Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is a discipline that works to rehabilitate and prevent injury involving sports. From athletic trainers to physical therapists to medical doctors, there are a lot of people that work to create a healthy atmosphere for athletes of all ages.
Sports medicine often involves the musculoskeletal system, which generally refers to the bones of the body and the system that connects them all together. The structures involved in the musculoskeletal systems include soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or tendons that help to provide support to the bones and form the joints of the body.
View Common Conditions
Common Sources of Pain in the Body
Depending on the specific sport being played or trained for, the likelihood of certain injuries can vary significantly. For instance, someone playing football faces a higher risk of concussion compared to a rower, who may be more prone to overuse injuries in the back or shoulders. As a result, understanding the unique demands of each sport is essential for effective prevention and care. Fortunately, for many of the injuries commonly associated with athletic activities, there are several treatment options available. These can range from conservative approaches like physical therapy to more advanced interventions when necessary.
- In many cases, sports that involve repeated movement patterns or periods of high stress and load can gradually lead to overuse injuries. Over time, this repetitive strain may result in pain, inflammation, or decreased performance. As a common example, tendinitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, the soft tissue that connects muscles to bones. Moreover, this condition often develops slowly due to ongoing stress on a specific area, especially in athletes who perform the same motions frequently during training or competition. Repeated use or overuse can also lead to stress fractures.
- Another common cause of sports-related injury is due to collisions or falls during activity. As a result, these incidents can lead to various types of fractures, dislocations, or injuries to the soft tissues inside or around a joint. In particular, muscles may be affected, which is typically referred to as a “strain.” On the other hand, when the injury involves ligaments, it is often classified as a “sprain.” Additionally, the severity of these injuries can vary, requiring proper evaluation and treatment to ensure full recovery.
Common Orthopedic Conditions
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Sprains (ligaments) or strains (muscles)
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
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Tendinitis
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Rotator Cuff Injuries
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Fractures or dislocations
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Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis
Common Orthopedic Treatments
Dealing with pain can be overwhelming, particularly when identifying the exact source or knowing how to address it feels unclear. Support, however, is available and you’re not alone in this experience. Healthcare professionals are trained to guide you through this process with expertise and care. They begin by conducting a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms. From there, they take time to walk you through a variety of treatment options, helping you make informed decisions based on what’s most appropriate for your condition. Through a collaborative approach, they’ll help develop a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
- Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for musculoskeletal injuries or pain. To start, a licensed physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and collaborate with you to develop a personalized plan of care. This plan may include therapeutic exercises, manual treatments (such as soft tissue mobilization), and modalities like heat or ice for pain relief. Additionally, exercises may target strength, abdominal control, range of motion, and readiness to return to sport or daily activities.
- Beyond hands-on treatment, the physical therapy plan often incorporates lifestyle changes and home modifications to support long-term recovery. Furthermore, education about your body, condition, and injury prevention strategies is an essential component of your care. This helps you stay informed and engaged throughout your healing process.
- In addition to physical therapy, a physician may recommend medications or injections to reduce pain and inflammation. These options are typically used alongside rehab for greater effectiveness. However, if symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgery may be discussed or recommended as a next step, depending on the severity and nature of the condition.
Possible Treatments for Orthopedic Conditions
- Physical Therapy
- Shoulder Fracture Surgery
- ACL Repair/Reconstruction Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Surgery
- Injection(s)
- Elbow Fracture Surgery
HELPING LOCAL ATHLETES STAY IN THE GAME
The sideline is no place for an athlete. For this reason, Orthopedic ONE is proud to actively support athletes at every level of play here in Columbus. From youth sports to elite competition, we remain committed to keeping athletes of all ages healthy and performing at their best. More specifically, our experienced team of physicians, therapists, and Certified Athletic Trainers delivers comprehensive orthopedic care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation services. In addition, these services extend not only to some of the most elite professional organizations in central Ohio, but also to collegiate, high school, and club programs throughout the region.
Clubs/League Partners
Professional Affiliates
School Partners
Partnering & Event Coverage
The Sports Medicine program at Orthopedic ONE is comprised of primary care physicians with fellowship training in sports medicine, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, and certified strength and conditioning specialists. We also partner in a trusted physician network to provide concussion treatment and management.
Are you looking for a Sports Medicine Provider for your team or school athletic program? Do you have a special event or tournament coming up that you would like to have a Certified Athletic Trainer there for injury first aid?
For more information on partnership opportunities and/or event coverage, or any other inquiries relating to Orthopedic ONE in the community, please contact Laura Fagert, Community Relations Manager, at lfagert@orthopedicone.com or by phone at 614-827-8672.
These lists are not inclusive of all conditions and procedures. In order to obtain a complete and accurate diagnosis, a physician should assess your individual situation. Following diagnosis, your physician will discuss appropriate treatment options with you – both surgical and non-surgical. Schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician.
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Sports Medicine Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist when pain persists, limits your movement or interferes with daily activities. A specialist can identify the cause and discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Traumatic bone or joint injuries caused by an accident or fall may require immediate orthopedic trauma and fracture care.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine physician?
An orthopedic surgeon treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons and can perform surgery when necessary. Sports medicine focuses on preventing and rehabilitating activity-related injuries.
Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine program includes primary care sports medicine physicians, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists. The right provider depends on the condition and whether surgical expertise may be needed.
Can a torn meniscus heal without surgery?
Not every meniscus tear automatically requires surgery. Orthopedic ONE offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for meniscus tears. A knee specialist can evaluate the location and nature of the injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Learn more about the conditions treated by Orthopedic ONE’s knee specialists.
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
An ACL injury can destabilize the knee and may cause instability during sports or everyday activities. Sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse place repeated stress on the ACL due to frequent jumping and changing direction. However, ACL injuries are rarely caused by contact and are not limited to competitive athletes. Adults can experience ACL tears during recreational activities, low-intensity sports, and even awkward falls. Because other knee injuries can cause similar problems, an evaluation is needed for an accurate diagnosis. Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine specialists treat ACL injuries and other activity-related knee conditions.
How do I know if I have a rotator cuff tear?
Lingering shoulder pain or pain that keeps you awake at night may be a sign of a rotator cuff tear, particularly in adults over 40. Tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and shoulder impingement can also cause pain, so an orthopedic shoulder specialist should determine the underlying cause.
What is the difference between arthritis and a sports injury?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by cartilage breakdown. It can lead to chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and structural changes within a joint. Orthopedic ONE provides joint preservation treatments intended to relieve symptoms and slow joint deterioration.
Sports injuries are generally related to overuse, repetitive activity, collisions or falls. They may include strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations and tendon or ligament tears. These conditions are evaluated through Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine program.
Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is often a first-line treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. A treatment plan may include therapeutic exercise, manual treatment, pain-relief techniques, activity changes and injury-prevention education.
For some patients with osteoarthritis, physical therapy and other conservative treatments may help delay or avoid joint-replacement surgery. Learn more about Orthopedic ONE’s approach to joint preservation.