Sports Medicine Doctor in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix is one of the most active cities in the country. Runners, cyclists, golfers, pickleball players, and competitive athletes push their bodies year-round in the desert heat. When a sports injury slows you down, you need a specialist who understands both the injury and the demands of staying active.
At Sobel Spine & Sports, Dr. Jerry Sobel brings 35 years of experience in sports medicine and physical medicine & rehabilitation to athletes of all ages and levels — from weekend warriors to competitive athletes. Our focus is non-surgical: we use the most advanced regenerative and interventional treatments to get you back to the activities you love, without unnecessary surgery.
We serve patients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and the greater Valley area.
What Is Sports Medicine — and How Is It Different?
Sports medicine is a specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to athletic activity and physical performance. Unlike general orthopedics, sports medicine emphasizes non-surgical care first — using the body's own healing capacity alongside targeted interventional treatments.
As a board-certified Physiatrist with specialized sports medicine training, Dr. Sobel takes a whole-athlete approach. That means addressing not just the injury itself, but the biomechanics, movement patterns, and activity demands that led to it.
Sports Injuries We Treat in Phoenix
Dr. Jerry Sobel treats a wide range of sports and activity-related injuries, including:
Rotator cuff tears and shoulder pain
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
Knee pain — runner's knee, patellar tendinitis, IT band syndrome
Hip labral tears and hip bursitis
Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis
Muscle strains and ligament sprains
Stress fractures and overuse injuries
Neck and back pain from sports or physical activity
Pickleball injuries — elbow, shoulder, knee, and Achilles
Whether you are a competitive athlete or someone who stays active for health and enjoyment, we will build a treatment plan tailored to your goals and your sport.
Sports Medicine Treatments at Sobel Spine & Sports
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP is one of the most effective regenerative treatments available for sports injuries. We draw a small sample of your blood, concentrate the platelets using a centrifuge, and inject the growth-factor-rich plasma directly into the injured tissue using ultrasound guidance for precision.
PRP promotes natural healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints — without surgery, steroids, or prolonged downtime. It is especially effective for tendon injuries, joint pain, and chronic overuse conditions that have not responded to physical therapy alone.
Learn more about PRP therapy →
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
All injections at Sobel Spine & Sports are performed under ultrasound guidance — meaning Dr. Sobel watches a live image while placing the needle exactly where it needs to go. This precision improves outcomes, reduces discomfort, and minimizes the need for repeat procedures.
Learn more about ultrasound-guided injections →
Diagnostic Evaluation & Imaging Review
Getting the diagnosis right is the foundation of effective treatment. Dr. Sobel performs thorough evaluations including physical examination, movement assessment, and review of MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound imaging to pinpoint the exact source of your injury.
Why Athletes Choose Sobel Spine & Sports
Non-surgical focus — we exhaust every conservative option before considering referral for surgery
Regenerative medicine — PRP and other advanced therapies that promote real healing
Ultrasound-guided precision — every injection placed exactly where it needs to go
Personalized care — you see Dr. Sobel at every visit, not a rotating cast of providers
Sports-specific expertise — 35 years treating athletes of all ages and activity levels
Same-week appointments often available
Conveniently located in Phoenix, AZ — serving the entire Valley
Sports Medicine for Phoenix's Active Lifestyle
Phoenix's year-round outdoor season means athletes are active 12 months a year — and injuries don't wait for a convenient time. Whether you tweaked your shoulder on the golf course, developed Achilles pain from your marathon training, or are struggling with chronic knee pain from pickleball, Dr. Sobel can evaluate your injury quickly and build a plan to get you back on the court, course, or trail.
Ready to Get Back in the Game?
Sobel Spine & Sports is accepting new patients in Phoenix, AZ. Most major insurance plans accepted. Same-week appointments often available.
Or call us directly: 602-385-4160
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Medicine in Phoenix
Do I need a referral to see a sports medicine doctor in Phoenix? In most cases, no. Many insurance plans allow direct access to a sports medicine specialist without a referral. Call our Phoenix office at 602-385-4160 and our team will verify your benefits before your appointment.
How is a physiatrist different from an orthopedic surgeon for sports injuries? Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical repair of injuries. Physiatrists like Dr. Sobel specialize in non-surgical diagnosis and treatment. For most sports injuries, non-surgical care is the right first step — and often produces excellent results without the recovery time of surgery.
What is PRP and is it right for my injury? Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate healing in damaged tendons, ligaments, and joints. It is particularly effective for tendon injuries, knee arthritis, and chronic overuse conditions. Dr. Sobel will evaluate your injury and let you know whether PRP is appropriate for your specific situation.
How long does it take to recover from a sports injury with non-surgical treatment? Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Many patients see significant improvement within 4–8 weeks of starting treatment. Dr. Sobel will give you a realistic timeline based on your diagnosis and goals.
Does Sobel Spine & Sports treat weekend warriors or only competitive athletes? We treat athletes of all levels — from competitive runners and golfers to weekend pickleball players and people who simply want to stay active and pain-free. If physical activity is important to your quality of life, we are here to help