Dr. John Gross, MD

Dr. John Gross, 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, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 895-5210 to schedule.

Dr. John Gross, MD is a sports medicine specialist in Saint Petersburg, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Ohio State University College Of Medicine in 2002 and subsequently pursued fellowship training in Bayfront, further specializing his expertise in Sports Medicine. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he is affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Gross is Board Certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He 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. Dr. John Gross provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Low Back Pain: Prevent debilitating low back pain by identifying risk factors such as poor lifting techniques and addressing them proactively with tailored exercise and ergonomic adjustments.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Protecting your hands and wrists from osteoarthritis means understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage them early, preventing significant pain and disability later in life.
• Back Pain: Understanding and managing risk factors for back pain, like posture and lifting techniques, is crucial for preventing long-term damage.
• Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow): Managing tennis and golfer's elbow through appropriate exercise, stretching, and bracing can minimize pain and prevent further injury, keeping you active and healthy.
• Neck Strain (incl. Whiplash Injury): Early detection of neck pain can help prevent a minor strain from developing into a chronic problem, reducing long-term health complications.
• Sciatica: Early detection of sciatica is crucial; addressing it promptly prevents the pain from becoming chronic and debilitating, impacting your activity levels.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and gentle stretching can help prevent it from becoming a chronic condition limiting your activity levels.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises help prevent plantar fasciitis by maintaining flexibility and supporting the foot's arch, avoiding pain and disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip: Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint disease that can be managed through early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and pain.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Understanding your risk factors for PFPS, like muscle imbalances and poor biomechanics, allows for proactive steps to prevent it from developing in the first place.
• Osgood Schlatter Disease: Understanding the risk factors for Osgood-Schlatter disease, such as rapid growth spurts, helps parents and athletes take preventive measures to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
• Adhesive Capsulitis Shoulder: Maintaining shoulder health through regular exercise and good posture can help reduce your risk of developing adhesive capsulitis and its associated limitations.

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. John Gross offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan helps proactively assess your bone strength, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and enabling timely intervention to prevent fractures.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless care from diagnosis to rehabilitation by accessing our coordinated care system for complex procedures, minimizing delays and maximizing effectiveness.
• Disability Evaluation: Prevent long-term debilitation – a thorough disability evaluation can pinpoint your physical limitations, allowing for targeted intervention and improving your chances of full recovery.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that measures your bone density, helping you proactively identify and address osteoporosis risk before it leads to fractures.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Take charge of your health by undergoing an impairment rating evaluation; it objectively measures the functional limitations caused by your injury or condition.
• Joint Fluid Test: Protecting your active lifestyle starts with a joint fluid test, which can reveal underlying issues and guide personalized treatment plans.
• 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.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Invest in your well-being with a screening to evaluate your spine and posture, potentially preventing chronic pain and improving athletic performance.
• Wheelchair Evaluation: Proactively address mobility challenges with a wheelchair evaluation to identify potential issues and optimize your comfort and safety.

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. John Gross 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 addressing poor lifting techniques and incorporating tailored exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of debilitating low back pain, enabling them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors and implementing a proactive exercise program, a patient significantly reduced the potential for hand and wrist osteoarthritis, enjoying years of pain-free activity.

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. John Gross:

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, are trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries, frequently with non-surgical methods. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists for the musculoskeletal system, and are consulted when necessary. They work together as partners, with the Sports Medicine Physician often being the initial point of contact.

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

Preventing sports injuries like ACL tears involves a dedicated neuromuscular training program. Proper warm-ups, strength training (especially hamstrings and glutes), and practicing correct landing and pivoting techniques are crucial. This proactive approach strengthens the supporting structures, protecting the joints during activity.

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 like flat feet, they reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees, helping prevent problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain involves ligaments (bone to bone), while a strain involves muscles or tendons (muscle to bone).

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and instruments through small incisions to precisely repair joint damage. It often results in less pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to sports compared to traditional open surgery.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often caused by repetitive force or overuse. It's different from a typical fracture, which happens from a single impact. Proper diagnosis and rest are crucial to prevent the stress fracture from worsening.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, often resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with bracing and therapy is key to preventing the need for surgery.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough physical 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.

116 1st St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33701
Phone: (727) 895-5210

Dr. John Gross, 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): 1639276108

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. John Gross 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.