An ACL injury can vary in severity, from a slightly stretched ligament to a complete tear.  As a common sports injury, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that, “Athletes who participate in high demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are more likely to injure their anterior cruciate ligaments.”  Essentially, anyone who plays a sport heavy on cutting, pivoting, or sidestepping are at an increased risk of an ACL tear.

Preventing ACL Injuries

Of course, there is no surefire way to prevent ACL injuries, but you can certainly stack the odds in your favor. While no article can be a substitute for consulting with your physician or using your own good judgment, here are a few general ACL injury prevention programs, outlined in a report from the AOSSM:

• Balance Training: We all know that balance training can boost coordination and improve posture, but did you know it may also reduce the risk of injury, including ACL injury?  This type of training uses wobble boards, mini trampolines, exercise balls and other devices to improve balance and kinesthetic awareness.
• Strength Training: Simply put, strength equals stability.  Certain strength training exercises — like those involving jumping and landing — have been shown to increase stability, and reduce the occurrence of ACL injuries.
• Plyometrics: “High-intensity plyometrics may be key in reducing the number of ACL injuries,” says the AOSSM.  Sometimes referred to as explosive exercises, this type of training involves rapid movements to increase muscle power.

Of course, you should always consult a Sports Medicine Physician before beginning any training program.  And, while these types of exercise may reduce your risk for ACL injuries, your best bet is always to play within your means and avoid reckless activity.

ACL Surgery in Worcester

Some ACL injuries may require surgery, namely ACL Reconstruction. While you may have heard the term, “ACL repair surgery,” a torn anterior cruciate ligament cannot be “repaired”, and must instead be reconstructed with a tissue graft replacement.  The procedure is usually not performed until several weeks after the injury, when swelling and inflammation have been reduced.

To find out if this procedure is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  Our Orthopedic Surgery Offices are located in Worcester, and you can schedule your appointment at (508) 363-6363.  Don’t hesitate — take the first step today.

A rotator cuff tear can occur for one of two reasons: as a result of acute injury or as a result of repetitive use.  An acute injury would be something like a fall, while a repetitive-use injury is the result of any repeated arm movement, particularly overhead arm movements.  These types of injuries will frequently be sports related, common among swimmers, baseball players, tennis players, wrestlers and others.

Common symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:

• Shoulder pain, particularly when lifting the arm
• Loss in range of motion
• Shoulder stiffness and weakness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to call an Orthopedic Surgeon.  Read on to learn how we treat rotator cuff injuries today.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Many rotator cuff injuries can be treated without the use of surgery.  These treatments could include rest, using a sling, steroid injections, physical therapy,  and anti-inflammatory medications.  When a tear is particularly painful and does not respond to non surgical measures, rotator cuff surgery may be the best option.

Rotator Cuff Surgery is usually performed as an arthroscopic procedure in an outpatient setting. It is  performed under general anesthesia and the damaged tendon is repaired to the bone with sutures and/or suture anchors. Any bursitis, calcium, or bone spurs are removed at the same time.  After surgery, the patient will begin a physical therapy program to help restore strength and mobility.  Although recovery can take several months, many patients find that rotator cuff surgery will reduce and eliminate their pain for years to come.

Orthopedic Surgeon in Worcester

If you think you’re suffering from a rotator cuff injury, do something about it now.  Remember, a tear can grow larger over time.  Contact us and schedule your appointment today.  Our Worcester office can be reached at (508) 363-6363.  We look forward to helping you.

Nutrition is important for everyone, but there is no one more in need of a good diet than an athlete.  While no article can be a substitute for individualized nutritional advice, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has published some useful suggestions for eating right and achieving your peak performance.

Good nutrition and athletic ability go hand in hand, but it’s important to understand something equally essential—staying hydrated.  “Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after sports events to stay hydrated and to avoid overheating,” explains the AAOS. “When you work out or compete, especially in hot weather, try to closely match the amount of fluid you drink with the amount you lose in sweat.”  Now, read on to learn about the basics of fueling your workout.

Sports Nutrition Essentials

When it comes to achieving peak performance, it’s all about eating the right foods in the right proportion.  Here is the AAOS’s list of “fuel sources” every athlete should know:

• Carbohydrates: What do carbohydrates like fruit, pasta and breads mean to you?  Energy!  This is because your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, a sugar that sustains you through high-intensity activities.  And, as the AAOS reminds us, “If your body runs out of carbohydrate fuel during exercise, it will burn fat and protein for energy, causing your performance level to drop.”
• Proteins: Proteins, like those found in eggs, poultry and fish, are often referred to as the body’s “building blocks.”  Consuming an adequate amount of protein is particularly important after a workout.  They’re essential for repairing your muscle fibers and replenishing stored energy.
• Fats: Not all fat is bad.  In fact, your body needs some fat to function at its best.  As an alternative fuel source to glucose, fats like those found in oils should be limited to “20% to 30% of daily calories,” explains the AAOS.

Achieve Peak Performance—Schedule an Appointment Today

To find out more about the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Treatment we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  Our offices are located in Worcester, proudly serving the surrounding areas.  Schedule your appointment today at (508) 363-6363.  We look forward to working with you.

Heart Disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each and every year.  As the American Heart Association (AHA) puts it, heart disease refers to “problems related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries… As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow and creating a risk for heart attack or stroke.”  So what’s one of your best weapons against this deadly condition? The answer is simple: physical activity.

Here are a few ways regular exercise can contribute to your heart health:

• Exercise strengthens your heart. Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, exercise will make it stronger.  A stronger muscle is a better-functioning muscle, and when it comes to your heart, this means increased blood flow.
• Exercise can lower blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages your heart. While there are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, healthy exercise can often stack the odds in your favor.
• Exercise can lower bad cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood is one of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease.  Research has demonstrated that healthy, appropriate exercise can help combat high levels of cholesterol.

Whether you’re walking, cycling or participating in organized sports, the AHA reminds us that “by exercising for as little as 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.”  It’s that simple.

Another Benefit of Healthy Physical Activity…

While we’ve already seen the effects healthy exercise can have on your heart, it’s important to point out another huge benefit of regular physical activity—weight control.  When it comes to weight, we all know that obesity is a serious problem.  But, do you ever consider that excess weight might be taking its toll on your bones and joints?  Those that are obese are at a higher risk for developing certain joint disorders, such as Arthritis.  When a patient requires a procedure such as Knee Surgery, excess weight can be a huge roadblock when recovering from the operation.  Simply put, there is only so much weight you can comfortably put on a newly-operated knee.

Preventing and Treating Exercise Injuries

While there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk for exercise injuries—warming up & cooling down, using proper form, etc.—some injuries are simply inevitable.  So, who should you turn to when you’ve sustained an exercise or sports-related injury?  Your best bet is a Specialist in Sports Medicine.  Should the need arise, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.  We practice Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Worcester, serving the surrounding areas.  Schedule you appointment at (508) 363-6363.

We all know the benefits of healthy exercise—physical fitness, increased energy and weight control among others.  But, do you know the best way to make your exercise regimen more effective and reduce your risk for injury?  Read on to learn a bit about the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity.

The Warm Up

Warming up prepares your body for the physical demands of exercise.  The main goal of the warm up is to raise your heart rate gradually.  Many patients start with gentle aerobic activity, such as a slow jog or cycling in a low gear.  Don’t skip this crucial step!  Warming up raises your muscle temperature, gets blood flowing and increases flexibility.  Remember, flexibility is your best defense against exercise injuries.

The Cool Down

Cooling down is just as important as warming up—maybe even more so.  The cool down is a two-step process.  First, by decreasing the intensity of your activity, you give your body a chance to recover from the physical demands of exercise.  The second part of the cool down is the stretch.  Stretching after exercise doesn’t just feel good; it improves your flexibility and reduces muscle tension.  Most importantly, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “stretching after each workout reduces your risk for injury.”  That’s reason enough to make this a regular part of your exercise routine.

In Need of an Orthopedist?

If you’re suffering from an exercise-related injury or would like more information about the Sports Medicine we offer, we encourage you to contact us today.  Our offices are located in Worcester, proudly serving the surrounding areas.  Schedule your appointment today at (508) 363-6363.  We look forward to hearing from you.

I believe that patient education and open communication with your doctor are the keys to achieving healthy, fully functional results and patient satisfaction, which is why I strive to provide the highest quality of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine care for patients of all ages.  This is done by combining technical skill and broad experience with cutting-edge technology for impeccable medical results.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to visit my new blog.  Please check back often to learn about the latest news, updates and additions to the practice and within the field of Orthopedic, and feel free to post comments and/or suggestions on any posts that you find of interest.