State-of-the-art sports medicine center now open

Athletes and those recovering from other injuries now have a spacious, state-of-the-art facility to get rehab services in with the official opening of the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Sports Medicine Center.

The 4,000 square foot facility in the Willow Tree Shopping Center is a major upgrade from where the program was for many years.

“This facility will serve so many in this community and beyond for a long time to come,” said Shona Davis-Smith, director of outpatient therapy services.

Davis-Smith and other officials with Cookeville Regional started looking at expanding the program since the program’s former location, Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium, will be undergoing renovations in the next few years.

“This opportunity opened up and fell into place,” said Ricky Shelton, Cookeville Regional’s chief strategy officer.

The board approved the purchase of the equipment of what was then Return to Play Elite and the lease of the space at a rate of $3,700 a month in February. Work soon began on branding the facility, which includes a wall of the logos of schools, along with Tennessee Tech, in the Upper Cumberland.

Athletic trainer David Maldonado has been working with athletes of all ages who are recovering from injuries.

Seth Carlisle is one of those athletes.

“I had a knee injury in April that didn’t require surgery but therapy,” the Tennessee Tech football player said. “I’ve been working with David ever since and his expertise and drive to help me get back on the field quickly has made a world of difference.”

As a sports conditioning specialist, Maldonado works with athletes in identifying any weak muscle links that inhibit optimal performance, examine an athlete’s gait and determine how to improve speed and reduce injury, administer proper training to minimize injury and more.

However, he can help anyone with expert diagnosis and management of all musculoskeletal injuries that result from any form of physical activity, whether it is during sport, work or leisure.

“I have more space to work in now and the equipment needed to help them get back on track,” Maldonado said.

Gina Galvez-Filoteo is another physical therapist at Cookeville Regional’s outpatient therapy center. She experienced an ACL injury with her left knee during a skiing trip last year. She underwent surgery and therapy with Maldonado.

“I had the goal of getting back to what I love doing – hiking and running,” she said. “As a physical therapist myself, I got to see the patient side and his determination really pushed me to get back to what I love doing quicker.”

Cookeville Regional CEO Paul Korth is excited to open the new facility and expand the services.

“We are so proud to be associated with all of our local high schools and middle schools and have a great partnership with Tennessee Tech,” he said. “We’re just glad we’ve now got a place to help get those people back on the field and back on the courts.”

Cookeville Regional Sports Medicine Center is located in the Willow Tree Shopping Center at 146 S. Willow Ave. Call 931-783-2463 or visit crmchealth.org/services/rehabilitation/sports-medicine for more information.