Dr. Brian Schutzbach, MD

Dr. Brian Schutzbach, MD is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your Sports Medicine physician is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. He serves individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people. Please call (727) 521-2424 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Brian Schutzbach, MD is a sports medicine specialist in Saint Petersburg, FL, affiliated with St. Anthony's Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Schutzbach's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Schutzbach provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Brian Schutzbach is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Brian Schutzbach can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Brian Schutzbach provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Joint Pain: Persistent joint pain might signal an underlying issue. Seeking professional advice helps ensure timely management and avoid unnecessary suffering.
• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): Addressing sprains and strains promptly with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) helps minimize inflammation and promotes faster healing, avoiding potential chronic issues.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hands can be effectively managed with medication and therapy, minimizing further joint damage and maintaining mobility for your favorite activities.
• Muscle Weakness: Preventing muscle weakness through strength training and proper nutrition helps protect your musculoskeletal system from long-term damage.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can lead to significant disability, but preventative measures such as joint-protective exercises and weight management can significantly reduce the risk and slow its advancement.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a degenerative joint disease that can be managed with early detection and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and pain.
• Back Pain: Addressing back pain early can prevent it from becoming a chronic problem that limits your activity and overall well-being.
• Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture: Managing an ankle or Achilles injury correctly, with prompt medical attention and physical therapy, prevents long-term pain, instability, and potential for re-injury.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Catching plantar fasciitis early with self-assessment and seeking care when needed can prevent it from becoming a chronic, debilitating condition.
• Lateral Epicondylitis: Understanding the early warning signs of lateral epicondylitis and taking proactive steps, such as proper technique and strengthening exercises, can significantly prevent its development.
• Low Back Pain: Addressing low back pain promptly, through preventative measures like strengthening core muscles, reduces the risk of chronic pain and disability.
• Muscle Spasm: Managing muscle spasms promptly through rest, ice, and gentle stretching can minimize their severity and avoid potentially long-term muscle damage.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Brian Schutzbach offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Musculoskeletal Function Test: A musculoskeletal function test is a valuable assessment to understand your current physical capabilities and identify potential risks for future musculoskeletal problems.
• Complex Spinal Reconstruction: Take a proactive step towards spinal health; complex spinal reconstruction addresses severe spinal issues, allowing for earlier intervention and better long-term outcomes.
• Trigger Finger Release: Ensure optimal hand function: Trigger finger release surgery addresses the underlying cause of your clicking or locking finger, preventing future complications.
• Core Muscle Endurance Testing: Proactively assess your core strength and stability to identify weaknesses before they lead to injury with a core muscle endurance test.
• Neuroplasty: By addressing nerve issues early through neuroplasty, you can safeguard your ability to participate in the activities you love and maintain your active lifestyle.
• Cyst Aspiration: Prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential complications by getting a cyst aspiration; this procedure allows for fluid analysis and confirms whether more extensive treatment is needed.
• Reverse Total Shoulder and Total Shoulder Replacement: Protect your long-term mobility and quality of life by considering a reverse total shoulder or total shoulder replacement to address severe shoulder arthritis or injury.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Brian Schutzbach is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• By understanding the early warning signs of joint pain and implementing a personalized preventative plan, a patient was able to avoid future complications and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Knowing how to apply RICE immediately after a minor ankle twist, a young athlete avoided a more serious injury and was back on the field sooner than expected, thanks to a proactive sports medicine plan.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sports Medicine care with Dr. Brian Schutzbach:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Sports Medicine Physicians, often from family medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation, focus on non-surgical treatment of sports injuries. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists of the musculoskeletal system. They often partner, with the Sports Medicine Physician frequently being the first point of contact, and referring to the surgeon when surgery is needed.

How do custom orthotics help prevent foot and ankle problems?

Custom orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that support and align the foot and ankle. By correcting biomechanical issues, such as flat feet, they reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees, helping to prevent problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine technique where a concentrated amount of your own platelets is injected into the injured area. The goal is to use your body's natural growth factors to accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, and joints, offering a modern, non-surgical option to prevent the progression of certain chronic injuries.

How is osteoarthritis treated non-surgically?

Non-surgical osteoarthritis management focuses on powerful strategies like activity modification, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, and weight management to reduce joint stress. Injections like cortisone or viscosupplementation can also help manage symptoms and potentially prevent or delay the need for joint replacement surgery.

Can you help with back pain?

Yes. Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat mechanical back pain, often caused by muscle strains, disc problems, or facet joint arthritis. We identify the structural cause to create a plan that prevents chronic pain and restores function.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the four tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder. This damage often results from overuse or a sudden injury. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring shoulder function to prevent long-term weakness and arthritis.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough exam and X-rays are often sufficient to diagnose joint pain. We'll recommend an MRI only if a diagnosis remains unclear or a soft tissue injury is suspected.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with bracing and therapy can often prevent the need for surgery.

7751 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N Ste 10
Saint Petersburg FL 33702
Phone: (727) 521-2424

Dr. Brian Schutzbach, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1952716508

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sports Medicine like Dr. Brian Schutzbach are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.