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Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Doctors in Kansas City, MO

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Sports and exercise are great for your physical well-being, but sometimes injuries happen. Whether you’re a high school, collegiate, or professional athlete or a weekend warrior, Orthopedic Health of Kansas City’s sports medicine experts are here to help get you back into action.

Comprehensive Sports Medicine Care for Athletes of All Levels

Sports and exercise are key to maintaining physical health and wellness, but injuries can happen to anyone—whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student-athlete, or a weekend warrior. At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, our sports medicine specialists provide personalized care to athletes of all experience levels. From treating complex injuries to offering preventative guidance, we are here to help you recover, prevent future issues, and optimize your performance.

How Sports Medicine Benefits Athletes of Every Experience Level

Sports medicine is not just for professionals—it offers valuable support to athletes of all skill levels. If you’re new to sports or recreational activities, our specialists can guide you in preventing injuries through proper training techniques, conditioning, and equipment use. For those more advanced in their athletic pursuits, we focus on managing overuse injuries, improving biomechanics, and enhancing overall performance to help you stay competitive.

For beginners or recreational athletes, we address injuries that might result from improper form or sudden increases in activity. For high-performing athletes, we provide advanced care for injuries such as ACL tears, rotator cuff damage, or stress fractures, ensuring a full return to competitive play. Regardless of your level, sports medicine ensures you’re equipped to meet your unique goals safely and effectively.

When Should You See a Sports Medicine Specialist?

If you’ve sustained an injury or are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, instability, or restricted mobility, it’s time to consult a sports medicine expert. While minor injuries may respond to rest, ice, compression, and elevation, many require more specialized care. Delaying treatment can lead to prolonged recovery or permanent damage, so early intervention is critical.

Conditions Treated by Our Sports Medicine Specialists

At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we have experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of sports-related injuries and conditions, including:

Our care doesn’t stop at treatment. We work with each patient to develop a recovery and rehabilitation plan that minimizes downtime and prevents future injury.

Specialized Sports Medicine Services

Athletic activities often involve unique risks that require specialized expertise. From treating collision injuries in football and basketball players to managing baseball-specific orthopedic issues, our team has the skills and experience to address your needs.

We offer specialized care for young athletes recovering from ACL injuries, female athletes facing unique biomechanical challenges, and patients with complex shoulder, knee, hip, or elbow injuries. By focusing on your body’s biomechanics and the demands of your sport, we create tailored plans that help you recover efficiently and safely.

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Conditions

Elbow Rupture Treatment
Hamstring Injuries
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Shin Splints

Orthopedic Urgent Care for Immediate Sports Injury Treatment

Sports injuries often occur during practices, games, or recreational activities—times when traditional medical offices are closed. Our Orthopedic Urgent Care is designed to provide fast, effective care for athletes of all levels.

Our urgent care treats various injuries, including rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, tendinitis, etc. Onsite services like diagnostic imaging, bracing, splinting, and casting allow us to provide immediate relief and a clear path to recovery.

  • Rotator Cuff Tears
  • ACL Injuries
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Tendinitis
  • Ligament Sprains

Orthopedic Health of Kansas City Sports Medicine Experts

At Orthopedic Health of Kansas City, we bring together an elite team of nationally recognized orthopedic physicians to provide comprehensive sports medicine care. Our team, led by specialists such as Dr. Paul C. Cowan, M.D., M.P.H., focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries with a personalized approach that prioritizes long-term outcomes.

We help athletes return to activity safely and quickly using advanced diagnostic tools and the latest treatment methods. Whether you need noninvasive therapies, rehabilitation guidance, or surgical intervention, our goal is to ensure the best possible recovery for every patient.

Schedule an Appointment with Kansas City’s Top Sports Medicine Experts

Whether recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your performance, the sports medicine specialists at Orthopedic Health of Kansas City are here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced team or visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care for same-day evaluation and treatment. 

Reach out today for expert care designed to keep you active and performing at your best.

Top Sports Medicine Doctors in Kansas City

Our collective experience in orthopedics is unparalleled in the Kansas City region. Orthopedic Health of Kansas City brings together an elite team of nationally recognized physicians into one comprehensive orthopedic practice. Our team works together with one goal in mind – to help you get back to feeling good so you can lead an active life.

Sports Medicine FAQ

What does a sports medicine specialist do?

Sports medicine doctors focus on diagnosing and treating injuries related to physical activity. They understand how movement, training habits, and sport-specific stresses impact the body. Their goal is to help athletes and active individuals recover efficiently, stay healthy, and improve performance through targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

When should I get help from a sports medicine physician?

If pain or reduced mobility is preventing you from training, exercising, or participating in your sport at your usual level, it’s time for an evaluation. Symptoms such as ongoing soreness, swelling after activity, instability, or discomfort that returns every time you play may indicate an overuse injury or a structural issue requiring orthopedic care.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

Our sports medicine specialists use detailed musculoskeletal evaluations combined with imaging—such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI—to understand the nature of your injury. This helps clarify whether the issue involves tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or the joint itself, ensuring an accurate and sport-specific treatment plan.

What treatment options are available for sports injuries?

Care for sports-related injuries may include activity modifications, structured rehabilitation programs, bracing, injections, or surgical procedures for more complex injuries like ACL tears or rotator cuff damage. Treatment plans are customized to your sport’s demands, your performance goals, and your level of competition.

Can sports injuries be prevented?

Yes. Proper conditioning, balanced strength training, gradual progression in activity, and sport-appropriate technique significantly reduce injury risk. Our experts also provide guidance on biomechanics, equipment, and workload management to help you stay at your best.

Do you treat recreational athletes as well as competitive athletes?

Absolutely. Our sports medicine team supports individuals at every skill level—from first-time runners to elite competitors—helping each person return to activity safely and confidently.