David Cavaness, DO

Meet David Cavaness, DO

Helping East Texas Athletes and Active Individuals Return to the Activities They Love Through Expert Non-Surgical Sports Medicine Care 

Dr. David Cavaness, DO, is a sports medicine clinician with CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute in Tyler, Texas, specializing in non-surgical sports medicine and orthopedic injury care. Trained at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency/Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, Dr. Cavaness brings advanced expertise in musculoskeletal injuries, fracture care and ultrasound-guided procedures. Serving athletes of all ages and abilities throughout East Texas, he is known for helping patients safely return to work, sports and everyday activities through education-focused, individualized treatment plans. Outside of medicine, Dr. Cavaness enjoys all sports and spending time with his family, especially coaching his daughters in softball and volleyball. 

Career at a Glance 

• Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) 
• Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine through the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency/Sports Medicine Fellowship Program 
• Specializes in non-surgical sports medicine and orthopedic injury management 
• Performs ultrasound-guided joint and soft-tissue injections for precise diagnosis and treatment 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing him to serve a broader East Texas patient population 

Clinical Role and Leadership 

As a Sports Medicine clinician with CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Cavaness plays an important role in expanding access to specialized non-operative orthopedic care for patients across East Texas. His expertise helps athletes, active adults and youth sports participants receive timely diagnosis and treatment that can often prevent unnecessary surgery. By combining advanced sports medicine training with a patient-centered approach, he supports the institute's mission of helping patients recover function, improve mobility and safely return to the activities that matter most to them. 

He provides specialized care for conditions such as: 

• Musculoskeletal and athletic injuries 
• Joint pain 
• Arthritis and osteoarthritis, including knee osteoarthritis 
• Non-operative fracture management 
• Pediatric sports injuries 
• Overuse injuries and return-to-play concerns 
• Sports-related concussion 

What You Can Expect from Care with David Cavaness, DO 

Dr. Cavaness approaches every patient encounter with a focus on education, shared decision-making and restoring function. He believes patients should fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their care. His goal is not simply to relieve symptoms, but to help patients safely return to the sports, activities and lifestyles they enjoy. 

You can expect: 

• Clear explanations of your diagnosis and treatment options 
• Collaborative decision-making tailored to your goals 
• Compassionate, comprehensive care for athletes of all ages and abilities 
• A focus on restoring function and returning to activity safely 
• Evidence-based treatment plans that emphasize non-surgical solutions when appropriate 

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care 

While Dr. Cavaness specializes in non-surgical sports medicine, he utilizes advanced diagnostic and procedural techniques to deliver precise, effective care. His expertise includes ultrasound-guided joint and soft-tissue injections, allowing for greater accuracy during therapeutic procedures. He also provides non-operative fracture care, sports injury assessments and sports-related concussion evaluation and management designed to optimize recovery and return-to-play outcomes. As an ABFM-certified physician with specialized fellowship training in sports medicine, Dr. Cavaness combines the latest evidence-based approaches with individualized treatment strategies for athletes and active patients. 

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership 

Dr. Cavaness maintains a strong commitment to clinical excellence through board certification, fellowship training and active participation in leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM). His practice reflects ongoing engagement with evolving sports medicine standards, sports-related concussion protocols and non-operative orthopedic treatment strategies. His emphasis on patient education and evidence-based care ensures that patients benefit from current best practices in sports medicine. 

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity 

Dr. Cavaness is dedicated to improving access to high-quality sports medicine care for athletes and active individuals across East Texas. His work spans patients of all ages, from young athletes participating in school sports to adults seeking treatment for arthritis, injuries or mobility concerns. As a bilingual clinician who speaks both English and Spanish, he helps reduce communication barriers and create a more inclusive care environment. His focus on education empowers patients to better understand their health and recovery, supporting healthier outcomes across the community.