Do I need imaging before my first sports injury visit?

Not necessarily. Dr. Richards performs a clinical evaluation and will determine whether imaging is needed. Bring any existing X-rays or MRI reports to your first appointment.

How soon after a sports injury should I come in?

The sooner the better. Early treatment reduces inflammation, prevents compensatory movement patterns, and shortens recovery time. Same-day appointments are often available at Burghealth for acute injuries.

Can I continue playing my sport while getting treatment?

In many cases yes. Dr. Richards takes a realistic approach to return-to-sport and works with your schedule when possible, advising on activity modification based on the injury type and stage.

Sports Injury Treatment Serving Seminole, FL

If you’re in Seminole and dealing with a sports injury or overuse problem, Burghealth Physical Medicine in nearby St. Petersburg offers non-surgical sports injury treatment for patients throughout the Pinellas County area. Dr. Samuel Richards and his team work with athletes of all levels, from high school competitors to weekend warriors to recreational enthusiasts who want to stay active.

Seminole’s active outdoor culture, with its parks, trails, sports leagues, and proximity to the Gulf beaches, means local residents often push their bodies hard. When injury strikes, finding a provider who understands sports biomechanics and can offer more than just rest and ice makes a real difference in recovery time and long-term outcomes.

Sports Injuries Treated at Burghealth

sports injury treatment for Seminole FL patients at Burghealth Dr. Richards treats a wide range of sports-related conditions, including:

Sprains and strains (ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist)
Runner’s knee and IT band syndrome
Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder impingement
Achilles tendinopathy
Shin splints
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Hip flexor strains
Lower back pain from athletic activity
Disc injuries from impact sports

Treatment is based on a thorough biomechanical evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol. Dr. Richards identifies the root cause of the injury, which is often not just the site of pain but also the movement pattern or structural imbalance that allowed it to develop.

Treatment Approaches for Sports Injuries

Burghealth uses several evidence-based therapies for sports injury recovery, often in combination:

Active Release Technique (ART) is one of the most powerful tools available for soft-tissue sports injuries. As a certified ART provider, Dr. Richards can identify and release scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that develop after acute injury or chronic overuse. ART is widely used by professional and Olympic athletes for exactly this reason. Learn more on the ART page.

Class IV Laser Therapy accelerates cellular healing and reduces inflammation in injured tissue. The laser penetrates deep into the muscle and joint, stimulating the repair process at a cellular level without any discomfort. Read more about Laser Therapy.

Chiropractic Care addresses the joint mechanics that are disrupted by sports injuries. Proper spinal and extremity alignment is essential for both recovery and injury prevention. Learn more about chiropractic care at Burghealth.

Physical Therapy and Rehab rebuilds strength, stability, and movement patterns so the athlete can return to sport with confidence and reduced re-injury risk. Physical therapy is integrated into most sports injury care plans at Burghealth.

Kinesiology Taping supports injured structures between visits and during return-to-sport activity. Dr. Richards uses taping techniques appropriate to the sport and the injury location.

Sports Injury Care for Seminole Patients
Call us to schedule your evaluation
(727) 289-9148

TPI Golf-Specific Screening

For Seminole’s golfers, Burghealth offers a dedicated service: TPI Golf-Specific Screening and Rehab. Dr. Richards is a TPI-certified practitioner who can assess your movement patterns from a golf biomechanics standpoint, identify the physical limitations that affect your swing, and build a targeted treatment and exercise plan to address them. This is particularly valuable for golfers dealing with low back pain, hip restrictions, or shoulder problems that impair their game.

The clinic is located at 6535 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, approximately 15 to 20 minutes east of Seminole via Seminole Boulevard or 102nd Avenue. Parking is available on site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Injury Treatment for Seminole Residents

Do I need imaging before being seen for a sports injury?

Not necessarily. Dr. Richards will perform a clinical evaluation and determine whether imaging is needed to confirm a diagnosis. If you already have X-rays or MRI images, bring them to your first appointment.

How soon after an injury should I come in?

The sooner the better. Early treatment reduces inflammation, prevents compensatory movement patterns from developing, and shortens overall recovery time. Same-day appointments are often available at Burghealth for acute injuries.

Can you treat me if I’m still playing my sport?

In many cases, yes. Dr. Richards takes a realistic approach to return-to-sport and will work with your schedule and competition calendar when possible. He will advise you on activity modification based on the specific nature and stage of your injury.

How far is Burghealth from Seminole?

Burghealth Physical Medicine is located at 6535 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, approximately 15 to 20 minutes east of Seminole via Seminole Boulevard. The drive is direct and does not require highway travel.

Ready to get back to the activity you love? Call Burghealth Physical Medicine at (727) 289-9148 or visit our appointment page to schedule with Dr. Samuel Richards.