Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen (ISMC) is a joint research institute and out-patient clinic. In the out-patient clinic we treat approximately 10,000 patients each year, all with conditions/injuries in the musculoskeletal system caused by physical/sports activities at all levels ranging from recreational to elite athletes.

Institute of Sports Medicine was established in 1997 at the Department of Rheumatology at Bispebjerg Hospital in conjunction with the establishment of a professorship in Sports Medicine at University of Copenhagen given to Professor Michael Kjaer.

At ISMC the main research focus is the adaption of tendon and muscle connective tissue to acute and chronic mechanical loading. The overall aim of the research is to investigate how the muscle-tendon unit adapts to short-term and long-term alterations in mechanical loading including that associated with physical training, inactivity and immobilization in conjunction with injury and aging. In particular, we focus on the adaption of tendon and connective tissue of the muscle.

Our long-term vision is that our research outcomes will improve the treatment of work and physical activity related injuries in the connective tissue of the muscle-tendon unit. These types of injuries are the cause of a considerable number of all lost working days in Denmark.

At ISMC we have established a very solid track record in translational research in adaptation of muscle and connective tissue to acute and chronic mechanical loading, immobilization, aging and pharmaceutical interventions. We have a strong tradition of innovative, multidisciplinary and integrative research within the areas of musculo-skeletal physiology, injury pathology and treatment thereof. Our translational research activity is further strengthened by spearheading the Clinical Academic Group “Physical Activity and Sports in Clinical Medicine”, Copenhagen Health Science Partners, which is a joint venture between the Capital Region hospital system and University of Copenhagen.