Sports Medicine Specialists Treating Athletes in Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Nearby VA Communities

The sports medicine specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics treat athletes of all levels from Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the surrounding Virginia areas. Perhaps you see the word “athlete” and think, “well, that’s not me.” This is a common misconception. While the term can be defined in a wide variety of ways, we believe an athlete is anyone who uses what he or she has, both physically and intellectually, to do the best he or she can while engaging in sports and other physical endeavors. In essence, despite the circumstances, an athlete is someone who never gives up.

During certain times of the year, many people begin engaging in sports like softball, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, track, or swimming – sometimes after a long break. Whenever an individual plays a new sport or resumes playing after extended time off, the risk of injury increases. For instance, the sports medicine specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics in Hampton Roads often see:

• Shoulder injuries associated with activities that require repetitive overhead movements, such as baseball, softball, tennis, and swimming. These injuries may be preventable; for example, sports medicine specialists have established scientifically sound guidelines for the number of innings a pitcher can throw in a year. Proper mechanics and stretching can also go a long way toward preventing overuse injuries.
• Other shoulder injuries, such as dislocations that cause labral tears, which can have a high recurrence rate unless surgically repaired. However, in some cases, the sports medicine specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics can provide conservative treatment that can allow an athlete to finish a season prior to undergoing surgery.
• Ankle sprains, which are very common and can require time away from the field for a few days to several months. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy. In very severe cases, surgery may be required. A customized brace worn during play can help reduce the chance of recurrent sprains.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which almost always require surgery that keeps the player off the field for up to a year. An exercise regimen that involves balance, plyometrics, and strength training can decrease the risk of ACL injury, and also prevent recurrent injuries after an ACL tear has occurred.

The sports medicine specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics work closely with each patient’s physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, performance coaches, and athletic trainers to develop an individualized treatment plan. We offer the very best in experience, techniques, and technologies, with a personal touch, to help our patients recover as quickly and as completely as possible.

Athletes in Newport News, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, can schedule a consultation with one of the sports medicine specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics by calling (757) 276-3743.