Sports orthopedics Hamburg

Sports orthopedics is the interface between orthopedics, sports medicine and rehabilitation. It deals with injuries to the musculoskeletal system and functional complaints that arise from training, competition or everyday sports.

• Individual diagnostics depending on the sport and stress profile
• Therapy with the principle: conservative before surgery – wherever makes sense
• Load control and training adaptation instead of pure protection
• Relapse prevention through technique, strength and coordination programs

Whether running, ball sports, climbing, CrossFit, dance or rowing: each discipline has specific requirements. We take this into account when examining, releasing training and prevention.

We treat acute injuries and overloads of all major joints and tendons. Examples:

• Shoulder: Impingement, rotator cuff irritation/partial tear, biceps tendon problems, instability problems
• Elbow/forearm: Tennis and golfer's elbow, tendon irritation, overloading in throwing and hitting sports
• Wrist: Ligament overstretching, TFCC irritation, overuse pain
• Spine: functional neck and back pain, muscular imbalances, stress-related tension
• Hip/groin: groin pain syndromes, hip flexor and gluteal tendinopathies, femoroacetabular conflict symptoms (conservative management)
• Knee: patellar tendinopathy (jumpers knee), runner's knee (ITBS), meniscus irritation, ligament strains
• Lower leg/axle: Shin splints (MTSS), Achilles tendon irritation, calf muscle injuries
• Ankle/foot: supination/twisting trauma, lateral ligament strain, peroneal tendon irritation, plantar fasciopathy

If there are warning signs such as significant instability, pronounced swelling with misalignment, feelings of numbness or paralysis, persistent pain at rest or at night, a medical examination should be carried out promptly.

A well-founded diagnosis is the best prevention of injuries. We combine anamnesis, clinical examination and – only if necessary – imaging.

• Detailed medical history: type of sport, scope of training, load peaks, changes in technique, previous injuries
• Clinical examination: inspection, palpation, functional and stability tests
• Functional diagnostics: movement analysis, jumping/landing patterns, core and hip control depending on the sport
• Imaging if indicated: Sonography, if necessary X-ray or MRI to clarify structural findings
• Differential diagnosis: Differentiation of neurological, internal or rheumatological causes if necessary

When returning to sport, we use criterion-based assessments (e.g. strength, balance and agility measurements) so that the release of stress is comprehensible and safe.

Therapy planning depends on your diagnosis, your training goals and the healing process. The focus is on measures whose benefits are well documented.

• Acute management: protection of the acute pain provocation, dosed cooling and compression; early, pain-adapted mobilization
• Pain and inflammation management: if necessary, short-term medication according to guidelines; Prefer local measures and avoid unnecessary immobilization
• Physiotherapy & training: progressive-eccentric tendon training, strength and coordination training, joint mobility, technique training
• Manual medicine/chirotherapy: useful for functional blockages and muscle tension - always combined with active training
• Taping/bandages/orthoses: temporary relief and proprioception in order to be able to bear functional strain early
• Load control: Training planning with recovery windows (load management), adjustment of scope, intensity and technique
• Return-to-activity plan: clear interim goals, regular re-checks, objective criteria for progress

Most sports orthopedic problems can be controlled without surgery. If treatment fails or there is a clear structural indication, surgical options will be discussed with you openly and - if necessary - assigned.

In selected cases, orthobiological procedures (e.g. platelet-rich plasma/PRP) or viscoelastic injections can be a useful addition - for example in chronic tendinopathies or early osteoarthritis. The evidence varies depending on the indication.

• Indications: persistent tendon irritations (e.g. Achilles tendon, patellar tendon), joint irritations, early osteoarthritis symptoms
• Prerequisite: exhausted basic program of training, technique and load adjustment
• Clarification: realistic expectations, possible side effects, often no standard coverage from statutory health insurance companies

A decision is made jointly and transparently. Find out more in our Orthobiology departments and in the Institute for Regenerative Movement Medicine.

The return to sport follows a phase-based but criteria-led plan. The pace and scope depend on the healing process and objective tests, not just on time.

• Phase 1 – Calming & Mobility: Pain control, calming inflammation, easy mobilization
• Phase 2 – Capacity building: eccentric/concentric strength training, technique drills, stability
• Phase 3 – Sport-specific integration: change of direction, jumps, acceleration/deceleration, grip/throwing patterns
• Phase 4 – Return-to-Training: controlled participation, monitoring of load and symptoms
• Phase 5 – Return-to-Competition: Release according to fulfilled criteria and stable resilience
• Phase 6 – Prevention: Maintenance program and recurrence protection

Approvals occur when defined criteria are met (freedom of pain in everyday life, strength and mobility symmetry, functional and sports tests passed).

Prevention is part of every treatment. Smart training management reduces the risk of relapses and overload.

• Sport-specific warm-up (e.g. neuromuscular programs like FIFA 11+)
• Technique and movement quality: landing technique, core stability, hip control
• Periodization: alternation of stress and regeneration, sleep and stress management
• Material & environment: Shoe/insole advice, playing field and surface factors
• Running and gait analysis for recurring complaints of the lower extremities

A sports orthopedic examination is useful for:

• Acute twisting or falling event with swelling or pain on exertion
• recurring pain when exerting yourself despite a break from training
• Tendon problems that last longer than 6 weeks
• Feeling of instability in the shoulder, knee or ankle
• blocked movements, snapping or feeling of being trapped
• Numbness, paralysis or sensory disorders – please clarify as soon as possible
• Fever, severe pain at rest or pain at night - warning signs, get medically checked

Sports orthopedics is teamwork. Depending on the findings, we work closely with physiotherapy, neuroorthopaedics, back and headache specialists as well as our areas for regenerative procedures.

• Back problems and stress-related neck/lumbar spine problems: Atlas Back Center
• Neurological involvement, coordination or sensitivity issues: neuroorthopaedics
• Structure, technical training, return-to-sport tests: physiotherapy
• Considering orthobiologic options: Orthobiology
• Regenerative strategies and study access: Institute for Regenerative Movement Medicine
• Accompanying procedures for pain regulation and relaxation: TCM
• For sports-related dizziness or headaches: Dizziness & Tinnitus Center and Headache & Migraine Center

You can find us at Dorotheenstraße 48, 22301 Hamburg (Winterhude). Good connections, short distances and coordinated processes make diagnosis and therapy easier.

• Arrange an appointment flexibly via Doctolib or by email
• Please bring any existing findings/images (MRI, X-ray, surgery and rehabilitation reports)
• Bring sports or everyday shoes/insoles if they are relevant to the complaint

• Check-in and collection of sports and complaint history
• Clinical examination and functional testing
• If necessary, ultrasound and further diagnostics
• Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options
• Start of the conservative program with clear training and everyday instructions
• Planning follow-up checks and return-to-sport criteria

You will receive a written, structured plan with exercises, load specifications and instructions as to when an increase makes sense.