A Pioneer in Regenerative Orthopedic Care

As founder of Lehman Joint and Performance, Dr Lehman brings over three decades of clinical excellence and innovation to patients in Menlo Park, California and St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr Lehman specializes in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, and non-surgical regenerative solutions for joint preservation and performance recovery. He is passionate about using advanced biologics to accelerate healing, reduce downtime, and restore function, without unnecessary surgery.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or recovering from chronic joint issues, Dr Lehman provides cutting-edge, personalized care that keeps you moving forward.

Background and training

Dr Richard Lehman grew up in Miami, Florida. He completed his training at Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania, and completed a sports medicine fellowship in 1986. He was a part-owner of the National Hockey League Florida Panthers and has been a key team physician for the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightening and St. Louis Blues. He has been a consulting physician for UCLA Track & Field and has covered four Olympic Games, as well as seven Track & Field World Championships.

Honors, leadership, and legacy in sports medicine

  • Dr Rick Lehman was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
  • He was on the Board of Directors of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Foundation.
  • He was Medical Director of Webster Surgery Center, then Medical Director of the U.S. Center for Sports Medicine, and currently Medical Director of Lehman Joint and Performance.
  • He has served on the Board of Governors for the National Hockey League and on the St. Louis Sports Commission

His practice encompasses taking care of professional athletes at all levels and all sports, as well as Division college athletes

Research and innovation

Dr Lehman has revolutionized cartilage regeneration techniques working in conjunction with Biomet, to further growth and reconstruction of articular cartilage. He has written and lectured extensively on the subject and has written three books on tennis injuries. He has published extensively in orthopedic literature and sports medicine. He is licensed in Missouri and California. He actively takes care of Track & Field athletes from all over the world and professional athletes from North America.

Qualifications

Medical School:
University of School of Med
Miami, FL 1980

Residency:
Wash University Affil Hosps
University Of Pa Health System
Barnes Jewish Hospital S Campus

From the blog

To blogTo blog
  • Thumbnail for Dr Rick Informs post about Achilles Tendon Injuries
    February 26, 2010|
    Last Updated: July 23, 2026

    What is an Achilles Tendon Injury? Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery

    The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays an essential role in walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the foot. Because...

  • Athlete gripping knee due to ACL injury showing symptoms of torn anterior cruciate ligament
    May 29, 2011|
    Last Updated: July 21, 2026

    Seven Self-Administering Tests to Know If You’ve Torn Your ACL

    Anterior cruciate ligament. ACL for short. It’s the ligament that runs up from your shin bone and passes through the middle of the knee, attaching itself...

  • Person experiencing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, holding the sole of their foot with inflammation highlighted in red.
    February 26, 2010|
    Last Updated: July 21, 2026

    What is Plantar Fasciitis? Why It Happens & How to Treat It Without Surgery

    Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting both athletes and active individuals. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick...

Trusted by many

Rodney
6 months ago
He done my right shoulder after a bad wreck and that was in the early 90s until this day I've yet to have any pain he's the best orthopedic surgeon in st,Louis he takes care of the st.louis blue's hockey players he knows what he's doing,I'm going to try to get back to him now for my left shoulder after surgery my doctor here , well let's say 2yearsand2 months ltr I can't pick up anything with it I need a real pro ..
Darrell L.
11 months ago
It's been 28 years since I reluctantly followed the advice of the company nurse where I worked and made an appointment with Dr Lehman, which I had to drive an hour to see. It took a month and a half to actually get in to see him. My first visit, it seems more x-rays were taken than the previous 3 years being "cared for" by a butcher that I had been seeing because I destroyed my left knee in a motorcycle accident. Dr Lehman literally put his money where his mouth was when he convinced me to opt for reparative surgery, rather than complete knee replacement at the ripe old age of 25. Surgery was scheduled, again, it took a month and a half to get in.
Why did all of this take so long, you might ask... Because he IS that good! That's how many people are waiting to see him!
Thank you Dr Lehman for working your magic on me and affording me the quality of life that I have been able to enjoy for all these years.
Very regretfully, I have taken your help for granted and probably overworked it a bit too much, and now likely will have to have more work done. Even more regretfully, as I have relocated, it may no longer be feasible for me to return.
Kama T.
1 year ago
Dr. Lehman is one of the few doctors who puts your goals for mobility or athletic performance at the top of your treatment plan. I thought I would have to choose between 'bleeding edge of orthopedics' and 'decades of experience', but Dr. Lehman is the best of both. Thanks to him and his network of top therapists, I have come back from tough injuries and stayed strong enough to compete as an endurance athlete into my 50s.
Diane W.
2 years ago
Kevin B.
5 years ago
This office is one of the best offices in the country, HANDS DOWN!!!! The staff are very professional and can deal with a high volume of people!! Always getting people in to take care of their concerns!!! They are very detailed and so so kind!!!! Dr. Lehman is “The Best”, this man treats every single patient as if they were worth a million dollars to him!!!!! He deals with the general pubic and everyday working people the same way he deals with pro athletes!!!! What a Great Surgeon!!! His expertise is hard to match!!! My son is playing Division 1 football because Dr. Lehman repaired his knee!!!! Also, He just repaired my knee!! He and his staff ensured that I had a smooth prep, great surgery, and great follow up/discharge instructions. They made sure that me and my son got back to performing duties for life at high levels!!!!I highly recommend Dr. Lehman and his office. “WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE”.
jonathan S.
7 years ago
Dr Lehman is simply the best! You May have to wait awhile in his office but it is worth the wait to see the best!

He takes the time to explain things so you are comfortable and understand. I think this is why the wait. He is a genuinely sincere nice man. Who wants the best for you.

I am very active, he has always got me fixed back up!

You won’t find a better doctor or person!!
Byron S.
7 years ago
The office is great. it is obvious that doctor Lehman has done many famous athletes, the walls are covered with autographed shirts. The staff is competent and Karla is dedicated to her patients. A delight to work with
Shirley Y.
8 years ago
daniel R.
9 years ago
The quality of care & professionalism is worth my 250 mile Drive. I tore both rotator cuffs in September of 2016, at age 54, not good, but thanks to Dr Rick & Dr Shana, I'm back riding Harley's, swimming & playing golf . I'm feeling better than I did at 35! The Team at US Sport medicine will make you feel like an All American Superstar !!!
Much Mahalo

Contact Dr Lehman

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