Medical disclaimer
Our guides help you understand your body. They don't replace a professional who can examine you.
Education, not advice
All content on Sports Health Guide, including articles, images and newsletters, is provided for general information and education only. It isn't intended to be, and shouldn't be taken as, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always ask a doctor, physiotherapist, registered dietitian or other qualified health professional about a medical condition, injury, diet or exercise programme. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on this website.
Before you start exercising
If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or diabetes, are pregnant, are returning from injury or surgery, or have any other health concern, talk to a doctor before starting or significantly changing an exercise or nutrition programme.
Stop exercising and seek medical help immediately if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or any other worrying symptom.
Nutrition and supplements
Nutrition information on this site is general. Individual needs vary with body size, health, medication, sport and goals. If you have a medical condition, an eating disorder or a history of disordered eating, please work with a registered dietitian or doctor rather than following general guidance.
Supplements can interact with medicines and some products contain substances banned in sport. If you compete under anti-doping rules, check every supplement carefully.
Injuries
Our injury guides describe common patterns and general approaches. Pain can have many causes, some of them serious. If you have severe pain, pain at night or at rest, swelling, numbness, or pain that isn't improving, see a qualified professional.
Mental health
Our sport psychology guides cover normal performance nerves and mental skills. They aren't a substitute for mental health care. If you're struggling with anxiety, low mood or thoughts of self-harm, please contact a doctor or a local support service straight away.
No professional relationship
Reading this website or contacting us doesn't create a doctor-patient, physiotherapist-patient or any other professional relationship. We can't respond to individual medical questions.
Accuracy
We work hard to keep our guides accurate and current, and we cite the research we rely on. Health science changes, though, and we can't guarantee that every piece of information is complete, current or right for your situation. You use any information on this website at your own risk.
External links
We may link to studies and other websites. We're not responsible for the content of external sites, and a link isn't an endorsement.
Questions about this disclaimer? Contact us.