Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and illnesses related to sports and exercise. While most people associate a sports medicine clinic with professional athletes, it actually encompasses care for anyone who exercises or plays sports regardless of age or skill level. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a world-class athlete, if you have an injury or illness related to your sports or exercise activities, a sports medicine physician can help you get back on your feet.
Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon
There are several different specialties within sports medicine, including orthopedics (bone and joint medicine), cardiology (heart health), pulmonology (lung health) and nutrition. As a sports medicine physician Dr. Heckman has served as the team physician and orthopedic consultant for numerous South Texas and Coastal Bend area high schools, the Texas-Louisiana AA professional baseball league and professional hockey. He has supported amateur athletics by acting as the medical director and coordinator of the Texas Amateur Athletic Games.
Dr. Heckman is a strong advocate of continued sports medicine education. He has acted as the program director for the annual meeting of the Sports Medicine Section of the Texas Orthopedic Association and originated/directed the annual University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio / Spohn-Christus Hospital sponsored “South Texas Sports Medicine Workshops” for trainers, physical therapists and physicians. He is a Clinical Professor for the UTHSCSA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and has directed the Orthopaedic Surgery residents training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery since 2004.
