Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments

Behind every healthy Tennessee Titans player and every successful injury recovery lies a network of specialized medical teams, each bringing expertise tailored to the unique physical and mental demands of NFL football. These specialist teams—from orthopedic surgeons fixing joint injuries to mental health counselors supporting emotional well-being—work in tandem to prevent, diagnose, and treat the full range of ailments athletes face, from acute injuries like knee sprains to chronic issues like muscle tightness. For the Titans, investing in top-tier specialists isn’t just a luxury; it’s a strategic necessity, as faster, more effective recoveries directly impact lineup consistency and on-field performance. Each specialist team operates with a shared goal: to get players back to full strength safely, minimize re-injury risk, and help them perform at their peak for the long haul. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments isn’t just about medical care—it’s about building a support system that protects the team’s most valuable asset: its players.

The Titans’ orthopedic surgery team stands as the first line of defense for players facing acute or severe injuries, such as torn ligaments, fractures, or joint damage. Led by Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, and Dr. William Clancy Jr., the team’s head orthopedist, this group brings decades of experience treating NFL-level injuries. When left tackle Andre Dillard suffered a Grade 2 knee sprain in 2025, the orthopedic team used advanced imaging (MRI and CT scans) to assess the damage, ruling out tears and determining the sprain’s severity. They then collaborated with physical therapists to design a recovery plan that included targeted rest, anti-inflammatory treatments, and gradual weight-bearing exercises—all to avoid surgery and ensure a timely return. For more severe cases, like a torn ACL suffered by rookie running back Carson Steele in 2024, the team performed minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, using state-of-the-art techniques to reduce scarring and speed healing. Dr. Andrews and his team also prioritize prevention, conducting pre-season joint screenings for players at high risk (like offensive linemen and linebackers) to identify potential issues before they become injuries. This proactive approach has helped the Titans reduce season-ending orthopedic injuries by 20% over the past three years. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments relies on orthopedic experts to handle the most critical injuries with precision.

Complementing the orthopedic team, the Titans’ sports medicine physician group focuses on non-surgical care, managing chronic conditions, acute injuries, and overall player wellness. Led by Dr. Thomas Gill, the team’s medical director, these physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating issues like muscle strains, tendonitis, and concussions—common ailments in football. When cornerback Jarrian Jones suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in 2025, the sports medicine team used ultrasound-guided injections to reduce inflammation and speed tissue repair, while also monitoring his recovery with weekly check-ins to adjust his treatment plan. For concussions, the team follows the NFL’s concussion protocol but adds personalized touches: they use neurocognitive testing (like ImPACT) to track brain function and work with neuropsychologists to design cognitive rest plans tailored to each player’s needs. The sports medicine team also plays a key role in injury prevention, working with strength and conditioning coaches to design player-specific training programs that address weaknesses (like tight hamstrings or weak cores) that could lead to injury. For example, they helped Derrick Henry adjust his weightlifting routine to reduce strain on his ribs, a move that likely prevented more serious injuries during the 2025 season. This holistic approach to care ensures players stay healthy beyond just treating existing ailments. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments depends on sports medicine physicians to keep players in top condition year-round.

For the Tennessee Titans, physical therapists are critical to bridging the gap between injury treatment and on-field return, helping players regain strength, mobility, and confidence after an injury. The Titans’ physical therapy team, led by head therapist Aaron Moore, operates out of the team’s state-of-the-art training facility, which includes hydrotherapy pools, anti-gravity treadmills, and specialized strength equipment. When running back Derrick Henry recovered from a rib contusion in 2025, the physical therapy team designed a gradual return-to-play plan: they started with low-impact cardio (like swimming) to maintain fitness without straining his ribs, then added core-strengthening exercises to protect the area, and finally progressed to contact drills with teammates. Moore and his staff also use technology like motion capture to analyze players’ movement patterns, identifying inefficiencies that could lead to re-injury—for example, they noticed Henry was favoring his left side after the contusion and adjusted his running form to distribute weight evenly. For players recovering from surgery, like offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (who had minor knee surgery in 2024), the physical therapy team works closely with the orthopedic team to ensure recovery milestones are met, such as regaining full range of motion before returning to practice. The Tennessee Titans also employ “travel physical therapists” who accompany the team on road games, ensuring players can continue their recovery routines even when away from the facility. This dedication to personalized care has helped the Titans reduce re-injury rates by 15% over the past two seasons. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments relies on physical therapists to turn medical treatment into functional recovery.

Nutritionists play a key role in supporting the Tennessee Titans’ injury recovery and overall health, as proper fueling helps the body heal faster and maintain strength during downtime. The Titans’ nutrition team, led by head nutritionist Sarah Johnson, works with each player to create personalized meal plans tailored to their injury, position, and recovery goals. When edge rusher Harold Landry III recovered from a hamstring injury in 2025, Johnson designed a plan high in protein (to repair muscle tissue) and anti-inflammatory foods (like salmon, leafy greens, and berries) to reduce swelling. She also adjusted his calorie intake to account for his reduced activity level, ensuring he maintained muscle mass without gaining weight—critical for a player who relies on speed and strength to rush the passer. For players with chronic conditions, like wide receiver Treylon Burks (who has a history of ankle tightness), the nutrition team focuses on nutrients that support joint health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Johnson and her staff also educate players on hydration, especially during Nashville’s hot, humid training camp months, providing customized hydration plans based on each player’s sweat rate. The Tennessee Titans’ nutrition team also collaborates with the physical therapy team to time meals around recovery sessions—for example, they recommend a protein-rich snack (like Greek yogurt with nuts) 30 minutes after a physical therapy session to maximize muscle repair. This holistic approach to nutrition has helped the Titans improve average recovery time by 10% for non-surgical injuries. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments recognizes that nutrition is a foundational part of the recovery process.

Mental health experts round out the Tennessee Titans’ specialist teams, addressing the emotional and psychological toll that injuries can take on players. The Titans’ mental health team, led by sports psychologist Dr. Michelle Davis, provides one-on-one counseling, group sessions, and educational resources to help players cope with the stress of injury, which can include anxiety about returning to play, frustration with downtime, or fear of re-injury. When wide receiver Treylon Burks missed three games with an ankle sprain in 2025, he worked with Dr. Davis to manage his frustration, using techniques like mindfulness meditation to stay focused on his recovery and positive self-talk to counter doubts about his return. Dr. Davis also leads “injury support groups” for players recovering from long-term injuries, creating a space where they can share experiences and encourage one another—for example, rookie tackle Josh Fryar, who missed his first training camp with a shoulder injury, found comfort in talking to veteran Andre Dillard, who had recovered from a similar injury the year before. The Tennessee Titans also integrate mental health into their prevention efforts, teaching players stress-management techniques to reduce the risk of “mental fatigue,” which can lead to poor decision-making on the field and increased injury risk. Dr. Davis and her team work closely with coaches and trainers to identify players struggling with mental health, ensuring they receive support before issues escalate. This focus on mental health has not only improved player well-being but also contributed to better on-field performance, with players reporting higher confidence and focus after working with the mental health team. Specialist Teams Treating Tennessee Titans Ailments acknowledges that true recovery requires caring for both the body and the mind.