Frequently Asked Questions

Do sports medicine physicians see pediatric patients?

All athletes, regardless of age, are welcome for evaluation by our sports medicine specialists.

How long will my appointment take?

The length required for a thorough evaluation will vary from one patient to the next. In general, a patient with a new injury should expect the evaluation process to take approximately 30 minutes. The evaluation process for return a complaint typically requires 15 minutes to complete.

If I have already had x-rays, will I need new ones?

At times, even when a patient has had a set of films taken, we will request an additional set to be taken as special views may be required for completeness. If prior exams are beyond a certain date and the condition tends to be progressive in nature, our physicians also may ask for a new set of films. All UF sports medicine clinics have x-ray equipment on site to prevent untimely delays.

How long will I need physical therapy?

This will depend upon the circumstances. Physical therapy sessions for nonoperative conditions average six weeks with two sessions per week. Post-surgical therapy will vary, but often consists of three to four months of therapy with two sessions per week.

How long will it take for me to recover from surgery?

This will vary upon the surgical procedure and age/activity level of the patient. It can take as few as two weeks to up to a year in some cases. Physical therapy protocols have been identified by leading research groups and will be implemented in care outcomes.

How long will I be out of school or work after surgery?

This varies by the surgical procedure, age of the patient and physical demands of the job. It can take as few as several days to as long as several months to recover enough to return to school or work.

Do residents do the surgeries?

The attending surgeon is the primary surgeon, while residents are there to assist and learn. The residents are learning from the best and at no times are unsupervised in surgery or clinic.

Where do you perform your surgeries?

More than 90 percent of sports medicine and shoulder procedures can be done in an outpatient basis. We operate at UF Health North, UF Health Jacksonville and at the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).

When can I go back to work?

Generally, you can return to work after your incision is healed and you are able to walk without pain. This is usually seven to ten days for desk jobs.

When can I apply weight?

Each procedure has its own rehab protocol. In general, the ability to bear weight following shoulder procedures is around the 6 week appointment. Hip arthroscopy procedures, are usually toe touch weight bearing for 2 weeks and may resume normal walking at 2 weeks postoperatively. Knee arthroscopy procedures, range from immediately for simple surgeries to approximately 6 weeks for more complex procedures.

How do I care for my incisions after surgery?

Following procedures you will have a sterile dressing that needs to be changed around 3 days after your procedure. The wounds should be handled carefully, ensuring that hands are washed prior to touching any incision, until the incisions are healed. Dressing should be changed daily until the wound no longer has any drainage.

When can I shower or take a bath?

Arthroscopic procedures, with limited incisions allow for early bathing. Patients should only begin to shower or run water over their incisions following the initial bandage removal at 3 days postoperatively. Open procedures require closer monitoring and patients should wait until after the first postoperative appointment for showering. Patients should only take a bath, get in a pool or use a hot tub at 4 weeks, if the wounds have healed. Remember we are in the south, things tend to stay damp and moist, and incisions do well when they are dry. Change dressings once or twice a day depending on the level of drainage. If drainage increases or has not stopped by 10 days postop, then you should contact your physician's office.