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Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Grand Rapids

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 13, 2024

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Grand Rapids

Definition and scope of sports medicine

Sports medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and physical activity. In Grand Rapids, this medical specialty plays a significant role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals alike.

The importance of sports medicine extends beyond professional athletes. It caters to anyone engaged in physical activities, from weekend warriors to high school athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Sports medicine physicians in Grand Rapids are equipped to address a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, and performance-related issues.

The role of sports medicine in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, known for its active community and thriving sports scene, has seen an increasing demand for sports medicine services. This growing need is reflected in the diverse range of specialists available in the area, as evidenced by the data provided.

The city boasts a robust network of sports medicine professionals, including physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists. These specialists offer comprehensive care, from injury prevention and performance enhancement to advanced treatment options and rehabilitation services. The presence of highly qualified professionals, such as Dr. Jacob Canfield and Dr. Tyler Voss, underscores the quality of sports medicine care available in Grand Rapids.


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List of Sports Medicine Doctors in Grand Rapids

Dr. Anjum Khan

Dr. Anjum Khan

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English, French

Phone

(616) 729-7290

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Schwab Rehab Hospital and Care Network (Residency Hospital, 2010)

Conemaugh Mem Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2007)

St. George's University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)

Queen's University (Undergraduate School, 1998)

English

French

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Sports Medicine

Pain Management

Electromyography

Acupuncture

Dr. Jacob Canfield

Dr. Jacob Canfield

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 458-8063

Be Well of Birmingham, Michigan (Internship Hospital, 2010)

Life University / Life Chiropractic College / West Campus (Residency Hospital, 2010)

Western Michigan University (Undergraduate School, 2006)

English

Chiropractic

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Pediatrics

Chiropractic Nutrition

Pediatric Chiropractic

TV

Dr. Tyler Voss

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(231) 733-1326

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Trinity Health Shelby Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital

Sports Medicine

Dr. Brice Blatz

Dr. Brice Blatz

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(408) 440-0930

American Board of Family Medicine

O'Connor Hospital|SANTA MONICA ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE (Fellowship Hospital, 2015)

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 2013)

R Franklin University of Med & Sci (Medical School, 2008)

English

Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center

Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center

Sports Medicine

Sports Internal Medicine

Regenerative Medicine

DH

Dr. David Hakopian

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 685-5050

American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

RP

Dr. Richard Pearson

5.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 732-6200

American Board of Family Medicine

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School, 2013)

English

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Michael Jabara

Dr. Michael Jabara

4.9

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-7101

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Aspen Orth Assocs (Fellowship Hospital, 2005)

Grand Rapids Med Education Research Center/Msu (Residency Hospital, 2004)

Grand Rapids Med Education Research Center/Msu (Internship Hospital, 2000)

Wayne State University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)

English

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

TJ

Dr. Timothy Jelsema

4.9

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8860

American Board of Family Medicine

Wayne State University (Medical School)

English

Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Sports Medicine

Dr. Brian Hinkley

Dr. Brian Hinkley

4.9

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 252-1500

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (Medical School)

English

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Dr. Joshua Nicholson

Dr. Joshua Nicholson

4.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(209) 572-3224

American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Michigan State University Electrodiagnostic Medicine Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital)

Michigan State University Interventional Pain Management Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital)

MICHIGAN STATE University (Residency Hospital)

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Residency Hospital)

Michigan State University-Interventional Pain Management (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

Sparrow Hosp/Mich St University (Internship Hospital, 2013)

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2012)

University California Santa Cruz (Undergraduate School, 2007)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Interventional Pain Medicine

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Pain Management

Sports Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Sports Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Interventional Spine Medicine

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Pain Medicine

Spine Physiatry

Dr. Timothy Henne

Dr. Timothy Henne

4.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 465-5910

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Indiana University / Methodist Sports Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)

Grand Rapids Medical Education & Research Center for Health Professions/Michigan State University (Residency Hospital, 2003)

University of Michigan Medical School (Medical School, 1998)

University of Michigan (Undergraduate School, 1994)

University of Michigan / Ann Arbor (Undergraduate School, 1994)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Travis Menge

Dr. Travis Menge

4.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8860

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Steadman Philippon Research Institute (GME) (Fellowship Hospital)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (GME) (Residency Hospital)

Steadman Philippon Research Institute (GME)|Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2016)

Vanderbilt University (Internship Hospital, 2011)

University of Colorado School of Medicine (Medical School, 2010)

English

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital

Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery

Dr. Matthew Axtman

Dr. Matthew Axtman

4.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8860

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Emory University (GME) (Fellowship Hospital)

Indiana University (GME) (Residency Hospital)

Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth (GME) (Internship Hospital)

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2003)

English

Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. Peter Theut

Dr. Peter Theut

4.8

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-7101

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

2000 (Fellowship Hospital)

University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)

1990 (Undergraduate School)

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN / ANN ARBOR (Undergraduate School)

Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus/St Mary's (Residency Hospital, 1999)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (Medical School, 1994)

English

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Jason Lazor

Dr. Jason Lazor

4.7

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8860

American Board of Family Medicine

Michigan State University (GME) (Fellowship Hospital)

Williamsport Regional Medical Center (GME) (Residency Hospital)

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (Medical School, 2009)

English

Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital

Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Dr. Kristi Kern

Dr. Kristi Kern

4.4

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 252-1500

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

University of Michigan Health West

Sports Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy

Family Medicine

Dr. Edwin Kornoelje

Dr. Edwin Kornoelje

4.3

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

MICHIGAN STATE University (Medical School, 1995)

English

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Family Medicine

Sports Medicine

TI

Dr. Thomas Bilisko II

4.3

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-3158

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Emergency Medicine

MICHIGAN STATE University (Medical School, 1990)

English

University of Michigan Health West

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Internal Medicine

Dr. James Spoto

Dr. James Spoto

4.2

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(715) 858-4485

American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire

Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Sports Medicine

Dr. Laura Champion

Dr. Laura Champion

4.2

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Family Medicine

San Diego State University (Undergraduate School)

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency (Residency Hospital, 1999)

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency Program (Internship Hospital, 1997)

General Practice Residency (1992) University Of Washington, Seattle, Washington (Medical School, 1996)

University of Washington School of Medicine (Medical School, 1996)

Assessment and Management of Suicide Risk (AMSR Trainer for MDHHS) ()

English

University of Michigan Health West

Family Medicine

Sports Medicine

Travel Medicine

Preventive Medicine

Women's Health Medicine

Mental Health

Dr. John Healey

Dr. John Healey

4.2

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 459-8515

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Baylor Sports Medicine Institute (Fellowship Hospital, 1998)

Grand Rapids Orthopedic Surgery (Residency Hospital, 1997)

Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute (1989)

Naval Hospital San Diego (Internship Hospital, 1988)

Georgetown University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

Providence College (Undergraduate School, 1983)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Orthopedics

LS

Dr. Leigh Seamon

4.2

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 486-6790

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

English

Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

KS

Dr. Kyle Snell

4.1

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 935-6320

American Board of Family Medicine

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (Medical School)

English

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

Dr. Carl Wierks

Dr. Carl Wierks

3.7

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 949-8945

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2010)

Johns Hopkins Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2009)

Johns Hopkims (Internship Hospital, 2005)

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)

Wheaton College (Undergraduate School, 2000)

English

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine

Hip & Knee Orthopedics

MD

Dr. Morgan Daul

3.0

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 685-8250

American Board of Family Medicine

American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Sports Medicine

SP

Dr. Shane Pluger

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 272-4039

English

Sports Medicine

Chiropractic Sports Medicine

Chiropractic

Dr. Justin Kessler

Dr. Justin Kessler

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(231) 398-1000

American Board of Emergency Medicine

Wayne State University (Medical School)

English

Spanish

Corewell Health Ludington Hospital

Corewell Health Reed City Hospital

Corwell Health Big Rapids Hospital

Emergency Medicine

Sports Medicine

Dr. Joshua Hanenburg

Dr. Joshua Hanenburg

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 248-9842

University Of Colorado-Doctorate Of Physical Therapy (Medical School, 2009)

Grand Valley State University (Undergraduate School, 2005)

English

Physical Therapy

Sports Medicine

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

JK

Dr. Joshua Knudson

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(877) 377-7322

American Board of Family Medicine

Saba University School of Medicine (Medical School)

English

Corewell Health Pennock Hospital

Sports Medicine

Family Medicine

KN

Dr. Kayle Noble-Taylor

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8860

American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

English

Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus

Sports Medicine

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

DB

Dr. Derek Blok

N/A

Grand Rapids, MI

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(616) 267-8741

American Board of Emergency Medicine

English

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Corewell Health Reed City Hospital

Corwell Health Big Rapids Hospital

Sports Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Choosing a Sports Medicine Doctor in Grand Rapids

Factors to consider when selecting a sports medicine specialist

Credentials and board certifications

  • Review of common certifications in the field
  • Importance of board certification in sports medicine

Experience and areas of expertise

  • Years of practice in sports medicine
  • Specialized focus within sports medicine (e.g., regenerative medicine, orthopedic sports medicine)

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Analyzing star ratings and review counts
  • Reading patient testimonials for insights

Hospital affiliations

  • Importance of hospital quality and reputation
  • Access to advanced medical facilities and resources

The importance of finding the right fit

Communication style and bedside manner

  • Assessing doctor-patient interaction during consultations
  • Importance of clear explanations and patient education

Availability and location

  • Considering office hours and appointment scheduling
  • Proximity to home or work for convenience

Insurance coverage and payment options

  • Verifying in-network status with insurance providers
  • Discussing payment plans or options for non-covered services

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Grand Rapids

Dr. Jacob Canfield

Specialties and Expertise

  • Chiropractic
  • Sports Medicine
  • Chiropractic Sports Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Chiropractic Nutrition
  • Pediatric Chiropractic

Education and Background

  • Internship at Be Well of Birmingham, Michigan
  • Residency at Life University / Life Chiropractic College / West Campus
  • Undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 46 reviews
  • Male practitioner
  • Fluent in English

Contact Information

  • Phone: (616) 458-8063

Dr. Timothy Jelsema

Specialties and Expertise

  • Sports Medicine

Education and Background

  • Medical degree from Wayne State University
  • Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital
  • Corewell Health Greenville Hospital

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.9-star rating based on 72 reviews
  • Male practitioner
  • Fluent in English

Contact Information

  • Phone: (616) 267-8860

Dr. Brian Hinkley

Specialties and Expertise

  • Sports Medicine

Education and Background

  • Medical degree from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Hospital Affiliations

  • University of Michigan Health West
  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.9-star rating based on 9 reviews
  • Male practitioner
  • Fluent in English

Contact Information

  • Phone: (616) 252-1500

Dr. Matthew Axtman

Specialties and Expertise

  • Sports Medicine
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Education and Background

  • Fellowship at Emory University
  • Residency at Indiana University
  • Internship at Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth
  • Medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital
  • Corewell Health Greenville Hospital
  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.8-star rating based on 115 reviews
  • Male practitioner
  • Fluent in English

Contact Information

  • Phone: (616) 267-8860

Dr. Peter Theut

Specialties and Expertise

  • Sports Medicine
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Education and Background

  • Fellowship at University of Connecticut School of Medicine
  • Residency at Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus/St Mary's
  • Medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
  • Undergraduate degree from University of Michigan

Hospital Affiliations

  • University of Michigan Health West
  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.8-star rating based on 97 reviews
  • Male practitioner
  • Fluent in English

Contact Information

  • Phone: (616) 459-7101

Additional Resources for Finding Sports Medicine Care in Grand Rapids

Online platforms for doctor reviews and comparisons

Healthgrades

  • Comprehensive doctor profiles
  • Patient ratings and reviews
  • Educational background and certifications

Insurance provider directories

  • In-network sports medicine specialists
  • Coverage information
  • Appointment scheduling options

Professional associations and referrals

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

  • Directory of sports medicine professionals
  • Educational resources on sports-related injuries and treatments

Referrals from primary care physicians

  • Personalized recommendations based on patient history
  • Coordination of care between primary and specialty providers

Local sports organizations and teams

Partnerships with sports medicine practices

  • Team physicians and medical staff
  • Access to specialized care for athletes

Recommendations from coaches and trainers

  • Insights from experienced sports professionals
  • Knowledge of local sports medicine landscape