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UPMC Sports Medicine and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh focus on pediatric orthopedics in Cranberry Township
This content is sponsored by UPMC.
The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex opened in Cranberry Township in 2015. This first-of-its-kind facility is a destination for athletes of all ages and skill levels seeking innovative injury prevention, treatment, and sports nutrition services from experts in sports medicine.
Since then, the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex has evolved into a multidisciplinary center of care. It is home to the region’s finest specialists in orthopedics, spine health, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, nutrition, and women’s health.
Now there is an increased focus on treating the region’s youngest athletes.
UPMC pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine physicians specialize in the musculoskeletal issues of children which include conditions related to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. They treat all injuries, including those that occur during sports or other physical activities.
“As primary care sports medicine physicians, we understand that treating children takes a special focus, it’s not just treating small adults. Their injuries can involve growth plates and their recovery times can differ,” said Kelley Anderson, DO, a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician who practices at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
Dr. Anderson is also an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, a team physician for the Pittsburgh Ballet theater, Carnegie Mellon University athletics and Point Park University dance and athletics.
She has practiced at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex since its opening, and the site remains her primary practice location. She regularly sees young athletes, ages 10 to 26, but some younger children as well.
Dr. Anderson and her colleagues treat a wide range of pediatric injuries and conditions. During the fall, with sports such as soccer and football, the most frequent injuries for children are ankle sprains, knee injuries, and fractures. While swimmers, volleyball and tennis players may suffer from shoulder, upper extremity, or back injuries. With cross country, gymnastics and dance they may see a number of overuse stress injuries involving the foot, ankle and low back.
Another common condition among young athletes is apophysitis – inflammation, or injury to areas on or around the growth plates in children and adolescents.
“While diagnosing and treating children, we take a comprehensive look at the child’s activity to ensure we are addressing not only the injury but the potential cause,” says Dr. Anderson. “We examine the mechanics of the child’s activity and consider training schedule, potential overuse or overtraining, as well as nutrition and whether or not they are getting enough rest.”
On-site diagnostic services including x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI help expedite diagnosis and alleviate the need for a trip to a diagnostic center. Related specialty services such as nutrition and performance are also available at the Complex.
Primary care sports medicine physicians can coordinate care with a child’s pediatrician and can link families to additional specialized services if needed.
“When a child is experiencing a persistent ache or pain, my advice to parents is to come in and see us early,” adds Dr. Anderson. “The sooner you see a physician, the earlier we can diagnose and address the issue leading to your child healing faster. Often, when an issue lingers, and they are just hoping it will go away, it can take much longer to heal since treatment is delayed.”
Pediatric orthopedic care at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex complements the other primary, specialty, and diagnostic services available to adults. The goal of these efforts is to make the best care available to those in the northern communities of Pittsburgh.
“I live north of Pittsburgh. This is my community. I, and all of those practicing pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine, want to deliver the best care for children in the area,” adds Dr. Anderson.
To schedule an appointment with a pediatric primary care sports medicine physician, call 724-720-3000.
Ask the pediatric sports medicine specialist
Dr. B. Tanya Mohseni, pediatric sports medicine physician, answers questions about care for young athletes. Dr. Mohseni cares for children at UPMC Children’s and at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township.
What are the benefits of seeing a physician who specializes in pediatric sports medicine?
Pediatric sports medicine physicians have full training in both pediatrics and sports medicine. Having specialized training in both disciplines, we can diagnose specific sports medicine injuries and provide individualized treatment plans appropriate for children and adolescents.
What are the most common injuries you see?
There can sometimes be a seasonality to the injuries we see, during football and soccer seasons, the most common injuries we see are knee injuries – from chronic bilateral knee pain to acute traumatic knee injuries. During softball and baseball seasons, we see many upper extremity injuries. Regardless of the sport or activity, we can evaluate, diagnose, and provide an individual treatment plan.
Are there ways to help prevent injury?
It is essential for children to engage in proper warm-up and cool down exercises, including stretching. Equally important are ensuring sufficient sleep, incorporating rest days, consuming nutritious foods and maintaining adequate hydration. These practices are crucial in preventing potential injuries.
What are the benefits of getting care at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex?
Pediatric sports medicine is a niche specialty. The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is home to pediatric orthopedic specialists from UPMC Children’s and UPMC Sports Medicine. We have onsite diagnostic imaging – x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI – as well as access to physical therapy and neuropsychology services. UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is an inclusive campus.
What should we expect at a visit?
When you come in for a visit, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s full health history and learn about their specific activities to conduct a thorough evaluation and physical examination. If necessary, we can obtain x-rays on-site and discuss the potential need for additional diagnostic imaging. Following the diagnosis, we develop a tailored treatment plan and outline the expected healing process. For more acute injuries, we have access to orthopedic surgeons and specialists for both upper and lower extremities, allowing us to coordinate comprehensive care.
B. Tanya Mohseni, DO, specializes in pediatric sports medicine and is board-certified in pediatrics and sports medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric primary care sports medicine physician, call 724-720-3000.
Orthopedic Injury Clinic at UPMC
Lemieux Sports Complex Injuries are unexpected. UPMC Sports Medicine offers services when you need them most. The after-hours Orthopaedic Injury Clinic offers walk-in access for acute, non-life-threatening orthopaedic injuries. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and providers see patients ages 10 and up. No appointment is needed.
Services at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
UPMC Sports Medicine
724-720-3000
UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
724-720-3050
UPMC Imaging Services
412-647-9729
UPMC Primary Care
724-772-2664
UPMC Program for Spine Health
412-219-0386
UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services
412-641-4700
UPMC Children’s Express Care
724-720-3098
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