From professional rugby to patient care: how Baylor Medicine’s SaberCats collaboration advances orthopedic care for all

Baylor Medicine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine continues its longstanding collaboration with the Houston SaberCats, delivering expert orthopedic care to one of the world’s most physically demanding sports. This ensures that Houston’s athletes have access to Baylor Medicine’s most advanced comprehensive sports medicine care.

Dr. Phillip Williams, an orthopedics sports surgeon and team physician for the Houston SaberCats, is at the forefront of providing care to these athletes.

Advanced techniques that benefit all patients

The high-stakes environment of professional rugby demands cutting-edge treatment approaches.

“Knee injuries, such as meniscus tears and ligament tears, are the most common injuries for rugby players,” Williams said. “The goal is to diagnose these players as quickly as possible and perform expertly targeted surgery when necessary. This is the same approach we give to all patients to return them to their sport as quickly as possible.”

Translating professional sports medicine to everyday care

The techniques and approaches developed for professional athletes directly enhance care for all patients. “The same principles that keep our athletes in the game can be executed by anyone to help them stay healthy and injury-free,” Williams said.

• Smart training progression: Professional athletes carefully follow progressive training plans to build strength, speed and endurance while minimizing the risk of injury. Regardless of what you are training for, gradual progression allows the body to adapt safely and build a foundation for more challenging activities.
• Focus on your form: Having the proper technique is critical in rugby. It is not only about performance but also about protection. Whether you are doing yard work or starting a new exercise program, maintaining correct posture and movement patterns assists in avoiding injuries.
• Recovery and rest: In the world of professional sports, recovery isn’t optional – it’s essential. Every time an athlete trains, they create controlled damage to the body through microscopic teats in their muscles and deplete their energy stores. During planned and strategic rest and recovery, the body repairs those tears, strengthens muscles and restores the athlete’s energy stores. Focus on the same recovery strategies: sleep optimization, proper nutrition and overall activity management.

As the SaberCats continue their season, Baylor Medicine’s commitment to translating professional sports medicine advances into better care for our everyday patients grows stronger. This collaboration demonstrates how the rigorous demands of professional rugby continue to elevate healthcare standards for everyone, from professional athletes to weekend warriors.

By Shelby Moser, communications manager in the Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery.