What Is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine is a specialized field of healthcare focused on enhancing physical performance, preventing sports-related injuries, and providing expert treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. At Aptiva Health, our Sports Medicine team includes fellowship-trained family medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. We use a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that combines advanced non-surgical techniques, regenerative medicine, and surgical interventions to help athletes of all levels recover and return to peak performance. Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or looking to prevent one, Aptiva Health is your trusted partner in sports injury care and performance optimization.
Expert Sports Medicine Care at Aptiva Health
At Aptiva Health, our Sports Medicine Department offers comprehensive, athlete-focused care delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts. Our providers include fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, hyperbaric oxygen therapy specialists, and licensed massage therapists—all dedicated to helping athletes recover and perform at their best.
We use the latest evidence-based sports injury treatments, advanced diagnostic tools, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation techniques to ensure safe and efficient recovery. Whether you're a professional, collegiate, or recreational athlete, our team—comprised of former college athletes and physicians with experience in Division I and professional sports medicine—is committed to getting you back in the game quickly and safely.
Conditions Treated
We treat the following orthopedic conditions, diseases, and injuries:
Sports Medicine Treatments
Our Sports Medicine team specializes in the following services, procedures and surgeries:
Sports Medicine Team
After attending Western Kentucky University, where played baseball, he graduated from the University of Kentucky Medical School. He completed his orthopedic training at the University of Rochester in New York, renowned for its Orthopedic Surgical program. He then furthered his skills at the world famous Kerlan Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, California and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine. While in Los Angeles, he served on the medical staff for the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, Anaheim Ducks, as well as many other professional, collegiate, and high school programs.
Dr. Williams board certified in Emergency Medicine. He graduated from University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2012 before completing his residency training in Emergency Medicine at University of Oklahoma in 2015. Dr. Williams has been in practice for more than five years and is ImPACT certified in diagnosing and treating concussions.
Dr. Lisa Manderino is a fellowship trained Neuropsychologist. She completed her fellowship training at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where she focused on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Dr. Nathan R. Ramirez is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist specializing in sport and non-sport-related concussions. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and completed advanced training at Cox Health, Burrell Behavioral Health, and the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, where he focused on concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) care.
Michael Gilbert has been a general orthopedic and orthopedic spine physician assistant for more than 25 years. He specializes in treating non-operative general orthopedic and orthopedic spine conditions and injuries.
Molly Roberson is a physician assistant who has worked the past five years as a surgical assistant, specifically, in orthopedics. Molly joined Aptiva Health in 2023. She works directly with Dr. Steve Smith in the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic departments where she treats athletes of all ages and general orthopedic patient needs. She excels at Aptiva Health by bringing her caring and supportive patient care approach to our team!
Simon is a native of Mount Vernon, Indiana where he was a three-sport athlete and Lily Scholar. Simon went on to attend Wabash College, where he played football. Simon has worked with Division I athletes at Purdue University and has spent the last seven years teaching and working with patients on injury prevention, neuro-restorative rehabilitation, and post-operative physical therapy.
Jared Simpson, PT, DPT
Jared is a graduate of Bellarmine University and he comes to Aptiva with a strong background in vestibular therapy. He will be leading our Sports & Concussion Rehab department and is working closely with our Neuropsychologist and Athletic Trainer to assist with ‘Return to Play’ for local athletes, especially those who suffer from Concussion and Sports Related Injuries.
Aurelio is originally from San Diego, CA and earned his BA Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Louisville, and a Master’s degree in Athletic Training form Spalding University. His most recent experience was with Lou City FC as the assistant to the head athletic trainer.
Adam Fletcher, DPT
Adam is a former collegiate wrestler and is an avid climber and recreational athlete. Adam focuses on sports-related injuries and brings his own athletic background to help efficiently diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Adam is certified in dry needling and specializes in manual therapy and hands-on techniques.
Zachary Clark, DPT, joins the team with nearly two years of experience and a passion for helping athletes return to sport, especially overhead throwers. A former baseball player, he enjoys golf and rec leagues in his spare time. He’s eager to grow as a PT and provide personalized, effective care.
Sports Medicine: Patient Reviews
“Thank you Dr. Hardin for everything and more. Thanks for getting me back to me @ 95%. Now I’m better than before!!! Best doc ever; wish he was permanently my doc.”
“The sports medicine team is great! Always accommodating and kind, plus professional. I will recommend everyone to this group. Thanks for the help and compassion.”
“Dr. Hardin rocks!”
“More than amazing! The staff, professionalism, equipment, building, and knowledge is far from anything I ever received. I would recommend this place to anyone with an injury.”