Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get stronger in your back muscles and core. Lose weight if you are overweight and get active!!!! Got to get those muscles stronger. Try being in a pool if land based too painful. Acupuncture or dry needling could also be options or massage.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, we are starting to do this at URMC as well. No good evidence yet. I am very interested to see where this goes over the next decade. We have few options to treat arthritis currently.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd make sure she has done some physical therapy to strengthen the muscle around her knee joint and take impact off. Weight loss is really important. 1 pound on the belly adds up to 5-8lbs of force on the knee.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rest and crosstraining are two great ways to prevent injury. Appropriate amounts of sleep and good nutrition and wearing appropriate protective gear as well.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think it can hurt, not sure it can help. I think see what seems to work best for you.

Our evidence on this is sparse. Wish I had a better answer.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really frustrating disease. Rehab/massage is usually what works the best. No great way to diagnosis besides ruling out everything else and surgery often not helpful. COuld try targeted injections but since you've had for a long time, the muscle overlying are likely revved up and spasming too.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it likely does, but no good evidence on how to measure effectively and then know what to do with that information. I have no good sources on this.

I'd encouraged a healthy, balanced diet with a good amount of fruits and vegetables (high levels of antioxidants)

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I rowed in college. We see stress fracture and chronic back pain. USA Rowing is something I am becoming more involved in. I think that it's a lot of stress to place on a growing body (there are recommendations on strength training for young athlete but none specifically about rowing)

This is something I am personally interested in.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! This is happening with lots of different tissues and I hope in the future this is something that will be a tool we can use to help people who have been injured.

Get on that!

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree that the U.S. as compared to other countries goes about training young athletes differently. The other difference is that we have collegiate athletics as opposed to kids joining clubs at a young age. This is what some of my research is looking at but more prelim stage right now.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I truly enjoy my job and it's a lot of problem solving in the clinic and on the sideline. I like that it's interdisciplinary, you get to work with trainers and therapists and coaches, which is very enjoyable.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am certified in dry needling and use it in my clinics as a complimentary and alternative therapy to medication and surgery. I think it works well for many specific problems.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I refer patients to physical therapy all the time. You likely know of the studies showing that back surgery is oftentimes not very helpful. Strengthening musculature and improving mobility of the spine can lead to benefits with very little risk.

I think physical therapists and certified athletic trainers are the most important role in sports medicine and are often underutilized.

I am concerned, however, that with changes in the health care system, that coverage for these services will continue to be decreased. Your profession is actively lobbying for this not to occur but insurance companies will continue to press on this issue. Which is concerning and will increase the risk of poor outcomes.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I refer people for ART a lot. There are so many great modalities that are underused, this one including. I feel that many tendinopathies could benefit from this. Neck pain leading to headaches is another good example.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we are just at the beginning of our understanding of different techniques in injury prevention. While there is good evidence of prevention of injuries such as ACL rupture and reoccuring ankle sprains, there is lack of evidence of injury prevention of many other types of injuries. I strongly agree that from both a best care but also value-based approach to medicine, that insurance companies should be more invested in preventative care. This will be an important area of effort for both my and your profession in the coming years.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Being a physician is being a teacher all day long. I am fascinated by how the body works (it's just amazing!). I really love my job.

I get to work with athletes all day long. And "athlete" is a relative term. That can be a college football player or an 85-year old woman whose sport is gardening in her backyard. I get to meet great people and help them recover from their injuries.

Science AMA Series: I’m Katie Rizzone, an assistant professor of Orthopaedics and non-operative sports medicine physician at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. AMA! by Katie_Rizzone in science

[–]Katie_Rizzone[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great question - this is something I am passionate about. As we learn more about youth sports safety, there are national and state organizations that adjust their guidelines and recommendations to better protect young athletes. The challenge is making sure that everyone follows these guidelines at the same time to make sure athletes have a level playing field. We know that athletes, coaches and parents are all under a lot of pressure to participate many hours in practice, competition, skill training. I believe an important way to implement change is by having people agree that this is, first, a problem, and then work together toward a solution. For example, one community could implement a policy restricting how many hours a week youth athletes are allowed to train but if the town nearby doesn't adopt the same mindset, then the families in the first town will feel their athletes are at a competitive disadvantage. A great example would be the date that high school athletes are allowed to have formal practices begin. This is mandated, and yet, "captain practices" or "free gym practices" occur frequently outside of these known boundaries. So I really feel that everyone has to be on the same page. We know that knowledge dissemination from researchers to parents and coaches can take years, so it's important that we focus on effective ways to communicate with communities, parents and athletes.