Dr. Murphy has established himself as a leading orthopedic surgeon in San Diego, dedicating his practice to the region since 1988. His specialization in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery makes him a sought-after expert for athletes and individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovative treatments, Doctor Murphy provides comprehensive care tailored to his patients’ needs.
Extensive Orthopedic Expertise and Credentials
Doctor Murphy’s journey in orthopedics includes a residency completed in San Diego in 1985, followed by Board Certification in 1987, a testament to his early dedication to excellence. He has consistently maintained his board-certified status, recertifying in 1996 and 2006, showcasing his ongoing commitment to the highest standards of practice. In 2012, Dr. Murphy further distinguished himself by obtaining a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine from the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), highlighting his focused expertise in this specialized field. His professional background also includes significant service as an orthopedic surgeon in the United States Navy, where he served as head of the Department of Orthopedics in Naples for two years and was mobilized for Desert Storm in 1991, demonstrating his leadership and service in diverse environments.
Renowned as “The Supercross Doctor” and Team Physician
Beyond his broad orthopedic experience, Dr. Murphy gained significant recognition as “the Supercross doctor,” treating elite athletes in Supercross racing since the early 1990s. He has cared for legends such as Jeremy McGrath, Mike LaRocco, Bubba Stewart, and Ricky Carmichael, solidifying his reputation within the sport. His expertise extends to professional sports teams, having served as a team orthopedic surgeon for the San Diego Chargers starting in 1994 and becoming the head team doctor from 1998 to 2002. Continuing his commitment to athletic care, Doctor Murphy currently serves as the head team physician for the University of San Diego, overseeing the health of athletes across all Division I sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Furthermore, he is the team physician for Cathedral Catholic High School and Saint Augustine High School, extending his dedication to young athletes and operating a free Saturday morning clinic for high school football injuries during the fall.
Specializing in Innovative, Non-Operative Treatments
Dr. Murphy specializes in treating sports-related injuries, focusing on both surgical and non-surgical solutions for shoulder and knee conditions. He is at the forefront of utilizing advanced, non-operative treatments, notably Sonorex treatments (Shock Wave Therapy), for chronic joint injuries and tendonitis. This innovative approach offers patients an alternative to surgery for common conditions like lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, achieving comparable success rates to surgical interventions. Moreover, Dr. Murphy has been a pioneer in integrating in-office MRI and outpatient surgery centers within his practice, streamlining the diagnostic and treatment process for patients and ensuring efficient, seamless care during both acute and chronic phases of injury management.
Doctor Murphy is married to Lynn and has five children. Outside of his demanding professional life, he enjoys family time, surfing, and golfing, reflecting a balanced lifestyle and commitment to personal well-being alongside his dedication to his patients.
