Sports Medicine in Maryland & the DC Metro Area

From weekend warriors to elite competitors, our fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists serving Maryland and the DC Metro Area are dedicated to getting athletes back to peak performance safely and efficiently, with both surgical and non-surgical expertise.

← Back to All Specialties

Understanding Sports Medicine

What We Treat

Sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of athletic and activity-related injuries across all age groups and fitness levels. Our fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians serving Maryland and the DC Metro Area specialize in arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, fractures, and managing degenerative conditions such as arthritis — most commonly for the shoulder, knee, and elbow. Learn about our related specialty areas: knee, shoulder, and elbow.

Who We See

You do not need to be a competitive athlete to benefit from sports medicine care. We treat anyone experiencing joint pain, instability, an activity-related injury, or degenerative conditions, from youth athletes to active adults and working professionals.

Commonly Treated Areas

Our Sports Medicine Team

Roy Carls, MD
Sports Medicine
 Schedule Online →
Kirsten Poehling-Monaghan, MD
Sports Medicine
 Schedule Online →
Matthew Thompson, MD
Sports Medicine
 Schedule Online →

Our Clinics Where We Treat Sports Injuries

Laurel, MD
 Schedule Online →
Cumberland, MD
 Schedule Online →
Gaithersburg, MD
 Schedule Online →
La Plata, MD
 Schedule Online →
White Oak, MD
 Schedule Online →
Oxon Hill, MD
 Schedule Online →
Waldorf, MD
 Schedule Online →
Prince Frederick, MD
 Schedule Online →

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Medicine

Answers to common questions about sports injuries, treatment, and recovery.

Sports injuries can present in many ways. Common warning signs include:

  • Sudden sharp pain during activity
  • Swelling or bruising around a joint or muscle
  • Joint instability or giving-way sensation
  • Popping or snapping at the time of injury
  • Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb
  • Pain that worsens with continued activity
  • Limited range of motion
  • Persistent pain that does not improve with rest within 1–2 weeks

Our fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists in Maryland treat a full range of athletic injuries, including:

  • ACL tears and knee ligament injuries
  • Meniscus tears
  • Rotator cuff tears and shoulder injuries
  • Concussions and head injuries
  • Stress fractures
  • Tendinopathy and overuse injuries
  • Muscle strains
  • Cartilage injuries
  • UCL injuries of the elbow
  • Hip labral tears

Treatment is tailored to each athlete's injury, goals, and return-to-sport timeline. Options include:

  • Non-surgical management: activity modification, bracing, physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid or PRP injections
  • Arthroscopic surgery for joint injuries
  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Concussion management and return-to-play protocols
  • Sport-specific rehabilitation programs
Sports medicine is a subspecialty of orthopedics focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to sports and physical activity, including ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, concussions, and overuse conditions.
No. Sports medicine specialists treat active individuals of all ages and fitness levels, from weekend warriors to professional athletes, as well as anyone with a musculoskeletal injury.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Treatment involves physical and cognitive rest followed by a gradual return-to-activity protocol supervised by a trained provider.
  • ACL Reconstruction: Return to sport at 6 to 9 months with supervised rehabilitation.
  • Meniscus Surgery: 4 to 6 weeks for partial meniscectomy; 3 to 4 months for full repair.
  • Rotator Cuff Repair: Full throwing return at 6 to 9 months.
  • Concussion: Most resolve in 7 to 14 days; some require longer supervised return-to-play protocols.
  • Pain that limits your athletic performance or daily activity
  • An injury that does not improve with rest within 1 to 2 weeks
  • Joint instability, catching, or locking during movement
  • A head injury or suspected concussion during activity
  • Recurring injuries in the same area

Related Specialties

Elbow Knee Hip Shoulder Fracture Care Physical Therapy

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Make an Appointment →