What is Sports Medicine?

Injuries can be an inevitable part of an active lifestyle — whether you're a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who likes staying active. That’s where sports medicine comes in — a specialized field dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity. At the forefront of this discipline is DISC Sports & Spine, a premier center recognized for its cutting-edge treatments, experts in the field, and a commitment to helping patients get back to doing what they love.

VIDEO: Dr. Andry on Sports Medicine

What Is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of healthcare focused on physical fitness, injury prevention, and the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries resulting from sports and exercise. While the term may conjure images of athletes receiving care on the sidelines, sports medicine extends well beyond the professional sports arena.

The field is multidisciplinary, bringing together physicians, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation specialists to offer comprehensive care. The goal is not only to treat injuries but also to enhance performance and prevent future problems.

Sports medicine practitioners are specially trained to understand the physical demands of various activities, from high-impact sports like football to endurance pursuits like long-distance running. This understanding enables them to develop customized treatment plans that consider both the injury and the patient’s long-term goals.

At DISC, James Andry, MD, board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, said sports medicine makes up about half of his practice. 

“From shoulder injuries from tennis, volleyball or baseball, to knee problems or a twisted ankle from snowboarding or going for a run, patients want these problems addressed and don’t want to have to find somebody new every time they have an issue,” Dr. Andry said. “People want to get back to the things they love to do and we help get them there.”

"Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes — it’s a specialized approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries that affect how your body moves and performs. We focus on using precise, image-guided techniques to target pain at its source and support long-term healing without major surgery, if possible. Whether it’s a torn tendon, joint pain, or a stress injury, our goal is to get you moving at your best again — safely and efficiently."

Leia Rispoli, MD | Double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist

Who Do Sports Medicine Specialists Treat?

Although the word “sports” is in the name, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from sports medicine. Patients come from all walks of life and fitness levels, including:

• Professional and amateur athletes
• Weekend exercisers
• High school and collegiate athletes
• Those who are in an athletic line of work, like firefighters or military personnel
• Active older adults who want to maintain mobility and strength

Sports medicine specialists focus on the unique movement patterns, biomechanics and physical demands of each patient’s lifestyle to create effective, personalized treatment plans.

Common Conditions Treated in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine encompasses a wide range of injuries and conditions, particularly those affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Some of the most common issues treated include:

• Sprains and strains
• Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow)
• Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears, MCL sprains)
• Fractures and dislocations
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Overuse injuries (e.g., stress fractures, shin splints)
• Concussions
• Back and neck pain related to activity

Treatment often involves a combination of non-surgical therapies, such as physical therapy, bracing, regenerative medicine (like PRP or stem cell injections), and in some cases, minimally-invasive surgery — something DISC is known for.

Prevention and Performance in Sports Medicine

One of the defining features of sports medicine is its emphasis on injury prevention and performance optimization. Through biomechanical assessments, movement analysis, and strength testing, specialists can identify risk factors that may predispose an individual to injury. Interventions like corrective exercises, cross-training recommendations, and sport-specific conditioning programs are then implemented to reduce risk and improve efficiency.

This proactive approach is particularly beneficial for athletes looking to extend their careers, improve recovery time, and reach peak performance.

"...we’re not just treating injuries, we’re working to prevent them and enhance how your body performs. By analyzing movement patterns, strength imbalances, and biomechanics, [we] can spot subtle issues that increase your risk of injury before they ever cause pain. From there, [we] build personalized plans using corrective exercises, targeted cross-training, and sport-specific conditioning to optimize your mechanics, speed up recovery, and help you reach your peak. For athletes and active individuals alike, it’s about staying in the game longer and performing smarter.’

Daniel C. Acevedo, MD | Orthopaedic Surgeon

How DISC is the Leading Sports Medicine

When it comes to world-class care, DISC Sports & Spine Center is in a league of its own. With a reputation built on innovation, precision, and excellence, DISC has become a trusted destination for Olympians, professional athletes, and active individuals alike looking for sports medicine care.

Here’s what sets DISC apart:

1. Multidisciplinary Team of Experts: DISC boasts an elite team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, pain management specialists, and physical therapists — all under one roof. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.
2. State-of-the-Art Facilities: The center features cutting-edge diagnostic tools, a fully accredited outpatient surgery center, and a high-performance rehabilitation suite, all designed to maximize comfort and outcomes. Advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgical technology allow for faster, safer interventions.
3. Personalized, Athlete-Centered Care: Every patient at DISC receives a customized treatment plan based on their unique goals, sport, and lifestyle. Whether you're training for a marathon or chasing your kids around the backyard, DISC’s specialists tailor care to help you return to action quickly and safely.
4. Innovative Regenerative Therapies: DISC is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, offering biologic therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections to promote healing and reduce recovery time. These cutting-edge treatments are helping patients avoid surgery and recover more naturally.
5. Trusted by the Best: DISC has earned the trust of numerous professional sports organizations and elite athletes, including Olympic teams, UFC fighters, and NFL players. Their track record of success in high-stakes environments speaks to the quality of care and results they deliver.

Sports medicine plays a vital role in helping active individuals prevent injury, recover from setbacks, and achieve peak performance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or simply striving to stay active and pain-free, specialized care can make all the difference. If you're looking to heal stronger, move better, and perform at your best, schedule your consultation with DISC today.