Helping Patients Stay Active and Recover Stronger
Dr. Amber Anderson’s path to orthopaedic surgery started close to home. Growing up in Wayne County, she saw firsthand how compassionate care could change lives, especially through the work of her mentor, Dr. Knapic. That early experience showed her what it truly meant to serve others through medicine, and ultimately inspired her to specialize in orthopaedics and, specifically, sports medicine.
“He was not only a highly skilled surgeon but also a compassionate physician who cared deeply for our community. Watching the way he combined surgical expertise with genuine, personal connection left a lasting impression on me and inspired my own path into medicine.”
—Amber Anderson, DO
A Passion for Helping People Stay Active
As Dr. Anderson advanced through her training, she was drawn to sports medicine because it reflected her belief in the lifelong importance of movement and wellness. “An active lifestyle promotes health, fulfillment, and independence,” she explains. “I’m passionate about helping people return to the activities that bring them joy, whether that means competing at a high level or simply enjoying daily movement without pain.”
In her practice, Dr. Anderson often treats ACL and meniscus tears, MCL sprains, and knee and wrist strains. While certain injuries require surgery, she emphasizes that many can be successfully managed with non-surgical options such as physical therapy, bracing, and guided rehabilitation.
“My goal is always to find the right treatment plan for each patient, whether that involves surgery or not, so they can safely return to the activities and sports they love.”
—Amber Anderson, DO
Care That’s Close to Home
After completing her residency at Aultman Hospital, Dr. Anderson already knew she wanted to join the OrthoUnited team.
“During my training, I had the opportunity to work with many of the physicians here,” she says. “Their compassion and dedication to patient care aligned perfectly with my own values.”
Returning to Northeast Ohio felt natural. “This community has always felt like home,” she adds. “Being able to serve the people who shaped me is both an honor and a privilege.”
Today, Dr. Anderson is proud to bring advanced orthopaedic and sports medicine care to patients throughout the region, helping them stay active and recover stronger, close to home.
A Team Approach to Recovery
One thing that sets Dr. Anderson’s care apart is her close collaboration with OrthoUnited’s physical therapy team, which ensures that patients move safely and confidently from surgery to rehabilitation—rebuilding strength, mobility, and trust in their bodies.
“Physical therapy is essential after surgery,” she says. “Our therapists work hand-in-hand with our physicians, so every patient’s therapy plan is personalized and coordinated for the best possible recovery.”
When To See a Sports Medicine Specialist
It’s common for athletes or active individuals to try to “push through” pain, but some warning signs suggest an injury may need professional attention. Dr. Anderson recommends seeing a physician if you notice:
- Significant swelling or bruising that lasts several days
- Inability to bear weight or move a joint normally
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and ice
- A sense of weakness, instability, or “giving way” in a joint
- Visible deformity or sudden loss of motion
“Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe, an early evaluation can prevent further damage and help you heal faster,” she says.
Dr. Anderson’s Tips for Staying Active and Injury-Free
Dr. Anderson encourages everyone, from student athletes to weekend walkers, to stay active year-round while keeping their bodies protected. Here are her top recommendations:
- Mix it up. Incorporate a balance of strength training, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga.
- Don’t skip warm-ups and cool-downs. Prepare your muscles and joints before activity and stretch afterward to maintain flexibility.
- Listen to your body. Pain is your body’s signal to slow down. Addressing minor discomfort early can prevent major injuries later.
- Fuel for performance. A balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods supports recovery and keeps you strong and energized.
- Rest is part of progress. Build rest days into your routine to allow your body to recover and adapt.
- Prioritize form and technique. Using proper movement patterns during exercise or sports can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
“One of the best ways to stay active while reducing the risk of injury is to keep your routine balanced. Movement keeps your body strong and your mind positive, even during recovery.”
—Amber Anderson, DO
Comprehensive Sports Medicine Care at OrthoUnited
From diagnosing injuries to guiding long-term rehabilitation, Dr. Anderson’s approach combines advanced surgical expertise with a deep understanding of how movement supports overall health. Whether patients are recovering from injury or working to prevent one, she’s committed to helping them move better, feel stronger, and live life fully.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone return to the activities they love,” she says. “That’s what motivates me every day.”
Are you experiencing pain, limited mobility, or a lingering injury that’s keeping you from being active?
Dr. Amber Anderson and the sports medicine team at OrthoUnited are here to help you recover safely and stay active for life.
Schedule an appointment online now and take the next step toward your best recovery!
