Athletes Can Turn to Free Sports Injury Clinics in Council Bluffs and Fremont

With every fall sports season comes new friendships, memories and, unfortunately, injuries.

Athletes and parents might not always know the extent of an injury or what treatment is appropriate. But thanks to a partnership between Methodist and OrthoNebraska, they have timely, economical access to evaluations from orthopedic experts at Saturday sports clinics in Council Bluffs and Fremont. 

“By helping our athletes as soon as we can after their injury, we help to get them back in the game safely as soon as possible,” said Rollie Hardies, DC, ATC, LAT, a certified athletic trainer with Methodist Jennie Edmundson Sports Medicine.

Clinic basics

Here are answers to some common questions about the clinics:

Can I make an appointment?

There are no appointments at the clinics and no need to call ahead. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Who staffs the clinics?

The clinics are staffed by orthopedic and sports medicine professionals from Methodist and OrthoNebraska.

What can be treated?

Athletes with acute orthopedic injuries are encouraged come to the clinic. Sports injuries commonly seen include:

• Strained muscles
• Bone fractures
• Bruises
• Torn ligaments

Depending on the severity of an injury, a patient may receive treatment at the clinic or be referred to a primary care provider, physical therapist, athletic trainer or surgeon.

“The clinic gives parents peace of mind to know what is going on with their son or daughter, and they don’t have to wait until Monday to take them to a doctor,” said Mark Voss, sports medicine manager at Methodist Fremont Health.

What can’t be treated?

The clinics do not function as urgent care facilities and are not equipped to treat non-orthopedic injuries. Severe trauma, injuries requiring stitches and ailments not related to sports injuries (e.g., fever, sore throat) are not treated at the clinic. 

Athletes with suspected concussions should be evaluated as soon as possible by an appropriate medical professional – often an athletic trainer at a sporting event. If a trainer isn’t present, any suspected brain injury should be evaluated in an emergency room.

How much does it cost?

The initial evaluation is free, removing cost as a barrier when parents and athletes are unsure about seeking care. Any resulting treatment, such as X-rays or MRIs, are billed accordingly.

Clinic information

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Sports Injury Clinic

Saturdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Aug. 24 to Oct. 26.

No appointment needed; all ages welcome. 

Located at OrthoNebraska, Suite 200 on the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital campus, 933 E. Pierce St. in Council Bluffs.

(712) 396-4020

Methodist Fremont Health Saturday Sports Injury Clinic

Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m., Aug. 24 to Oct. 26.

No appointment necessary; high school athletes only; athletes must check in by 10 a.m. 

Located in the Methodist Fremont Health Rehab Department, 450 E. 23rd St. in Fremont.

(402) 727-3329

Methodist in the community

The Saturday clinics are just one way Methodist sports medicine providers are making a difference in the community. Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital athletic trainers are assigned to five high schools in Western Iowa and visit several others weekly, evaluating injuries, providing their expertise at practices and sporting events, and referring athletes to the Saturday clinic when appropriate. Methodist Fremont Health has trainers performing similar duties at Midland University and eight area high schools. 

More resources

• More on concussions: common symptoms and creating a culture of safety 
• Learn more about sports medicine at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Methodist Fremont Health
• Sign up for the Bestcare Today email newsletter