Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a student athlete, or simply someone who enjoys staying active, sports medicine plays a vital role in keeping our community moving.
At Mary Washington Orthopedics in affiliation with FOA, our team of sports medicine specialists is dedicated to helping individuals recover from injuries and maintain peak physical performance.
What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare focused on physical fitness and the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise. Our experts are highly trained in musculoskeletal medicine, addressing a wide range of conditions—from muscle strains and ligament tears to chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes that can impact athletic performance.
A team approach to healing
Recovery is rarely a solo journey. At Mary Washington Orthopedics, we believe in a collaborative approach to care. Our sports medicine team includes: orthopedic surgeons, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, specialty sports medicine physicians. Together, they develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Common conditions we treat
Our specialists are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide variety of orthopedic sports injuries, including: ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, meniscus tears, patellar dislocations, shoulder instability, Achilles tendon ruptures, baseball-related shoulder and elbow injuries, Osgood-Schlatter disease, cartilage damage and more.
Spotlight on innovation: Cartilage restoration
One of the most advanced procedures offered at Mary Washington Orthopedics is MACI (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation), performed by Dr. Christopher Richards. This cutting-edge technique involves extracting cartilage cells from the patient’s joint, cultivating them in a lab on a collagen membrane and reimplanting the membrane into the knee to regenerate healthy cartilage. Following the procedure, patients undergo a customized rehabilitation program to ensure optimal recovery and long-term joint health.
MACI is currently FDA-approved for adults ages 18 to 55 who have isolated or focal cartilage defects in the knee. It is not recommended for individuals with generalized arthritis, as the procedure is designed to treat specific areas of cartilage damage rather than widespread joint degeneration.
“Our mission extends beyond repairing injuries—we aim to restore confidence in returning to sport,” said Richards. “With advanced procedures such as MACI, we can deliver long-term solutions that allow athletes and active individuals to return to their sport with greater confidence, stronger performance, and improved long-term joint health.”
Interested in learning more about sports medicine, cartilage restoration, or how to keep your body in top shape? Check out our Ask the Expert episode on Healthy Athletes and ACL Injuries, and explore resources and provider information on our website.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. This partnership seeks to help the community make informed health decisions while offering a behind-the-scenes look at local care and services. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
