Best Sports Medicine Doctors in Spokane

Introduction to Sports Medicine in Spokane

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 physical activities. In Spokane, this medical specialty plays a significant role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals.

Sports Medicine physicians in Spokane treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, overuse injuries, and provide guidance on proper training and injury prevention techniques.

Importance of Sports Medicine in Spokane

Spokane boasts a vibrant sports culture and promotes an active lifestyle, making Sports Medicine an essential component of the local healthcare system. The city's proximity to outdoor recreational areas and its thriving sports community underscore the need for specialized medical care in this field.

Sports Medicine specialists in Spokane offer numerous benefits to patients, including targeted treatment plans, expertise in sports-specific injuries, and a focus on helping individuals return to their desired level of activity safely and efficiently.

Overview of the Doctor Selection Process in Spokane

Factors to consider when choosing a Sports Medicine doctor

Credentials and certifications

• Board certifications in Sports Medicine, Family Medicine, or Orthopedic Surgery
• Educational background and specialized training

Experience and specializations

• Years of practice in Sports Medicine
• Specific focus areas within the specialty

Patient reviews and ratings

• Star ratings from healthgrades.com
• Number of patient reviews

Hospital affiliations

• Connections with reputable medical facilities in Spokane
• Access to advanced medical resources

Resources for finding Sports Medicine doctors in Spokane

Online directories and review sites

• Healthgrades.com and similar platforms
• Local medical association websites

Referrals from healthcare providers

• Recommendations from primary care physicians
• Referrals from physical therapists or other specialists

Top-Ranked Sports Medicine Doctors in Spokane

Dr. Jonathan Pasma

Credentials and Education

• DO degree from Pacific Northwest University
• Residency at Medical College of Wisconsin
• Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0 star rating
• 3 patient reviews

Specialties and Areas of Focus

• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Sports Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Benjamin Howie

Background and Experience

• MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine
• Sports Medicine Fellowship in Spokane
• Board Certified in Family Medicine

Patient Feedback

• 4.9 star rating
• 120 patient reviews

Unique Qualifications

• Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton residency
• Specialized training in Sports Medicine

Dr. Laura Fralich

Professional Experience

• Board Certified in Family Medicine
• Specializes in Sports Medicine

Patient Satisfaction Scores

• 4.9 star rating
• 124 patient reviews

Areas of Expertise

• Sports-related injuries
• Comprehensive family medicine approach to sports health

Dr. Bryan Mitchell

Qualifications and Certifications

• Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Specializes in Sports Medicine

Patient Reviews

• 4.6 star rating
• 111 patient reviews

Specializations within Sports Medicine

• Orthopedic approach to sports injuries
• Surgical and non-surgical treatments

Dr. Eric Anderson

Educational Background

• MD from Oregon Health & Science University
• Board Certified in Family Medicine

Patient Ratings

• 4.9 star rating
• 11 patient reviews

Specific Areas of Practice

• Sports Medicine
• Family Medicine approach to athletic health

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Sports Medicine Doctor in Spokane

Questions to Ask Potential Doctors

Experience with specific sports-related injuries

• Inquire about their experience treating common sports injuries in Spokane
• Ask about their familiarity with injuries related to popular local sports activities

Treatment approaches and philosophies

• Discuss their approach to conservative vs. surgical treatments
• Ask about their use of innovative or alternative therapies

Availability and communication methods

• Inquire about wait times for appointments
• Ask about their preferred methods of patient communication

Considering Personal Factors

Location and accessibility

• Consider doctors with offices in Spokane and Spokane Valley
• Evaluate the convenience of their office locations

Insurance coverage and accepted plans

• Verify if the doctor accepts your insurance
• Inquire about out-of-pocket costs for treatments

Compatibility with doctor's communication style

• Assess the doctor's ability to explain complex medical terms
• Consider how well their communication style aligns with your preferences

Utilizing Additional Information from Provider Profiles

Analyzing education and certifications

• Review the medical schools and residencies of Spokane sports medicine doctors
• Check for board certifications in Sports Medicine or related fields

Evaluating patient ratings and reviews

• Compare star ratings of doctors like Dr. Jonathan Pasma and Dr. Benjamin Howie
• Read patient reviews to gauge overall satisfaction

Considering language options

• Note that most listed doctors speak English
• Identify doctors like Dr. Kurt Myers who offer additional language options (e.g., Spanish)