Outreach Athletic Training

Bringing the best athletic training services to our high schools and programs is the Mission of Lubbock Sports Medicine's Outreach Athletic Training Program.

With LSM's program, we help enable our local athletic programs that lack full-time trainers to obtain the experienced medical staff needed to keep athletes off the training table and back in the game.  The LSM-affiliated network of professional athletic trainers expands to schools throughout Lubbock and the Great Plains.

Lubbock Sports Medicine provides professional care for your Sports & Active Lifestyle Injuries.

LSM specializes in advanced Sports Medicine for the serious athlete to those following an active lifestyle.  With our state of the art techniques and equipment, our experienced doctors will work with you at each step of your recovery.  From torn ligaments to concussions to knee sprains, LSM is there to help.  

Rest assured that you will receive the best care from our highly trained clinicians and doctors, providing you with top orthopedic care for your well-being and treatment.  Experience the sport medicine difference at Lubbock Sports Medicine and Lubbock Sports Rehab.

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Common Throwing Injuries

 Two of the more common injuries caused by the mechanics (or more specifically, improper mechanics) of throwing are to the rotator cuff that causes instability to the shoulder, and also to the elbow.  The rotator cuff is vitally important to maintaining the shoulder joint in its correct position, as well as sustaining the strength of the shoulder. Extending from the shoulder blade to cover the shoulder joint, the rotator cuff is comprised of four large muscles.

Over-throwing in repetition or in intensity can cause irritation to the rotator cuff or its bursa. Such exertion in throwing can pinch the rotator cuff of bursa, especially if the shoulder is already weak or inflamed.

Treatment for an inflamed or irritated shoulder often involves rehab exercises and stretches that are specifically designed for athletic throwers, as well as to temporarily reduce throwing activity. Sports medicine may also call for an analysis and retraining of proper throwing mechanics. If conventional, PRP, or regenerative medicine is ineffective, then surgery may be called for.  However, new surgery techniques may offer effective non-invasive options.

Another typical shoulder injury that can be caused by repeated, hard throws is to the labrum, a key cartilage of the shoulder socket.  Heavy stress to the shoulder can cause the labrum to tear away from the socket, causing "popping", pain, and a general sense of looseness in the affected shoulder.  Although, rehabilitation can help ease the symptoms, surgery is often required.   Non-invasive surgery to repair the labrum may prove highly effective.

Improper throwing mechanics can also cause irritation, tendon swelling, and aching pain of the elbow. Generally, this ailment responds well to icing, rest, and developing proper throwing mechanics. On occasion, throwers can tear their UCL, or "Tommy John Ligament". This is a serious injury, which often requires reconstructive surgery.

An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of treatment.  Correct throwing mechanics, stretching, and proper warm-ups are keys to avoiding these common throwing injuries. Be smart, don't overdue it, learn proper throwing techniques, and seek professional medical advise should any flareups occur. 

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative Medicine has been at the forefront of new and emerging orthopedic treatment techniques.  Lubbock Sports Medicine provides the latest in regenerative technologies to aid, and in some cases, expedite the recovery process.  LSM offers two different techniques: Platlet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy.  See below for patient education on these new and exciting topics!

 

 

 

Patient Education

• Stem Cell Therapy
• What is a Stem Cell?
• Platlet-Rich Plasma
  Platlet-Rich Plasma: What's Behind the Hype?

What are Stem Cells used for in Orthopedics?

Stem Cells and Orthopedics

 

Stem Cell FAQ
 

Q: What are stem cells?
A: Stem cells are unspecialized or undifferentiated cells, capable of two processes: self-renewal and differentiation.

Q: What is Regenerative Medicine?
A:  Regenerative Medicine is a new and advancing scientific field focused on the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue utilizing stem cells.

Q: What is the difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells?
A: Adult stem cells are found in mature adult tissues including bone marrow and fat, while embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not found in the adult human body. ESCs are obtained from donated in vitro fertilizations, which raises many ethical concerns.  Because ESCs are not autologous, there is a possibility of immune rejection. Adult stem cells do not raise ethical issues nor pose any risks for immune rejection.

Q: Does Celling Biosciences research or use embryonic stem cells in clinical procedures?
A: No, Lubbock Sports Medicine and Celling Biosciences’ cell therapy systems use only autologous adult stem cells isolated from the patient during surgery.  Celling Biosciences does not participate in embryonic stem cell research or use embryonic stem cells in clinical applications.

Q: Are there ethical issues associated with harvesting adult stem cells?
A: No, adult stem cells do not raise ethical questions as they are harvested from the patient’s body

Q: Where do adult stem cells come from?
A: In adults, stem cells are present within various tissues and organ systems, the most common being bone marrow and adipose or fat tissues. Other sources include the liver, epidermis, retina, skeletal muscle, intestine, brain, placenta, umbilical cord and dental pulp.

Q: How does Celling Biosciences obtain adult stem cells for use in cell treatment?
A: Celling Biosciences currently has systems that use adult stem cells from both bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. The stem cells are obtained through aspiration procedures during surgery.

Q: How are adult stem cells used in surgical procedures?

A: Adult stem cells are used to treat patients with damaged tissues due to age or deterioration. During a procedure, stem cells are isolated from the patient, concentrated and delivered back to the site of injury to assist in the healing process.

Q: Are there different types of adult stem cells?
A: Yes, there are many types of adult stem cells found in the body which have variable differentiation potentials. The adult stem cells that aid in the repair of damages tissue are multipotent, mesenchymal stem cells. These are located in bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue.

Q: How do stem cells know what type of tissue to develop into?
A: The differentiation of stem cells is dependent on many factors, including cell signaling and micro-environmental signals. Based on these cues, stem cells are able to develop into healthy tissue needed to repair damaged tissue. For example, multipotent stem cells delivered to damaged bone will develop into bone cells to aid in tissue repair. The exact mechanism of lineage-specific differentiation is unknown at this point. 


Q: Will my body reject the stem cells?
A: No, adult stem cells are autologous and non-immunogenic.
 

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

ImPACT Program for Head Injuries & Concussions

Head

Protecting your head has become of increasing importance in sports today. With our expertise and certified ImPACT clinicians, Lubbock Sports Medicine is the leading source for treatment of sports-related head injuries on the South Plains. Stan Kotara, PA, has been working with the ImPACT program with great success.

 

 

Patient Education

• Concussion
• ImPACT
• Helmet Safety
• Return To Play
• Concussion Management 

Treatments 

• Head Injury Treatment
• Concussion Treatment
• Helmet Information
• Getting back in the game
  ImPACT Assessments available at LSM

___________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the ImPACT program?    

ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is the premier concussion management program in the country and Lubbock Sports Medicine is bring it to you. This computerized evaluation system provides our clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools and services that will be integral in return to play decisions.  Have a look at the ImPACT Concussion Management Model for yourself and you’ll see why this is the leading concussion management program in the country!

Important facts about the ImPACT Test:

The ImPact Test is

The ImPact Test is Not

 

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Golf Sports Medicine - Joint Injury Prevention

Golf Sports Medicine and the prevention of joint injury are of the upmost importance to nailing that impossible Golf Shot.

When Common sense usually rules the day, here are a few tips to help keep your stroke on-par.  It all starts with the warm-up. Getting your body prepared for the links will not only help prevent a twisted knee, wrenched back, or kinked neck; it will also help maximize your body's movements and probably give you a much more enjoyable game.

The typical warm-up session should last around 10 - 15 minutes, and should include gentle stretching and gradually increasing the blood flow throughout the body.  Start slow and build up to a more brisk pace toward a light to moderate cardio.  Remember to stretch and work out the main golf-related areas, such as the hips, knees, shoulders, neck, ankles, and back.  Arm circles and hip twists are good options for those specific areas.

Properly warming up will increase body flexibility of the joints and muscle fibers, which will help mitigate the risk of pulling or straining a muscle or incurring a painful joint injury.

A full day of golf (even using a cart) can take a lot out of a person. Usually, completing 18 holes involves a good bit of sun and a certain amount of walking, and for some of us, countless strokes. Along with a good warm-up to help your game, so does a good diet.  Good fuel intake means more energy and concentration on the course.  Here's a list of good joint-healthy foods.  

If you already have a tender knee or elbow, work it out the best you can before you play, and consider a quality compression brace. These are flexible, elastic bandages that help lock in the weakened joint or tendon, and can minimize the stress that may placed on the affected area. There are hundreds of styles to choose from, so look for one that offers broad coverage. Also, remember that your joint has been compromised, so it may not be a great idea to try for that 300 yard drive - at least while you are still not 100%.  

If you do have a weakened joint or tendon and the pain persists, it may be prudent to have it checked out by a qualified Orthopedic Doctor Aside from an effective evaluation of your ailment, the specialist may suggest a series of sports rehab sessions.  If you want to get better quicker, a top Physical Therapist can absolutely work wonders!

So, don't forget the warm-up, eat smart, protect yourself against current or potential injuries, and "Tee it Up"!

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Stay Hydrated & Stay Healthy

On or Off the field, it's important to stay hydrated.

So busy are we during sports activities or during the regular course of the day that we often forget to hydrate ourselves.  During moderate exercise in the Texas summer heat, that's the last thing you want to do. During intense physical activity, that's the worse thing you want to do.

If we forego water breaks, we could easily experience symptoms of dehydration.  The symptoms can range from dizziness, cramping, and headache to more serious fainting, coma, and even death.  

A multitude of dehydration-related deaths occur each year across the spectrum of highly intensive activities, and are especially prevalent throughout the South and Southwest. Therefore, not taking the necessary steps toward hydration can be a very quick and detrimental matter.  With 60% of the human body made up of water, even a slight dehydration can negatively impact an athlete's performance, putting him or her at risk even that much more.

Aside from helping to protect us from heat exhaustion and over-exertion of the body, proper water (or sports drink) intake also assists in muscle repair and function, as well as overall health.  

Fortunately, coaches and trainers in organized sports are typically ultra-aware of the need to hydrate their athletes.  Many include mandatory "rehydration periods" during practice and during the game. However, it's up to the individual athlete to drink what they need.

As untreated dehydration can quickly result in heatstroke, what are some of the telltale signs that our bodies are lacking sufficient liquid?  A lack of sweating or urination, headaches, fatigue, rapid pulse, nausea, and pale skin are some of the signs of dehydration, among others. 

Remember to keep it safe, keep it cool, and drink lots of water or sport drinks to help keep you at the top of your game.

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Saturday Injury Clinic

FREE* Saturday AM Injury Clinic for
Student-Athletes 

Lubbock Sports Medicine

4110 22nd Place. Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

To help treat sports-related injuries when it's tough to get into Urgent Care, Lubbock Sports Medicine is offering its Saturday morning Injury Clinic for Student-Athletes.  

Starting at 8:30am, and running through November 21st, we'll have our expert staff on-hand to assess our area's athletes for their recent on-field injuries.

Providing the latest in sports medicine expertise, the clinic is designed for the convenience of Athletic Trainers, Coaches, and Parents of athletes to evaluate and receive quick answers for sports injuries that they have incurred.

LSM's Physicians will provide their office services Free of Charge*.  Only imaging, bracing, and supplies will be charged when required.

To make your time that much more efficient at the clinic, you can download and Complete this Form .  Just hand it to the receptionist upon your arrival.  If you have any questions, please contact us at (806) 792-4329


Dr. Kevin Crawford

Orthopedic Surgeon / Sports Medicine Specialist
Lubbock Sports Medicine

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Delicious & Healthy Smoothie Recipes

There are not as many delicious and healthy ways for us to get our recommended daily doses of fruit and vegetables than a homemade smoothie!  

What's cool about making energy-activating smoothies is that you can change up the recipe each time, and they still turn out delicious. So experiment, and have fun.

Here are few of my favorite smoothie recipes. Feel free to share your personal favorites, as well.

Let's start with one of my daily standbys (they make 2 servings).  

Rob's Waker-Upper

• 1 cup of frozen mixed fruit (melon, strawberries, and pineapple)

• 1 teaspoon of natural honey

• 1/2 half cup of organic coconut milk

• 1/2 banana

• 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt

• A couple dashes of cinnamon

• 2 leaves of mint

• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (secret ingredient)

          Mix on high until creamy smooth - Yum!

Fruit n' Oats

• 1/4 cup natural rolled oats (the kind you use for Oatmeal)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries

• 1/2 banana

• 1/2 cup soy milk

• 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt

• 1 tsp. of natural maple syrup

• A dash of cinnamon

• 1/4 cup crushed ice (optional)

          Mix to preferred texture in blender

Hail to the Kale

• 2 cups chopped Kale

• 1 banana

• 2 Tbsp flax seeds

• 1/2 cup soy milk

• 1 tsp. natural maple syrup

• 1 cup crushed ice

           Mix until ice is smooth

Zucchini Zing

• 1 medium Zucchine cubed

• 1/2 cup ice cubes

• 1 cup 100% orange juice

• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

          Blend well

Berry Delicious

• 1 cup frozen blueberries

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup soy milk

• 1/2 cup corn flakes cereal

• 1/2 cup crushed ice

• 2 leaves of mint

          Blend for 15 seconds

Be creative, and "mix" it up.  You'd surprised to see how quickly you can make a Smoothie - usually within about 5 minutes.  Plus, they are a great way to start your day with healthy nutritiousness, while offering a day-starting energy boost.

Keep it healthy, and starting Smoothie-ing!

Live life to its Fullest!

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Bottled Water vs Tap Water

With current global demand reaching $60 billion is sales, it actually wasn't until the last several decades that bottled water became a hit in the US. However, its wide use has been much more the norm Internationally for a much longer period. This is probably due to the fact that so many countries still haven't quite gotten the knack of providing potable water to their masses.  

Projected to become the #1 drink by 2016, the average US consumption per capita reached 34 gallons last year, as opposed to a mere 1.6 gallons per capita in 1976.  So, one would assume that bottled water is a naturally healthy alternative to that nasty-tasting tap water, right?  Well... Not so quick.

Drinking a cool bottle of water (in of course a plastic bottle, which is fodder for a whole other conversation), gives us images of fresh mountain springs, natural runoffs from the snow-capped Alps, etc.  Unfortunately for our health, we don't always get such "pure" water in our plastic bottles. Yet, some of the labeling would have us believe that we are drinking pure, liquid glaciers. We have become conditioned (thanks to effective marketing) to think that this pristine bottled water has to be better than our dirty old tap water.  Such a notion could actually be quite far from reality.

In fact, not all bottled water is the same.  And, with the lack of mandatory, precise labeling, we're often times not sure where our selected H2O in effect comes from - regardless of the mountain images and marketing campaigns.  Thankfully, people are starting to question how healthy bottled water really is, as well as the environmental impact of the packaging it comes in.  

While some bottled water does come from streams and are supposedly "treated", others come from regular municipal water supplies.  Other brands purify their water through distillation or reverse osmosis.  Regardless, we can't deny the convenience of carrying a bottle of H2O in our cars, in our office, or at the gym.  "But no one should think that bottled water is better regulated, better protected or safer than tap,” says Eric Goldstein, co-director of the urban program at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is toward protecting community health and the environment.

Surprisingly, more than 25 percent of bottled water comes from a municipal supply. The water is treated, purified to some degree, and sold to us with a thousand-fold increase in price.  So what are we paying for - more healthy, purified water or simply glorified tap water? 

Three of the biggest sellers of bottled water are coming clean.  This year Nestlé Pure Life bottles will indicate whether their water comes from private, public, or deep well sources.  Aquafina will begin labeling that its contents come from public water sources.  Dasani states on its website that its water is sourced from local water, but not on the label itself.  For a health review of some of the major brands, visit http://www.cleanairpurewater.com/best_bottled_water.html.

The inconsistencies with the actual sourcing and purification processes of so many bottled water providers makes choosing a good brand that much more difficult for all of us.  Plus, there is little imperial data available on the purity of one brand vs. another vs. simple tap water.  In fact, there have been reports showing that tap water along with a good home filter can actually be one of the best solutions available.  And, if you want a bottle for the road, go for it.  Just make sure it's environmentally friendly and health-wise.

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Brief History, Professional Football Helmet

Although Professional Football originally got its roots 125 years ago (November 12, 1892), it wasn't arguably until the 1970s that the pro football helmet finally started to offer a significant level of head protection for the players.

The first attempts at any cranial protection were simple leather helmets that were so pliable and thin, that they could be folded up and stuck in the player's pocket. The technology was slow to respond over the next several decades, but eventually included thicker leather, some interior padding, and a chin strap - all of which stayed the norm until the 1950s.  

However, the athletes did have access to a hard leather nose guard, which more resembled a piece of equipment normally used to protect another part of the players (ahem... more important) anatomy.

The 1950s / 1960s saw the infusion of plastic helmets, with a bit more and enhanced interior padding, along with a single face bar.  Better and more complete face guards, stronger plastics, and impact-resistant foam wouldn't make it on the field until the latter part of the 1970s and into the 1980s.

With such enhanced computer technology, ever-improving high density foams, carbon fiber, and hardened plastic materials, today's NFL helmets (as with the rest of the gear) is now offering a tremendous level of impact protection as never before.

2014 Professional Football Helmet

When we have such an invigorating sport that involves bone-crushing hits as a matter of routine, it's imperative that we continue to safeguard the health of our top sports athletes.  Football is a game that we love.  Let's protect our players accordingly - for their sake, and for the sake of the Game.

Live life to its Fullest!

Follow Us!

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD
4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329