the stages of sports injury rehabilitation?
Sports rehabilitation typically progresses through several overlapping stages: (1) Acute phase — controlling pain and swelling using PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation); (2) Repair phase — gentle range-of-motion exercises; (3) Remodelling phase — progressive strengthening and proprioception training; (4) Functional phase — sport-specific drills; (5) Return-to-sport phase — full training under medical clearance. Rushing through stages increases the risk of re-injury.
How is biomechanics used to prevent sports injuries?
Biomechanics analyses the way the human body moves during sport using motion capture, force plates and video analysis. In sports medicine, biomechanical assessment can identify faulty movement patterns — such as poor running gait or incorrect throwing mechanics — that place excessive stress on particular structures. By correcting these patterns through targeted exercises and technique coaching, physiotherapists and sports scientists can significantly reduce an athlete's injury risk.