April 2026
Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes or major injuries — it’s for anyone who wants to move more comfortably and live with less pain. Whether you’re managing a long‑standing ache or a new concern, sports medicine providers focus on helping people of all ages feel stronger, more supported and confident in their care.
More than injury care
A common misconception is that sports medicine only treats serious injuries or trauma. In reality, providers frequently care for people experiencing chronic pain and ongoing musculoskeletal conditions — often without surgery.
"We see plenty of patients with chronic shoulder pain or knee pain," says Caleb Nyone, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Providence Medford Medical Center. "There's definitely things that we have to offer to help reduce your pain and increase your function."
Common concerns include:
- Joint and tendon pain
- Arthritis
- Nerve impingement
The goal is simple: Relieve pain, restore function and help patients return to daily life as comfortably as possible.
Care for every body
Another myth is that sports medicine is only for athletes. The truth is, everyone relies on movement — at work, at home and throughout life.
"A lot of people think sports medicine means we only see athletes, but we'll actually see [people of] all ages," says Chella Bhagyam, D.O., a sports medicine physician at Providence Medford Medical Center.
Sports medicine physicians care for people of all activity levels and ages, creating individualized treatment plans based on each person’s goals, lifestyle and needs.
A physician-led approach
Sports medicine is not physical therapy — though physical therapy may be part of the care plan. Sports medicine providers are physicians specially trained to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and guide non‑operative treatment options.
"We are physicians that are trained in sports medicine," says Michael Potter, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Providence Medford Medical Center.
"We understand physical therapy ... but our job here is to provide a clear and accurate diagnosis then base a treatment plan based on that. Very commonly, it's physical therapy."
Patients benefit from expert evaluation, clear communication and coordinated care designed to support long-term health and mobility.
