Whether you’re an avid runner, high school soccer player, or just want to be able to work in your garden without aches and pains, sports medicine can help you achieve the level of activity you want for a fulfilling life. At Primary Health, our team of qualified sports medicine providers are dedicated to providing high-quality care for their patients and finding solutions to a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Many patients wonder about the difference between a sports medicine provider and a regular family practice physician. In addition to being trained in family medicine, sports medicine providers are also required to complete a certificate program. “As sports providers, we have completed additional training in non-surgical orthopedic and musculoskeletal medicine, which is typically a year-long fellowship,” explains Angela Pellant, M.D., Primary Health Sports Medicine Specialist. The certification program also involves an application process and a passing score on the Sports Medicine Certification Examination.
Because these specialized physicians treat musculoskeletal conditions every day, they are experts and can often image, evaluate and then cast or inject all in a single visit. They also have increased knowledge on rehabilitative options and can make surgical referrals if needed. Commonly, patients see sports med providers through referrals. They may come into urgent care for a sprained ankle, and then be referred to one of our sports med specialists. Other patients may have chronic conditions, such as arthritis, and see their sports medicine provider regularly.
Kelly Wilkinson, M.D., shares her personal philosophy on patient care. “You don’t need to be a collegiate soccer player to receive sports medicine care. My goal is to get people as active as they can or want to be through non-surgical treatment options, whether it’s going on a hunting trip, attending a grandchild’s soccer game, or even just taking your dog out for a walk around the neighborhood.”
Primary Health’s team of sports medicine specialists are seeing new patients in Boise, Eagle, Meridian and Nampa. To learn more and make an appointment, please visit our Sports Medicine page.