Whether you’re a competitive athlete, an active adult or someone who wants to stay active without pain, injuries and orthopedic conditions can affect your quality of life. That’s where sports medicine orthopedic surgeons play an important role.
Dr. Gary Ackerman and Dr. John Randazzo, sports medicine orthopedic surgeons at Palm Beach Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, specialize in treating injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries and shoulder dislocations. Their training also helps active individuals of all ages prevent, diagnose, treat and recover from conditions affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.
Dr. Ackerman treats players with the Houston Astros, bringing professional sports medicine experience to local patients. But he stresses that sports medicine isn’t just for elite athletes.
“Many people think sports medicine is only for athletes,” says Dr. Ackerman. “But it’s really for anyone who wants to stay active, recover from an injury or improve their overall health and mobility.”
More Than Sports Injuries
Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. While they frequently care for athletes, they also help weekend warriors, active adults, students and people injured during everyday activities.
Common conditions include rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability and dislocations, ACL and meniscus injuries, tendon and ligament tears, cartilage injuries, fractures, overuse injuries, joint pain and arthritis.
Their goal is to relieve pain, restore function and help patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.
A Comprehensive Approach to Care
Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. In many cases, surgery is not the first step.
Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, joint injections, rehabilitation programs, and strength-and-conditioning recommendations.
“Our goal is always to identify the treatment option that best fits a patient’s injury, lifestyle and goals,” says Dr. Randazzo.
When Surgery Is Needed
When surgery is the best option, sports medicine orthopedic surgeons use a variety of techniques to restore mobility and promote recovery.
Common procedures include ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, rotator cuff repair, labral repair, cartilage restoration procedures, shoulder stabilization surgery and arthroscopic surgery. Many can be performed using minimally invasive techniques that may result in less pain and faster recovery.
When to Seek Care
Consider an evaluation if you have persistent pain, an injury that hasn’t improved with rest, joint instability, limited range of motion or pain that interferes with daily activities. Early treatment can often prevent injuries from worsening.
“We help patients get back to doing what they enjoy most, whether that’s playing sports, staying active or keeping up with everyday life,” Dr. Randazzo says. “Seeing them return to those activities with confidence is incredibly rewarding.”
For more information, or to make an appointment please visit palmbeachhealthnetwork.com
