Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a broad category of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of physical injuries resulting from sports, exercise, or daily living, for both athletes and non-athletes.

The goal of sports medicine is to help patients reach a level of physical health that will enable them to continue performing the sport or activity they desire. Sports medicine addresses the issues and causes that are limiting the function of these patients and focuses on restoring their abilities.

The Valley Approach to Sports Medicine

Valley’s approach to sports medicine is non-operative, meaning treatment without the need for surgical intervention. While some physical and musculoskeletal conditions may end up needing surgery, Valley is often able to treat injuries and other issues without the use of invasive procedures.

Conditions Treated

• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Muscle/tendon injuries or tears
• Joint injury or pain (i.e. shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle pain)
• Nerve pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Sciatica
• Overuse injuries
• Concussion
• Headaches
• Stress injuries/Stress fractures

Treatment Options

• Medical management (including medications)
• Injections
• Ultrasound-guided procedures for both diagnosis and treatment
• Splinting/bracing
• Therapy prescription: physical, occupational, and speech therapies
• Concussion rehabilitation
• Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT

Sports Physicals

Valley’s sports medicine team offers comprehensive sports physicals for student-athletes of all levels – from middle school to college – to ensure they are healthy, safe, and ready to perform at their best. These exams assess vitals, medical history, and physical readiness, while also addressing injury prevention, nutrition, and overall well-being. Sports physicals are available in our Ridgewood and Wayne locations. 

Diagnostics & What to Expect

During your first appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical examination and review which treatments may help. Together, you’ll decide on a plan which works best for you.

Every patient is different, and your individual treatment plan will be based on your specific needs and preferences. A full workup will sometimes include diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans and MRIs when necessary.

Who is a Candidate for Sports Medicine?

Candidates for sports medicine services at Valley include athletes and non-athletes alike. This includes high-school, collegiate, and elite athletes, “weekend warriors”, as well as patients with sports injuries, overuse injuries, or non-sport related injuries that are affecting their overall function. Valley typically sees sports medicine patients from age 14 and older. We also have experience treating adaptive athletes, or those with physical disabilities.

Why Choose Valley for Sports Medicine?

• Comfort and Compassion: At Valley, every time you visit you will be greeted with compassion and understanding in order to help you feel at ease. We want you to be comfortable explaining your issues, wants, and needs.
• An Alternative to Surgery: Many conditions that can be treated by sports medicine are often looked at as needing surgical intervention. At Valley, our approach to sports medicine is non-operative, meaning we do everything we can to treat your condition. We will discuss both surgical and non-surgical options, and decide together which is right for you.
• Advanced and Experienced: Our physicians have specialized training and extensive experience in physical rehabilitation and in treating patients with musculoskeletal injuries and overuse injuries.
• Experience with Adaptive Athletes: Valley’s specialists have experience and comfort treating patients with disabilities. Adaptive athletes may be prone to greater risk of injury, and intervention by a sports medicine specialist may be necessary at times.