Columbus Orthopaedics physicians serve as team orthopaedic surgeons for Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women, and they treat athletes of every age in Columbus, Starkville and the Golden Triangle. Dr. Scott Jones has cared for MSU athletes since 1995, and Dr. Jim Hurt is double board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. You don’t have to be a college athlete to see them — high school players, weekend warriors, and active retirees get the same team.
Sports medicine appointments are available at our Starkville clinic and our Columbus clinic. Return-to-sport rehab is available at our Columbus and Starkville physical therapy locations.
Columbus Orthopaedics physicians have been selected as the team physicians for sports medicine and orthopaedics at Mississippi State University and many local school athletics programs. You will often see them on the sidelines or on the field evaluating athletes, assessing injuries, and determining whether athletes are safe to return to the game.
Our specially trained Orthopaedic Surgeons, Sports Medicine Specialists, Spine Surgeons, and Pain Management Specialists provide the highest-quality care to athletes of every level for every sports injury. From high school through college to recreational play, our goal is to help every athlete get back into the game and compete at their highest potential. Our team will work with you every step of the way and create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our full scope of services includes injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up evaluations, sport testing, and sport training.
Our Sports Medicine Team of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, and Nurse Practitioners provides comprehensive care to each patient. A majority of our physicians, therapists, and assistants are athletes who have experienced sports injuries and undergone rehabilitation. Drawing on their personal experience, they can relate to each patient and understand the unique challenges athletes face during injury and rehabilitation. They can also balance the athlete’s desire to return to their sport with the need for rest, recovery, and restart activities.
Common questions about sports medicine
When can an athlete go back to playing after an ACL reconstruction?
Not on a set calendar date. Return to sport depends on healing time, strength, and passing return-to-sport testing, and it usually takes many months. Read more about ACL tears and when athletes can return.
Do I have to be a competitive athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?
No. Sports medicine covers injuries from any activity — running, lifting, yard work, or a pickup game. Our physicians treat high school and college athletes, recreational players, and people who were injured at work.
What is return-to-sport testing?
It measures strength, balance, and movement to help decide whether an injured leg or arm is ready for the demands of a sport. Our clinic uses a Biodex machine to measure muscle strength and track recovery.
My athlete is sore after every game. When should we get it checked?
See us if pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back, causes limping or a change in how they throw or run, or comes with swelling. Pain that is worse at night or with rest should also be checked. Young athletes can have growth-plate injuries that need specific care.
