Biography
Richard Giannotti, Jr., D.O., is a family medicine physician with specialized fellowship training in non-surgical sports medicine. He provides both nonsurgical musculoskeletal care and sports injury evaluation and treatment through MyMichigan Health’s WellSport Program.
Dr. Giannotti played lacrosse throughout college and is an avid runner, cyclist, and functional fitness enthusiast. “As a result, I’ve had many personal experiences with injuries and the setbacks they can create,” he said. “In medical school, I gravitated toward orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine because of its hands-on nature and the ability to see relatively quick results of one’s work. When I discovered the field of sports medicine, I knew it was for me as it perfectly combined my passions for medicine, athletics, and helping people.”
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Giannotti’s philosophy of care in sports medicine can be traced back to his father and his godfather. “From a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of practicing what you preach,” he said. “With that in mind, I strive to always live out the counsel and advice I give patients, which is to lead an active and healthy lifestyle rooted in physical activity, nutrition, and proper recovery and rehabilitation. From childhood, my godfather would recite the parable of “The Lion and Gazelle,” which ends with – it doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or gazelle when the sun comes up you’d better be running. My goal is to do everything I can to ensure patients can “wake up running,” which to me is participating in physical activities that bring joy, happiness and health to their lives.”
He enjoys helping people attain their goals, whether that’s returning to sports or exercise after an injury, reaching the next level of athletic performance, or simply living life as pain-free as possible. “Whether a patient is an elite athlete or just beginning to adopt a life of physical activity, my professional passion is to help patients attain athletic excellence or physical fitness in a smart, functional way while also bringing restoration, healing, and hope to those looking to return to the life they love,” he added.
Special Interests and Procedures
Through his fellowship in sports medicine, Dr. Giannotti has received extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, as well as the management of sports-related medical conditions. His special interests include diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, orthobiologics and regenerative medicine, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), and concussion management.
In his free-time, Dr. Giannotti and his wife Kristen enjoy staying active in the great outdoors. As an avid runner, Dr. Giannotti has participated in multiple races at the half-marathon and marathon distances, with aspirations to compete in Ironman triathlons in the future.
