Our Team

Meet the expert team dedicated to your recovery. We specialize in non-surgical orthopedics, regenerative medicine, and physical therapy to help you heal naturally and perform at your best.

Our Care Philosophy

We believe in treating the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Our philosophy combines evidence-based regenerative therapies with advanced physical therapy to help you restore mobility and function. By focusing on a non-surgical-first approach, we empower your body’s natural healing abilities to achieve lasting results and get you back to the activities you love.

Meet Your Providers

Our board-certified physicians and expert therapists bring decades of specialized experience in sports medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. We are leaders in our fields, united by a passion for helping patients achieve their goals.

Headshot of Dr. Bright McConnell III, MD, founding physician of Charleston Sports Medicine, smiling in a light blue check shirt outside a brick building
Bright McConnell, III, MD

Founding Physician, Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports & Regenerative Medicine

As Charleston Sports Medicine’s founding physician, Dr. McConnell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports and regenerative medicine. With a focus on knee and shoulder disorders, he uses the latest minimally invasive procedures to treat injuries and degenerative diseases. He is also a certified clinical densitometrist for osteoporosis care and has trained at the renowned Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, working with professional sports teams like the LA Lakers and LA Dodgers.

Clinical Focus
  • Knee and shoulder disorders; sports injuries
  • Orthobiologics and joint preservation
  • Bone health and osteoporosis (certified clinical densitometrist)
  • Non-surgical, evidence-based treatment plans
Eric Friedman, MD

Dr. Eric Friedman is a board‑certified sports medicine physician who helps patients return to activity through conservative, non‑operative care. He blends orthobiologics, targeted injections, and performance‑oriented rehabilitation to reduce pain, improve function, and keep you out of the operating room whenever possible.

Clinical Focus
  • Non‑operative sports medicine for active adults and athletes
  • Orthobiologics, ultrasound‑guided procedures
  • Overuse and tendon injuries, joint pain, concussion management
  • Return‑to‑sport and performance optimization
Headshot of Dr. Eric Friedman, MD, standing and smiling in a light blue dress shirt outside the Charleston Sports Medicine clinic
Headshot of Sue Harter, PT ATC-R CSCS, physical therapist at Charleston Sports Medicine, smiling in a pink top in front of a wood-paneled door
Sue Harter, PT, ATC-R, CSCS

Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Sue Harter is a licensed Physical Therapist with 36+ years of experience helping patients recover from injury, regain function, and perform at their best. With dual credentials in athletic training and strength & conditioning, Sue integrates evidence‑based therapy with practical performance coaching tailored to each patient’s goals.

Clinical Focus
  • Sports medicine and return‑to‑sport
  • Total joint replacement recovery and post‑operative care
  • Youth physical therapy and injury prevention
  • Trigger point dry needling and manual therapy
  • Strength and conditioning, movement retraining
  • Class IV laser therapy integration

How We Work With Patients

Our process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and focused on your outcomes.

Evaluation

We start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your condition, medical history, and goals.

Personalized Plan

Your provider develops a custom treatment plan that integrates the most effective therapies for you.

Treatment & Rehab

You receive expert care—advanced regenerative procedures, physical therapy, or both.

Results & Prevention

We track your progress and provide the tools you need to maintain results and prevent future injury.

FitMed Partnership: Performance, Prevention, and Longevity

Charleston Sports Medicine partners with FitMed Partners to extend care beyond injury treatment and into medically based fitness, nutrition, and age management. Patients benefit from a coordinated plan that supports healing now and long-term health, energy, and performance.

Personalized fitness and nutrition programs guided by medical data
Weight management and metabolic testing
Bio-identical hormone therapy
Elite athlete performance assessments
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“He is the most intelligent and compassionate orthopedic in SC, to say the least. Dr. McConnell cares and doesn’t rush. He works hard for his patients and truly cares about you.”
Patrice P

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a referral is not required. You can contact our office directly to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.

Many of our services, such as physician consultations and physical therapy, are typically covered by insurance plans. Some advanced regenerative treatments may be considered elective. Our team will help you understand your coverage options.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of any current medications, and any relevant medical records or imaging reports (such as X-rays or MRIs) you may have.

We strive to get new patients scheduled as quickly as possible. We understand that you are in pain and make every effort to offer prompt appointments to begin your diagnosis and treatment.

We share goals and data to align your treatment plan with your performance and longevity program.

While we exhaust all effective non-surgical options first, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery if it is the most appropriate and effective path forward for your specific condition.

Take the first step toward recovery. Schedule a consultation with our expert team to discuss your treatment options and get back to living the life you love.

Ready to move without pain?