How Teamwork Fuels Sports Injury Recovery

Injuries don’t just happen on the field. Whether you’re a parent of a student-athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone with a physically demanding job, Memorial Health System’s team-based approach to sports medicine and orthopedic care helps you recover faster and get back to what matters most.

The fall season brings more than just cooler temperatures—it brings packed game schedules for student-athletes and the unavoidable bumps and bruises that come with competitive play. But it’s not just athletes feeling the strain. For adults, this time may mean new fitness goals, yardwork, or simply more wear and tear from physically demanding jobs. So, when pain or injury strikes, many people ask: Where should I turn for help?

Our Departments of Sports Medicine, Ortho, and Therapy Services are ready with answers—and a team approach unlike any other in the area.

“Our care model is built on collaboration,” says Austin Patterson, DO, sports medicine provider. “From high school sidelines, accidental injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation, it’s important for our multi-specialty teams to work together to get patients the best results.”

That team includes Mark Plumby, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with First Settlement Orthopaedics—a partner of Memorial Health System—and the region’s only fellowship-trained sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon, as well as the health system’s Department of Therapy Services.

Drs. Patterson and Plumby, along with our therapy services team, offer patients a seamless experience. Their approach helps avoid unnecessary delays in care, reduces the risk of long-term injury, and supports the healthiest possible return to activities.

It Starts on the Sidelines

In many cases, care for student-athletes begins well before a clinic visit. That’s thanks to our Certified Athletic Trainers, stationed year-round at high schools throughout the region. These professionals are often the first point of contact when a player is injured or in pain.

“Athletic trainers don’t just tape ankles or hand out water,” says Certified Athletic Trainer Alex Corbitt. “We’re trained healthcare professionals who can evaluate injuries, monitor recovery, and guide students—and their families—on when to rest, return to play, or seek further care.”

On the field, athletic trainers are the first to evaluate whether a player can safely return to play or needs further care. They provide CPR, first aid, or stabilize serious injuries like concussions, fractures, or dislocations. They also communicate with coaches and providers to relay injury updates quickly so decisions about substitutions, rest, or follow-up care can be made.

Because our athletic trainers are stationed in the schools, communication with our sports medicine and orthopedic providers is immediate. It’s also not uncommon to see Drs. Patterson and Plumby by the sidelines or consulting with athletic trainers during games or practices.

“Athletic trainers are often the first to see an injury happen in real time,” says Dr. Plumby. “That kind of hands-on care makes a huge difference—not only for the patient in terms of injury assessment and access to the many resources available through Memorial Health System and First Settlement Orthopaedics, but for their families in building trust with us as a whole.”

The Advantage of Sports Medicine

When someone is experiencing recurring pain or a sudden injury, sports medicine is often the best place to start. This medical specialty focuses on how the body moves and how to prevent or treat movement-related injuries.

Whether it’s a quarterback recovering from a hard tackle or a construction worker dealing with nagging knee pain, Dr. Patterson’s priority is finding a non-surgical solution.

“We always start with the least invasive option,” he explains. “That might mean bracing, joint injections, or more advanced treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy or Tenex procedures for chronic tendon pain.”

Sports medicine also helps patients rethink how they approach activity. For example, someone recovering from a running injury might switch to biking or use supportive equipment to stay active without causing further strain.

Using diagnostic ultrasound, Dr. Patterson can view injuries in real time—helping patients get a more accurate diagnosis and faster treatment plan. Just as importantly, he helps patients understand what to expect during recovery and how to prevent future injuries through proper form, pacing, and warm-up strategies.

When Surgery Is the Best Option

Some injuries need more than rest and rehabilitation. For more complex cases—like torn ACLs, fractures, or issues that can’t be improved with conservative treatment—Dr. Plumby brings a next-level skill set to the team.

“My fellowship training gives me a deeper understanding of both athletic performance and surgical care,” he says. “That means we can repair injuries in a way that truly supports long-term recovery—whether you’re an athlete, a laborer, or just someone who wants to live without pain.”

Surgery isn’t always the first step, but when it’s needed, it can be life-changing. From minimally invasive techniques to advanced reconstructive procedures, our team is dedicated to restoring strength, mobility, and confidence. With coordinated follow-up care through therapy services, patients receive comprehensive support every step of the way.

Dr. Plumby and Dr. Patterson are part of a connected care team that shares one common goal: helping patients feel better, faster. Whether someone needs an initial evaluation, a treatment plan, or a surgical consultation, they work closely to ensure the experience feels smooth and supportive.

“You don’t have to start over or bounce between specialists,” says Dr. Plumby. “We’re all working toward the same goal—getting you back to doing what you love, with as little stress as possible.”

The Follow-Up That Keeps You Moving

Injuries and surgeries don’t heal overnight. That’s where the Department of Therapy Services comes in. From the initial physical or occupational therapy evaluation to guided recovery plans, our therapists help patients rebuild strength and mobility—with goals tailored to each person’s sport, job, or lifestyle.

Recovery doesn’t always mean the complete absence of pain. Sometimes it’s about rebuilding long-term strength, improving mobility, and preventing future injuries or recurrences.

“Our therapy services team consists of a multi-disciplinary group of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists to ensure you get care that’s customized to your needs,” says Beth Schwendeman, Director of Therapy Services. “We also offer convenient morning, evening, and Saturday appointment hours.”

“Our passion is patient care and giving you the one-on-one, patient-centered treatments you deserve,” Beth continues. “We work closely with our providers and athletic trainers to ensure you receive efficient, comprehensive care.”

This streamlined process is designed to eliminate confusion and keep recovery on track. Whether you’re working your way back to a starting lineup or just trying to get through the workday pain-free, your plan is built around you.

With every service, provider, and department at Memorial Health System, our goal is to deliver more than just care. Any health system can offer an appointment and treat an injury—but we strive to make the experience easier, more reassuring, and built around you. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a working parent, or a weekend warrior, we’re here for every step of the journey.

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