“Everybody hurts,” as Michael Stipe of R.E.M. once sang — and that includes Los Angeles’s sporting stars. It’s a good thing LA has some of the world’s finest sports injury doctors. 

All athletes are vulnerable to injuries. The most common cause of sporting injuries is overuse of muscles, tendons or ligaments. Professional athletes are especially at risk because of their demanding training and performance schedules. 

The strain of a professional sports career on the human body means top athletes need elite-level care to prevent and recover from injuries.

Here are five of the best elite sports injury doctors in LA, whether you’re an athlete looking for the best medical care or a curious resident. They’re listed in no particular order, and there are many other great physicians in the city, but these are a few of the most renowned.

1. Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache

Dr. Neal ElAttrache is a world-famous orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic surgeon specializes in operating on muscular and skeletal injuries, including knee, elbow and shoulder problems in athletes.

ElAttrache practices at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He is the head physician for the Dodgers and Rams while consulting for the LA Kings, Ducks and Lakers. 

He has operated on a star-studded list of athletes and celebrities, including:

• Tom Brady 
• Kobe Bryant
• Zack Greinke 
• Shohei Ohtani
• Aaron Rodgers
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Ringo Starr
• Charlize Theron

2. Dr. Howard Liebeskind

Dr. Howard Liebeskind is an internationally renowned expert in podiatric sports medicine. He practices in West Hills, LA. Podiatrists like Liebeskind have the accreditations and certifications to treat the feet and ankles of sporting superstars. 

His iconic clients, past and present, include:

• The Los Angeles Lakers
• Los Angeles Football Club
• Los Angeles Galaxy
• The Los Angeles Kings
• U.S. men’s and women’s national soccer teams
• Cirque du Soleil
• Chelsea F.C.
• Manchester United F.C.
• Inter Milan F.C.
• Real Madrid C.F.

3. Dr. Justin D. Saliman

Dr. Justin Saliman is an innovative orthopedic surgeon and knee preservation specialist with over 7,000 surgeries under his belt. He’s also an entrepreneur, inventor and medical thought leader. 

He is an attending surgeon at the Saliman Knee Preservation Center in LA, which he founded. Saliman has introduced award-winning medical innovations, including the NovoStitch Pro Meniscal Repair System and the Circumferential Stitching technique. 

4. Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia 

Dr. Sonu Ahluwalia is a leading orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with a reputation for attentive, personalized care. He’s also a bona fide celebrity in India and the USA.

He was born in India and hosted “All Is Well With Dr. Ahluwalia,” a popular TV show that the Wall Street Journal described as India’s “Dr. Oz Show.” In U.S. media, he is the go-to medical expert for “Good Day LA” and has appeared in several other shows, including “Entertainment Tonight.”

His famous patients include Fox 11 News’ Maria Quiban, Director Rob Cohen and guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.

5. Dr. Kristofer J. Jones

Dr. Kristofer Jones is the head team physician and orthopedic surgeon for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a team physician for the UCLA Bruins — one of the nation’s most successful college sporting programs. 

He practices at UCLA Orthopaedic Center’s main campus and the UCLA Orthopaedic Center in Downtown LA. His specialties include knee, elbow and shoulder injuries. 

Dr. Jones is a well-published medical scientist who has written or contributed to over 100 scientific manuscripts and textbook chapters.

Stay Active and Safe 

Giving your all on the sports field is a thrill like no other. However, the best athletes need the best medical care to recover from injuries and return to form.

There’s a good chance that if your favorite LA sports star suffers an injury, one of these doctors will be helping them get back out there in top shape. 

If you’re an athlete, whether a beginner or an elite professional, take care of your body and seek the best care you can if you get hurt.