Sports Medicine Center
Primary Care Sports Medicine at St. Luke's
Hours
Monday - 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Tuesday - 5:30 to 8 pm
Wednesday - 10 am to 1 pm
Thursday - 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
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What is a primary care sports medicine physician?
Primary care sports medicine physicians have completed specialized training in the understanding of lifelong fitness and wellness promotion and encourage prevention of illness and injury. These physicians help the patient maximize function and minimize disability and time away from sports, work or school. They are leaders of the sports medicine team, which also includes specialty physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches, other personnel and, of course, the athlete. They have completed specialized training in sports medicine.
St. Luke's Primary Care Sports Medicine specializes in the care of non-surgical musculoskeletal and medical problems of athletes. Care is customized for athletes of all skill levels -- from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete.
Common problems managed at St. Luke's Primary Care Sports Medicine
- Acute injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Concussion management
- Return-to-play decisions after illness or injury
- Athletes with acute and chronic illnesses
- Pre-participation sports examination
St. Luke's Primary Care Sports Medicine also is geared to promoting injury prevention and healthy lifestyles through a network of providers who are trained to care for athletes. The practice is unique in that it provides a full-range of both conventional and complementary therapies used in the management of sports-related injuries It also cares for non-surgical musculoskeletal and/or sports related problems in non-athletes, including additional testing such as gait analysis, bracing/splinting, joint and soft-tissue injections/aspirations, suturing, exercise-induced asthma challenge testing and treatment and neuropsychological testing for concussion management.
Alternative treatments offered include acupuncture, prolotherapy and osteopathic manipulation. Also offered is on-site availability of X-ray/CT/MRI, physical and occupational therapy and sport- specific training at the on-site St. Luke's Health & Fitness Center.
Our Physician
Kevin Waninger, MD, MS
Appointments / Office Hours
Appointments can be made by calling 484-526-3884. Physicians can be reached after-hours thru the hospital answering service. For cancellations, please give 24-hours notice so that we may offer the appointment time to another patient.
- Monday - 1:30 to 4:30 pm
- Tuesday - 5:30 to 8 pm
- Wednesday - 10 am to 1 pm
- Thursday - 1:30 to 4:30 pm
- Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Insurances / Referrals
St. Luke's University Health Network will submit a claim to your insurance company. Each insurance plan has specific guidelines and/or restrictions which will determine coverage/payment, deductibles and/or co-pay amounts.
Insurance carriers will view the primary care sports medicine physician as a specialist. If you are a member of an HMO, you must get prior approval/ authorization (referrals or pre-certifications) from your primary care physician. Please be advised that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary authorizations. Your primary care physician's office will need to be notified in advance (5 - 7 days) to obtain the proper approvals/authorizations prior to you being seen at St. Luke's Primary Care Sports Medicine.
Payment
Our billing office will coordinate payment with your insurance company. In some cases, there is a patient payment due for services. Payment, including your co-pay, is due at the time of your office visit.
Specialty Services
Gait Analysis - Observational gait analysis, the standard method of evaluating gait, refers to the visual assessment of a patient's gait, with specific attention to hips, knees and ankles. Gait analysis by observer assessment does not use any specialized equipment, can adequately assess most conditions and is used to note gross abnormalities in gait.
Bracing / Splinting - Bracing can be useful for acute injuries, and also for chronic conditions and in the prevention of injury. The purpose of braces and splints is to improve physical function, slow disease progression, and diminish pain. They can be used to immobilize an unstable joint or fracture, to unload a portion of a joint and improve pain and function, to eliminate range of motion in one direction, or to modify range of motion in one or more directions. They do not replace a good rehabilitative program, and the entire spectrum of treatment options should be explored and used as needed.
Joint and Soft-Tissue Injections and Aspirations - Joint and soft tissue injections and aspirations are shots into a joint (such as your knee) or a soft tissue space (such as the space between a muscle and a bone). The needle may be used to take out fluid or to put in medicine. These shots can be used to diagnose or treat many different conditions, including rheumatism, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids and pain relievers such as lidocaine are the most common medicines used for joint and soft tissue injections.
Exercise Challenge Testing for Diagnosis of Exercise-Induced Asthma - In an exercise challenge test, spirometry is done before and after you exercise on a treadmill or an exercise bicycle. Spirometry measures how much and how quickly air is breathed in and out. An exercise challenge test can see what effect exercise has on airflow.
Neuropsychological Testing for Management of Concussions - This is an innovative concussion management program for athletes or individuals who are at risk for a concussion and involves an exam that each athlete takes prior to the athletic season. ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) evaluates and documents multiple aspects of neurocognitive functioning, including:
- Memory
- Brain processing speed
- Reaction time
- Post-concussive symptoms
If a person is believed to have suffered a concussion or head injury, the exam is taken again and the data is compared to the baseline (initial) test. This information is then used as a tool to assist in determining the extent of the injury, monitoring recovery and in making safe return to play decisions.
Acupuncture - During the acupuncture procedure, needles are placed in various patterns to achieve a therapeutic effect. Needle placement is based on an integration of Western medical techniques and traditional Chinese medical principles. Our clinic utilizes acupuncture for musculoskeletal problems only. The effects of acupuncture are complex. One theory is that stimulated nerve fibers transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain activating the body's central nervous system. The spinal cord and brain then release hormones responsible for making us feel less pain while improving overall health.
Prolotherapy - Prolotherapy is also known as nonsurgical ligament reconstruction, and is a treatment for chronic pain. The treatment is useful for many different types of musculoskeletal pain including arthritis; back pain; neck pain; fibromyalgia; sports injuries; unresolved whiplash injuries; carpal tunnel syndrome; chronic tendonitis; partially torn tendons, ligaments and cartilage; degenerated or herniated discs; TMJ; and sciatica. Prolotherapy uses a dextrose (sugar water) solution injected into the ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas which then increases the blood supply and flow of nutrients and stimulates the tissue to repair itself.
Physical Therapy at St. Luke's (Outpatient) - Physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists work closely with physiatrists and sports medicine specialists in the treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. St. Luke's therapists treat numerous neck and back conditions using modalities, exercise and mobilization. Many therapists have attended specialized courses and have passed comprehensive written and practical exams in spine therapy, such as the internationally known McKenzie, Mulligan and Maitland techniques. Physical Therapy at St. Luke's offers 12 locations throughout the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County to conveniently serve patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-73REHAB (toll-free).
St. Luke's Health & Fitness Centers - The St. Luke's Health & Fitness Centers design custom programs for individuals, companies and athletes. A full range of state-of-the-art health club exercise equipment is provided, including Cybex strength development circuits, spinning bicycle program, free weights, Hammer strength equipment, rowers, stairmasters, treadmills, cross trainers, computerized bikes and other programs including Tai Chi and yoga. Locker and shower facilities are available. A multidisciplinary team of exercise physiologists and lifestyle counselors motivate and challenge clients to be accountable for the successful outcome of their programs.