Lubbock Sports Medicine provides comprehensive sports medicine care for elite-level athletes in Lubbock, TX. The facility serves as the official team physician for Texas Tech University Athletics and offers specialized orthopedic and rehabilitation services. This guide covers team physician services, elite athlete treatment, orthopedic injury care, local facilities, concussion testing, and physical therapy options available in the region.
Team Physician Services
Team physician services are the backbone of elite athletic support, providing direct medical oversight during competitions and training. 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. He oversees sports medicine care for Red Raider student-athletes across all varsity sports. Additionally, Dr. Stephen Flores acts 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 provide direct coverage for high school and collegiate events throughout the South Plains. Dr. Flores also serves as the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics. The team includes advanced practice providers like Stan Kotara, PA-C, who has been affiliated with many high school, college, and professional teams in all sports. This direct access ensures that elite athletes receive immediate medical evaluation and return-to-play decisions from trusted specialists.
Elite Athlete Treatment
Elite athlete treatment focuses on maximizing performance while minimizing injury risk and recovery time. Lubbock Sports Medicine treats active people from all walks of life, including recreational and elite level athletes. The 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. Jordan Williams, PA-C, brings a unique blend of sports medicine and orthopedic experience to the team. He previously served as an internal athletic trainer for the Texas Tech Track and Field team and has worked with professional teams like the Seattle Seahawks.
The clinic emphasizes non-operative management of musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries whenever possible. Stan Kotara, PA-C, emphasizes non-operative management to augment healing. This approach allows athletes to return to their sport faster without the downtime associated with surgery. The team also utilizes biologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy to support healing in complex cases.
Orthopedic Injury Treatment
Orthopedic injury treatment at Lubbock Sports Medicine covers a wide range of conditions from acute trauma to chronic degeneration. 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, cartilage restoration, and ligament reconstruction during his fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic. Dr. Kevin Crawford focuses on minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery, including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and shoulder stabilization.
For patients requiring joint replacement, Dr. David Shephard and Dr. Jordan Simpson offer advanced reconstructive options. Dr. Shephard completed a fellowship in adult joint reconstruction at Johns Hopkins Hospital, gaining experience in minimally invasive and partial joint replacement techniques. Dr. Simpson utilizes robotics and digital templating for complex cases, offering minimally invasive surgical techniques to enhance recovery times. The clinic is equipped with on-site x-ray capabilities to aid physicians in properly assessing conditions during the initial visit.
Lubbock TX Facilities
Lubbock Sports Medicine operates from a dedicated facility located at 4110 22nd Place in Lubbock, TX. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to 12:00pm. The facility is designed to handle high-volume sports medicine cases, including a Saturday Morning Injury Clinic for student athletes. This clinic allows physicians to provide immediate care for acute injuries sustained during Thursday and Friday night contests without an office visit charge.
The physical therapy component, Lubbock Sports Rehab, is located at 5044 Frankford Ave in Lubbock, TX. This separate facility allows for specialized rehabilitation equipment and space. The staff at Lubbock Sports Rehab combined have over 80 years of experience in physical therapy and athletic training. They maintain open lines of communication with the physicians to ensure patients receive the most appropriate rehab for their specific injury.
Concussion Testing
Concussion testing is a critical component of sports medicine care, ensuring athlete safety and proper return-to-play protocols. Lubbock Sports Medicine provides certified ImPACT Concussion Testing and Management. ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is the premier concussion management program in the country. Stan Kotara, PA-C, serves as one of the only Credentialed ImPACT Consultants for sports related concussion in the South Plains area.
The ImPACT Test is a sophisticated test of cognitive abilities that helps health care professionals track recovery of cognitive processes following concussion. It is a tool to help communicate post-concussion status to athletes, coaches, parents, and clinicians. The clinic uses this computerized evaluation system to make integral return-to-play decisions. This ensures that athletes do not return to competition until their cognitive functions have fully recovered.
Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy services at Lubbock Sports Rehab are tailored to restore function after surgery or recover from an athletic injury. The clinic treats professional athletes, collegiate athletes, grade school athletes, and active adults. The staff brings a holistic approach to the field of physical therapy, tailoring your therapy to your specific needs. They are highly specialized in the field of sports medicine, using state-of-the-art equipment to guide you through each step of your recovery.
The facility also offers Nike Golf 360, a scientific process of analysis and training to enhance the athleticism and performance of golfers at all skill levels. This program focuses on rehabilitation, prevention, and performance. The physical therapy team includes Tanner Richey, PT, Mark Caffey, PT, Jon Murray, ATC, and Kerry Wimberly, ATC. Their combined expertise ensures that patients get back on their feet and return to their life's motion.
Key Takeaways
- Lubbock Sports Medicine is the official team physician for Texas Tech University Athletics and Lubbock Christian University Athletics.
- Dr. Kevin Crawford has served as the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for Texas Tech since 2005.
- The clinic offers certified ImPACT Concussion Testing, a nationally recognized standard for return-to-play decisions.
- Physicians like Dr. Joel Campbell and Dr. Kevin Crawford specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for shoulders and knees.
- Lubbock Sports Rehab provides specialized physical therapy with over 80 years of combined staff experience.
- The Saturday Morning Injury Clinic offers free physician evaluation for student athletes with acute injuries.
- Advanced practice providers like Stan Kotara, PA-C, bring decades of experience working with professional and collegiate teams.
- The facility is located in Lubbock, TX, with separate locations for medical care and physical therapy.
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 offer concussion testing?
Yes, the clinic provides certified ImPACT Concussion Testing and Management. Stan Kotara, PA-C, is a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant in the South Plains area.
Where is the physical therapy clinic located?
Lubbock Sports Rehab is located at 5044 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424. It is the official physical therapy clinic of Lubbock Sports Medicine.
Do you treat high school athletes?
Yes, the clinic provides services to area schools, universities, and colleges. Dr. Stephen Flores is the head Orthopedic Consultant for Lubbock Independent School District Athletics.
What types of surgeries do the physicians perform?
Physicians perform arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow. They also offer adult joint reconstruction, including total and partial knee and hip replacements.
Is there a Saturday clinic for injuries?
Yes, Lubbock Sports Medicine hosts Saturday Morning Injury Clinics during high school football season. Physicians provide services at no charge for acute injuries sustained during Thursday and Friday night contests.