Game Changers in Sports Medicine
The Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine team can be seen on the sidelines, in the office, and after hours. Providing fast access to quality sports medicine in conjunction with innovative new therapies sets the Lowcountry Orthopaedics sports medicine team apart. Comprised of trusted, experienced physicians, Dr. Jaskwhich, Dr. Spearman, Dr. Schaaf, and Dr. Johannesmeyer bring exciting new treatments and technologies to the Charleston community.
Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ sports medicine team provides a comprehensive approach to treating sports injuries, which includes superior diagnostics, physical therapy, pain management, and the latest surgical and minimally invasive techniques. “Sports medicine is a unique approach to the care of injuries and conditions that occur not only in athletes but also normal, active people,” shares Dr. David Jaskwhich. “Anyone with an injury or condition that limits their activity level can benefit from a sports medicine approach.”
The right treatment, right away
Traditional sports medicine focused on treating injuries as they occur, from the sidelines or in the clinic. While treating acute injuries continues to be an essential aspect of Lowcountry Orthopaedics’ sports medicine, prevention, and holistic care stands at the core of their care model. “We’ve shifted from the mindset of treating injuries to treating the whole individual inclusive of chronic management, concussion, weight management, cardiac health, and lifestyle modifications,” shares Dr. James Spearman. “From athletes to those looking to return to everyday living pain-free, we design treatment plans around the athletes and weekend warriors themselves.”
Our seamless sports medicine approach includes:
- Timely Care, Same Day
- Appointments
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Advanced Physical Therapies
- After Hours Care
- On The Sidelines Care
- Injury Prevention
For example, Lowcountry Orthopaedics opened an athletic trainer program, On The Sidelines, and an After Hours clinic to assess an orthopedic injury on the sidelines and triage the athlete after clinic hours. Thus eliminating the wait between field assessments and ER visits. The sports medicine specialist is immediately involved in getting the patient the right treatment, right away.
Injury prevention
Injury prevention is an integral part of the equation as well. Lowcountry Orthopaedics athletic trainers use functional assessments to identify abnormalities and risk factors before injuries manifest. This helps to minimize risk and prevent injury. Attention is paid to how athletes recover and when it is acceptable to get them back in the game. “Our athletic trainers provide sidelines care to schools, clubs, community sporting events, marathons, and more. By being present at sporting events, we can prepare athletes to be safe via stretching, icing, hydration, training techniques, and the like. We quickly triage injured athletes and seamlessly provide access to quality Sports Medicine during routine hours and after hours,” explains Kevin Seyle, Director of Athletic Training.
Innovative new sports medicine treatments
Innovative new treatments further fast recovery for sports medicine patients. For example, Dr. David Johannesmeyer and the surgical team at Lowcountry Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Surgery Center performed the first ACL repair surgery with the BEAR Implant in South Carolina. “Quite simply, this new BEAR Implant technique encourages the torn ACL to heal itself. For patients that qualify, this promising orthobiologic option is the first medical advancement to enable your body to heal its own torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL),” explains Dr. Johannesmeyer. The ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament, is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee among athletes. Dr. Johannesmeyer’s bridge-enhanced ACL restoration with the BEAR® Implant is not just the first done in the state; it is also the first innovation in ACL surgery in several decades.
The tools available to patients for pain reduction and recovery from injury encompass noninvasive, minimally invasive, and surgical techniques. “Having a strong relationship with my patients enables me to better assess what treatment plan will work best for them,” says Dr. Adam Schaaf. “One patient with shoulder pain may benefit from physical therapy while another is best for same-day shoulder surgery in our outpatient surgery center. The key is taking the time to treat the patient correctly through excellent diagnostics, experience with the latest advancements in sports medicine, and knowledge of the patient.”
To schedule your appointment with the sports medicine team, you may call 843-797-5050, request an appointment online, or book directly with the provider of your choice on their biography page.