About Sports Medicine
Merita Health's Sports Medicine department provides specialized care for athletes and active individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our team of sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, and physical therapists focus on injury prevention, performance optimization, and comprehensive treatment of sports-related injuries.
Our Sports Medicine Services
- Injury Diagnosis & Treatment: Acute and chronic sports injuries
- Performance Optimization: Training programs and biomechanical analysis
- Concussion Management: Comprehensive evaluation and return-to-play protocols
- Pre-participation Physicals: Sports clearance evaluations
- Nutritional Guidance: Sports nutrition for optimal performance
- Injury Prevention Programs: Customized prevention strategies
- Rehabilitation Services: Sport-specific physical therapy
- Regenerative Medicine: PRP therapy, stem cell treatments
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
| Injury Type |
Common Sports |
Typical Treatment |
| ACL Tears |
Soccer, basketball, football |
Rehabilitation or surgical reconstruction |
| Rotator Cuff Injuries |
Swimming, tennis, baseball |
Physical therapy, injections, or surgery |
| Stress Fractures |
Running, basketball, gymnastics |
Rest, immobilization, gradual return |
| Ankle Sprains |
All sports, especially basketball |
RICE therapy, rehabilitation |
| Tennis/Golfer's Elbow |
Tennis, golf, racquet sports |
Rest, physical therapy, braces |
| Concussions |
Football, rugby, soccer |
Cognitive rest, gradual return |
| Shin Splints |
Running, dancing, military |
Rest, proper footwear, therapy |
| Hamstring Strains |
Sprinting, football, soccer |
Rest, stretching, strengthening |
Sports We Specialize In
- Football/Soccer: ACL injuries, ankle sprains, concussions
- Running/Track: Stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome
- Basketball: Ankle injuries, knee problems, finger fractures
- Swimming: Shoulder injuries, knee pain, back problems
- Tennis: Tennis elbow, shoulder injuries, ankle sprains
- Rugby: Concussions, shoulder dislocations, fractures
- Volleyball: Shoulder injuries, ankle sprains, finger injuries
- Cricket: Shoulder and elbow injuries, back pain
- Athletics: Various track and field injuries
- Martial Arts: Sprains, fractures, concussions
Performance Optimization Services
- Biomechanical Analysis: Movement pattern assessment
- Strength & Conditioning: Customized training programs
- Nutrition Planning: Sport-specific dietary guidance
- Hydration Strategies: Electrolyte balance optimization
- Recovery Protocols: Sleep, rest, and recovery planning
- Mental Skills Training: Focus, visualization, stress management
- Equipment Assessment: Proper footwear and gear evaluation
- Injury Risk Assessment: Identification of risk factors
Our Comprehensive Approach
| Phase |
Focus |
Services Provided |
| Prevention |
Injury avoidance |
Pre-participation exams, biomechanical screening, education |
| Acute Care |
Immediate treatment |
Diagnosis, first aid, imaging, emergency care |
| Rehabilitation |
Recovery and healing |
Physical therapy, progressive exercises, monitoring |
| Return to Play |
Safe resumption of sports |
Graduated protocols, sport-specific testing, clearance |
| Performance |
Optimal function |
Training optimization, nutrition, mental preparation |
Specialized Programs
- Youth Sports Medicine: Specialized care for young athletes
- Female Athlete Program: Addressing unique needs of female athletes
- Endurance Sports Program: For runners, cyclists, triathletes
- Team Physician Services: Medical coverage for sports teams
- Event Medical Coverage: On-site medical support for competitions
- Adaptive Sports Medicine: For athletes with disabilities
- Master Athlete Program: For athletes over 40
When to Visit a Sports Medicine Specialist
Schedule a consultation if you experience:
- Pain that persists beyond 48 hours of rest
- Swelling or bruising that doesn't improve
- Inability to bear weight on a limb
- Joint instability or "giving way" sensation
- Decreased range of motion
- Persistent muscle weakness
- Head injury with confusion or memory problems
- Recurrent injuries in the same area
- Performance plateau or decline
- Need for sports clearance or pre-participation exam
