Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Lakeland

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Lakeland

Definition and scope of Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. In Lakeland, Florida, this specialty plays a significant role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals.

Sports Medicine physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse injuries. They also provide guidance on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and safe return to play after injury.

Importance of Sports Medicine in Lakeland

Lakeland boasts a vibrant sports culture, with numerous athletic programs, recreational leagues, and outdoor activities. This active lifestyle underscores the importance of having access to quality Sports Medicine care in the area.

Specialized Sports Medicine care offers several advantages for Lakeland residents. These include expert diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, personalized rehabilitation programs, and guidance on injury prevention and performance optimization. For both competitive athletes and weekend warriors, having access to Sports Medicine specialists can significantly improve recovery times and overall athletic performance.

Overview of the Doctor Selection Process in Lakeland

Factors to consider when choosing a Sports Medicine doctor

Credentials and board certifications

• Review board certifications (e.g., American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Family Medicine)
• Examine educational background and fellowships

Experience and specializations

• Consider years of practice in Sports Medicine
• Look for subspecialties within Sports Medicine (e.g., Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Hip & Knee Orthopedics)

Patient reviews and ratings

• Analyze star ratings and number of reviews
• Read patient feedback for insights on doctor-patient relationships

Language and communication

• Check if the doctor speaks your preferred language
• Consider multilingual doctors for diverse patient needs

Utilizing available resources in Lakeland

Online platforms and directories

• Use Healthgrades and similar websites to compare doctors
• Access detailed profiles with photos, education, and specialties

Local medical networks

• Explore hospital affiliations of Sports Medicine doctors
• Consider proximity to your location in Lakeland

Professional associations

• Check memberships in Sports Medicine associations
• Look for doctors involved in continuing education and research

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Lakeland

Dr. Johnny Gibbs

Credentials and Specializations

• Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, and various orthopedic subspecialties

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
• Residency and Internship at John Peter Smith Hospital
• Medical degree from University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Patient Satisfaction

• Impressive 4.9-star rating based on 78 patient reviews
• Indicates high level of patient satisfaction and quality of care

Additional Information

• Multilingual: Speaks English, Spanish, and Thai
• Contact: (863) 680-7214 for appointments

Dr. Gabriel Delgado

Expertise and Specializations

• Focuses on Podiatric Surgery and Sports Medicine
• Additional specialties in Wound & Burn Care and Vascular Surgery

Education and Training

• Residencies at St. Luke's Medical Center Phoenix and VA Medical Center West Palm Beach
• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University School of Graduate Medical Science

Patient Reviews

• Strong 4.8-star rating from 46 patient reviews
• Suggests consistent high-quality care and patient satisfaction

Additional Details

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• For appointments, call (863) 686-1641

Dr. Salvador Montenegro

Specialization and Certification

• Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
• Focuses on Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Education

• Medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara, Facultad De Medicina

Patient Feedback

• 4.5-star rating based on 17 patient reviews
• Indicates positive patient experiences and quality care

Practice Information

• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Contact number for appointments: (863) 680-7206

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Sports Medicine Doctor in Lakeland

Utilizing Online Platforms

Healthgrades

• Detailed doctor profiles
• Patient ratings and reviews
• Education and certification information

Local medical center websites

• List of affiliated Sports Medicine specialists
• Information on services and facilities

Considering Language and Communication

Multilingual doctors in Lakeland

• Dr. Johnny Gibbs (English, Spanish, Thai)
• Dr. Gabriel Delgado (English, Spanish)
• Dr. Salvador Montenegro (English, Spanish)

Importance of clear communication

• Discussing complex medical terms
• Understanding treatment plans

Exploring Specializations Within Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

• Dr. Johnny Gibbs
• Dr. Brian Jurbala

Podiatric Sports Medicine

• Dr. Gabriel Delgado

General Sports Medicine

• Dr. Salvador Montenegro
• Dr. Manoj Dhariwal

Considering Accessibility and Location

Office locations in Lakeland

• Proximity to your home or workplace
• Parking and public transportation options

Telemedicine options

• Availability of virtual consultations
• Suitability for follow-up appointments