What is Orthopedic Sports Medicine?

Orthopedic sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and movement issues caused by physical activity. Dr. Lehman combines orthopedic surgical expertise with solutions like injury prevention, performance rehabilitation, and motion analysis to ensure every patient receives a personalized path to recovery and performance.

Whether you’re returning from injury, preparing for competition, or protecting your body from overuse, Dr. Lehman’s care is data-driven and athlete-focused.

“I understand what it is like to want to return to activity as quickly as possible. I played D1 tennis in college, 2 of my children played D1 and D3 tennis in college, while the third was an endurance athlete. Sports Medicine Orthopedics emphasizes optimal performance with return to that elite performance expeditiously. I emphasize joint and function preservation to allow you to perform at a higher level for your entire life.”

– Dr. Richard Lehman

Explore Our Sports Medicine Services

Dr. Lehman’s sports medicine services are tailored to help patients prevent injury, optimize movement, and enhance peak performance. He has a deep and thorough understanding of navigating the college application process through athletic training and will guide each young athlete within their sport to their ultimate goals through sports performance.

Why choose Dr, Rick Lehman?

  • Board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine physician
  • 30+ years treating elite athletes, Olympians, and active adults
  • Dual clinics in Menlo Park, CA & St. Louis, MO
  • Integrated orthopedic, rehab, and motion analysis services
  • Personalized care using advanced diagnostics and high-performance protocols

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, preparing for surgery, or just want to move better, Dr. Lehman’s comprehensive sports medicine programs support your performance and long-term health.

Conditions we treat with Sports Medicine

Our sports medicine services are ideal for:

  • Ligament sprains and tears (ACL, MCL)
  • Muscle strains and overuse injuries
  • Rotator cuff or labral tears
  • Runner’s knee
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • IT band syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Joint instability
  • Pre/post-surgical orthopedic recovery
  • Chronic joint pain from repetitive motion

Who we help with Sports Medicine

  • Competitive and recreational athletes
  • Youth sports participants
  • Aging adults looking to stay active
  • Runners, pitchers, and endurance athletes
  • Post-op patients needing advanced rehab
  • Anyone wanting to improve how they move

From the blog

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    Who should get a flu shot, when should you receive it and is it safe? Dr. Rick Lehman answers these important seasonal questions and explains which groups may benefit most from vaccination.

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    Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which Is Better for You?

    Neither diet nor regular soda is the ideal choice, but is one better than the other? Dr. Rick Lehman compares their sugar and calorie content, explains the health concerns, and shares what to drink instead.

  • Thumbnail for Dr Rick Informs post about how introduce hand-eye coordination at a young age
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    Last Updated: September 23, 2026

    7 Activities to Develop Hand-Eye Coordination at a Young Age

    Dr. Rick Lehman shares seven short, enjoyable activities to help young athletes develop hand-eye coordination, balance, speed and other essential sports skills.

Trusted by many

Rodney
7 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.
1 year 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

Ready to train smarter and recover faster?

Book your personalized consultation with Dr. Lehman and discover how integrated sports medicine can help you move, perform, and feel better, at every stage.