Stay in the game with the help of the UHS Sports Medicine Team

Spring is here, and the temperatures are getting warmer, so you’ll probably be adding some outdoor exercise, recreation or sports to your daily routine. When you do, be sure to take steps to avoid injury. And if you do get hurt, seek help right away from a knowledgeable clinician. The Sports Medicine program at UHS is on your team if an injury occurs and can provide you or your child with exceptional treatment and care right here in the Southern Tier.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports Medicine is a team of medical professionals that treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries common to all levels of athletes and the general population.

At UHS Sports Medicine, we offer a comprehensive approach to prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation while also emphasizing steps you can take to prevent future injuries. Our team works with active individuals, no matter their age, sport, experience or level of fitness, who seek to improve performance, stay healthy or need help with the management and treatment of injuries preventing them from reaching their goals.

The team assembled by UHS includes physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches and support staff — all working together to create a cohesive plan for getting the athletic individual back in action. Our team is here to keep you healthy and doing what you love, both on and off the field.

“The collaborative efforts of everyone on our team provide individuals with a comprehensive support system, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their athletic and fitness aspirations,” said Andrew Long, MS, SCCC, CSCS, RSCC, Sports Medicine Field Manager. “They all have a vested care and interest in supporting our local community, driven by compassion and an unbreakable desire to provide excellent care.”

A hotline for quicker care

UHS Sports Medicine offers a dedicated hotline answered by New York State-licensed athletic trainers. Who should call? Parents, high school or college athletes, golfers, adult runners, adult league athletes, firefighters, police officers or EMS providers — anyone using his or her body to the fullest extent and also experiencing an injury. The hotline is for any athlete, regardless of age or sport.

This dedicated line — reachable at 607-75SPORT — is managed by certified athletic trainers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Callers connect with an experienced athletic trainer from UHS Sports Medicine who can assist in scheduling an appointment with the appropriate UHS Sports Medicine provider. If calling outside these hours, expect a return phone call the next day. Learn more by clicking here.

“UHS Sports Medicine is a dedicated and compassionate team that prioritizes the well-being and success of individuals in their athletic and fitness pursuits.” Said Darrel Harvey, PT, DPT, Director Outpatient Operations, UHS Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, UHS Sports Medicine. “With a focus on providing excellent care both on and off the field, our aim is to support athletes in achieving their goals by ensuring they have quick access to the care they need.”

Remember, in the event of any critical emergency, don’t wait — call 911.

More ways to stay in the game with UHS Sports Performance classes

UHS Sports Medicine has a strong presence in our community. Our New York Athletic Trainers and strength coaches educate athletes on the safe execution of workouts carefully designed to improve performance and decrease injuries as part of our UHS Sports Performance classes.

Our Sports Performance coaches work to get the most out of each athlete, whether it’s preventing an injury, returning to action after an injury, reaching peak performance on the field or at work. Our coaches, who are available for individual or group classes, strive to enhance the fitness and well-being of our surrounding community through specialized performance classes that follow our core principles of movement, service and wellness. Classes are trained on or off-site, depending on the needs of the individual or group. Class options include tactical performance training, Rock Steady Boxing, adult and youth performance classes, general fitness, powerlifting, bone and joint classes and more. If you are interested in learning more or signing up for a class, click here.

The UHS Sports Medicine team strives to serve you and get you back to your activity, just as they do with the most elite athletes.  In the Sports Medicine Department, you can rely on the expertise of the region’s leading providers who specialize in sports and activity-related injuries and conditions. The department is located within the UHS Orthopedic Center at 4433 Vestal Parkway East; call 771-2220. To learn more about UHS Sports Medicine, click here.