Dr. Gary Allen, DO

Dr. Gary Allen, DO is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Gainesville, 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. Dr. Allen is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 265-9575 to schedule.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Sports Medicine care, Dr. Allen brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Brigham Young University in 2011 and 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. Allen is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to understanding each patient's unique needs and tailoring care plans accordingly. Dr. Allen provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gary Allen 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. Gary Allen 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. Gary Allen 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:

• Osteochondritis Dissecans: With proper training, conditioning, and attention to joint health, you can significantly decrease your chances of experiencing osteochondritis dissecans and its potentially debilitating effects.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Managing patellar tendonitis effectively involves rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises, preventing further inflammation and helping you return to your activities faster.
• Lateral Epicondylitis: Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful condition affecting the outside of your elbow, often preventable with proper warm-up, stretching, and modifying activities to reduce strain.
• Patellar Chondromalacia: Early detection of patellar chondromalacia through regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent further damage and the need for more extensive treatment down the road.
• Osteoarthritis of Wrist: Protecting your wrist from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to prevent further damage, which can significantly impact your daily activities.
• Spinal Osteophyte: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are key to preventing or managing the progression of spinal osteophytes, emphasizing that a proactive approach to fitness positively impacts musculoskeletal health.
• Snapping Hip: To prevent a snapping hip from limiting your activity and causing pain, focus on maintaining good hip flexibility and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
• Tenosynovitis: Early detection of tenosynovitis, characterized by pain and swelling around a tendon, is crucial to prevent it from becoming a chronic condition limiting your activity.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: Early intervention for rotator cuff tendinosis, with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, significantly reduces the need for surgery down the line.
• Chondromalacia: Chondromalacia often responds well to conservative management; addressing it early can help you avoid more severe knee problems down the line.
• Patellar Dislocation: Early detection of patellar dislocation helps in prompt treatment, minimizing the chances of recurring dislocations and preserving the health of your knee joint.
• Neck Sprain: Early detection of a neck sprain is crucial; addressing it promptly minimizes pain and prevents long-term complications like chronic neck pain.

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. Gary Allen 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: Take a proactive step towards a healthier, more active life with a musculoskeletal function test to assess your body's movement and strength.
• Drug Infusion Pump: To proactively reduce your risk of long-term joint damage, a drug infusion pump can deliver targeted medications to reduce inflammation after an injury.
• Injection of Tendon: A tendon injection can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing you to get back to your activities sooner.
• Cervical Herniated Disc Surgery: Cervical herniated disc surgery is a decisive step towards relieving significant neck pain and improving neurological function when conservative treatments fail.
• Spinal Spacer Procedure: Protecting your spine's health is key; a spinal spacer procedure may be a proactive choice to address spinal stenosis or other conditions causing pain and nerve compression.
• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): For athletes or active individuals, craniosacral therapy offers a preventative approach by assessing the subtle imbalances within the craniosacral system that could negatively impact performance and lead to injuries.
• Sleep Study: Improve your athletic performance and reduce your injury risk with a sleep study, which helps diagnose and manage conditions that disrupt restorative sleep.

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. Gary Allen 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 prioritizing joint health and following a personalized training program, a young athlete significantly reduced their risk of osteochondritis dissecans, allowing them to continue their sport without worry.
• By focusing on rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises, a runner successfully managed patellar tendonitis, preventing further injury and allowing them to resume their favorite activities without pain.

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. Gary Allen:

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

Sports Medicine Physicians, like Dr. Allen, are often the first point of contact for sports injuries, focusing on non-surgical care and diagnosis. If surgical intervention is needed, they work closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure the best possible outcome. Think of them as partners in your care.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough examination and X-rays are often sufficient to diagnose joint pain. An MRI might be considered if the diagnosis remains unclear or a soft tissue injury is suspected.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often caused by repetitive use or overuse. It differs from a typical fracture, which results from a single, sudden impact. Proper diagnosis and rest are essential to prevent the stress fracture from worsening.

How can I prevent common sports injuries like an ACL tear?

Preventing ACL tears and other sports injuries involves a dedicated program of neuromuscular training. Proper warm-ups, strength training focusing on hamstrings and glutes, and practicing correct landing and pivoting techniques are crucial. This proactive approach strengthens supporting muscles and protects joints during activity.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is typically considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly impair daily activities, and other treatments have proven ineffective. This decision is made collaboratively with your orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent a life limited by pain.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions to repair joint damage. It offers less pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to activity compared to traditional open surgery.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine technique that involves injecting a concentrated amount of your own platelets into an injured area. The goal is to utilize your body's natural growth factors to accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, and joints, offering a modern, non-surgical approach to preventing the progression of certain chronic injuries.

Can you help with back pain?

Yes. Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat mechanical back pain, identifying the structural cause of issues like muscle strains, disc problems, or facet joint arthritis to create a plan that prevents chronic pain and restores function.

1707 N Main St
Gainesville FL 32609
Phone: (352) 265-9575

Dr. Gary Allen, DO 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): 1427410976

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. Gary Allen 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.