
Ricardo E. Colberg, MD is a non-surgical sports medicine and orthopedic physician at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer. He treats patients out of our Birmingham and Pelham clinic locations.
Dr. Colberg has a strong commitment to providing evidenced-based medical care through a patient-centered and holistic approach. When defining the best treatment plan for each patient, he takes into consideration all the components related to the injury, including the underlying biomechanics of the injury, the patient's needs and expectations, as well as the short and long-term implications that the injury will have on the patient.
He works closely with physical therapists and other health-related disciplines in order to assist patients in their recovery process from injuries and help them reach their ultimate goal of returning to their everyday activities and sports at their optimal potential.
Dr. Colberg has a special interest in treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, including bone, joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries. He performs various treatment modalities in the clinic that assist the patient in their recovery from the injury, among them diagnostic musculoskeletal sonography, ultrasound-guided injections, regenerative medicine injections, and advanced ultrasound-guided procedures such as the percutaneous trigger finger release and De Quervain release.
His areas of expertise also include non-surgical management of fractures and dislocations, peripheral nerve injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome), sport-related spine injuries, pediatric sports injuries, biomechanical evaluation of the injured athlete, implementing sports injury prevention protocols, management of osteoarthritis and screening for cases that may have a better outcome by undergoing a surgical procedure.
Dr. Colberg serves as attending physician for the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. He is the Course Director for the ASMI Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course and Cadaver Workshop, and is faculty for many other ultrasound and regenerative medicine courses around the nation.
He has extensive clinical research experience, including co-leading a national multi-center study on platelet-rich plasma injection and publishing protocols for performing ultrasound-guided trigger finger release and De Quervain release using the Nokor needle. He has published dozens of articles in multiple journals and authored chapters in academic textbooks.
Dr. Colberg is the head team physician for Helena High School, Indian Springs School, and Montevallo High School. He has served as medical director for Jacksonville State University Gamecocks, and team physician for the U.S.A. Paralympic Team, the Alabama Soccer Association's Olympic Development Program, the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Birmingham Barons, Alabama Ballet, and University of West Alabama.
Dr. Colberg is an avid tennis player who competes with local USTA teams in Birmingham. He earned the certification of Elite Professional from the United States Professional Tennis Association. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family doing outdoor sports such as wakeboarding, wake-surfing and snowboarding. Their favorite pastime is visiting their native island of Puerto Rico, where they like to go surfing, sailing and scuba diving. In addition, he enjoys mountain biking and is a member of the International Bicycling Association (IMBA, BUMP). He is fully fluent in Spanish and English.
MEDICAL TRAINING
Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship:
American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) - (Birmingham, AL)
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency:
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
EDUCATION
Internship, Internal Medicine Residency Program:
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (San Juan, PR)
Medical Degree:
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (San Juan, PR)
Undergraduate Degree:
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Specialty: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Sub-specialty: Sports Medicine - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sub-specialty: Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer
Beidleman MB, Colberg RE, Beason DP, Fleisig GS. A Retrospective Case Series Study on a Minimally-Invasive Ultrasound-Guided First Dorsal Compartment Release Technique for Refractory De Quervain Tenosynovitis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Aug 9. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002082. Online ahead of print. PMID: 35944081
Jurado Vélez JA, Colberg RE, Fleisig GS. Percutaneous microtenotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Aug 5;101(31):e29957. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029957. PMID: 35945761
Publications
- 1. Nguyen C, Riggs R, Reddy S, Vega T, Morrow L, Smith TD, Kidwell-Chandler A, Colberg R, Ithurburn MP, Ortega J. Positive Long-Term Outcomes After Nonsurgical Management of Spondylolysis in Adolescents and Young Athletes. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2026 Jul 6.
- 2. Wilk KE, Arrigo CA, Gordin A, Colberg R, Dugas J. Diagnostic Dilemma: Testing to Differentiate UCL Sprains From Flexor-Pronator Elbow Strains in the Overhead Athlete. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2026 Jan 1;21(1).
- 3. Colberg RE, Vega TF, Towns J, Yates AF, Westbrooks B, Carlson S, Fleisig GS, Ithurburn MP. A Novel Ultrasound Assessment Technique of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament to Account for the Valgus Stress Effect of Gravity on the Medial Elbow. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025 Dec;13(12):23259671251399825.
- 4. Vega TF, Ithurburn MP, Yates AF, Westbrooks B, Carlson S, Colberg RE. Prevalence of Ulnar Nerve Dislocation Among Division I Collegiate Baseball Players. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/19417381251387609.
- 5. Vega TF, Colberg RE, Branagan F, Segars JB. Use of Stress Ultrasonography in the Evaluation and Management of Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury and Insufficiency. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports. 2025 Dec;13(1):45.
- 6. Vega TF, Colberg RE, Kremser VJ, Sankar S, Aiken CB, Naman T, Yates A, Ithurburn MP. Ultrasound-guided microinvasive trigger thumb release with an 18-gauge blade-tipped needle: A case series. Medicine. 2025 May 23;104(21):e42474.
- 7. Beason DP, Colberg RE, Kimbrel BK, Rothermich MA, Slowik JS, Fleisig GS. Is ulnar collateral ligament strength proportional to height and weight? Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025 Feb;13(2):23259671241312211.
- 8. Nakagawa H, Latzka E, Colberg RE, Henning T, Sussman WI. Ultrasound-Guided Releases of Common Upper Extremity Nerve and Tendon Entrapments. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports. 2024 Sep;12(3):287-98.
- 9. Colberg RE, Maisel BC, Fleisig GS. Treatment of Chronic Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Stenosing Tenosynovitis Using Ultrasound-Guided Retinaculum Release: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connector. 2024 Jan 1;14(1):e23.
- 10. Nakagawa H, Redmond T, Colberg RE, Latzka E, White MS, Bowers RL, Sussman WI. Ultrasound‐guided A1 pulley release: a systematic review. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2023 Nov;42(11):2491-9.
- 11. Beidleman MB, Colberg RE, Beason DP, Fleisig GS. A retrospective case series study on a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided first dorsal compartment release technique for refractory De Quervain tenosynovitis. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2023 Mar 1;102(3):235-40.
- 12. Colberg R.E., Jurado Vélez J.A. “Chapter 27: Ultrasound-Guided Release of Trigger Finger and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.” Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics Procedures, E-Book: Essential Guide for Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound Guided Procedures. Edited by Williams CJ et al. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2022 Feb 25.
- 13. Vélez JA, Colberg RE, Fleisig GS. Percutaneous microtenotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review. Medicine. 2022 Aug 5;101(31):e29957.
- 14. Colberg RE, Jurado Vélez JA, Garrett WH, Hart K, Fleisig GS. Ultrasound‐guided microinvasive trigger finger release technique using an 18‐gauge needle with a blade at the tip: A prospective study. PM&R. 2022 Aug;14(8):963-70.
- 15. Colberg RE, Kenneth-Nwosa KO, Jurado Vélez JA, Slowik JS, Fleisig GS. Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Plantar Fasciotomy Using Microdebrider Coblation Wand. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2022 Apr;7(2):24730114221091797.
- 16. Colberg RE, Pantuosco J, Fleisig G, Drogosz M. Ultrasound-guided microinvasive trigger finger release technique combined with three tests to confirm a complete release. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. 2020 Dec 1;99(12):1150-6.
- 17. Stafford CD, Colberg RE, Garrett H. Orthobiologics in elbow injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2020 Jul 1;39(3):717-32.
- 18. Colberg RE, Jurado Velez JA, Walsh KP, Fleisig G. Short-term outcomes after pure bone marrow aspirate injection for severe knee osteoarthritis: a case series. Regenerative Medicine. 2020 Jul 1;15(7):1851-9.
- 19. Colberg RE, Ketchum M, Javer A, Drogosz M, Gomez M, Fleisig GS. Clinical outcomes of percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using microdebrider coblation wand. Foot & Ankle International. 2020 Feb;41(2):187-92.
- 20. Wilk KE, Arrigo CA, Colberg RE, Dugas JR. Chapter 8: Non-Operative Care of Rotator Cuff Disorders: Physical Therapy, Modalities, and Injectables. Disorders of Rotator Cuff and Biceps Tendon, edited by Provencher MT et al., Elsevier, 2020.
- 21. Lancaster PJ, Colberg RE. Ultrasound‐Guided Ganglionectomy of a Flexor Hallucis Longus Ganglion Cyst Using Coablation Technology: A Case Report. PM&R. 2019 Jul;11(7):779-82.
- 22. Colberg RE, Henderson RG. Ultrasound‐Guided First Dorsal Compartment Release for Refractory de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Case Report. PM&R. 2019 Jun;11(6):665-8.
- 23. Stafford CD, Colberg RE, Nourse AL. Chronic ischial tuberosity avulsion nonunion fracture treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection as a bone graft. Regenerative Medicine. 2019 May 1;14(5).
- 24. Colberg R.E., Umarvadia J, Walsh K. Chronic Superficial Achilles Bursitis Treated with Percutaneous Bursectomy and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection: A Case Report. Journal of Regenerative Medicine. 2019 Feb 25;8(1).
- 25. Henderson RG, Colberg RE. Pure bone marrow aspirate injection for chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a case report. Pain Management. 2018 Jul 1;8(4):271-5.
- 26. Colberg RE, Israel MP, Aune KT, Fleisig GS. Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Adult Recreation Tennis Players. Journal of Medicine and Science in Tennis, 2018 July;23(2):24-31.
- 27. Bagwell MS, Wilk KE, Colberg RE, Dugas JR. The use of serial platelet rich plasma injections with early rehabilitation to expedite grade III medial collateral ligament injury in a professional athlete: a case report. International journal of sports physical therapy. 2018 Jun;13(3):520.
- 28. Geffen RB, Colberg RE. A rare complete metacarpal pseudoepiphysis in a teenager with a scaphoid fracture. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2017 Nov 1;96(11):e204-5.
- 29. Colberg RE, Maico A. Principles of Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cells: From Platelets to Cytokines. Regenerative Treatments in Sports and Orthopedic Medicine edited by Malanga GA and Ibrahim V. Springer, 2017 Sep 28:67.
- 30. Colberg RE. Chapter 53: Hip Adductor Strain. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 4th ed., edited by Frontera WR et al., Elsevier, 2017.
- 31. Colberg RE, Henderson RG. Diagnosis and treatment of gouty tophi in the patellar tendon using ultrasound-guided needle barbotage: a case presentation. PM&R. 2017 Sep 1;9(9):938-42.
- 32. Perry JM, Colberg RE, Dault SL, Beason DP, Tresgallo III RA. A cadaveric study assessing the accuracy of ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injections. PM&R. 2016 Dec 1;8(12):1168-72.
- 33. Colberg RE, Aune KT, Propst MS. Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in tennis-teaching professionals. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016 Oct 14;4(10):2325967116668138.
- 34. Nourse A, Colber, RE. Is There an Alternative for Eccentric Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy. Sports Review Journal 2016;1(6):18–9.
- 35. Colberg RE, Aune KT, Choi AJ, Fleisig GS. Incidence and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Collegiate Tennis Athletes. Journal of Medicine and Science in Tennis. 2015 Oct; 20(3):137-44.
- 36. Dugas J, Colberg RE. Comparison of a Single-Incision versus a Double-Incision Technique for Distal Tendon Repairs. Sports Review Journal 2015;1(2):20-1.
- 37. Tresgallo R, Colberg RE. Major League Baseball Pitchers That Underwent Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Look at Post-Revision Pitching Performance and Longevity. Sports Review Journal 2015;1(1)16-7.
- 38. Colberg RE. Musculoskeletal Injuries in Tennis-Teaching Professionals. USPTA ADDvantage Magazine 2015 July;45(7):44-5.
- 39. Colberg RE. Chapter 53: Hip Adductor Strain. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 3th ed., edited by Frontera WR et al., Elsevier, 2015.
- 40. Dugas J, Colberg RE, Wilk KE. Techniques to Enhance Tissue Healing. Wilk Physical Therapy Institute Webcast, Northeast Seminars Production, 2014 June 25.
- 41. Colberg RE, Mautner K. Platelet-Rich Plasma, an Option for Tendinopathy. Lower Extremity Review, 2013 Oct;53-60.
- 42. Colberg RE, Mautner K. Case Report: Elbow Pain Recalcitrant to Steroids, Eccentric Exercises, and Prolotherapy. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, 2013, http://www.amssm.org/Cases-Studies.php.
- 43. Mautner K, Colberg RE, Malanga G, Borg-Stein JP, Harmon KG, Dharamsi AS, Chu S, Homer P. Outcomes after ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic tendinopathy: a multicenter, retrospective review. PM&R. 2013 Mar 1;5(3):169-75.
- 44. Colberg RE, Mautner K, Malanga G. Optimizing Outcomes with Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Recalcitrant Tendinopathy: A Review. Pain Management 2011;1(6):523-32.
- 45. Baerga L, Colberg RE. "Chapter 47: Lumbar Facet Syndrome. Musculoskeletal, Sports, and Occupational Medicine, edited by Micheo M, Demos Medical Publishing, 2011:116-7.
- 46. Burke D, et al. "Rehab in Review." Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Journal Editor from 2009–2010.
- 47. Brau RH, Betancourt AJ, Vásquez R, Brau RR, Colberg R. Carotid artery restenosis in a Hispanic population. Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal. 2008;27(4).
- 48. Colberg RE, Sánchez CF, Lugo-Vicente H. Aspiration and triamcinolone acetonide injection of wrist synovial cysts in children. Journal of pediatric surgery. 2008 Nov 1;43(11):2087-90.











