Exercise is medicine. Maybe the most important medicine. And yet, despite the myriad of benefits to physical activity, we are all aware of the potential for injury in sports. Furthermore, health conditions can often complicate one’s ability to stay fit and engaged in an active lifestyle even without injury. We count it a privilege to walk, run, swim, or jog alongside you (figuratively speaking) as part of your athletic team here at Beach Cities Medicine in Redondo Beach, California.

David Wallis, MD, is fellowship trained in Primary Care Sports Medicine and has worked for over 20 years with professional teams and athletes, as well as with weekend warriors and recreational rookies. He now limits his practice to members at Beach Cities Medicine and those currently under contract with sports teams he works for. Schedule a visit online or call the office today.

Sports Medicine Q&A

What is Primary Care Sports Medicine?

Primary care sports medicine is a field focusing on optimizing the health and performance of athletes, involving both musculoskeletal injuries as well as other conditions. Practitioners are board-certified in a medical specialty such as family or emergency medicine. They are also fellowship-trained in sports medicine, which requires an additional year or more of training and periodic testing to maintain a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine (CAQSM).

Primary care sports medicine physicians play a critical role on the medical staff of most professional sports teams—not only for injury evaluation, but also to help mitigate risks of viral infections (Covid, influenza, herpes), migraines, asthma, and abdominal issues, which can often sideline an athlete or even an entire team. 

While sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons are both trained to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system, sports medicine physicians specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options. The vast majority of injuries that present at a typical orthopedic surgeon’s office do not require surgery.

A primary care sports medicine physician—especially one who knows your medical background, your lifestyle, and your personal goals—can provide a great alternative to help accurately diagnose your condition. They can develop a plan for recovery and refer you to a surgeon who is highly skilled in treating your condition when surgery is needed.

Whether “pain points” stem from acute injuries, chronic overuse, or normal wear and tear, we manage these throughout the life cycle. You’re never too old to stay active! We manage injuries like concussions and skin wounds, and we help to optimize chronic conditions like blood pressure medications to minimize performance implications. We also evaluate other issues that affect a patient’s ability to stay active.

Preparation for an active vacation can similarly require optimization of medical conditions, not to mention preparation for variables such as altitude and temperature that can have a major impact on your performance. Contingency planning is also key to optimizing chances of enjoying a healthy, successful voyage, including having a physician familiar with your medical background available to contact for advice if something comes up.

Dr. Wallis has been fortunate to work as a team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, the US National Soccer Team, the Ontario Reign hockey team, All-American Heavyweights Boxing, and other professional teams for many years. He draws upon a wealth of experience working with great athletes and great colleagues when taking care of you at Beach Cities Medicine.

Sports Medicine Cost

The cost of sports medicine in Redondo Beach, CA, will depend on several factors. The number of sessions can influence the final price, as can the severity of the issues being addressed.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule your consultation for sports medicine in Redondo Beach, CA—contact Dr. Wallis and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get started.