Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Orthopedic Care Provider in Olney, MD
Founded in 1991, Maryland Sports Medicine Center has been dedicated to delivering exceptional orthopedic care and rehabilitation services to patients in Olney, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Led by Dr. David Higgins, a board-certified specialist in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery, our team combines decades of experience with a patient-centered approach to treat sports- and work-related injuries. Our state-of-the-art facility houses a fully equipped physical therapy center recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as a National Network Member, ensuring access to advanced care and expertise. We prioritize convenience through extended physical therapy hours and a 24-hour guarantee for new patient evaluations, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and timely care. Our collaborative model integrates medical consultations, outpatient surgery, and hands-on physical therapy techniques to reduce recovery times and restore patients to optimal health.With a legacy of serving elite athletes, collegiate teams, and everyday individuals, we focus on personalized treatment plans that align with each patients lifestyle and goals. Our teams credentials include certifications in strength conditioning, emergency response, and specialized post-surgical rehabilitation, ensuring comprehensive care across all age groups and activity levels. We maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, including compliance with CDC guidelines during public health crises, to protect both patients and staff. Our mission remains unwavering: to provide expert, compassionate care that enables patients to return to their active lives pain-free and injury-free.
Services
Physical Therapy
Orthopedic Surgery
Sports Medicine
Outpatient Surgery
Medical Consultations
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Fitness Assessments
Shoulder Treatment
Knee Injury Care
Joint Replacement Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of orthopedic expertise led by Dr. David Higgins, team physician for Olympic and collegiate athletes.
- Our team integrates hands-on physical therapy with surgical precision for faster recovery times.
- We guarantee new patient evaluations within 24 hours of contact.
- Our facility is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee for excellence in sports medicine.
- We provide extended physical therapy hours to accommodate busy schedules.
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Olympic Committee National Network Member
What people say
Back to 100% recovery
Pain-free after surgery
Expertise and compassion
Successful recovery journey
Timely evaluations
Services
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapy services use hands-on techniques like soft tissue mobilization and therapeutic exercises to accelerate recovery. Specializing in pre/post-surgical rehabilitation and sports injuries, we treat shoulder, knee, and joint conditions. Our U.S. Olympic Committee-recognized team collaborates with Dr. Higgins to create personalized plans that restore mobility and prevent future injuries.
Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Higgins performs outpatient orthopedic surgeries including ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and joint replacements at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center. With 30+ years of experience, he specializes in minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time while ensuring long-term joint health and functionality for athletes and active individuals.
Sports Medicine
We diagnose and treat sports-related injuries ranging from concussions to ligament tears. Our team provides fitness assessments, injury prevention strategies, and return-to-play protocols. With experience serving Olympic teams and collegiate athletes, we combine cutting-edge treatments with personalized rehabilitation plans to optimize athletic performance and recovery.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Our post-surgical program integrates physical therapy with medical oversight to ensure optimal healing after procedures like meniscus repair or shoulder replacement. Using modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, we focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and functional independence through progressive, evidence-based rehabilitation protocols tailored to each patient's surgical needs.
Medical Consultations
We offer comprehensive evaluations for musculoskeletal injuries, including X-ray and MRI interpretation. Our consultations determine whether patients require surgical intervention or conservative treatments like physical therapy. With immediate access to Dr. Higgins' expertise, we develop clear treatment pathways that address both acute injuries and chronic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
People
David L. Higgins, MD
Founder & Orthopedic Surgeon
Board-certified in orthopedic sports medicine, Dr. Higgins has practiced since 1991. He served as team physician for USA Basketball, Olympic teams, and local schools. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship at Hughston Orthopedic Clinic.
Elaina Faerber, PA-C
Physician Assistant
A former Division I swimmer, Elaina graduated from Arcadia University with honors. She provides patient care focused on athletic injuries, combining clinical expertise with firsthand sports experience. A certified physician assistant, she prioritizes efficient, high-quality treatment for all patients.
Tara Cepaitis, MSPT, PT
Physical Therapist
Tara earned her MSPT from Boston University and has practiced since 1999. She specializes in blending Eastern and Western rehabilitation techniques. With experience in geriatric and sports medicine, she manages the PT clinic and focuses on helping patients exceed recovery goals through personalized care plans.
Teresa Simpson, MPT, PT
Physical Therapist
Teresa holds a Master's in Physical Therapy from the University of Maryland. A former student athletic trainer, she treats patients from teenage athletes to seniors. Her focus areas include post-surgical rehabilitation and creating motivational environments that empower patients to achieve full functional recovery.
Audra Smith, MPT, SCS, CSCS
Sports Physical Therapist
Audra earned her MPT from Shenandoah University and holds certifications in sports physical therapy and strength conditioning. She specializes in treating athletes of all ages, from collegiate players to weekend warriors. Her expertise includes post-surgical rehabilitation and performance enhancement programs for female soccer players.
Questions
What services does Maryland Sports Medicine Center offer?
We provide orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, sports medicine assessments, outpatient surgery coordination, and post-operative rehabilitation for sports- and work-related injuries.
Does the center accept my insurance?
Our billing team verifies insurance benefits before appointments. We work with most major insurance providers to ensure coverage for orthopedic care and rehabilitation services.
Are evening physical therapy appointments available?
Yes, we offer extended hours Monday through Friday, with physical therapy available until 8:00 PM on select days to accommodate busy schedules.
How quickly can new patients get evaluated?
We guarantee evaluations within 24 hours of initial contact, ensuring timely access to orthopedic specialists and treatment planning.
What makes MDSMC different from other clinics?
Our unique team approach combines Dr. Higgins' Olympic-level expertise with dedicated physical therapists, creating integrated treatment plans that standalone clinics cannot replicate.
Where are surgeries performed?
Dr. Higgins operates at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney and the Surgery Center of Chevy Chase, both offering advanced orthopedic surgical facilities.
Reviews (1)
Diane Thomas
Jun 02, 2019
Report
I've had surgery performed by Dr. Higgins on my knee and both shoulders. He was able to diagnose and fix a torn meniscus that three other doctors couldn't diagnose. He is an excellent surgeon, who has worked with the Olympic teams. He specializes in sports injuries, and has a rehab facility on site so if there are any questions, the therapists can check directly with him. And, he has a wonderful bedside manner and superb follow up. I wouldn't consider any other orthopedic surgeon!