Sports Medicine Icon The OrthoAtlanta Sports Medicine Center

Whether you're a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, student-athlete, or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, injuries can sideline the activities you love. Sports medicine focuses on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries related to sports, exercise, and physical activity.

At Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, our sports medicine specialists provide comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals of all ages. From injury prevention and performance optimization to advanced treatment and rehabilitation, our goal is to help you recover safely and return to activity with confidence.


Why Choose Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta for Sports Medicine?

When injuries happen, athletes need specialized care focused on both recovery and performance. Patients throughout Metro Atlanta trust OrthoAtlanta for:

  • Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Specialists
    Our sports medicine physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, and ankle.
  • Comprehensive Team Approach
    Our orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation specialists work together to create personalized treatment plans focused on recovery and safe return to play.
  • Conservative-First Treatment Philosophy
    Whenever possible, we begin with non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and injections before considering surgery.
  • Advanced Sports Injury Care
    Our specialists utilize modern diagnostic tools, minimally invasive procedures, and evidence-based treatment techniques to help athletes recover and perform at their best.
  • Trusted Sports Medicine Expertise
    Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta is one of Georgia's largest physician-owned orthopedic and sports medicine practices, providing specialized musculoskeletal care throughout the region.
two men playing basketball on an outdoor court

recreational soccer players debating whether a play was in bounds

Why Sports Medicine Matters

Sports injuries can affect more than athletic performance. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, injuries may lead to chronic pain, instability, reduced mobility, or an increased risk of future injury.

Sports medicine specialists understand the unique demands placed on the body during athletic activity and develop treatment plans designed to restore function while helping patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.


Common Conditions & Treatments

 
 

Meet Our Sports Medicine Specialists

Richard J. Bowles, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

David A. Brcka, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Alex D. Collins, D.O.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Brian K. Crellin, D.O.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Mark S. Duffield, D.O.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Babatunde Fariyike, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Donald E. Fowler, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Charles T. Fryberger, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Daniel K. Grahl, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Kate A. Heinlein, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

L. Jared Hudspeth, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Matthew B. Jaffe, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Richard B. Johnston, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Susan S. Jordan, M.D.

Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Jason D. Kinkartz, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Keith A. Lamberson, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Richard R. Maguire, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Brandon C. Maisel, D.O.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

M. Jonathan Mathers, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

David B. Minter, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Brian E. Morgan, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Alonzo Sexton, MD

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

David A. Stokes, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Peter J. Symbas, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Marc Wahlquist, M.D.

Hip (General), Knee (General), Shoulder, and Sports Medicine
View Info

Sports Injuries & Conditions We Treat

Our specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related injuries and orthopedic conditions, including:

Knee Injuries

  • ACL tears
  • MCL and LCL sprains
  • PCL injuries
  • Meniscus tears
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Tendon injuries

Shoulder Injuries

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder instability and dislocations
  • Labral tears (SLAP tears)
  • Shoulder impingement
  • AC joint injuries

Elbow Injuries

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • UCL injuries
  • Throwing-related injuries
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome

Hip Injuries

  • Hip labral tears
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
  • Hip flexor strains
  • Sports-related hip pain

Foot & Ankle Injuries

  • Ankle sprains
  • Achilles tendon injuries
  • Stress fractures
  • Overuse injuries

Muscle & Soft Tissue Injuries

  • Hamstring strains
  • Quadriceps injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Muscle tears
  • Overuse syndromes

Many of the most common sports injuries involve repetitive motion, sudden changes in direction, contact injuries, or training-related stress.

Advanced Sports Medicine Treatments

We offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to each athlete's condition and goals, including:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Sports-specific recovery programs
  • Activity modification
  • Bracing and support devices
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Image-guided injections

Surgical Treatments

When necessary, our sports medicine surgeons perform advanced procedures such as:

  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Labral repair
  • UCL reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
  • Hip arthroscopy
  • Shoulder stabilization procedures

Our goal is always to help athletes return to activity as safely and efficiently as possible.

What to Expect: Your Care Journey

 

Related Media

Playing pickleball
Oct 18
Joint Strengthening Exercises for Pickleball

Joint exercises can keep you safe while playing pickleball!

Read More
Football
Sep 01
Fall is Football | NorthFulton.com Herald Newspapers | Health & Wellness | September 2016

Dr. Richard Johnston offers football safety tips and is mentioned as sideline physician of the 2016 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

View Article
Josh Day MotoAmerica
Apr 21
Josh Day Undergoes Successful Surgery On Broken Thumb, Will Try To Ride At Next MotoAmerica Round

Dr. Michael Slutzky and Dr. Keith Lamberson are mentioned as surgeons in MotoAmerica driver Josh Day's hand surgery.

View Article
Running shoes
Jun 26
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes

Dr. Peter Symbas shares tips on choosing the right running shoes and the importance to your feet and running performance.

View Article
knee pain
Jul 13
When Are Knee Braces Helpful?

Dr. Michael Behr discusses two main reasons to wear a knee brace.

View Article
ice pack
Jul 12
When to Treat Pain with Ice vs Heat

Dr. Michael Behr discusses when to treat pain with ice vs. heat.

View Article
Aug 01
Biking Across America Four Months After Knee Surgery

Dr. Sharrona Williams discusses her experience with biking across America, four months after knee surgery.

View Article
Throwing Arm Injuries in Young Athletes
Jan 26
Throwing Arm Injuries in Young Adults

Dr. Christopher M. Burket discusses throwing arm injuries and prevention tips for young athletes, including baseball players.

Read More
Exercise and Hydration
May 07
The Correlation between Dehydration and Orthopedic Injuries

Read about the connection between dehydration and orthopedic injuries.

Read More
Shin splints infographic
May 28
5 Easy Stretches to Prevent Shin Splints

Do you suffer from shin splints? Here are 5 easy stretches to prevent shin splints.

Read More
Cheerleaders
Aug 14
Things to Know about Common Cheerleading Injuries

Read here to learn about some of the most common cheerleading injuries.

Read More
Soccer
Sep 11
Avoiding Strains in Summer Sports

Discover a few tips to help you prevent strains while playing sports this summer.

Read More
Outdoor Basketball Game Player Dribbling
Oct 01
Five Most Common Basketball Injuries

Read here to find out which 5 injuries are most common in basketball players.

Read More
Orthopedic HealthTips
Nov 22
Simple Tips to Improve Your Orthopedic Health for Life

Keep your bones and joints healthy with these easy tips from OrthoAtlanta.

Read More
Man with shoulder pain
Jan 14
All You Should Know about a Labral Tear of the Shoulder

Learn about labral tear of the shoulder, including SLAP tears and Bankart tears, and treatment options.

Read More
Orthopedic doctor with patient in knee brace
Mar 02
Common Reasons to Visit an Orthopedic Doctor

Learn some common reasons people visit an orthopedic doctor.

Read More
Sep 07
When “Break A Leg” Means More Than Good Luck

Georgia’s film and television production industry is booming. See how the physicians and staff of OrthoAtlanta help serve the burgeoning entertainment industry in Georgia. 

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Do I need surgery for a sports injury?

No. Many sports injuries can be successfully treated with physical therapy, rehabilitation, injections, and other non-surgical treatments.

Q:  Can sports medicine doctors treat non-athletes?

Yes. Sports medicine specialists treat anyone with musculoskeletal injuries, active lifestyle injuries, overuse conditions, and orthopedic pain.

Q:  What sports injuries are most common?

ACL tears, meniscus injuries, rotator cuff injuries, ankle sprains, tendonitis, and muscle strains are among the most common conditions we treat.

Q:  How soon can I return to sports after an injury?

Recovery varies depending on the injury and treatment plan. Your physician will develop a personalized return-to-play strategy based on your progress.

Q:  Do you treat youth and high school athletes?

Yes. Our sports medicine specialists care for athletes of all ages and activity levels.

Hear What Other Patients Have to Say

  • Kind and helpful staff! I love that my doctor is an athlete! He gets the fact that I am a runner and is doing his part to allow me to do what I love.

    -  Rebekah Dingess
  • Very professional and full of athletes that know sports orthopedics.

    -  Andreas Economopoulos
  • I came in anxious about my son's sports injury and the staff was friendly, empathetic and kind. Dr. K was informative and calmed my fears!

    -  Shaneate Williams
  • Best of the best. Can't think about going to anyone else with an athlete injury.

    -  Adi Or
  • I am a former athlete and the most important thing for me in my life right now is raising young children to be healthy and confident. I need to go with the best surgical practice that truly cares about me and will ensure I perform at my best no matter what age I am. This is the one.

    -  Eric Harris
Accept All Necessary Only