A sports physician is a doctor who has received additional training on problems that often affect athletes. These physicians assist their patients in preventing, treating, and managing a wide range of injuries. Some are employed at emergency departments. Others work with families, children, or in rehabilitation. An orthopedic (bone and muscle) surgeon can also be considered a sports medicine doctor.
Remember that both surgeons and non-surgeons may practice sports medicine and orthopedic sports medicine. Search for a board-certified sports medicine orthopedic surgeon if you have a problem that needs medical attention.
Athletes aren’t the only ones who need the services of a sports doctor. A sports injury may occur to anybody who exercises or plays sports on the weekends. Your primary care physician can be the first doctor you visit. If they believe you need expert treatment, they will likely refer you to a sports medicine specialist.
Just in case you were wondering, “Who is the best sports doctor near me?” we have the answer. Dr. Peter Howard, M.D. specializes in shoulder surgery, sports medicine, and arthroscopy. Dr. Howard is primarily interested in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and biologic therapies, while his areas of expertise include:
- Rotator cuff repairs.
- Cartilage transplants.
- Meniscus injuries.
- ACL injuries.
- Shoulder dislocations.
- Hip impingement.
- Fractures.
- Joint replacement.
- Arthritis care.
At his practice, Dr. Howard focuses on ensuring athletes and weekend warriors alike get back to full strength.
What to Expect from Dr. Howard
Dr. Howard’s treatment strategy is to exhaust all non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. When working with his patients, he always aims to educate and explain their situation so that they are aware of all their treatment alternatives. He believes in accompanying the patient throughout the whole surgical and recovery process if the patient does decide to go that route. He feels that working closely with physical and occupational therapists is essential to provide the best possible treatment for his patients. To give the best possible care to his patients, Dr. Howard stays updated on the most current and best medical options available.
Education and Work Experience
Originally from Petoskey, Michigan, Dr. Howard has had significant training in shoulder surgery, sports medicine, minimally invasive arthroscopy, and orthopedics at several top institutions and medical institutes.
Dr. Howard earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Howard proceeded to Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, earning his medical degree in 2008.
He subsequently completed his orthopedic residency at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker School of Medicine. He was chief resident at Bronson Methodist Hospital and Borgess Medical Center during his last year. He pursued more sub-specialization at Houston Methodist Hospital, where he received training in shoulder surgery, sports medicine, and minimally invasive arthroscopy. He worked with and cared for the Houston Astros, Texans, Dynamo, Rockets, Rice University Owls, and several high school teams throughout his tenure there.
Dr. Howard is now a team physician for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dunedin Blue Jays, and River Ridge High School.
Shoulder Treatment
The use of the shoulder is vital since it is the most movable and useful joint in the human body. Physical activity may be significantly hindered by shoulder discomfort and injury. Athletes in any activity, from tennis to baseball or football, are susceptible to rotator cuff injuries, throwing injuries, repetitive motion injuries, as well as dislocations and tears.
A proper diagnosis and therapy may help you maintain a complete range of motion even if you are coping with the discomfort on your own. The sooner you see a shoulder specialist, the sooner you can get pain-free mobility. Dr. Howard will explore non-surgical therapies first, such as bracing, activity modification, physical therapy, and injections. He collaborates with your physical therapists, ensuring good communication between you, him, and the therapists to coordinate the best approach for improving your condition. Dr. Howard stays current on the newest breakthroughs in shoulder operations and therapies, from rotator cuff surgery to total shoulder replacement.
Elbow Treatment
Dr. Peter Howard is a board-certified sports medicine physician specializing in elbow treatments and surgery, such as elbow arthroscopy. Elbow problems are frequent in active individuals, ranging from tennis players to gym fans. The most common ones among athletes include:
- Golfer’s elbow.
- Tennis elbow.
- Bursitis and tendonitis.
- Fractures and ruptures.
Surgery is only used when absolutely necessary, and in that case, he employs a variety of less invasive treatments. Dr. Howard will counsel you, give you absolute control over your choice to proceed with surgery, and care for you throughout the procedure, even during recovery.
Hip Treatment
After an exam, Dr. Howard may request diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the discomfort. A pain source in the lumbar spine, hip joint, or bursa, for example, will be diagnosed differently from a hip joint condition. X-rays, MRI, CAT scans, and ultrasounds are examples of diagnostic tests.
Dr. Howard has extensive expertise in minimally invasive hip arthroscopic surgery, labrum repair, bony impingement removal, and endoscopic therapy for trochanteric bursitis or abductor tears. Dr. Howard provides care throughout the operation and recovery period. Dr. Howard collaborates extensively with his patients’ occupational and physical therapists. As a surgeon who works with elite athletes, Dr. Howard will give you the most up-to-date surgical and non-surgical therapies.
Knee Treatment
Dr. Howard also specializes in knee therapy and arthroscopic surgery. Knee problems and injuries are difficult to self-diagnose, and they are among the most prevalent injuries in all sports. Full-time athletes, dedicated hobbyists, and weekend warriors all suffer from knee disorders such as:
- ACL and meniscus tears.
- Bursitis and tendonitis.
- Dislocations and fractures.
Dr. Howard uses analysis and diagnostic testing to determine the reason for your knee discomfort. He develops a treatment plan that includes all non-invasive treatments before recommending surgery. Treatment may consist of proper rehabilitation and therapy, cortisone injections, bracing, and alternate motions. If surgery is needed, the doctor will thoroughly explain your condition and the treatment and support you in making a logical choice.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a treatment that addresses joint disorders by displaying the interior of the joint on a monitor using a tiny camera. This procedure may be utilized on various joints, including the shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, and ankles. It may be used to treat a variety of joint problems, including:
- Trimming or repairing a torn meniscus.
- Treating cartilage damage.
- Mending a shoulder rotator cuff.
- Treating shoulder bursitis.
Dr. Howard is both a specialist and an advocate for this treatment since it is one of the most minor invasive procedures for joints. Before recommending this procedure, he will carefully diagnose the injured part and discuss all treatment options with you.
Contact Us
Dr. Howard specializes in sports medicine and is equipped to treat any of your sports injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or talk about your next steps.