Elite-level athletes in Lubbock, TX, can access specialized sports medicine care at Lubbock Sports Medicine, a premier center for orthopedic injuries and rehabilitation. This guide covers team physician services, advanced treatment options, local facilities, and concussion protocols to help you navigate your recovery.
Team Physician Services
Lubbock Sports Medicine provides direct medical oversight for some of the region's most competitive athletic programs. Dr. Kevin Crawford serves as the Medical Director and Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics, a role he has held since 2005. In this capacity, he oversees sports medicine care for Red Raider student-athletes across all varsity sports. Dr. Stephen Flores also serves as a Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics and has been the head team Orthopedic Physician for Lubbock Christian University Athletics since 2018.
These physicians do not just treat injuries in the clinic; they provide on-site coverage for games and practices. Dr. Flores is also the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics. This direct connection ensures that elite athletes receive consistent, high-level care from providers who understand the specific demands of their sports.
Elite Athlete Treatment
Elite athlete treatment at Lubbock Sports Medicine focuses on returning high-performance individuals to their sport safely and quickly. The practice specializes in sports medicine and adult joint reconstruction, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch doctors. Our physicians take the time to listen to your needs and present you with the treatment options that will help you live the quality of life you desire.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
For athletes requiring surgery, our surgeons utilize minimally invasive techniques to enhance recovery times. Dr. Jordan Simpson specializes in adult reconstructive procedures, including partial knee replacement and hip resurfacing. He utilizes new technologies, including robotics and digital templating, to provide optimal outcomes for complex cases.
Non-Operative Management
Many athletes can return to play without surgery. Stan Kotara, PA-C, emphasizes non-operative management of musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries whenever possible. He utilizes the latest techniques and treatment approaches to augment healing, ensuring athletes maintain their strength and mobility during the recovery process.
Lubbock TX Facilities
Lubbock Sports Medicine operates two distinct facilities in Lubbock, TX, designed to provide comprehensive care under one roof. The main clinic is located at 4110 22nd Place, Lubbock, TX 79410. This location houses the orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who diagnose and treat injuries.
The rehabilitation component is located at 5044 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424. This facility, known as Lubbock Sports Rehab, is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine. The separation of diagnostic and rehabilitative services allows for a streamlined workflow where physicians and therapists maintain open lines of communication to ensure the most appropriate rehab for each injury.
Orthopedic Injury Treatment
Orthopedic injury treatment at our center covers a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Joel Campbell specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. He received advanced training in complex shoulder reconstruction and cartilage restoration during his fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic. Dr. Karl Pankratz has over 20 years of experience treating bone and joint problems, with a special interest in robotic-assisted reconstruction of hips and knees.
| Physician | Specialty Focus | Key Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Crawford | Sports Medicine | ACL Reconstruction, Rotator Cuff Repair |
| Dr. Joel Campbell | Shoulder & Knee | Cartilage Restoration, Shoulder Arthroplasty |
| Dr. Jordan Simpson | Adult Reconstruction | Robotic Knee Replacement, Hip Resurfacing |
| Dr. Karl Pankratz | General Orthopedics | Robotic Hip & Knee Reconstruction |
Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery for elite athletes. Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine. The staff at Lubbock Sports Rehab combined have over 80+ years’ experience in physical therapy and athletic training. They are familiar with your doctor’s rehab protocols and have open lines of communication with the physicians to make sure you get the most appropriate rehab for your injury.
Our rehabilitation team includes physical therapists like Tanner Richey and Mark Caffey, as well as certified athletic trainers Jon Murray and Kerry Wimberly. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that athletes receive personalized rehab that addresses both their medical needs and their specific sport-related goals.
Concussion Testing
Concussion testing is a vital service for athletes involved in contact sports. Lubbock Sports Medicine is the leading source for treatment of sports-related head injuries on the South Plains. We utilize the ImPACT program, which stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. This computerized evaluation system provides our clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools and services that are integral in return to play decisions.
Stan Kotara, PA-C, is one of the only Credentialed ImPACT Consultants for sports related concussion in the South Plains area. He has been working with the ImPACT program with great success, helping athletes, parents, and coaches navigate the complex process of concussion management and safe return to play.
Key Takeaways
- Lubbock Sports Medicine provides direct team physician services for Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University.
- Our physicians are board-certified orthopedic surgeons with fellowship training in sports medicine and adult joint reconstruction.
- The practice utilizes robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques to enhance recovery times for elite athletes.
- Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic, with staff holding over 80 combined years of experience.
- We offer ImPACT concussion testing, a premier program for managing sports-related head injuries.
- Dr. Kevin Crawford has served as the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech Athletics since 2005.
- The facility is located in Lubbock, TX, serving the South Plains region with specialized orthopedic care.
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, overseeing sports medicine care for all varsity sports.
Does Lubbock Sports Medicine offer robotic surgery?
Yes, Dr. Jordan Simpson and Dr. Karl Pankratz utilize robotic-assisted technologies for hip and knee reconstruction. This technology allows for greater precision and can enhance recovery times for patients.
Where is the physical therapy clinic located?
The physical therapy clinic, Lubbock Sports Rehab, is located at 5044 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424. It is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine.
What is ImPACT testing?
ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is a computerized evaluation system used to assess neurocognitive function and make return-to-play decisions for athletes with concussions.
Can I get care for a high school athlete?
Yes, Dr. Stephen Flores is the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics. We also host Saturday Morning Injury Clinics for student athletes with acute injuries.
Do the physicians work with professional athletes?
While our primary focus is on the South Plains community, our physicians have extensive experience working with elite and professional athletes. Dr. Crawford served as a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Physician, and Dr. Flores has worked with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Brewers.