What is Sports Medicine?

Sports Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injury and illness in active persons.

You do not have to be a competitive athlete to see a Sports Medicine physician. EVMS Sports Medicine treats a variety of conditions and patients at all activity levels and requires a team effort! So, whether you are an elite athlete preparing for your next competition or interested in taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, your EVMS Sports Medicine team is here to assist.

Patient Billing Your visit Family Medicine Residency

What is a Sports Medicine physician?

Sports Medicine is recognized as a medical subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Physicians are board certified in either Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation prior to completing their fellowship. In order to be board certified, Sports Medicine physicians are required to pass a board certification examination and complete maintenance of certification following fellowship. These physicians commonly work in primary care and orthopedic clinics, in addition to being athletic team physicians.

Why see a Sports Medicine Physician?

Up to 90% of sports and musculoskeletal injuries do not require surgery. Therefore, we feel it is beneficial to take care of these patients and injuries in the primary care home. Sports Medicine physicians have expertise in the nonoperative management of injuries and illnesses. With background training in primary care, we take a holistic approach to helping our patients. This involves understanding their athletic and occupational physical demands, medical histories, medications, and ultimate therapy goals.

Our locations

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Family and Community Medicine, Ghent

Hofheimer Hall
825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 118
Norfolk, VA 23507
757.446.5955
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Family and Community Medicine, Portsmouth

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Arts Building
3640 High Street, Suite 3B
Portsmouth, VA 23707
757.397.6344

Sports Medicine physicians have advanced training in use of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of common musculoskeletal conditions. These scans are completed in office, without the use of radiation, and may make injections more effective and less painful. Sports Medicine physicians have extensive training in injection therapy which may include corticosteroids, viscosupplementation or “gel” injections, and regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma.

Close up of legs of a person kicking a soccer ball. The lighting is dramatic and the person is wearing bright blue gear and shoes with orange laces.

Conditions we treat

  • Acute injuries such as sprains, muscular strains, tendonitis
  • Chronic tendon injuries of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, foot and ankle
  • Nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fractures
  • Concussions and other head injuries
Close up of clear sports water bottle, blue sneakers with orange laces, and pink hand weights

Treatment options

  • Modification to daily activities
  • Use of orthotics
  • Bracing
  • Physician-directed home exercises
  • Physical therapy and occupational therapy referrals
  • Nutrition management
  • Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma injections
  • Referral to surgical specialists when needed
Three young people are wearing full gear including helmets, playing football on a grass field.

Resources for a healthy lifestyle

  • Pre-participation physical examination (sports physicals)
  • Nutrition and weight management
  • Athletic injury prevention protocols
  • Exercise and fitness prescriptions
  • Strength and endurance training
  • Supplements and ergogenic aids
  • Medication management for active individuals
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