

Dr. Timothy Burns
Sports Medicine | Non-Surgical Orthopedics
Dr. Timothy Burns is a sports medicine physician in Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky specializing in non-surgical orthopedic care, musculoskeletal ultrasound, ultrasound-guided injections and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
He provides evidence-based, personalized care for active individuals, athletes, and patients seeking alternatives to surgery.
Dr. Burns is known for combining advanced diagnostic imaging, ultrasound-guided procedures and regenerative medicine techniques to help patients return to activity safely and efficiently.

ABOUT DR. BURNS
Sports Medicine, Fellowship Trained, Certificate of Advanced Qualification
Dr. Burns completed advanced training in sports medicine (Sports Medicine Fellowship, University of Cincinnati) and musculoskeletal care with board certification reflecting a commitment to ongoing education and best practice in patient care.
He remains actively engaged in staying current with medical literature and evolving treatment strategies in sports medicine and non-surgical orthopedics.
Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
As a Board Certified PM&R Physician, Dr. Burns is an expert in non-surgical general orthopedic conditions. Additionally, Dr. Burns has had extensive training in both Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG's) and Interventional Spine procedures. Dr. Burns completed an ACGME accreddited residency at the University of Cincinnati.
Registered Musculoskeletal (RMSK) Ultrasound via the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement (APCA)
As an RMSK Certified physician, Dr. Burns has comprehensive training in both diagnostic and interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging provides immediate, real-time images without exposure to radiation.
Clinical Areas of Focus
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Dr. Burns frequently evaluates patients referred for sports injuries, chronic joint pain, and musculoskeletal conditions when non-surgical expertise is preferred.
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Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee , ankle and foot pain
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Tendon and ligament injuries (rotator cuff, Achilles, patellar tendon, tennis and golfers elbow.
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Osteoarthritis and cartilage injuries.
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Sports and overuse injuries.
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Muscle strains and joint instability.
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He specializes in non-operative treatment plans that emphasize accurate diagnosis, targeted interventions and functional recovery.
Advanced non-surgical treatment approach
Dr. Burns uses modern, minimally-invasive techniques designed to improve outcomes and reduce recovery time, including:
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Ultrasound-guided injections when needed for improved precision and accuracy
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Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
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Platelet-rich plasma therapy
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Imagine guided (x-ray) joint injections
Patient Centered Philosophy
Dr. Burns believes effective care starts with listening. Each patient receives a thorough evaluation, a clear explanation of their diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan based on:
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Medical evidence
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Activity goals
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Lifestyle considerations
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Long-term joint health
His approach prioritizes education, transparency and shared decision-making, empowering patients to understand their condition and treatment options
Serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
Hamilton County, Boone County, Kenton County, Campbell County, Pendleton County, Grant County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Carroll County
Academic Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Medicine Site Director (UK/NKU Campus) University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 2023 to Present
Awards and Recognition
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Cincinnati Magazine Top Doctor Award
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Cincy Magazine Top Doctor Award
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NKY Magazine Top Doctor Award
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Sports Medicine Examination Standard Setter
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University of Cincinnati Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residence Academic Excellence Award
Frequently Asked Questions - Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Care
Dr. Timothy Burns is a board-certified non-surgical orthopedic sports medicine physician specializing in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. He treats athletes and active individuals of all ages, from youth and high school athletes to weekend warriors and adults seeking to stay active.
What conditions does Dr. Burns treat?
Dr. Burns treat a wide range of sports medicine and orthopedic conditions, including
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Knee pain (meniscus injuries, ligament sprains and instability)
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Shoulder pain (rotator cuff injuries, impingement, instability, SLAP tears)
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Elbow pain (tennis elbow, golfers elbow)
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Hip pain (labral injuries, tendinopathy, bursitis)
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Ankle and foot injuries
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Muscle strains and ligament spraines
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Overuse injuries
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Arthritis and joint degeneration
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Sports-related injures
Does Dr. Burns perform surgery?
No. Dr. Burns focuses on non-operative orthopedic and sports medicine care. His goal is to help patient recover and return to activity using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. If surgery is needed, he works closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure coordinated care and appropriate referrals.
What treatments does Dr. Burns offer?
Dr. Burns offers a comprehensive range of sports medicine treatments including:
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Image guided corticosteroid injections
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Viscosupplementation
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
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Regenerative medicine treatments
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Musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluations
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Ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections
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Physical therapy coordination
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Injury prevention and return-to-play guidance
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Activity modification and personalized rehabilitation plans
What is PRP and who is a good candidate?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses a patient's own blood to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints.
Good candidates for PRP include patient with:
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Chronic tendon injuries
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Mild to moderate arthritis
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Ligament or muscle injuries
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Persistent pain that has no improved with rest or therapy
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Burns?
You do not need a referral to see Dr. Burns. However, referrals from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists are welcome and often helpful for care coordination.
Do I need imaging (like MRI) before seeing Dr. Burns?
While prior imaging can be helpful, it is not required before your first visit. Dr. Burns will likely obtain an x-ray at the first visit. In addition, Dr. Burns may use in-office musculoskeletal ultrasound to evaluate many soft tissue injuries in real time. If additional imaging, like MRI or X-rays are needed for a comprehensive diagnosis, he will recommend it during the evaluation.
Does Dr. Burns see athletes?
Yest. Dr. Burns regularly teats:
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Youth athletes
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High school athletes
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Collegiate athletes
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Recreational and adult athletes
He has extensive experience helping athletes recover safely and return to sport as quickly and responsibly as possible.
Dr. Dr. Burns work with athletic trainers, coaches and schools?
Yes. Dr. Burns collaborates closely with:
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Athletic trainers
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Coaches
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Schools and athletic programs
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Sports organizations
His approach emphasizes injury prevention, early diagnosis, and clear return-to-play guidance.
What if my pain started gradually or without a specific injury?
Dr. Burns is often referred patients with gradual onset musculoskeletal pain. Gradual onset pain often reflects overuse, tendon degeneration (tendinopathy) or early joint arthritis. These conditions benefit from a multifaceted approach - rest, activity modification, physical therapy, targeted injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments - customized to your activity level and goals.
Where is Dr. Burns located?
Dr. Burns practices in the Cincinnat / Northern Kentucky region, making him accessible for patients throughout the Tri-State area seeking expert sports medicine care.
How do I schedule and appointment?
You can schedule and appointment by:
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Calling the office directly
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Requesting an appointment through the website
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Being referred by a physician, athletic trainer or healthcare provider
Early evaluation often leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.
Why choose Dr. Burns for sports medicine care?
Patient and referring providers choose Dr. Burns because he offers:
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Specialized sports medicine expertise
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Non-surgical, patient-centered care
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Advanced injection and regenerative treatments
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Clear communication and personalized treatment plans
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A strong focus on returning patients safely to the activities they love.
When to refer to Dr. Burns?
Referral is appropriate for patients with:
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Joint pain affecting daily activity or athletic performance
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Suspected tendinopathy, bursitis or overuse injuries
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Recurrent joint swelling or inflammation
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Mild to moderate osteoarthritis seeking non-operative options
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Patient's wishing to delay or avoid surgery
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Need for image-guided (x-ray or ultrasound) injections of advances musculoskeletal evaluation.
What should I expect at my first sports medicine visit with Dr. Timothy Burns?
At your first visit, Dr. Burns will perform a thorough history and musculoskeletal examination, review any imaging you've had (X-rays, MRI) and often use office diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound to clarify the diagnosis. He will explain the diagnosis in clear terms, outline evidence-based treatment options, and create a personalized plan that may include physical therapy, injections, regenerative treatments or activity modification.
How quickly can I return to activity or sport after treatment (non-surgical)?
Return to activity depends on the type and severity of your injury and the treatment you receive. Many patients experience meaningful pain relief within weeks with targeted therapies such as ultrasound-guided injections or physical therapy plans, while tissue healing (especially tendons) may take 6-12 weeks. Dr. Burns will provide clear benchmarks and functions goals to help you progress safely and avoid re-injury.
Referrals Welcome:
Dr. Timothy Burns accepts referrals from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals for evaluation and non-operative management of sports medicine and musculoskeletal conditions.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Patients: Book your non-surgical orthopedic / sports medicine consultation today.
Providers: Refer a patient for a non-surgical orthopedic / sports medicine consult today.
Call 859-301-2663

