Sports medicine doctor in San Francisco and Santa Barbara
Dr. Christian Guier has treated athletes at every level, from World Cup skiers to weekend hikers. His focus is getting you back to your sport safely, with a plan you understand.
Injuries by sport
Skiing and snowboarding
Knee ligament injuries, shoulder dislocations, wrist fractures and skier's thumb.
Running
Stress fractures, kneecap pain, shin pain, Achilles problems and heel pain.
Cycling
Collarbone fractures and shoulder separations from falls, plus knee pain and wrist injuries.
Tennis, pickleball and court sports
Ankle sprains, Achilles injuries, tennis elbow and rotator cuff problems.
Hockey and team sports
Shoulder separations, groin strains, knee sprains and hand injuries.
Broken bones
Fractures of the wrist, ankle, collarbone and other bones, treated with casting, bracing or surgery when needed.
When to see an orthopedic surgeon
- You heard a pop or felt something give way
- Swelling, bruising or a joint that feels unstable
- Pain that changes how you move or play
- Pain that returns every time you train
- An injury that isn't improving after a week or two
Get emergency care if
A bone is visibly out of place or pushing through the skin, you can't put weight on a leg, a limb is numb or cold, or you hit your head and have confusion, vomiting or a severe headache.
Christian A. Guier, MD CM, FAAOS, FACS
How Dr. Guier evaluates your sports injury
Dr. Guier asks how the injury happened, what your sport demands, and your goals for returning. He examines the injured area, compares it with the uninjured side, and uses imaging when it will guide treatment.
He'll review any X-rays or MRI with you and explain what they show before discussing options.
Experience from the mountains
Dr. Guier served as physician to the French Ski Federation's Alpine Division for the 1989–90 World Cup season and spent 25 years practicing in Jackson, Wyoming, a community built around skiing, climbing and the outdoors. He brings that experience to athletes of all levels in San Francisco and Santa Barbara.
About Dr. GuierNon-surgical care
- Relative rest and activity changes
- Physical therapy with sport-specific rehabilitation
- Bracing, taping, casting or a walking boot
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Injections when appropriate
- A step-by-step plan for returning to training
When surgery may help
- Ligament reconstruction and repair
- Arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery
- Fracture repair
When surgery is the right answer, Dr. Guier explains the procedure, the rehabilitation plan and what to expect on the way back to your sport.
Dr. Guier will walk you through every reasonable option and help you choose what fits your goals.
What patients say
Dr. Guier goes above and beyond to provide excellent healthcare. So very grateful for his care.
Great service super helpful and clear communication the absolute best I highly recommend!
Very professional and knowledgeable. Great bedside manner. Highly recommended (and I'm a healthcare professional).
Sports injury questions
Get back in the game.
Request a consultation in San Francisco, Santa Barbara or by video.
This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. For advice about your situation, request a consultation. Last updated September 2026.