Whether you’re a major league athlete or work a regular 9 to 5 job, an injury can wreak havoc on your level of productivity and the quality of your life.
Since 1941, Watson Clinic has empowered patients of all ages in our community - from professional sports figures to weekend warriors to little leaguers - to rebound from their injuries, get back in the game and swing for the fences.
That made Watson Clinic a natural choice when the Tigers organization searched for a medical provider that could ensure the health and vitality of their teammates throughout the season and beyond. When an injury or other medical issue arises during the season, Watson Clinic is there. If additional care is needed, we provide swift referrals to any one of the 220 board-certified physicians across 40 medical and surgical specialties. From pre-season physicals to injury diagnosis and treatment, the Tigers benefit from the same level of expertise, accessibility and personalized care that our community has enjoyed for close to 80 years.
What makes Watson Clinic so uniquely qualified to serve the needs of both major league sports teams and our community at large?
It begins with the skillfulness of our physicians and care team members. Watson Clinic offers a diverse group of highly experienced orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine specialists who provide compassionate care. Their roster of services runs the gamut from minimally invasive surgical efforts like total or partial joint replacement, arthroscopic repair, and ligament reconstruction to comprehensive nonsurgical treatments and physical therapies including joint injections, fracture care, splitting and casting, and injury prevention techniques.
The department is housed in multiple locations that are convenient to residents in Lakeland, Bartow, Plant City and surrounding communities:
Watson Clinic Main – The central hub of our operations houses a team of surgical and nonsurgical orthopaedic specialists.
Watson Clinic Center for Rehabilitative Medicine – A community staple for physical and occupational therapy services.
Watson Clinic Center for Specialized Rehabilitation – A popular facility offering one of the area’s only certified hand therapists, a certified vestibular specialist, and a state-of-the-art HUMAC balance system for restoring stability and coordination.
Watson Clinic Highlands – This beautiful facility features a team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and certified physical therapists. The location also houses the latest tools and technologies in physical therapy and sports medicine care, including an innovative curved treadmill, artificial turf, Pilates Reformers, a HUMAC balance system, throwing nets, and the popular anti-gravity treadmill.
Much like Watson Clinic, the Tigers organization has established an identity that is forever intertwined with the extraordinary character of this community. That’s why we are proud to serve as the official medical provider for the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Detroit Tigers Florida Operations for close to 30 years.
Salvador O. Montenegro, MD is a board-certified sports medicine and nonsurgical orthopaedic specialist who divides his time between two facilities: Watson Clinic Main and Watson Clinic Highlands. He is proud to serve as the team physician for the Detroit Tigers Florida Operations and the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Southeastern University, George Jenkins High School, Lake Gibson High School, Kathleen High School, and a number of additional competitive athletic organizations.
Appointments with Dr. Montenegro, or any member of Watson Clinic’s Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine department, may be scheduled by calling 863-680-7214.