Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is not just for athletes. Although we care for many professional and recreational competitors, our sports medicine physicians focus on restoring the function of your injured joints so you can live an active life.

Types of Sports Medicine Treatment at Virtua

Maybe you're the cleanup hitter on your community softball team. Or perhaps you spend your weekends golfing with your friends. Or maybe you just want to walk around the neighborhood without feeling knee pain. Whatever your needs, our sports medicine specialists can help you return to your favorite activities.

Our team specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to relieve pain, rebuild strength, and restore function. Here's how we might approach your care:

• Consultation: Our sports medicine specialists will take a deep dive into your symptoms. We'll talk through your medical history, lifestyle goals, and perform a complete physical exam. From there, we might order additional testing, like an MRI or X-ray, to confirm a diagnosis.
• Rest: Often, joint pain can clear up on its own following a period of rest and modified activity. Our team will monitor your progress and develop a recovery plan that makes sense for you.
• Physical therapy: Our physical therapists will develop individualized exercises to strengthen your joints and restore motion. Depending on your condition, this could take place at home or at an in-person setting with our highly trained therapists. We might also recommend corrective muscle therapy as an option.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications or injections could be used to help reduce arthritis-related pain. We can also help manage and modify prescriptions as needed.
• Arthroscopic surgery: From injured ligaments and tendons to cartilage and labral damage, surgery might be the best option, mainly if conservative treatments are no longer effective. At Virtua, our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to address your unique needs.

Am I a Candidate for Sports Medicine Treatment?

Sports medicine is designed for anyone who is experiencing an orthopedic issue. You could benefit from treatment if you've been diagnosed or are dealing with these conditions:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Bone spurs
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Elbow problems, such as tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Ankle injuries
• Knee problems, including ACL strains or meniscus tears
• Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff issues
• Foot pain, including plantar fasciitis and arch pain
• Leg conditions, such as shin splints, calf, and hamstring injuries
• Hip pain
• Scoliosis

Sports Medicine at Virtua

When it comes to sports medicine, our goal is simple. We're here to get you back to doing what you love. Here's how we can help:

• Call us conservative: Before surgery becomes an option, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address what's causing your pain. This could include a custom-fitted support device like a brace or insert, physical therapy, corrective muscle therapy, and more.
• Treatment starts with you: No matter what, you play a vital role in your treatment plan. Here, we'll answer every question, address any concerns, and work together to relieve joint pain.
• For the love of the game: While it's true that sports medicine can benefit anyone, we specialize in treating athletic-related injuries. We can work with your team's coaches, trainers, therapists, and staff to get you back on the field.
• Surgery: When conservative options haven’t worked, surgery may be the best solution to address your pain. At Virtua, our surgeons have extensive experience utilizing the most innovative procedures. Plus, we've assembled a team of subspecialists focused on specific areas of the body. That means unmatched expertise that's close to home.

Benefits of Sports Medicine Treatment

• Significant pain relief from orthopedic conditions
• The ability to move around more easily and continue participating in the activities you love
• Improved quality of life
• Avoiding or postponing orthopedic surgery