About
Dr. Fred Bagares, DO, is the founder and sole physician at MSK Direct in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He specializes in Sports Medicine, Physiatry, and non-surgical musculoskeletal care. His interest in sports medicine began in high school, where he took a formal class and worked in the training room with athletes. That early exposure set the direction for his entire career.
Before medical school, Dr. Bagares volunteered and worked part-time in a physical therapy clinic. He majored in biology on a pre-med track and explored physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, and pharmacy before choosing medicine. His cousin, a family medicine resident, introduced him to osteopathic medicine. The osteopathic focus on manual technique, the body's self-healing capacity, and whole-body alignment resonated with him immediately. He credits that training with leading him to physiatry and sports medicine. Today, Dr. Bagares is passionate about PRP therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation, and the nuances of ultrasound-guided injections. He hosts the "Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares" podcast, covering rehabilitation, osteopathic medicine, and sports medicine topics. His patients consistently describe him as thorough, compassionate, and willing to listen before recommending any treatment.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Biology (pre-med track), specific institution not named
Additional Training
Physical therapy clinic volunteer/part-time work prior to medical school; osteopathic manual medicine training
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Bagares right for?
Dr. Bagares works well with athletes and active adults managing joint, tendon, or nerve pain. Patients dealing with chronic conditions like knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, or rotator cuff injuries benefit from his regenerative and non-surgical approach. He is a strong fit for people who have tried standard treatments without success and want a thorough evaluation before considering procedures. Patients with high-deductible health plans who value transparent pricing also find his direct-pay model practical. Anyone who wants a physician to listen carefully and confirm a diagnosis before acting will feel at home in his practice.
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Family MedicineFrequently Asked Questions
Dr. Bagares treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions without surgery. His clinical focus includes knee osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, sciatica, radiculopathy, nerve pain, and central sensitization. He also works with patients managing chronic joint pain that has not responded to standard care.
Dr. Bagares holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and specializes in Sports Medicine, Physiatry, and Preventive Medicine. His osteopathic training gave him a strong foundation in manual medicine and a whole-body approach to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Bagares focuses on identifying the root cause of pain rather than managing symptoms. He evaluates each patient thoroughly before recommending any treatment. Patients describe him as someone who does not rush to procedures or medications without first confirming the diagnosis. His osteopathic background shapes how he looks at the entire body, not just the area that hurts.
Yes. Dr. Bagares uses ultrasound guidance for injections rather than relying on landmark-based techniques. Ultrasound allows him to visualize the target tissue in real time, improving precision and accuracy. He performs diagnostic ultrasound in-office as well as nerve conduction studies and EMG.
Dr. Bagares offers platelet-rich plasma therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. He pays close attention to the details of PRP preparation, including platelet dose, purity, and kit selection. He is passionate about regenerative medicine as an alternative to surgery for patients with persistent tendon and joint pain.
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, or mPNS, is a non-surgical therapy for chronic nerve pain. Dr. Bagares is the only provider in Virginia offering this treatment, and one of only a few in the country. Patients travel from across the state to receive it at MSK Direct in Virginia Beach.
Yes. Dr. Bagares hosts the "Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares" podcast, available on Apple Podcasts. He covers topics including osteopathic medicine, rehabilitation mindset, sports medicine, and non-surgical pain management.
Dr. Bagares sees athletes, active adults, post-surgery patients, and people dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain. He also works frequently with patients on high-deductible health plans who want clear pricing and a thorough evaluation. His practice draws patients from across Virginia, particularly for mPNS therapy.
Doctor profile last updated August 17, 2026