Get Back to the Sport You Love Faster, Stronger, & Safer
Sports Medicine Specialists in Chicago for Active Adults & Athletes
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who enjoys staying active, sports medicine at Midland & Riverside Orthopedics offers expert care focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to physical activity. Our expert sports medicine team provides comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals of all ages, treating everything from rotator cuff strains and tennis elbow to ACL sprains and Achilles injuries. With a focus on conservative-first treatment, we offer non-surgical options like physical therapy and regenerative medicine, and surgical care when needed. Many patients can be seen the same day or within 24–48 hours, with onsite X-rays and immediate support to help prevent further damage.
At MROrthopedics, you’ll receive care from experienced sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists working together to get you back in motion. We combine small-practice attention with leading orthopedic expertise, offering greater accessibility than large hospital systems and clear, compassionate communication throughout your recovery. You can access sports medicine care at our Chicago (South Loop – Wabash), Hometown, and Greenwood Plaza locations.
If you’re dealing with a sports injury, you can contact us today to schedule your sports medicine appointment and take the first step toward healing.
Who Should See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
Sports medicine isn’t just for professional athletes; it’s for anyone who wants to stay active, recover safely, and keep doing what they love. We care for patients at every level of activity, tailoring treatment plans to your goals, lifestyle, and recovery timeline.
Our team works with:
- Recreational Enthusiasts: Whether you’re training for a 5K, regularly hitting the gym, or enjoying weekend hikes, we help you prevent injury and stay moving without pain.
- Student Athletes: We provide fast, effective care for middle school, high school, and college athletes, helping them recover fully, avoid reinjury, and return to play with confidence. Additionally, we are proud to serve as team physicians for local high schools, including St. Ignatius, Brother Rice, Hinsdale South, and other Chicagoland athletic programs.
- Professional & Competitive Athletes: For those competing at elite levels, we offer advanced orthopedic and performance-focused care to support intense training and long seasons.
Whether on the sidelines or in the clinic, our priority is the same: to help athletes and active people of all ages return to sports safely, with strength, confidence, and long-term joint health in mind.
Comprehensive Sports Medicine Care at MROrthopedics
Our sports medicine care starts with listening. When you come in for an evaluation, our team takes time to understand your injury, activity goals, and any concerns you have. We perform a thorough assessment, often including onsite imaging like X-rays, and walk you through your diagnosis in clear, straightforward language. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan, starting with the most conservative, non-surgical options whenever possible.
Whether your path to recovery involves physical therapy, bracing, injections, or surgery, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Our goal is to make your care feel seamless, supportive, and focused on getting you safely back to what you love.
What Types of Sports Injuries Do We Treat?
Whether your injury happened suddenly or developed over time, our sports medicine specialists are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Below are some of the most common injuries we see and treat:
Upper Body Injuries
- Rotator cuff strains & tears
- Shoulder instability
- Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow
- Finger and hand injuries
- Wrist sprains
Lower Body Injuries
- Hamstring, quad, and calf strains
- Knee injuries (ACL, MCL, PCL, meniscus tears)
- Patellar tendon injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon injuries
General/Multi-Sport Injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Stress fractures
- Contusions
- Muscle strains
- Sprains & soft-tissue trauma
Call us today or schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our sports medicine specialists.
Sports Medicine Procedures & Treatments We Provide
At MROrthopedics, we offer a full spectrum of sports medicine treatments. From personalized physical therapy and non-surgical care to advanced surgical procedures and performance-focused recovery programs, all treatments are designed to support your return to activity safely and confidently.
Injury Treatment
- We treat sprains, strains, fractures, ligament tears, tendon injuries, and overuse conditions with evidence-based, precision care.
- Treatments range from physical therapy and bracing to advanced surgical options, ensuring each patient receives the right care at the right time for safe, effective recovery.
Preventative Programs
- We offer proactive sports medicine programs to help prevent injuries before they happen.
- Through strength training, movement assessments, ergonomic evaluations, sport-specific conditioning, and personalized training progression plans, we build resilience, improve performance, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Rehabilitation Services
- Our rehabilitation services are built around close collaboration between your physician and our in-house physical therapy team.
- We focus on restoring mobility, rebuilding strength, improving biomechanics, and guiding a safe, confident return to activity.
Regenerative Medicine
- Regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections support healing in tendon injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and post-surgical recovery.
- As part of our conservative-first approach, PRP is a non-surgical, cash-pay option to enhance the body’s natural healing process and promote long-term recovery when appropriate.
Surgical Interventions
- When injuries require surgical care, we provide advanced, minimally invasive procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports-related conditions.
- Our team ensures every surgical decision is thoughtful, collaborative, and based on your specific needs, supporting optimal healing, faster recovery, and a strong return to activity when conservative treatments aren’t enough.
When To Seek Sports Medicine Treatment
If you’ve been injured or are dealing with persistent pain, knowing when to see a specialist can make all the difference. We encourage patients to seek a sports medicine evaluation when:
- You experience sudden or severe pain during activity
- There’s swelling, bruising, or a visible deformity
- You have less range of motion or joint stiffness
- You can’t put weight on the injured area
- You suspect a ligament injury (such as ACL or MCL)
- A muscle strain isn’t improving after rest
- You feel clicking, locking, or catching in a joint
- You’ve had pain for more than a few days
- An old injury was misdiagnosed or hasn’t gotten better
- Overuse symptoms continue despite modifying activity
Getting care early is vital because it helps prevent further damage and supports a smoother recovery. You can always call us to check appointment availability, and we’ll help guide you through the next steps, including referrals if your insurance requires one.
Proactive Measures: Preventing Sports Injuries & Staying Active Safely
Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health, and preventing injuries helps you keep moving confidently. We believe that smart preparation and simple habits can go a long way in protecting your joints, muscles, and long-term mobility. Here are five practical ways to help prevent common sports injuries:
- Strengthen & Stabilize: Build core strength, balance, and joint stability through weight-bearing exercise and functional movement training. A strong foundation helps your body absorb impact and stay aligned during activity.
- Use Proper Gear: Wear supportive footwear and protective equipment that’s right for your sport. Use braces or padding when recommended, and make sure your gear fits well and is in good condition.
- Optimize Your Environment: Play and train on safe, well-maintained surfaces. Clear clutter from at-home workout spaces and use proper lighting and fall-prevention strategies to reduce risk.
- Condition Smartly: Start every workout with a proper warm-up, increase intensity gradually, and take rest days seriously. Avoid pushing through sharp or persistent pain, as these are your body’s signal to slow down.
- Prioritize Bone & Joint Health: Support your body from the inside out with good nutrition, including adequate calcium and vitamin D. Bone-density screenings may be recommended based on your age, activity level, or risk factors.
Meet Our Orthopedic Sports Medicine Providers
At MROrthopedics, our sports medicine program is led by Dr. Michael Maday and Dr. Robert J. Strugala, who bring decades of orthopedic expertise to patient care. They work closely with dedicated physician assistants and in-house physical therapists to ensure every patient receives coordinated, personalized care.
Dr. Michael Maday, M.D.
Dr. Robert J. Strugala, M.D.
Why Patients Trust MROrthopedics for Sports Injury Care
Get Expert Sports Medicine Care & Start Healing Today
Our team at MROrthopedics combines specialized sports medicine expertise with the full support of experienced orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to deliver comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals of all ages. Our evidence-based, conservative-first approach means you’ll get the right treatment for your injury without unnecessary delays or procedures. With in-office physical therapy, onsite imaging, and personalized care plans, we’re equipped to guide you from diagnosis through recovery, all under one roof.
We know your time matters. That’s why we offer faster access than large hospital systems, with same-day or 24–48-hour appointments often available at our Chicago (South Loop – Wabash), Hometown, and Greenwood Plaza locations. If you’re dealing with a sports injury or ongoing pain, take the next step toward getting back to what you love with MROrthopedics.
Insurance We Accept
Sports Medicine FAQs: Your Most Important Questions Answered
Do I need surgery, or can my injury heal without it?
At MROrthopedics, we take a conservative approach to treating injuries; most soft-tissue issues, sprains, and overuse conditions heal well with non-surgical care like physical therapy, bracing, or PRP. Surgery is only recommended for severe injuries like torn ligaments or unstable fractures.
What can I expect during my sports medicine visit?
During your visit, you’ll check in and discuss your injury, followed by on-site X-rays if needed. You’ll be evaluated by Dr. Michael Maday or Dr. Robert J. Strugala, receive a clear diagnosis, and begin a personalized treatment plan.
What if I’m not an athlete — can I still come here for my injury?
Yes! You don’t have to be an athlete to receive care at Midland & Riverside Orthopedics. Sports medicine simply means treating injuries to muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissues. We help active adults, weekend warriors, and anyone recovering from sprains, strains, or overuse injuries, even from daily activities.
Can I keep exercising with my injury?
It’s normal to want to stay active, but whether you can safely exercise with an injury depends on its type and severity. Some conditions improve with modified activity, while others need rest. Avoid pushing through sharp pain or swelling. Our team can evaluate your injury quickly and guide a safe return to movement.