Recovering from a sports injury can be about more than returning to competition. It can shape the course of a person’s future. For former Belmont University student-athlete, Joshua Archer, receiving expert orthopedic care at Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics not only made it possible to compete again but also inspired a future career in orthopedic surgery.
Expert Sports Medicine Care for a Division I Athlete
As a pitcher on the Belmont University baseball team and a javelin thrower on the track and field team, elbow injuries became an unfortunate reality for Joshua.
As Belmont’s team physician, Dr. Elrod worked closely with Joshua throughout every stage of treatment. Alongside physician assistant Stephen Hasselbring and the team at MPOWER Physical Therapy, they developed a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan focused on restoring strength, function, and athletic performance.
After undergoing two elbow surgeries with Dr. Elrod and completing extensive physical therapy, Joshua successfully returned to Division I competition following each injury.
“Without a doubt, Dr. Elrod and his team saved my athletic career on multiple occasions.”
The Importance of Physical Therapy After Elbow Surgery
Successful recovery doesn’t end in the operating room.
Throughout rehabilitation, Joshua worked alongside the therapists at MPOWER Physical Therapy, including fellow Belmont alum Kalie Brown, to regain strength, mobility, and confidence before returning to Division I athletics.
A personalized rehabilitation program helped make a safe return to throwing sports possible while reducing the risk of future injury.
How Mentorship Inspired a Future Orthopedic Surgeon
While exceptional medical care helped restore athletic performance, the mentorship received at Elite ultimately changed the athlete’s career path.
Originally planning to pursue general surgery, Joshua found inspiration through conversations with Dr. Elrod, who spent time teaching about medicine, anatomy, and orthopedic surgery. Additional mentorship from Dr. Sam Crosby through Elite’s partnership with Belmont Athletics and the Student Athlete Mentoring Program further reinforced that passion.
Those experiences transformed a patient into a future physician.
Today, Joshua has graduated at the top of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine class and will begin an orthopedic surgery residency in Jacksonville, Florida, training through the University of Florida and Mayo Clinic systems.
“In a large part due to my wonderful experiences as a patient with Elite and the mentorship I received here, I am beyond proud to say that I will be pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery. I hope that someday I may be able to play a similar role of mentoring and encouraging someone this way like Dr. Elrod did for me.”
Personalized Orthopedic Care That Goes Beyond the Injury
Every athlete’s recovery journey is unique. At Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, our team is committed to helping patients recover from sports injuries through expert orthopedic care, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized rehabilitation.
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone looking to return to everyday activities without pain, our physicians and physical therapists work together to provide comprehensive care every step of the way.
For Joshua, that care meant much more than returning to the field. It sparked a lifelong passion for helping others through orthopedic surgery.
We are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey and look forward to seeing the difference Joshua will make in the lives of countless patients.
Schedule An Appointment With Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, a sports injury, or another orthopedic condition, our team is here to help. From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning, we’re committed to helping you get back to doing what you love.
Visit one of our five convenient locations and schedule an appointment today to begin your recovery with Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics.
Author: Maria Martini
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