Sports Medicine

Fellowship-Trained Athletic Care In The Villages, FL

Expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries — so you can stay active, move confidently, and get back to doing what you love.

Sports Medicine — The Villages, FL

Expert Care for Active Patients.

Sports medicine focuses on treating and preventing injuries in an athletic context. Any physically active person can benefit greatly from this branch of medicine, because it helps to shed light on how to be active in the healthiest way possible, and reduce the risk of injuries.

At Advanced Orthopedics Institute, Dr. Cook brings fellowship-level training in sports medicine — meaning he has advanced expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of athletic injuries. From conservative management to minimally invasive procedures, your care is guided by a specialist who genuinely understands what it means to stay active.

Our approach goes beyond simply treating pain. We evaluate the full picture — your biomechanics, your activity level, and your long-term goals — to design a care plan that gets you back in the game and keeps you there.

What We Treat

Common Sports-Related Injuries

Sprains & Strains

Pain, inflammation, and swelling of a joint or muscle caused by ligament or soft tissue injury. Common in ankles, knees, and wrists — especially during running and pivoting sports.

Fractures

Bone breaks ranging from stress fractures caused by repetitive loading to acute breaks from impact. Prompt, expert treatment minimizes long-term complications.

Shoulder Injuries

Throwing, lifting, and overhead movement place enormous strain on the shoulder. We treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement, and instability.

Tendonitis & Overuse

Chronic inflammation of a tendon due to overuse or repetitive strain. Common in the Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendons — highly treatable with the right approach.

Cartilage Injuries

Bone spurs in the shoulder or other joints that cause impingement and pain can be removed arthroscopically with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

Return-to-Sport Conditions

From ACL rehabilitation to post-surgical clearance, we guide athletes through a safe, structured return to competition and activity.

how we treat

Your Sports Medicine Journey

Step 1 —Thorough Evaluation

We start with a detailed examination — including on-site imaging if needed — to understand the full nature of your injury, your activity history, and your recovery goals.

Step 2 —Personalized Treatment Plan

We build a plan tailored to you — which may include conservative care, physical therapy, injections, or surgical options, depending on what’s best for your situation.

Step 3 —Return to Activity

Our goal isn’t just healing — it’s getting you back to the activities you love. We guide your return with progressive milestones and ongoing support.

Dr. Alfred J. Cook Jr.

Fellowship-Trained.
Sub-Specialty Focused.

Dr. Alfred J. Cook Jr. is an orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in sports medicine. He enjoys seeing patients concerned with maintaining an active lifestyle, including athletes and lovers of exercise.

Dr. Cook earned his degree and performed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern University, and completed his sports medicine fellowship at Duke University Hospital. Come see him for any sports medicine related injuries or concerns!

Dr-Cook-800_800

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about sports medicine at AOI? Our team is happy to help you understand your options and make the right decision for your health.

In many cases, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Cook or his team for a sports medicine concern. However, your insurance may require one, so we recommend checking your plan before scheduling. Our staff can also help clarify this when you call.

Sports medicine is a sub-specialty of orthopedics focused specifically on musculoskeletal injuries related to athletic or physical activity. Dr. Cook is fellowship-trained in sports medicine, meaning he has advanced, focused expertise beyond general orthopedic surgery.

Absolutely. Anyone who is physically active — whether you’re a pickleball player, a daily walker, or someone who works a physically demanding job — can benefit from sports medicine. If movement matters to you, sports medicine can help.

Not necessarily. Many sports injuries respond very well to conservative treatment — rest, physical therapy, bracing, and injections. Surgery is only recommended when other approaches haven’t been sufficient or when the injury clearly requires it.

Recovery timelines vary widely depending on the injury, the treatment, and the individual. Dr. Cook will give you a realistic return-to-activity plan specific to your situation — and he’ll work to get you back moving as quickly and safely as possible.

AOI accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare. We recommend calling our office or checking your plan prior to your appointment. Our billing team is available to help answer coverage-related questions.