Emory Soccer Medicine: Expert Care for Soccer Players of All Ages 

Whether you're cheering on the U.S. Men’s National Team, playing in a weekend league in Alpharetta, or rocking your Atlanta United jersey at work, one thing’s clear—soccer is a big deal in our community. And with so many players of all ages and skill levels hitting the field, staying healthy and injury-free is more important than ever.

That’s where the Emory Soccer Medicine Program comes in. This specialized team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports scientists is dedicated to helping soccer players stay in the game and perform at their best. 

At the core of the program is a team of experts who live and breathe soccer. Leading the way is Amadeus Mason, MD, chief medical officer, who oversees the program’s medical direction. He’s joined by Oluseun Olufade, MD, head team physician, who focuses on injury prevention, diagnosis and athlete wellness, and Edward Jackson, MD, head team orthopaedist, who provides both surgical and non-surgical care to help players recover and thrive.

Together, they offer world-class, personalized care—on and off the field.

We recently asked the team that cares for your team everything there is to know about the Emory Soccer Medicine Program.

The Emory Soccer Medicine Program is a dedicated team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and sports scientists who share a passion for soccer.

“We are all former soccer enthusiasts or players,” says Dr. Olufade. “We’re united by our commitment to providing comprehensive, advanced and personalized care to soccer players of all ages and abilities.”

Their approach covers everything from injury prevention and treatment to performance enhancement, education, and research. The team has worked with top-tier organizations like the U.S. Men’s, Women’s and Youth National Teams, Atlanta United FC, and numerous colleges and academies across Georgia.

And with advanced training and FIFA certification, they’re recognized internationally as leaders in soccer medicine. 

“Soccer is a demanding sport that requires peak physical performance, resilience and endurance,” says Dr. Mason. “We understand the hard work that athletes put into their game, and we are committed to providing world-class medical care to help them stay strong, recover quickly and perform at their best.”

The Emory Sports Medicine team also finds pride in playing an active role in Atlanta’s vibrant and growing soccer culture. In early 2025, Emory Healthcare became the official team healthcare provider for Atlanta United FC.

“Being chosen as the official medical providers for Atlanta United FC is an incredible honor, and we are thrilled to serve this talented team,” says Dr. Mason. “Soccer is more than just a game—it’s a passion, a lifestyle and a community. And we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Common soccer injuries—and how Emory Healthcare helps

Soccer is fast, physical, and full of action—which means injuries can happen. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Muscle Strains & Sprains:  Quick movements like sprinting and jumping can strain muscles or sprain ankles.
• Knee Injuries: ACL tears and meniscus damage often result from sudden stops or awkward landings.
• Concussions: Headers, collisions and falls can lead to head injuries.
• Overuse Injuries: Repetitive motion can cause tendinitis, shin splints or stress fractures
• Fractures & Contusions: Contact and falls can result in broken bones or deep contusions.
• Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains are one of the most common soccer injuries due to twisting and contact.

At Emory Soccer Medicine, the focus is on prevention, treatment and recovery. Whether it’s using the latest techniques or creating custom rehabilitation plans, the team is committed to helping players heal safely and return to the field stronger than ever.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are one of the most common—and most serious—injuries in soccer. They can sideline players for months and require extensive rehab.

“Soccer involves a lot of quick pivots, jumps and sudden changes in direction, creating an environment where ACL injuries can frequently occur,” says Dr. Jackson. "In fact, research indicates approximately 40% of all soccer-related knee injuries are ACL-related.”

Interestingly, female soccer players are significantly more likely to suffer ACL injuries than male players—up to eight times more likely, according to research. Why? Several factors come into play:

• Anatomy: Women often have a wider pelvis, which affects the angle of the knee (called the Q-angle), increasing stress on the ACL.
  
  
• Hormones: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect ligament flexibility and stability.
  
  
• Movement Patterns: Female athletes are more prone to non-contact ACL injuries—like those that happen during landing or changing direction—while male players more often experience ACL injuries from direct contact.

Understanding these differences is key to prevention. That’s why the Emory Soccer Medicine team emphasizes customized injury prevention programs tailored to each athlete’s needs. These programs focus on strength training, proper technique and conditioning strategies that reduce the risk of ACL injuries—especially for female players.

Helping players return to the field

When an injury happens, the Emory team’s top priority is helping athletes recover safely and return to the game stronger than ever.

It starts with a thorough diagnosis. “We take time to understand the athlete’s symptoms and how the injury occurred,” says Dr. Jackson. “We may use advanced imaging like MRIs to have a clear understanding of the injury's severity and underlying causes.”

From there, the team creates a personalized treatment plan. Many soccer injuries don’t require surgery—in those cases, athletes follow a structured rehab program that may include:

• Physical therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Pain and inflammation management

If surgery is needed, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon will guide the process. Recovery then becomes a team effort, involving:

• Athletic trainers
• Physical therapists
• Massage therapists
• Strength and conditioning coaches

Athletes discuss their treatment plan in-depth with the Soccer Medicine team to better understand their injury and recovery. It’s important the athlete is committed to their recovery.

“We use a variety of techniques—like ultrasound therapy, dry needling and hip mobilization—to support healing,” says Dr. Jackson. “We also focus on sport-specific training to help players regain confidence and reduce the risk of re-injury.”

Throughout recovery, the team uses real-time ultrasound imaging to monitor progress and adjust the rehab plan as needed.

Resources for coaches

Coaches play a vital role in keeping players healthy. That’s why Emory Soccer Medicine offers resources and guidance to help coaches recognize injuries, manage recovery and prevent future issues.

“We believe all that every member of the team, from coaches to players, should be equipped with knowledge about injury prevention, first aid and rehabilitation techniques,” says Dr.Olufade.

In addition to partnering with Emory Soccer Medicine, Dr. Olufade recommends coaches explore resources from U.S. Soccer and FIFA, which offer valuable tools for promoting player health and safety.

“By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more effective training environment,” he says.

About Emory Soccer Medicine

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, your soccer injury deserves expert care. The Emory Soccer Medicine Program brings together top sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports scientists to help players of all ages and skill levels stay healthy and perform at their best.

Appointments are often available within 48 hours. Schedule your visit online and get back in the game with confidence.