Diana O'Connor DO in Oklahoma City: Sports Medicine for Running, Climbing, and Weekend Athletes

Diana O'Connor, DO, is a sports medicine physician based in Oklahoma City who treats acute injuries, chronic overuse problems, and performance issues in active adults. She works in an orthopedic setting, meaning patients typically arrive for scheduled appointments rather than walk-ins, and many come by referral from primary care doctors or self-refer after an injury. Her practice focuses on diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions without surgery first, using physical therapy, injection therapy, and activity modification as primary tools.

What O'Connor's practice actually is

O'Connor holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and additional training in sports medicine, a medical specialty that bridges primary care and orthopedic surgery. Her scope includes sprains and strains, tendinitis, runner's knee, shoulder impingement, ankle instability, and general joint pain. Unlike an orthopedic surgeon, a sports medicine physician typically avoids surgery and instead builds a plan around return to activity. Unlike a primary care doctor, she concentrates on musculoskeletal problems and athletic performance. Patients in Oklahoma City seeking sports medicine have O'Connor as a primary option; other local sports medicine physicians exist, but they often operate within larger orthopedic groups or hospital systems, which can mean longer appointment wait times and higher referral friction.

Services and what to expect at each visit

A first visit with O'Connor typically involves a physical examination, history of your activity level and injury mechanism, and often imaging review (X-rays or MRI if you bring them). She does not perform surgery in-office; if surgery becomes necessary after conservative care, she refers you to an orthopedic surgeon. She commonly prescribes or injects corticosteroids for inflammation, orders or reviews imaging, and coordinates physical therapy. Pain management is secondary to functional recovery, meaning her goal is getting you back to running, climbing, or your sport, not just reducing pain.

Specific pricing is not publicly listed in available sources. Insurance typically covers sports medicine office visits as specialist care, with copays ranging from $30 to $75 depending on your plan; verify with your insurance before booking. If you need imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) to confirm a diagnosis, those costs vary by facility and insurance. Some patients pay out-of-pocket and submit claims later; ask O'Connor's office staff whether they bill insurance directly or if you pay at the visit.

How O'Connor compares to other Oklahoma City sports medicine options

Oklahoma City has a limited roster of physicians who specialize primarily in sports medicine. Many orthopedic practices in the city include at least one sports medicine-trained physician, but they often rotate between surgery and office visits, which can lengthen appointment scheduling. The Bone & Joint Hospital, affiliated with Mercy, staffs sports medicine physicians but typically requires a referral from your primary care doctor. OU Medicine, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, also employs sports medicine physicians and may offer faster academic-medicine turnaround for complex cases, though appointments can take four to six weeks.

O'Connor's main advantage is direct access: you can often self-refer without a referral letter, and she works in an orthopedic practice rather than a hospital system, which typically means faster scheduling for routine injuries. If your injury is acute (less than two weeks old) and you need to start physical therapy quickly, her shorter wait times matter. If your injury is complex, ongoing, or requires surgical consultation, the hospital-based groups at Mercy or OU Medicine may offer more coordinated care because surgeons are on-site. If cost is the primary concern, confirm whether your insurance categorizes a visit with O'Connor as in-network; out-of-network visits can cost $150 to $250 out-of-pocket in Oklahoma City.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

O'Connor's practice suits active adults (runners, cyclists, crossfitters, climbers, weekend warriors) with acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries who want to avoid surgery and resume their activity. It also suits people with recurring problems (ankle sprains, shoulder impingement) who benefit from activity-specific advice and ongoing management. It does not suit patients who need orthopedic surgery, because although O'Connor can refer you, the referral adds time. It also does not suit patients seeking pure pain management without activity goals; sports medicine is performance-focused, not pain-focused. If you have a systemic condition (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) causing joint pain, a rheumatologist is a better fit.

What the first visit involves

Call O'Connor's office and explain your injury. Be ready to describe when it started, what activity triggered it, and what you have already done (ice, rest, physical therapy). Bring any imaging (X-rays or MRI) you have from another facility; you will not need to redo imaging unless something unclear on your old images warrants new views. The visit lasts 30 to 45 minutes. O'Connor performs a physical examination, checks strength and range of motion, and may do a quick ultrasound or use palpation to pinpoint the problem. She will discuss your sport or activity, ask about your training load, and explain what she thinks is happening. At the end, she either gives you a plan (physical therapy, activity modification, home exercises) or orders imaging to clarify the diagnosis. Some patients receive an injection (corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma) the same day; others start physical therapy and return in four to six weeks.

Hours, location, and logistics

O'Connor operates in an orthopedic clinic setting in Oklahoma City. Specific hours and parking details require confirmation directly with her office; hours typically run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays with no evening or weekend appointments. Parking is usually available in an orthopedic building lot or nearby street parking; call ahead to confirm accessibility if you have mobility concerns.

Diana O'Connor fills a practical niche in Oklahoma City for patients who want orthopedic-level expertise without a hospital system's appointment delays or a surgeon's bias toward the operating room.