Why choose the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute?

At the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, our goal is to help you return to the court or field as quickly and safely as possible. We care for athletes and non-athletes of all ages, stages and abilities across Louisiana, including in New Orleans, Metairie, Gretna, Destrehan, LaPlace, Hammond, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport and more.

Our team of primary care sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons and more work together to provide individualized care to each of our patients. 

The Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute combines Ochsner’s award-winning sports medicine program with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews’ expertise, research and education platform. This partnership strengthens the best-in-class care for patients and athletes across Louisiana and Mississippi.

Dr. Andrews consults with Ochsner physicians and sports medicine teams to provide guidance on programs and share clinical best practices, participate in educational, research and professional development initiatives and lead advocacy efforts to prevent youth sports injuries.

Though sports medicine focuses on treating athletic injuries, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from our program. At the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, pediatric patients and high school athletes, members of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, weekend warriors and senior citizens all turn to us for care.

Who benefits from sports medicine care?

Athletic injuries are as unique as the athletes who get them. Sports injuries we treat at the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute include:

• Arm and shoulder injuries (broken shoulder, rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow, etc.)

• Concussion

• Foot and ankle injuries (ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injury, etc.)

• Hip, leg and knee injuries and pains (torn ACL, pulled or strained hamstring, etc.)

• Joint injuries and pains (sprains, breaks, etc.)

Specialized care for children and adults

No matter your injury, our goal is to help you return to the court or field as quickly and safely as possible. Services provided through the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute include:

• Concussion management
• Education and preventive care to prevent future injury
• Osteopathic manipulation, a noninvasive approach that uses touch to diagnose, treat and prevent injury
• Outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy tailored to your injury, lifestyle and goals
• State-of-the-art radiology and diagnostic imaging to ensure accurate diagnosis and full understanding of your needs
• Athletic performance training program (offered in New Orleans, Covington and Baton Rouge)

While many sports medicine programs serve patients ages 12 and older, Ochsner offers care starting at 18 months. Specially trained in pediatric care, our pediatric sports medicine physician Olabode Agaja, DO, understands the differences in a child’s anatomy. We realize children’s growing bodies have unique needs.

Pediatric injuries we care for include:

• Concussion

• Knee, hip and lower back pain

• Knee ligament injuries

• Little League elbow and shoulder

• Shoulder and other bone dislocation

Complete and coordinated care

As an Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute patient, you get access to our team of experts including:

• Athletic trainers

• Orthopedic surgeons

• Performance training coaches

• Physical medicine physicians

• Physical therapists

• Primary care sports medicine physicians

• Rehabilitation sports physicians

• Sports medicine assistants

Your sports medicine team will collaborate with other specialists and doctors to improve and protect your health. They will keep your other doctors informed, making transitions back to their care seamless.

Mental health wellness program

Ochsner Health offers mental health services aimed at enhancing the well-being of student athletes. Mental health concerns can impact an athlete’s performance in competition, in practice and in the classroom. Ochsner’s Mental Health Wellness Program addresses concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress and grief.

Justice Stafford, PsyD, offers psychological services to sports medicine patients by referral. Her services include both short-term and long-term individual therapy.

FAQs

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a type of care that helps people recover from injuries related to sports, exercise or other physical activities. Sports medicine specialists at the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute can help you meet your wellness, fitness and athletic performance goals.

Is sports medicine the same as physical therapy?

Sports medicine and physical therapy both aim at helping you regain function and return to the activities you love. However, experts at the Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute undergo sport-specific training. This enables them to help athletes safely return to their sports. Additionally, many of our sports medicine experts are former athletes, so they understand the demands of various sports and can safely guide athletes in their recoveries.

Are all visits in-person?

Treating sports injures typically requires our team to see and touch your injury. Sometimes, follow-up appointments can be performed virtually. For these visits, you talk with your team on your computer or smartphone. Ask your team members whether your next appointment can take place online.

Featured Specialties

• International Health
• Men's Health
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine: Baton Rouge
• Sports Medicine: Northshore

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