Lubbock Sports Medicine provides specialized orthopedic and sports medicine care for elite-level athletes in Lubbock, TX. This guide covers how the facility supports high-performance athletes through advanced surgical techniques, dedicated team physician services, and comprehensive rehabilitation. We detail the specific roles of the medical staff and the resources available to keep competitive athletes healthy and performing at their peak.
Elite Athlete Treatment
Elite athlete treatment is the specialized medical management of high-performance individuals who require rapid recovery and precise surgical outcomes. Lubbock Sports Medicine focuses on active people from all walks of life, including recreational and elite level athletes. The physicians at the center take the time to listen to patient needs and present treatment options that help athletes live the quality of life they desire. This approach ensures that the medical plan aligns with the athlete's specific performance goals and timeline.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
The facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch doctors who work with patients through each step of recovery. Dr. Jordan Simpson is one of only a few board-certified orthopedic surgeons in West Texas with specialized fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery. He utilizes new technologies, including robotics and digital templating, to provide optimal outcomes for complex cases. Dr. Simpson offers minimally invasive surgical techniques to enhance recovery times and improve surgical outcomes for athletes.
Dr. Joel Campbell specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. He received advanced training in complex shoulder reconstruction, knee preservation, and cartilage restoration during his fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic. Dr. Campbell has a special interest in shoulder arthroplasty and enjoys treating all patients with ailments of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. His experience includes working with professional athletes while covering the Colorado Rockies and the Greenville Drive.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine. The staff at Lubbock Sports Rehab combined have over 80 years of experience in physical therapy and athletic training. They are familiar with the doctor's rehab protocols and have open lines of communication with the physicians to make sure patients get the most appropriate rehab for their injury. This integrated approach is critical for elite athletes who need to return to competition safely.
The rehabilitation team includes physical therapists and certified athletic trainers who provide personalized care. From restoring function after surgery to recovering from an athletic injury, the team helps athletes get back on their feet. The clinic offers services such as Nike Golf 360 and the Gray Institute, which provide specialized training environments for recovery and performance.
Team Physician Services
Team physician services are the dedicated medical support provided to athletic programs to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. Lubbock Sports Medicine provides athletic coverage throughout West Texas, serving as the medical backbone for several major athletic programs. This direct involvement allows the medical team to understand the specific demands of different sports and the athletes who participate in them.
University and High School Partnerships
Dr. Kevin Crawford is the Medical Director and Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics. He has held that role since 2005, overseeing sports medicine care for Red Raider student-athletes across all varsity sports. He also provides team physician coverage for Frenship and Lubbock Cooper high schools. Dr. Crawford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who treats patients of all ages with shoulder and knee conditions. His practice focuses on minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery, including ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair.
Dr. Stephen Flores is a Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics and has been the head team Orthopedic Physician for Lubbock Christian University Athletics since 2018. He is also the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics since 2020. Dr. Flores works with numerous athletic trainers throughout the region to provide musculoskeletal care for their high school athletes. His fellowship training included working with the Arizona State University Sun Devil Athletics, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Outreach and Community Support
The mission of Lubbock Sports Medicine's Outreach Athletic Training Program is to bring the best athletic training services to area high schools and programs. The program enables athletic programs without full-time athletic trainers to have the professional medical staff needed to keep athletes off the training table and in the game. The extensive network of athletic trainers expands to schools all around Lubbock and the South Plains. This outreach ensures that elite and developing athletes have access to professional care regardless of their school's resources.
The facility also hosts Saturday Morning Injury Clinics for student athletes. Physicians provide their services at no charge, with only charges assessed for X-rays, bandages, splints, casts, braces, and other items as needed. This clinic is designed to serve acute injuries sustained during athletic participation from Thursday and Friday night contests. Student-athletes are seen on a first come, first serve basis, ensuring rapid access to care for urgent injuries.
| Physician | Specialty Focus | Team Physician Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Crawford | Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy | Texas Tech University, Frenship HS, Lubbock Cooper HS |
| Dr. Stephen Flores | Sports Medicine and Fracture Care | Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock ISD |
| Dr. Joel Campbell | Shoulder, Knee, and Elbow Reconstruction | Professional and Collegiate Team Coverage |
| Dr. Jordan Simpson | Adult Joint Reconstruction | General Orthopedic Care |
Key Takeaways
- Lubbock Sports Medicine is the premiere sports medicine and rehab center in the South Plains for elite athletes.
- Dr. Kevin Crawford serves as the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics.
- Dr. Stephen Flores provides orthopedic care for Lubbock Christian University and Lubbock ISD Athletics.
- The facility utilizes robotic-assisted joint replacement and minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery.
- Lubbock Sports Rehab offers over 80 years of combined experience in physical therapy and athletic training.
- The Outreach Athletic Training Program supports high schools across the South Plains with professional trainers.
- Saturday Morning Injury Clinics provide free physician services for acute student athlete injuries.
- Physicians are members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the team physician for Texas Tech University Athletics?
Dr. Kevin Crawford is the Medical Director and Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics. He has held this role since 2005 and oversees sports medicine care for all varsity sports.
Does Lubbock Sports Medicine treat high school athletes?
Yes, the facility provides team physician coverage for Frenship and Lubbock Cooper high schools. Dr. Stephen Flores is also the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics.
What is the ImPACT program?
ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is the premier concussion management program in the country, and Lubbock Sports Medicine is the leading source for treatment of sports-related head injuries on the South Plains.
Can I get physical therapy at Lubbock Sports Medicine?
Yes, Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine. The staff has over 80 years of combined experience in physical therapy and athletic training.
Do you offer robotic-assisted surgery?
Yes, Dr. Jordan Simpson utilizes new technologies, including robotics and digital templating, to provide optimal outcomes for complex adult reconstructive cases.
Is there a clinic for urgent student athlete injuries?
Yes, Lubbock Sports Medicine hosts Saturday Morning Injury Clinics. Physicians provide services at no charge for acute injuries sustained during Thursday and Friday night contests.
Conclusion
For elite-level athletes in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Sports Medicine offers a comprehensive ecosystem of care that combines advanced surgical expertise with dedicated team physician support. The integration of medical treatment and rehabilitation ensures that athletes receive the personalized attention needed to return to peak performance. To plan your visit or schedule an appointment, today.