About our sports medicine program

The sports medicine team at CHoR cares for children as young as 6 to young adults up to age 21, regardless of their physical activity levels—including weekend skateboarders, dancers, high school baseball players and college athletes. We help patients return to their sport or activity as quickly and safely as possible, with the lowest risk of re-injury.

Did you know that approximately 90 percent of injuries in sports are non-surgical? This means many sports-related injuries can be healed without the use of surgery. But how do you know which injuries require surgery and which might be healed with a rehabilitation plan? Our dual-boarded sports medicine physicians can maximize non-surgical treatments, guide appropriate referrals to physical therapy and, if necessary, expedite referral to an orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon.

Together, we offer complete care for your young athlete.

Why choose CHoR for your sports medicine treatment?

• Our program is led by dual-boarded, non-surgical sports medicine physicians. They can help maximize treatment plans, whether you need surgery or not.
• We’re the only program of our kind in the region with specialized training in caring just for kids.
• We offer same-day appointments.
• We’re experts in return to play guidance.
• Our services include a comprehensive concussion program.
• Our team of specialists is available under one roof at the Children’s Pavilion – giving you quick, convenient access to all sports-related services, including sports medicine, radiology, and orthopedic surgery.
• Our entire team has special training to provide care for even the youngest players.
• Our sports medicine physicians offer second opinions to help you feel comfortable about your child’s diagnosis and treatment options. 
• We are a great teammate to your pediatrician or primary care doctor; our special sports medicine training complements the great primary care you are receiving.

What kind of sports and play-related injuries do you treat?

Our sports medicine team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries or illnesses caused by sports or play. These injuries might include:

• ACL injuries
• Acute joint pain or swelling (to ankles, knees, hips shoulders elbows, wrists, etc.)
• Activity-related chest pain, breathing difficulties or faintness
• Bone bruises
• Concussions due to sports or activities
• Dislocations
• Female athlete triad (no or irregular menstrual period, loss of bone density, disordered eating)
• Golfer’s elbow or little leaguer's elbow
• Joint instability
• Meniscus tears
• Muscle injuries/strains
• Performance issues (such as fatigue, stress, nutritional, etc.)
• Sprained or strained ankles or other ligaments
• Stress fractures

What to expect during my visit

You will meet with one of our sports medicine physicians and review your symptoms. We will examine the area of injury or talk about the performance issues you are experiencing.

If you have images or notes from your primary care doctor, we will review those together as well. Depending on the injury or illness, we might opt to have more imaging done, meet with other specialists such as our athletic trainer or refer you to our orthopaedic surgeon. All of this can be done within one location! 

What treatment options are available for injuries caused by sports and other activities?

Because each condition and its severity is unique, treatment options will vary. We believe the sooner you start the right treatment plan, the quicker you can return to play.

While each treatment plan will be optimized for you, treatment might include:

• Rehabilitation and education
• Physical therapy
• Casting or splinting
• Surgery
• At home education and therapy
• Follow up care to check the healing progress

We work with Richmond area local sports teams

In addition to providing specialized care for patients throughout the community, our physicians help middle school, high school and collegiate athletes. We help teams with injury prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

How to schedule an appointment for my sports-related injury?

Scheduling an appointment is easy! Your pediatrician or primary care doctor can refer you using this online form, or you can schedule an appointment online or by calling (804) 828-CHOR (2467).