Football season is almost here. Young athletes and their families and friends are full of anticipation and team spirit. Yet despite all the excitement, the season also means sprains, contusions, pulled ligaments and other injuries to players’ muscles, joints and tendons. Football and cheerleading injuries can sideline kids for days, weeks or even the rest of the season, especially if not addressed right away.
Immediate evaluation and appropriate treatment of Friday night injuries is what the University of Texas Medical Branch Saturday Sports Injury Clinic is all about. Located at the UTMB Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes, the clinic is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday from Aug. 30 to Nov. 8.
“There are so many times when a young player will go to an emergency room after suffering an injury, get stabilized, then have to wait several more days to see an orthopedic specialist, several more days for X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and several more days to begin physical therapy,” said Dr. Brian Smith, the UTMB orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who heads up the Saturday clinic.
“Our Saturday Sports Injury Clinic eliminates all that waiting. Injured athletes can get complete evaluation and treatment and even begin rehabilitation with a full partnership between our physical therapists and the school’s trainers,” said Smith. “There is no better way to get back on the field safely and in the shortest time possible.”
Staffed by sports medicine physicians, radiologists and physical therapists, the clinic offers walk-ins and same-day appointments. Smith and his UTMB sports medicine colleagues have worked closely with coaches, trainers and young athletes throughout Galveston County for many years.
Supported by a full range of orthopedic and physical therapy specialists, the sports rehabilitation program is one of UTMB’s strongest areas of clinical expertise and is highly regarded in the region.
The UTMB Sports Injury Clinic at the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes is located at 2240 Gulf Freeway South in League City. Call 832-505-1234 or visit utmbhealth.com/sports for more information.