When you think of sports medicine, elite athletes and complex surgeries might come to mind. However, any active individual can benefit from sports medicine.

Sports medicine focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to all forms of physical activity. 

“Our providers have specialized training in treating and managing injuries and illnesses common in physically active individuals,” says Nebraska Medicine Sports Medicine Ambulatory Supervisor Rusty McKune, ATC.

The Sports Medicine program’s providers treat a variety of injuries and conditions, including:

• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Hip injuries 
• Foot and ankle injuries 
• Hand, wrist and elbow injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Concussions

Providers also work on strategies to help prevent illness and injuries, and help patients navigate their recovery process after an injury.

Who can be helped by sports medicine?

There is a common misconception that sports medicine is only for elite athletes, according to sports medicine physician and orthopaedic surgeon Matthew Tao, MD.

“We certainly see high-level athletes and take care of professional teams like Union Omaha,” he says. “But the majority of patients in our clinics are simply active people, from middle schoolers to weekend warriors to adults in their 60s and 70s.” 

Sports medicine providers create a treatment plan tailored to your condition, goals and activity level.

“Our goal is to get you back to being healthy and active,” Dr. Tao says. “That may mean you’re at a really high level, like our collegiate or professional athletes, or you’re someone who just wants to be recreationally active with your kids or working out in the gym even if you’re not necessarily playing a sport.”

A multidisciplinary team

The Sports Medicine team comprises a diverse range of health care professionals. It includes:

• Primary care sports medicine physicians 
• Orthopaedic surgeons
• Athletic trainers
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Sports psychologists

Additionally, the Sports Medicine team works with specialists from across the Nebraska Medicine health system – such as cardiologists and neurologists – when patients have more specific needs.

“To use a sports analogy – our team is the quarterback for helping ensure that patients get to the most appropriate provider to deal with the illness or condition they're encountering,” McKune says. 

How one patient was helped

Dr. Tao recalls working with a high school basketball player who faced multiple injuries. Referred by an athletic trainer, the patient received care from many members of the sports medicine team.

“This patient has been near and dear to many of us because they’re a great kid and worked their butt off,” Dr. Tao says. “They worked so hard with one of our physical therapists for a couple of years. Through it all, I talked regularly with their coach and had the pleasure of seeing them on the court once they made it back. Our support staff, especially my nurse, Caitlin Johnson, was a huge resource for them throughout the recovery.” 

Through the sports medicine team's combined efforts, the student athlete recovered from their injuries and returned to the court stronger than ever.

Reach out

Whether you're an elite athlete or someone simply seeking to stay active, the program is designed to meet your needs and help you achieve your health and fitness goals.