Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Specialists in Austin, TX

Stay Active and Return to the Activities You Love with Expert Sports Medicine Care

Sports medicine is a specialized area of orthopedics focused on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating sports injuries, overuse injuries, and conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While commonly associated with athletes, sports medicine is for anyone who wants to stay active from competitive athletes and weekend warriors to active adults.

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, our fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine specialist provides comprehensive care for acute injuries, overuse conditions, and joint problems. Whether your goal is returning to competition, getting back to the gym, or simply enjoying an active lifestyle without pain, we're here to help you move with confidence. We proudly care for patients throughout Austin, Lakeway, Leander, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.

Meet Our Sports Medicine Specialist

Conner Patrick, M.D.

Conner Patrick, M.D.
Physicians

GET STARTED WITH A CONSULTATION

When to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

If pain, weakness, or limited mobility keeps you from exercising, participating in sports, working, or completing daily activities, it may be time to see a sports medicine specialist.

Common signs include:

  • Persistent joint or muscle pain

  • Swelling, bruising, or tenderness

  • Reduced strength or range of motion

  • Pain that worsens with activity

  • Joint instability or a feeling that the joint may give way

  • Clicking, catching, locking, or popping

  • Difficulty running, jumping, throwing, lifting, or changing direction

  • An injury that is not improving with rest

  • Recurrent injuries affecting the same area

  • Difficulty returning to your previous activity level

Early evaluation can help prevent an injury from worsening and may provide more treatment options.

Sports Medicine Conditions We Treat

Our team evaluates and treats a wide range of sports injuries, overuse injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Shoulder and Elbow
  • Rotator cuff injuries

  • AC joint pain/injury

  • Cartilage injury

  • Arthritis

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Shoulder instability and dislocations

  • Labral tears

  • Shoulder impingement

  • Biceps and triceps tendon injuries

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer’s elbow

  • Throwing-related shoulder and elbow injuries

  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries

  • Elbow ligament injury/instability

Hand & Wrist
  • Fractures – wrist and hand

  • Trigger Finger

  • Carpal Tunnel

​​​​​Foot & Ankle
  • Achilles tendon injury

  • Ankle sprains

  • Peroneal tendon dysfunction

  • Fractures

Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament Injuries
  • Sprains and strains

  • Tendon injuries

  • Muscle tears

  • Overuse injuries

  • Stress injuries

  • Repetitive-motion conditions

  • Sports-related fractures

  • Joint instability

  • Traumatic injuries

Hip and Knee
  • ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL injuries – lauren

  • Meniscus tears

  • Patellar instability

  • Patellar and quadriceps tendon injuries

  • Runner’s knee

  • Iliotibial band syndrome

  • Hip impingement/instability

  • Hip labral tears

  • Hamstring/quadriceps/abductor tendon injury

  • Hip and knee cartilage injuries

  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries

  • Fractures

  • Knee arthritis

  • IT band syndrome

  • Cartilage injuries

  • SI joint pain
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We provide expert care for injuries involving the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, and ankle, helping patients safely return to sports, fitness, work, and everyday activities. Whether your injury occurred during competitive sports, recreational activities, fitness training, or exercise, our team is here to help you recover and return to doing what you love.

Comprehensive, Personalized Sports Medicine Care

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, treatment is focused on relieving pain, restoring movement, and helping you safely return to activity. Whenever appropriate, we begin with non-surgical treatment options.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

  • Physical therapy

  • Activity modification

  • Sport-specific rehabilitation

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Bracing or supportive equipment

  • Strengthening and mobility exercises

  • Ultrasound guided injections, including steroids, Visco supplementation, and PRP
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When surgery is necessary, our surgeons use minimally invasive, advanced techniques that are designed to repair damaged tissue, restore joint stability, and support a safe return to activity.

Surgical options may include:

  • Shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee arthroscopy

  • Rotator cuff repair

  • Labral repair

  • ACL and other ligament reconstruction

  • Meniscus repair

  • Cartilage restoration procedures

  • Tendon repair and reconstruction

  • Fracture fixation

  • Treatment of joint instability

  • Sports-related shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow surgery

  • Debridement/remove of bone spurs

  • Osteotomies/realignment procedures

  • Cyst excision

  • Scar/adhesion resection

  • Knee arthroplasty
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Our goal is not only to treat the injury but also to help you regain strength, confidence, and long-term joint health.

Coordinated Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy

Recovering from a sports injury often involves more than treating the injury itself. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, our sports medicine physicians work closely with our physical therapy team to provide seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.

Whether you're recovering from a sprain, ligament injury, tendon injury, fracture, or surgery, your physician and therapist communicate throughout your recovery to ensure your treatment plan progresses safely and effectively. When appropriate, we also collaborate with high school and collegiate athletic trainers to coordinate care, share progress, and help ensure a safe and successful return to sport.

​​​​​​​This collaborative approach helps restore strength, mobility, and function while supporting a safe return to sports, exercise, work, and the activities you enjoy.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand how the injury occurred, how it is affecting your activity, and what you hope to return to doing.

You can expect:
  • A detailed discussion of your symptoms, activity level, and medical history

  • A physical examination to assess strength, stability, flexibility, and range of motion

  • Imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI when needed

  • A clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options

  • A personalized recovery plan based on your goals and lifestyle

Your treatment plan may include rehabilitation, activity guidance, injections, or surgery, depending on the type and severity of your injury.

Advanced Sports Medicine Care Close to Home

Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin combines specialized expertise with advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

Patients have access to:

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists

  • Advanced imaging and diagnostic technology

  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques

  • Ultrasound-guided procedures

  • On-site physical therapy and rehabilitation

  • Coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery

  • Personalized return-to-sport and return-to-activity planning

Our team is committed to helping you recover safely and efficiently while reducing your risk of reinjury.

Why Choose Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin for Sports Medicine Care?

Choosing the right orthopedic team can make an important difference in your recovery.

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, you will find:

  • Experienced, fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists

  • Care for both acute and overuse injuries

  • Individualized treatment plans based on your goals

  • A focus on non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate

  • Advanced surgical options when needed

  • Coordinated rehabilitation and recovery support

  • Clear communication throughout every stage of care

  • A team focused on helping you return to the activities you enjoy

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Do not let an injury keep you on the sidelines.

Whether your pain began suddenly or has gradually worsened over time, our sports medicine team can help you understand the cause, explore your treatment options, and develop a plan for returning to activity safely.

​​​​​​​Schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine specialists today and take the first step toward moving with greater strength and confidence.

Do I have to be an athlete to see a sports medicine specialist?

No. Sports medicine specialists treat anyone with an injury or condition affecting movement and activity. This includes competitive athletes, recreational athletes, active adults, and individuals who want to return to exercise or everyday activities.

Will I need surgery?

Not necessarily. Many sports-related injuries can be treated with physical therapy, activity modification, medication, bracing, or injections. Surgery is considered when the injury is severe, the joint is unstable, or non-surgical care has not provided enough relief.

Should I see a sports medicine specialist for an old injury?

Yes. A sports medicine specialist can evaluate lingering pain, weakness, instability, or reduced mobility from a previous injury and determine whether additional treatment or rehabilitation may help.

How long will it take to return to sports or exercise?

Recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury, the treatment provided, and your overall health and activity goals. Your physician and rehabilitation team will guide you through a gradual and safe return-to-activity plan.

Where will surgery take place?

Many outpatient procedures are performed at Lakeway Surgery Center or Hyde Park Surgery Center, both of which have a strong orthopedic focus and provides coordinated surgical care in an outpatient setting.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Same day appointments may be available depending on the nature of the injury, scheduling, and provider availability. Our team works to accommodate urgent orthopedic concerns as quickly as possible.

FAQs

We can treat most types of concerns at our Austin practice​​​​​​​

Hip Impingement
ACL Tear
Stress Fractures
Hip Labral Tear
Patellar Instability
Patellar and Quadricep Tendon tear
Hamstring strains and tears
LCL - MCL - PCL tears
Meniscus Tear
Labrum tears and instability
Rotator Cuff Tear

What Our Patients Say