Sports Medicine
OrthoConnecticut’s Sports Medicine specialists are highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the full spectrum of sports injuries, including torn ACLs, rotator cuff tears, complicated multi-ligament injuries, and tendonitis.
Game On.
At OrthoConnecticut, patients receive expert orthopedic care close to home—without traveling into New York City. Our highly trained physicians use advanced techniques, personalized treatment plans, and integrated sports rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover faster, restore natural movement, and return to the activities they love.
Expert Sports Care
Highly trained orthopedic specialists deliver advanced sports medicine treatment for athletes of all levels.
Integrated Rehabilitation
Coordinated rehabilitation programs help improve recovery, restore mobility, and support long-term performance.
Convenient Access
Patients receive premier orthopedic care close to home without the need to travel into the city.
Common Symptoms
Athletic activity is essential to many lives, but when sports injuries happen, even simple movements can become challenging. The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, joint instability, and difficulty moving the affected area
- Pain during movement or at rest
- Swelling around an affected joint or muscle
- Stiffness that limits motion
- Bruising at the injury site
- Tenderness to touch or pressure
- Decreased range of motion
- Instability or feeling of joint “giving out”
- Weakness in a limb or joint
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Popping, cracking, or grinding noises in joints
Sports Medicine Care
Sports Medicine physicians help restore movement and reduce pain.
1 in 4 Adults
Will Injure a Foot or Ankle in Their Lifetime
20%
Of Sports Injuries Affect the Ankle
50%
Of Ankle Sprains Will Reoccur
Conditions We Treat
- Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder
- Fracture of the Collarbone (Clavicle)
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Glenoid Labrum Tears
- Hill-Sachs Lesion
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Shoulder Dislocations
- Loose Shoulder (Multidirectional Instability)
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- SLAP Tear
- Subacromial Bursitis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Elbow Bursitis
- Inflammation of the Biceps Tendon at the Elbow
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Media Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury
- Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow
- Little League Elbow (Medial Apophysitis
- Elbow Overuse Injuries
- Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
- Elbow Joint Pain
- ACL Injuries in Women
- ACL Tear (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear)
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
- Patellar Tracking Disorder
- Prepatellar Bursitis (Kneecap Bursitis): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- Quadriceps Tendon Tear
- Meniscus Tears
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Tibial Plateau Fracture: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Knee Fracture
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- Patella Tendon Rupture
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
- Patella Fracture (Broken Knee Cap)
- Knee Joint Pain
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip
- Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)
- Femoral Fractures
- Femoral-Acetabular Impingement
- Labral Tears of the Hip
- Osteoarthritis of Hip
- Muscle Strain Injuries of Thigh
- Hip and Pelvic Fractures
Available Treatments & Procedures
- PRP Therapy for Shoulder Pain
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Separation Repair
- Painless Precision: The Crucial Role of Regional Anesthesia in Shoulder Procedures
- Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
- Biceps Tenodesis
- Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
- Diagnostic Arthroscopy (Shoulder)
- Distal Clavicle Excision
- Joint Injection (Therapeutic, Shoulder)
- ORIF Surgery for Proximal Humerus Fracture
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
- SLAP Repair
- Subacromial Injection
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Subacromial Decompression
- Enhancing Comfort and Precision: The Role of Regional Anesthesia in Elbow Procedures
- Enhancing Comfort and Precision: The Role of Regional Anesthesia in Elbow Procedures
- Arthroscopic Elbow Debridement
- Aspiration of the Olecranon Bursa
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Overview
- Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament
- Ulnar Nerve Transposition at the Elbow
- PRP Therapy for Knee Arthritis
- PRP Therapy for Chronic Knee Pain
- ACL Reconstruction
- ACL Reconstruction (Arthrex® TightRope®)
- ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring
- Prepatellar Bursa Aspiration
- Joint Arthroscopy
- OATS Cartilage Repair Surgery
- Regional Anesthesia for Knee Procedures
- Cartilage Repair
- Visco-supplementation for Arthritis of the Knee
- Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain
- Flouroscopic Knee Injection with Steroids
- Meniscal Transplant
- Meniscus Repair
- Microfracture Drilling Procedure
- Partial Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
- Computer-Assisted Knee Replacement
- PRP Therapy for Hip Arthritis
- Anesthesia (Lumbar Puncture, Spinal)
- Computer-Assisted Hip Replacement Surgery
- Femur Fracture Fixation
- Arthroscopy: An Advanced Outpatient Procedure for Hip Joint Examination and Treatment
- Hip Fracture Treatment with Surgical Screws
- Hip Hemiarthroplasty (Bipolar)
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Hip Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement, Anterior Approach
- Hip Joint Injection
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 855.457.4392
Schedule Your Appointment Online
Schedule a consultation with one of our expert specialists to discuss your condition and explore personalized treatment options.
Meet Our Sports Medicine Specialists
Trained at the country’s most prestigious medical institutions, our physicians offer the most advanced surgical techniques for both simple and complex issues.
Interventional Spine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Pain Management
Brian A. Bast, D.O.
Sports Medicine Specialist | Knee, Hip & Shoulder Surgeon
Angelo Ciminiello, M.D.
Sports Medicine Specialist | Knee & Shoulder Surgeon, Total Joint Specialist
Jeffrey V. DeLuca, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about sports medicine at OrthoConnecticut.
What does a Sports Medicine Physician do?
Sports medicine physicians specialize in working with athletes and people who are physically active. They might work with professional athletes, but they also work with everyday individuals who do physical activity, exercise or experience pain in the knee and hip joints. Physicians specializing in sports medicine work to help people improve performance, enhance health, prevent injury, and maintain physical activity throughout their lives. Most work done by sports medicine physicians is non-surgical and involves:
- Diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries and illnesses
- Using exercises or other techniques to prevent and/or treat common musculoskeletal conditions
- Having a deep understanding of athletic conditioning and training and sharing this knowledge with patients
- Preventing injury related to physical activity
- Focusing on rehabilitation after sports-related injuries
- Providing nutritional advice to help patients build strength and endurance
What is Orthopedic Sports Medicine?
Orthopedic doctors focus on the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves, and tendons that make up the human body. Orthopedic sports medicine is a subset of orthopedics that focuses on these musculoskeletal structures and how they might be affected by physical activity and exercise. What sets them apart from general sports medicine physicians is their specialized training in understanding the complex network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make up our bodies. Orthopedic sports medicine specialists also perform surgery on athletes and others with sports-related injuries. These procedures may include:
- Shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle arthroscopy
- Knee, hip, or shoulder replacement
- ACL reconstruction
- Tendon repair
- Meniscus repair
- Shoulder injection
- Rotator cuff repair
- Microfractures
- Cartilage repair
- External or internal fixation
What is the Difference Between Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy?
Apart from sports medicine’s specialized focus on physical activity and sports, the main difference between sports medicine and physical therapy is that sports medicine physicians can offer a variety of different treatment methods that includes surgery. On the other hand, physical therapists work with stretching and strengthening exercises to aid in recovery. Physical therapists will also work with the general public and do not focus solely on sports-related injuries.
There is also a difference in the education that sports medicine physicians and physical therapists receive. Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons have a medical degree (M.D.), have completed general surgery and sports medicine residency programs, and a fellowship program where complex surgical techniques are studied. Physical therapists receive a doctor of physical therapy degree.
What Distinguishes Acute and Chronic Sports Injuries?
An acute injury is a new injury that comes on suddenly and causes severe pain. Meanwhile, chronic injuries are longer-lasting and have ongoing effects on the body. Acute sports injuries generally come from sudden trauma to the body during physical activity. Symptoms of an acute sports injury may include extreme tenderness to the area, an arm or leg that can’t support weight, sudden severe pain, swelling, lack of mobility in a joint, or dizziness after being hit on the head. Examples of acute sports injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Knee injuries (ex: ACL and meniscus tears)
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Rotator cuff tears
Chronic sports injuries develop over time due to repetitive athletic movement that causes stress on the body’s muscles, bones, joints, or tendons. They are most common in long-distance athletes like runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes. Chronic sports injuries are the result of overuse that causes wear and tear over time. Though not always caused by bad technique, improving your technique can help in preventing the onset of chronic conditions. Chronic sports injuries include:
- Achilles tendon injuries (in runners)
- Runner’s knee
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
Patient Testimonials
Real stories from patients who found relief and returned to the activities they love.
Marlon S.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
“Dr. John Brown just completed my right total shoulder arthroplasty. He will do my left one in three or four months. I trust him implicitly. He is the best doctor I’ve ever had! I am recommending my friends with bad shoulders to visit with Dr. Brown so their lives can be blessed as mine has been through his healing abilities.”
- Sun City West
Carol L.
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I have been visiting the Core Institute in Mesa, AZ, for a couple of years for treatment. I had hip replacement surgery there, which went exceptionally well! Unfortunately, I have other orthopedic issues that require ongoing care at Core. I have seen Dr. William C. Thompson and Dr. Decomas, along with their team. Despite the pain I have experienced, these professionals have significantly improved my quality of life! Definitely Recommend!”
- Mesa
Kelley S.
Spine Injections
“I have had several spine doctors (VA System) when it comes to my spine injections, no other Doctor is as gentle yet effective as Dr. Sherman. He has had a profound effect on my health. It has been a long journey, I’m glad I have had him to guide me.”
- Scottsdale
Milissa C.
Pain Management
“Dr Sherman is the best! He is very empathetic and listens to all of my concerns. He truly cares. His office staff is also fantastic and he is always running on time for his appointments. Go see him for all your pain management needs!”
- North Phoenix
Julie E.
Vein Dysfunction
“Hilary is very knowledgable and explained in detail what problems are caused by vein dysfunction and what symptoms you would have. She had a plan and dates for procedures/follow-up before I left the exam room. Very happy with this experience.”
- Sun City West
Constance C.
X-rays
“The doctor showed me my x-rays and showed me where the crack in my kneecap was. He answered all my questions and was very easy to understand what he was talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. I’ll be seeing him again in January.”
- Peoria Lakes Club
Johnnie J.
Physical Therapy
“There’s something powerful about having a therapist who truly sees you, not just your injury. That’s how Shannon Geraty works. She made the hard days feel possible and the good days feel like triumphs. I’m walking away not only stronger, but also more confident and encouraged than I thought I could be. I’m deeply grateful for her care.”
- Mesa