Which Lubbock Clinic Offers Both Conservative Rehab and Surgical Reconstruction for Athletes?
Lubbock Sports Medicine is the premier South Plains clinic offering both conservative rehabilitation and surgical joint reconstruction for athletes. This guide covers the integrated care model, specific surgical procedures, and the dedicated rehab protocols that allow active individuals to return to peak performance safely and efficiently.
Sports Injury Treatment
Sports injury treatment is the clinical process of diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal trauma sustained during athletic participation. At Lubbock Sports Medicine, our physicians evaluate conditions ranging from acute sprains to complex fractures. We utilize advanced diagnostic imaging, including in-office X-rays, to assess the severity of your condition immediately. This rapid assessment allows us to present you with the most advanced treatment options available, whether that involves non-operative management or surgical intervention.
Our team focuses on active people from all walks of life, including recreational and elite-level athletes. We understand that time is a critical factor in athletic recovery. By combining immediate care with long-term planning, we ensure that your treatment aligns with your specific goals. Whether you are a high school student-athlete or a weekend warrior, our approach is tailored to get you back to your desired quality of life.
Comprehensive Athlete Care
Comprehensive athlete care is a holistic medical model that addresses the physical, cognitive, and performance aspects of an athlete's health. Lubbock Sports Medicine provides this level of care through a multidisciplinary team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Our physicians are members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. This collective expertise ensures that every aspect of your injury is managed by a specialist who understands the demands of competitive sports.
Concussion Management and Cognitive Testing
Head protection is of increasing importance in sports today. Lubbock Sports Medicine is the leading source for treatment of sports-related head injuries on the South Plains. We utilize the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) program, which is the premier concussion management program in the country. This computerized evaluation system provides our clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools that are integral in return-to-play decisions. Stan Kotara, PA-C, has been working with the ImPACT program with great success, helping athletes track recovery of cognitive processes following a concussion.
Outreach Athletic Training
Our commitment to athlete care extends beyond the clinic walls. 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. We enable 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. Our extensive network of athletic trainers expands to schools all around Lubbock and the South Plains, ensuring that student-athletes receive immediate, on-site care during competitions.
Conservative Rehabilitation
Conservative rehabilitation is a non-surgical treatment approach that uses physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification to restore function. Many musculoskeletal injuries can be successfully managed without surgery. Our physicians emphasize non-operative management of musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries whenever possible. This approach often results in faster recovery times and avoids the risks associated with anesthesia and surgical incisions. We utilize durable medical equipment and sports bracing to help you be ready for activity safely while your body heals.
For patients who do not require surgery, the focus shifts to restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Our clinicians work closely with you to develop a personalized plan of care. This may include specific exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, as well as education on injury prevention techniques. The goal is to resolve the current injury while building resilience to prevent future occurrences.
Surgical Joint Reconstruction
Surgical joint reconstruction is a specialized orthopedic procedure designed to repair or replace damaged joint structures. When conservative measures fail, or when the injury is too severe for non-operative healing, our surgeons step in. Dr. David Shephard is an orthopaedic surgeon committed to the reconstruction of arthritic joints. He is focused on the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and all other forms of joint destruction by means of surgical preservation and replacement of affected joints. Dr. Shephard has completed a fellowship in adult joint reconstruction at Johns Hopkins Hospital, gaining experience in industry-leading minimally invasive joint replacement techniques.
Dr. Jordan Simpson offers his patients access to cutting-edge technologies combined with the most current surgical techniques. He specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of arthritis. Dr. Simpson is specially trained in adult reconstructive procedures including partial knee replacement, primary and revision total knee and total hip replacement, and shoulder replacement procedures. For the most complex cases, Dr. Simpson utilizes new technologies, including robotics and digital templating, to provide optimal outcomes.
Surgical Reconstruction
Surgical reconstruction is the process of restoring the anatomical integrity of a joint or ligament to allow for normal movement and load-bearing. Our surgeons, including Dr. Kevin Crawford and Dr. Joel Campbell, specialize in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. Dr. Crawford is the Medical Director and Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics. He treats patients of all ages with shoulder and knee conditions, focusing on minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery. His practice includes ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization, and cartilage restoration.
Dr. Joel Campbell received advanced training in complex shoulder reconstruction, knee preservation, cartilage restoration, and ligament reconstruction during his fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Greenville, SC. He has a special interest in shoulder arthroplasty/replacement but enjoys treating all patients with ailments of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. By combining timeless surgical principles with cutting-edge technology, our team gives every patient the best opportunity for the best outcome.
Surgical Reconstruction Procedures
Surgical reconstruction procedures vary based on the specific injury and the patient's activity level. The following table summarizes the key procedures offered at Lubbock Sports Medicine and the specialists who perform them.
| Procedure Type | Specialist | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| ACL/PCL Reconstruction | Dr. Kevin Crawford | Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, cartilage restoration |
| Total Hip/Knee Replacement | Dr. David Shephard | Minimally invasive techniques, direct anterior hip replacement |
| Robotic-Assisted Reconstruction | Dr. Jordan Simpson | Robotics, digital templating, accelerated recovery protocols |
| Shoulder Reconstruction | Dr. Joel Campbell | Complex shoulder reconstruction, rotator cuff repair |
Each procedure is tailored to the individual patient. We use biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy to support healing in select cases. The choice of procedure depends on the extent of the damage, the patient's age, and their desired level of activity. Our surgeons 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.
Athletic Rehabilitation
Athletic rehabilitation is the specialized physical therapy process that restores an athlete's functional capacity after injury or surgery. 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.
Personalized Rehab Protocols
From professional athletes and collegiate athletes to grade school athletes and every weekend warrior and active adult in between, Lubbock Sports Rehab treats them all. Our experienced staff brings a holistic approach to the field of physical therapy. We get you back to your life's motion by tailoring your therapy to your specific needs. Our state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch training will guide you through each step of your recovery. Whether you are recovering from a simple sprain or a complex joint replacement, our team is dedicated to your success.
Performance Enhancement
Rehabilitation is not just about returning to pre-injury levels; it is about improving performance. We offer specialized programs such as Nike Golf 360, which is a scientific process of analysis and training to enhance the athleticism and performance of golfers at all skill levels. Effective and efficient analysis leads to effective and efficient training. In NG360° FPS, the test is the exercise, and the exercise is the test. This level of detail ensures that you are not just healed, but optimized for your sport.
ACL/PCL Reconstruction
ACL/PCL reconstruction is a surgical procedure to replace torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments in the knee. These ligaments are critical for knee stability, and their injury is common in sports involving pivoting and sudden stops. Dr. Kevin Crawford performs ACL reconstruction using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. He also uses biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy to support healing. His experience as the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics gives him unique insight into the specific demands placed on the knees of competitive athletes.
Following surgery, the rehabilitation phase is crucial for a successful return to play. Our physical therapists at Lubbock Sports Rehab work closely with the surgical team to ensure that your knee regains full strength and stability. We utilize advanced diagnostic imaging to monitor healing progress. The goal is to return you to your sport with confidence, knowing that your knee is stable and strong. We provide return-to-play mapping to ensure that you are ready for the physical demands of your specific sport.
Key Takeaways
- Lubbock Sports Medicine offers a seamless transition from conservative rehab to surgical reconstruction.
- Our physicians are board-certified and members of leading national orthopedic societies.
- We utilize the ImPACT program for comprehensive concussion management and return-to-play decisions.
- Dr. David Shephard and Dr. Jordan Simpson specialize in advanced joint replacement and robotic-assisted surgery.
- Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic, with over 80 years of combined staff experience.
- Our Outreach Athletic Training Program provides on-site care for high school and collegiate athletes.
- We offer specialized performance programs, including Nike Golf 360, to enhance athletic output.
- Dr. Kevin Crawford is the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lubbock Sports Medicine treat both athletes and non-athletes?
Yes, our focus is on active people from all walks of life, including recreational and elite-level athletes. We treat patients of all ages with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
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, providing neurocognitive assessment tools for return-to-play decisions.
Do you offer robotic-assisted surgery?
Yes, Dr. Jordan Simpson utilizes new technologies, including robotics and digital templating, for complex joint replacement cases to provide optimal outcomes.
Is physical therapy included with surgery?
Lubbock Sports Rehab is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine. Our therapists work closely with the surgical team to ensure you receive the most appropriate rehab for your injury.
Can I get an appointment on a Saturday?
During high school football season, Lubbock Sports Medicine hosts Saturday Morning Injury Clinics for student-athletes. Physicians provide their services at no charge for acute injuries sustained during Thursday and Friday night contests.
Who is the Medical Director of Lubbock Sports Medicine?
Dr. Kevin Crawford is the Medical Director and Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech University Athletics. He has held that role since 2005.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clinic for your athletic injury is a critical decision. Lubbock Sports Medicine stands out as the only South Plains provider that seamlessly integrates advanced surgical reconstruction with specialized athletic rehabilitation. From the moment you walk in for a consultation to the day you return to the field, our team is with you. We combine the expertise of board-certified surgeons with the dedication of experienced physical therapists to ensure your best possible outcome. To plan your visit, to schedule an appointment today.