Division of Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery
The Division of Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery, part of the Department of Orthopedics, offers expert patient care, research programs, and education and training programs.
Collaborative Orthopedic Care for Active People
When you injure yourself while playing a sport or doing a physical activity, our doctors and physical therapists are here to get you back on the playing field. Our sports medicine experts in the Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery provide nonsurgical and surgical care for a full range of conditions that can impact the extremities and muscles.
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), your orthopedic sports medicine care team creates a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan just for you. It’s our goal to treat your athletic injury and help you return to your previous level of activity quickly and safely.
Conditions We Treat
The sports medicine team at BIDMC treats all types of sports injuries, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Back & neck pain
- Heel pain & plantar fasciitis
- Joint dislocations
- Ligament injuries
- Muscle strains
- Stress fractures
- Tendon ruptures
- Traumatic fractures
Treatments for Sports Injuries
Injuries caused by physical activity need specialized treatment. Our experts offer athletes a full range of care, from diagnosis through recovery and prevention of future injuries. We make sure you and your family understand your medical condition. Your team of specialists collaborates with you to plan your recovery and create the right care plan for you.
If you need care for a sports-related injury, come see us. If you are an existing patient, contact your care team for an appointment or use your patient portal. Learn how to prepare and what to expect at your sports medicine appointment.
Non-Surgical Treatments
We use a conservative approach to care. In most cases, your care team will recommend non-surgical treatments first.
These may include:
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Soft tissue interventions like dry needling
If appropriate, we also prescribe orthotic devices to support your injured joint or muscles as you recover.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
- Your condition does not respond to initial treatments.
- The severity of your injury requires surgical repair to help you make a full recovery.
Sports Medicine Surgery
The sports medicine surgeons at BIDMC are experts in repairing bone, joint and soft tissue injuries of the extremities, shoulder and spine. We use a collaborative approach to care. We work with neurosurgeons if the nerves or spine are involved in your injury.
If your condition aggravates existing arthritis, we consult with arthritis specialists to find the right treatment for you. We also partner with rehabilitation specialists to help you recover and reach your goals after surgery.
More About Sports Medicine
Making a Diagnosis
Our Sports Medicine team is available for same-day evaluations Monday through Friday.
When you come see us, we:
- Talk with you about how the injury happened
- Access your mobility and pain
- Perform a physical exam
- Order imaging studies if needed
You can get same-day appointments at our offices in Boston, Chelsea, Chestnut Hill, Lexington, Milton, and Needham.
If you get injured after hours or on weekends, call our office. Leave a message about your injury. Include your name and phone number. We will call you on the next business day to make an appointment.
Musculoskeletal Imaging & Radiology Services
We use musculoskeletal diagnostic tests to better understand what’s happening with your bones, joints and soft tissues.
All our office locations are equipped with X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Whenever possible, our radiologists work with your doctor to make a diagnosis at your first visit.
Sometimes more advanced imaging is needed to understand the full extent of your injury. If needed, your doctor may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies.
Interventional Radiology
At BIDMC, we use interventional radiology to diagnose and treat sports medicine injuries and to manage your pain.
Options include:
- Fluoroscopy: We use low-dose X-ray screening to guide joint injections for inflammatory conditions and pain relief.
- Image-guided joint injection and aspiration: We use imaging technology such as CT scans, fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide a needle to the right spot. We can deliver medicines to reduce inflammation and pain. We also use image guidance for aspiration. This procedure removes fluid from a joint for laboratory testing to help make a diagnosis.
Follow-Up Care
Your care team continues to monitor your recovery after treatment or surgery. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists offer orthopedic sports medicine care. They are here to help you build strength, regain mobility and feel confident in returning to your sports activities.
Recovery After Surgery
After surgery, we use core stabilizing exercises and supportive equipment to help you heal. Combined with physical therapy, this helps you:
- Build stamina and strength.
- Gain full range of motion.
- Increase flexibility.
- Reduce pain and inflammation.
Keep in mind that recovery after orthopedic surgery is different for everyone. Your progress should occur at a comfortable pace. Your care team will ensure that you are making daily and weekly improvements toward your goal.
Additional Services
Your sports medicine team coordinates your care with other specialty providers throughout our medical center. This ensures you receive comprehensive, streamlined care.
