Drew Stein, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine

A Look at the Usage of PRP in Sports Medicine

Sports medicine doctors are continually looking for ways to improve the recovery process for patients. Regardless of whether a patient is a professional athlete or weekend warrior, having an injury that restricts or prohibits performance can be devastating. To encourage healing, orthopedic surgeons have turned to the body’s own repair systems for help. Sports medicine doctors can now use concentrated amounts of the patient’s blood platelets to hasten recovery. This new approach to sports medicine is called platelet-rich plasma treatment, or PRP.

What constitutes PRP treatment?
PRP treatment is a technique that utilizes the body’s repair mechanisms for faster healing. When undergoing PRP treatment, a patient will have a small amount of his or her blood drawn. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which quickly separates plasma from the rest of the blood. The plasma is the part of the blood that contains the platelets, which are then injected at the site of the patient’s injury. The procedure itself is quick and painless.

How can PRP facilitate injury recovery?
Blood platelets are the cells that help to repair and rebuild body tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. PRP treatment takes a concentrated quantity of those platelets and introduces them to the injury site for prompt repair. With more platelets at work, the injury can heal faster.

Who is a candidate for PRP treatment?
If you have suffered a sports injury, you may be a candidate for PRP treatment. However, only a qualified sports medicine doctor can assess the nature of your injury and determine if PRP treatment can provide relief. To see if PRP treatment is right for you, consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. Drew Stein can help you recover as quickly as possible from your sports injury with the help of PRP treatment. To learn more about this sports medicine technique, visit our website or call our New York City facility at (212) 398-2300 for an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.

Ankle Sprains: Symptoms and Evaluation

Have you suffered an ankle sprain? This video explains what signs to look for and how a sports medicine doctor can diagnose it.

Though they result from different injuries, both lateral and high ankle sprains produce similar symptoms. Many individuals who sprain their ankles will experience swelling at the ankle joint. Bruising might also appear, which can extend up the calf or down the foot. To assess whether your ankle is sprained, a sports medicine doctor will first ask about the circumstances surrounding your injury. Next, he will examine your ankle for signs of trauma and pain.

Dr. Drew Stein offers sports medicine treatment for patients in the New York City area. To make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, call (212) 398-2300.

What Is Golfer's Elbow and How Can You Prevent It?

Walking the links and hitting the court are great ways to have fun and get fit. However, sports like golf or tennis can lead to a condition called golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow typically arises when an active person participates in a sport that places stress on the wrist and hand. Golfers can experience this condition, but it’s not limited to only those who play 18 holes. Any athlete who frequently grips or throws with their hands can suffer from golfer’s elbow. With early detection and sports medicine treatment, you can reduce the risk of golfer’s elbow without having to give up your favorite sports.

Identifying Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow affects the muscles and connective tissues of the hands and wrist. When under stress, these structures often produce pain in the forearm. Some individuals with this condition may also find that their hands and wrists become weak, or they have bouts of numbness. You may experience discomfort and stiffness in the elbow as well.

Avoiding Golfer’s Elbow
If you love to play golf, tennis, or any other sport, you don’t have to give it up because of golfer’s elbow. Instead, be aware of circumstances that may cause the condition and take measures to correct them. In many cases, golfer’s elbow develops from improper form when you swing your club or racket. To prevent elbow pain, ask for an expert to evaluate your stance and follow-through to make sure you’re executing your movements as you should. Having outdated equipment can also lead to golfer’s elbow. If possible, trade in your old clubs for newer, lighter ones. If you still get golfer’s elbow despite your best efforts, consult a sports medicine specialist. Physical therapy, injections, and surgery, can alleviate persistent symptoms.

Do you have golfer’s elbow? Then call orthopedic surgeon Dr. Drew Stein at (212) 398-2300 for an appointment at our New York City facility. We offer personalized sports medicine treatment for patients suffering from a wide range of sports injuries, including golfer’s elbow.

Want To Know More About Your Injury? Take A Look At These Links

Sports injuries can cause pain and keep you out of the game. Check out the following information about injuries and orthopedic care to find out how your doctor can help you recover safely and swiftly.

• Chronic compartment syndrome, while not a surgical emergency, may still be best treated with orthopedic surgery. You can learn more by reading this page on the Mayo Clinic’s website. 
• Find out what physical therapists do and how they help you recover from injury successfully and safely by visiting MoveForwardPT.com. 
• Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and can in some cases lead to life-threatening complications. Livestrong.com outlines the dangers of abdominal compartment syndrome. 
• Is your leg pain caused by shin splints or compartment syndrome? Visit MassageToday.com to learn more about these two types of chronic pain. 
• What is physical therapy and how does it help relieve pain and restore the body? Learn more in this article on WebMD.com. 

Dr. Drew Stein specializes in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery in NYC. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stein by calling (212) 398-2300 to take the first step toward a successful recovery. Visit our website for more information about sports injuries, treatment, and prevention.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Physical Therapy Experience

After you suffer an injury or undergo surgery, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend physical therapy as a part of the recovery process. Physical therapy helps you to regain flexibility and strength after your body has been injured. It’s essential that you follow through with your physical therapy instructions, especially at home, to get the most out of your experience.

Discuss Your Pre-Injury Abilities
Physical therapy aims to return your body to its pre-injury fitness level. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist and discuss your fitness and flexibility levels before your injury. This will help them to understand your goals and develop a more effective, personalized physical therapy plan as you recover.

Ask Questions
Asking your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist questions throughout your recovery will help you to understand your condition as well as the importance of your therapy. Taking an active role in your recovery and establishing an open relationship with your physical therapist can help you to stay motivated. Rather than simply following instructions, you will understand how your physical therapy contributes to the current and future health of your body. 

Practice at Home
Your physical therapist will give you exercises and stretches to perform at home in between your appointments. It’s essential that you follow instructions and keep up with your therapy even when not in the therapist’s office. It is equally important that you not overextend your body or overreach your abilities while you are healing. Keep track of your daily routine and make note of any exercises you missed or were unable to perform. Your therapist can then tailor your program accordingly depending on how you are doing between appointments.

Make the most of your physical therapy and injury recovery with the help of Dr. Drew Stein. Dr. Stein provides orthopedic care and surgical treatment in New York with a specialty in sports medicine. You can schedule your appointment by calling (212) 398-2300 today. Click on our website for more information on orthopedic care and physical therapy.