Treatment of Athletic Injuries for all Skill Levels
The Sports Medicine Program at GW Hospital is a comprehensive program designed to thoroughly assess an athlete’s injuries, accurately diagnose the injuries, and create an individualized treatment plan using a skilled multidisciplinary team. We can meet the needs of anyone who participates at any level of play, including student athletes, members of club sports teams, and even weekend warriors.
Evaluations begin with a detailed examination and assessment, and this leads to the formulation of an accurate diagnosis. Then our treatment team develops an individualized treatment plan that also takes into consideration the goals of the athlete. Care is a two way conversation.
Close guidance and counseling for a safe return to physical activity and sports is a critical part of what we provide. We believe that education is an important part of care.
Schedule an In-Person or Virtual Appointment
To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, please fill out our general appointment form or call our referral service at 888-4GW-DOCS. Virtual Health enables you to speak with providers using your phone, tablet or computer.
Patient Success Stories
Taylor Winkleman Cagle tore two ligaments, two tendons and some muscles while performing in the circus. She had surgery and physical therapy at the Sports Medicine Program at GW Hospital, and now she's back to doing what she loves.
Joseph Brooks had rotator cuff surgery at GW Hospital. After a few months he was back to bowling again and doing the things he loves.
Treating a Wide Range of Sports Injuries and Conditions
We provide care, both surgical and nonsurgical, for a range of athletic orthopedic injuries, as well as concussions. These include:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle sprains/instability
- Cartilage restoration
- Concussions/head injuries
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Elbow instability
- Hip arthritis/injuries
- Knee ligament injuries
- Knee pain/sprain
- Meniscus injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Patellar (kneecap) instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff strains/sprains
- Shoulder and elbow trauma
- Shoulder instability
- Tennis/golfer's elbow
- Throwing injuries
- Trochanteric Bursitis
Treating All Kinds of Athletes
As the official provider of sports medicine and rehabilitative services to The George Washington University, the healthcare team at GW Hospital provides individualized treatment and support for student athletes. In addition, anyone who participates in physical activity can look to the sports medicine program for assistance with:
- Integration of functional and skill-specific training in order to return to sports
- Restoration of correct joint biomechanics and movement patterns
- Strengthening and regaining of muscle balance and neuromuscular control and coordination
A Team of Highly Qualified Specialists
The program’s team includes a broad array of highly qualified specialists who work together to provide high level care. Our physicians include:
Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Dr. Chodos is an assistant professor of surgery at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He specializes in foot and ankle orthopedics, both nonoperative and surgical. He has strong interests in sports medicine and also foot and ankle reconstruction.
Teresa Doerre, MD
Dr. Doerre is an assistant professor at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She specializes in shoulder and knee surgery, arthroscopic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. She treats patients for injuries of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee.
Zachary R. Zimmer, MD
Dr. Zimmer is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. His surgical specialty focuses on conditions affecting the shoulder and elbow. He treats patients for a multitude of shoulder conditions.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Geet Paul, MD
Dr. Paul is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine. He has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries as well as providing non-operative care for neck and back pain.
Concussion Management
Marilyn Kraus, MD
Dr. Kraus is the Medical Director of the Concussion Clinic and is board certified in Brain Injury Medicine. She has over twenty years of experience, which includes clinical work, education and research. She has numerous research publications and lectures frequently on concussion.
Full Sports Medicine Team
Our full sports medicine team includes specialists from:
- Athletic Training
- Concussion/Neuropsychology
- Metro Immediate and Primary Care – Family Medicine
- Mid-level Providers
- Occupational Health
- Orthopedics – Foot/Ankle, Knee/Sports, Shoulder/Elbow
- Pain Services
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physical, occupational and speech therapists)
- Podiatry
- Regenerative Medicine
Preventing Injuries On and Off the Field
The sports medicine professionals can also provide you with injury prevention procedures. Orthopedic clinical specialists, certified hand therapists and certified athletic trainers can teach you ways to protect your body from injury. This may include:
- ACL rehabilitation
- Aquatic therapy
- Dance rehabilitation
- Dry needling
- GW Running Clinic
- Hip Preservation Program
- Manual therapy
- Orthopedic rehabilitation for cycling, swimming and golf
- Plyometrics, dynamic balance and agility training
- Shoulder focus for overhead athletes
- Sport-specific skill recovery
- Sports nutrition
- Treatment focused on returning to play
- Young athlete program
Specialized Services
Concussion Management
GW Hospital offers comprehensive concussion care as part of the Sports Medicine Program. We offer a thorough approach to the evaluation and care of concussions. Every athlete is different, and every injury is different. It’s important to individualize care in order to work toward the best outcomes.
Sports Rehabilitation
Our therapists can help patients with sports-related injuries return to peak physical performance and prevent further injury. We can help people regain their flexibility, strength, power, and endurance after a sports injury.
Physician Insights
Back in Action After a Pandemic
COVID-19 slowed almost everything down, including the athletic pursuits we love. In this podcast, get guidance on avoiding injury while enjoying your favorite sports and activities. Orthopedic specialists Mark Chodos, MD (foot and ankle), Zachary Zimmer, MD (shoulder and elbow), and Teresa Doerre, MD (hip preservation and sports injury) will discuss this, as well as treatment options for any current injuries.
Prevention and Treatment of Common Injuries Suffered by the Non-professional Athlete
Orthopedic surgeon, Teresa Doerre, MD, tells listeners how to prevent and treat common injuries suffered by non-professional athletes.
Reclaim Your Game with GW Sports Medicine
Listen as orthopedic specialists Mark Chodos, MD (foot and ankle), Zachary Zimmer, MD (shoulder and elbow), and Teresa Doerre, MD (hip preservation and sports injury), discuss the most common orthopedic conditions and injuries they treat at GW Hospital. Topics include prevention, pain management, how the pandemic has affected patients and much more.