Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Sports Medicine Partner in Des Moines
Stadia Sports Medicine has been Des Moines' premier sports medicine practice since 2006. Our physician-led, outcomes-centered approach combines expert medical evaluation with personalized physical therapy to address musculoskeletal injuries and activity-related conditions. We dedicate 45 minutes to initial consultations, ensuring comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning while maintaining collaborative communication between physicians and therapists in our integrated office environment. Our team specializes in non-operative arthritis care, injection therapy, concussion management, and diagnostic testing for exercise-induced conditions.As a family-run Iowa business, we prioritize patient education, individualized home exercise programs, and maintaining consistent therapist-patient relationships throughout treatment. Our clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based practices, continuous outcome assessment, and adapting treatments based on patient feedback to maximize functional recovery.
Services
Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy
Athletic Training
Injection Therapy
Concussion Management
Diagnostic Testing
Home Exercise Programs
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We provide 45-minute initial consultations for thorough injury evaluation
- Physician-therapist collaboration occurs in the same office for rapid communication
- Specialized physical therapists with sports medicine expertise treat patients
- Consistent one-on-one therapist-patient relationships throughout treatment
- Non-operative treatment options including injection therapy and diagnostic testing
Services
Sports Medicine
Our sports medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain, and activity-related conditions. We provide comprehensive evaluations for acute injuries, chronic pain, and performance limitations. Treatment options include non-operative management strategies, diagnostic testing, and personalized recovery plans focused on returning patients to their desired activity level.
Physical Therapy
Doctoral and master's level physical therapists deliver one-on-one treatment for orthopedic conditions and sports injuries. Our evidence-based approach combines manual therapy, functional training, and neuromuscular re-education. We specialize in treating chronic tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and post-injury rehabilitation while maintaining consistent therapist-patient relationships throughout the recovery process.
Concussion Management
Specialized evaluation and treatment for sports-related concussions using standardized assessment tools and progressive recovery protocols. Our approach includes symptom monitoring, cognitive rest recommendations, and gradual return-to-play guidelines. We provide diagnostic testing for complex cases and coordinate care with other healthcare providers as needed.
Injection Therapy
We offer ultrasound-guided injection therapy for joint pain, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. Treatment options include corticosteroid injections, Synvisc, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Our physicians use precise imaging guidance to ensure accurate delivery of therapeutic agents for conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Diagnostic Testing
Comprehensive diagnostic services include ultrasound evaluations, exercise-induced asthma testing, and compartment syndrome assessments. Our physicians utilize advanced imaging and functional testing to identify underlying causes of pain and performance limitations. We provide nonsurgical ultrasound-guided tendon debridement for treatment-resistant musculoskeletal conditions.
People
Chad Carlson
Medical Director
Board-certified sports medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. Specializes in non-operative musculoskeletal care and concussion management since 2006. Leads Stadia's clinical team with emphasis on evidence-based practices and patient outcomes.
Mike Hadden
Physical Therapist
Experienced physical therapist specializing in sports rehabilitation and manual therapy techniques. Focuses on individualized treatment plans using ASTYM and progressive functional training to restore mobility and prevent re-injury.
Mackenzie Cichon
Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy with expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation and sports performance recovery. Emphasizes patient education and neuromuscular re-education to improve functional outcomes and return to activity.
Joel Ingram
Athletic Trainer
Certified athletic trainer developing individualized exercise programs and injury prevention strategies. Provides taping, bracing, and performance assessment services for athletes of all levels.
Questions
What types of injuries do you treat?
We treat all musculoskeletal injuries including joint pain, muscle strains, tendonitis, fractures, and sports-related concussions. Our services cover both acute injuries and chronic conditions.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
While some insurance plans require referrals, many do not. Contact our office to verify your specific insurance requirements and schedule your initial consultation.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring completed patient forms, current insurance card, government-issued ID, and any relevant medical records or imaging studies related to your condition.
How long are initial consultations?
We allocate 45 minutes for new patient evaluations to ensure thorough history taking, physical examination, and development of individualized treatment plans.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
We participate with most major insurance providers including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Contact our office to confirm coverage with your specific plan.
What makes Stadia different from other clinics?
Our integrated model provides direct physician-therapist collaboration, consistent treatment teams, and extended evaluation times focused on patient-specific outcomes rather than generic protocols.
Reviews (4)
Steve Randall
Jul 28, 2021
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We've been going to Stadia for years and have always found Dr. Chad and his team to be professional, thorough, and caring. He even helped us find a medical professional we could trust when our daughter experienced a leg injury and infection while on vacation in Florida! Dr. Chad called around and told us where to take her. Who does that? They truly care about their patients and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the very best treatment and advice. We highly recommend Stadia Sports Medicine!
Brad Horn
Dec 25, 2019
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I've always trusted Dr. Carlson and Stadia for diagnosis and treatment. They are all consummate professionals and have never "pushed" treatment or pursued the most aggressive treatment options, unlike some other groups. And contrary to at least one review, they do not "scratch you with a fork." Rather, Stadia treats soft tissue issues often in the most non-invasive ways, including through scientifically tested Astym therapy protocols. Regardless of the cause of my orthopedic ailments, I trust Chad and his office to lead me the right way.
Terie Tishim
Dec 19, 2019
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Dr.Chad Carlson and his staff are amazing. I trust them, they work well as a team and know exactly what to do. A few years ago I went to them for my shoulder and they put my on a home therapy stretching plan that healed it 100%. Yesterday went back to Dr. Chad for my hand and immediately came up with a plan that includes at-home and in-office therapy. I have full confidence in this team and highly recommend them!
Michelle Ternes
Feb 08, 2019
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If you are looking for a physician who is extremely caring and takes the time to listen to you Stadia is the place to go. Dr. Carlson doesn't shuffle you through quickly with a 10 minute appointment. His appointments are often much longer. He really listens to you and see's you as a person, not just another patient. He's also very responsive to questions. The office staff is also very kind and caring as well. It's an all around wonderful place to go. I would highly recommend Stadia !
