Sports Medicine
Your treatment and recovery options
Whether you're a competitive athlete or just want to enjoy healthy activities, Novant Health can help. Our sports medicine physicians, providers and specialists are experts in nonsurgical treatments, surgical procedures and physical and occupational therapy.
Common Sports-Related Injuries
Why Choose Novant Health
Your sports or exercise-related injury can often be treated without surgery. Visit a Novant Health sports medicine clinic near you. We offer nonsurgical care options for conditions like concussions, sprains, muscle strains, bursitis and tendonitis.
Our sports medicine specialists will assess your condition. Together, you'll discuss treatment options and recovery and prevention goals.
Nonsurgical treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Joint injections
- Pain medication
- Braces and casts
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment

More serious injuries and certain joint conditions may require surgery. A minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure could be an option if you have a broken bone, torn ligaments or joint damage.
Our team may take X-rays and perform diagnostic tests. Your orthopedic sports medicine surgeon will then discuss treatment options with you and together you’ll work on a recovery plan.

When you're recovering from an injury or surgery, your care team will often include physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. With guidance from a Novant Health physical therapist, you'll develop a regimen of targeted exercises specifically designed to increase your strength and flexibility. Your therapist will demonstrate the exercises and teach you how to avoid overexertion and reduce the risk of reinjury.

The occupational therapists at Novant Health can help you adjust your habits after an injury. For example, if you have a concussion, bone fracture, arthritis or nerve damage, your provider may recommend occupational therapy to regain your independence.
Occupational therapy techniques can help you relearn how to move and perform daily activities. This might involve manual therapy, support braces for stabilization or improving your motor skills. The goal is to get you back to your lifestyle.

What if I suffer an injury?
If you're not in a lot of pain, don't assume your injury is minor and will simply disappear. You should get checked out to rule out an underlying issue. Minor injuries can usually be treated at home. Self-management techniques include over-the-counter pain medications, heat or ice, support braces and rest.
When should I see a specialist?
Always seek medical care if you suspect you have a concussion or a painful injury like a fracture or torn ligaments. If your condition doesn't improve within several days or the pain intensifies, talk to our sports medicine specialists. They'll give you an assessment and help you plan a course of action.
What is nonoperative sports medicine?
Nonoperative sports medicine refers to any orthopedic treatment that doesn't involve surgery. Nonsurgical sports medicine providers treat a wide range of sports and exercise-related injuries such as concussions, tendonitis, fractures, sprains and nerve compression.
When to see a nonoperative specialist
You'll find a number of sports medicine specialists at Novant Health who can diagnose and treat your sports or exercise-related injury. If sudden or chronic pain keeps you from your everyday lifestyle, schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic experts and get back to doing what you love.

Explore Our Sports Medicine Guide.
Our guide to sports medicine is an invaluable resource for athletes of all levels. Find common questions about sports injuries, treatment options, recovery methods and reinjury prevention.