• Can You Still Play Sports After a Shoulder Injury?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    If you’re an athlete with a shoulder injury, you may be wondering: can you still safely play sports after a shoulder injury? The good news is that, with the right treatment and rehabilitation plan, the answer is yes. Most athletes can successfully return to their favorite activities after a shoulder injury. Regardless of whether your injury is from baseball, tennis, swimming, or golf, your recovery depends on a careful balance of rest, rehabilitation, and progressive return-to-play strategies.

    Understanding Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

    Shoulder injuries are among the most common issues in sports medicine. According to a 2021 study published in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation from the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), nearly one-third of all shoulder injuries are sports-related. Common athletic shoulder injuries include:

    • Rotator cuff tears
    • SLAP tears (labrum injuries)
    • Shoulder dislocations and instability
    • Tendonitis or bursitis

    These conditions often result from repetitive strain or traumatic impact and require an individualized rehabilitation plan to safely return to play. Overhead and throwing athletes like baseball pitchers, volleyball players, and swimmers face an especially high risk because their shoulders endure those repetitive, high-stress motions.

    The Key to Playing Sports After a Shoulder Injury: Proper Diagnosis and Recovery

    Returning to sports after a shoulder injury begins with an accurate diagnosis and a structured recovery plan. As the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) emphasizes in its guide on working out after an injury, the first and most important step is to consult your doctor for a personalized game plan. Every sport places different demands on the body,  and no two injuries or athletes are the same. Your recovery should reflect your sport, skill level, and physical condition.

    However, common treatment plan may include:

    • Physical therapy and targeted shoulder strengthening
    • Manual therapy to restore range of motion
    • Guided progression to sport-specific activities
    • Surgical intervention (if necessary) for severe or chronic injuries

    Phases of Shoulder Rehabilitation

    Recovery from a shoulder injury follows several phases, and patience is crucial. As described in the AANA’s rehabilitation framework, athletes typically progress through four key stages:

    1. Acute Phase – Focuses on reducing inflammation, pain management, and gentle movement.

    2. Intermediate Phase – Introduces stretching and low-resistance strengthening.

    3. Advanced Phase – Begins dynamic and sport-specific strengthening with stability drills.

    4. Return-to-Activity Phase – The gradual return to sports with endurance and sport-specific programs.

    The ultimate goal is to regain full, pain-free motion, balanced shoulder strength, and confidence in your ability to perform without restriction. This structured approach helps to achieve full recovery of motion, stability, and strength

    Avoiding Setbacks When Returning to Sports

    One of the most common mistakes athletes make after an injury is returning too soon. As HSS experts note, don’t rush back too quickly. Your recovery should take twice as long as the time you were sidelined. If you were out for two weeks, plan for four weeks before returning to full performance.

    At Orthopaedic Specialists, we encourage patients to listen to their bodies. Pain is a signal, not a challenge. Pushing through pain or ignoring discomfort can lead to secondary injuries, often in the opposite shoulder or compensating muscles. Recovery is all about minimizing reinjury risk while maximizing performance.

    Tips for Safely Returning to Sports After a Shoulder Injury

    If you’re working on getting back to your favorite sport, keep these strategies in mind:

    1. Start small. Begin with light band exercises and low-resistance movements.
    2. Focus on form. Use proper mechanics to retrain shoulder stability.
    3. Prioritize flexibility. Incorporate daily mobility and stretching.
    4. Train the whole body. Strong core and leg muscles reduce shoulder load.
    5. Progress gradually. Build up to sport-specific drills, such as serves or throws, only when you are pain-free.

    Once you’re ready, start with partial play before returning to full intensity with exercises like light batting practice, easy golf chipping drills, or short tennis rallies.

    Long-Term Outlook: Yes, You Can Play Sports After a Shoulder Injury

    With proper care, most athletes make a full return to sports after a shoulder injury. Studies from the AANA Journal show that even professional athletes who undergo surgery for shoulder instability or rotator cuff repair achieve strong rates of return-to-play success. The key lies in following a gradual, evidence-based rehabilitation program and maintaining open communication with your orthopedic specialist.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Returning to Sports After a Shoulder Injury

    1. How long does it take to return to sports after a shoulder injury?

    Recovery time depends on injury type and severity. Mild strains may take 4–6 weeks, while surgical repairs can require 3–6 months.

    2. Can I prevent reinjury once I’m back to playing?

    Yes. Ongoing strength training, proper warm-ups, and regular stretching reduce reinjury risk. Cultivating your core and scapular stability is especially important for overhead athletes. Be sure to maintain proper posture, strengthen the rotator cuff, and continue flexibility training.

    3. When should I consider surgery for a sports shoulder injury?

    If pain persists after physical therapy or your shoulder is repeatedly reinjured, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Grossfeld performs minimally invasive shoulder procedures designed to restore function and stability for active patients. However, we will review all non-surgical options first and only recommend surgery when absolutely necessary.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a shoulder injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Heat vs. Ice for Arthritic Flare-Ups: Which Is Better?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Arthritic Flare-Up Triggers and Symptoms

    When arthritis pain strikes, one of the most common questions patients ask is whether to reach for a heating pad or an ice pack. While both can provide relief in certain situations, heat is generally the better choice for managing arthritic flare-ups.

    How Does Heat Help to Manage an Arthritic Flare-Up?

    Heat helps an arthritic flare-up by increasing blood flow to stiff joints and sore muscles, relaxing tight tissues, and easing discomfort. Warmth can reduce stiffness and improve flexibility, which makes it easier to move the affected joint.

    Moist heat, like a warm shower, a heating pad, or a microwavable moist pack, is especially effective because it penetrates deep into the tissues.

    When is Ice Helpful for Injuries?

    Ice is most helpful immediately after an acute injury or when there’s significant swelling. It helps the body by constricting blood vessels, numbing the nerves temporarily to decrease pain, and slowing circulation to the area.

    Choose Heat for Arthritic Flare-Ups

    Arthritis is typically a chronic, inflammatory process. Cold can sometimes make joints feel tighter and more painful. This is why, for most people with arthritis, daily gentle heat therapy offers the best results.

    Try applying warmth for 15–20 minutes at a time, especially before exercise or stretching. Always use a moderate temperature to avoid burns. When it comes to soothing arthritic pain and restoring mobility, heat wins out as the most comforting and effective choice.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritic Flare-Ups

    1. What is an arthritic flare-up?

    An arthritic flare-up is a period of time when those who suffer from chronic arthritis experience worsening symptoms of arthritis. Flare-ups can happen even when you are taking medication for relief, or have been taking steps to manage your arthritis (Arthritis Foundation). Symptoms can include increased pain and stiffness, swelling and redness, and limited range of motion (The Jackson Clinics Physical Therapy).

    2. What triggers flare-ups?

    Sometimes, flare-ups happen whether you are doing everything right or not. However, there are triggers that can lead to a higher risk of flare-ups. These triggers can include:

    • Overdoing physical activity, especially motions that are repetitive or target arthritic joints.
    • Illnesses and infections that lower the body’s ability to fight off flare-ups of inflammation.
    • Stress or emotional distress.
    • Changes in the weather, temperature, or barometric pressure. This is largely a mystery, but doctors theorize that as the weather gets colder, the fluid in joint capsules gets thicker, which may contribute to worsening flare-ups.
    • Forgetting to take your medicine, taking medication incorrectly, or changing medications.
    • Poor sleep habits.
    • A poor diet or sudden change in your diet.
    • Lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.

    3. How long do they last?

    Arthritic flare-ups can last from days to months. This is largely dependent on how you manage flare-ups, and how you shift your lifestyle, if necessary. If you are taking measures to manage your arthritis, you may experience less frequent or less extensive flare-ups, but there is no definitive time measurement as it varies so greatly.

    4. How else can I manage a flare-up?

    You can manage arthritic flare-ups in several ways that can include both surgical and non-surgical options.

    1. Change your workouts to focus more on arthritis-friendly movements and exercises like swimming, water aerobics, yoga, or e-biking.
    2. See a doctor to talk about your options for treatments like corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or surgical procedures like knee replacements.
    3. Use assistive devices like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or walkers.
    4. Take advantage of heat therapy.
    5. Identify and avoid triggers in your diet, exercises, and stress levels. The more you are familiar with your body and its triggers, the better you can manage your arthritic flare-ups.

    Do I Need a Referral to See an Orthopedic Specialist?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    With so many specialists out there, sometimes it can be confusing to know who to go to for your pain. Orthopaedic doctors deal with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions and soft-tissue injuries. Most sports injury doctors are orthopedic doctors, along with surgeons that operate on joints and broken bones. That covers a lot of pain and injury cases, so it may seem logical to head straight to an orthopedic doctor. However, you may need a referral to see an orthopedic specialist, depending on your insurance plan.

    Many plans, particularly Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), allow you to see a specialist directly. Other plans, like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), typically require a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) before you can see a specialist. You can see what type of plan you are on normally by looking at your health insurance card. However, if you want more confirmation on specific questions, contact your insurance company. You can always talk to them in order to understand your specific plan’s requirements and ensure the specialist you want to go to is in-network.

    Additionally, the specialist that you want to see will also have to accept your insurance. You can usually find this information on their website, but can definitely call and ask as well. Orthopaedic Specialists accepts most insurance plans, with the exception of Medicaid and Passport insurance plans.

    Other Plans:

    Some plans, like Medicare Advantage plans, may have their own referral or prior authorization requirements.

    How to Find Out if Your Insurance Plan Has Their Own Referral Process:

    1. Check your Insurance Card: Your insurance card often has your plan details and the phone number for your insurance provider.
    2. Call Your Insurance Company: If you cannot locate your plan details, contact your insurance provider directly and ask about the referral requirements for seeing an orthopedic specialist under your specific plan.
    3. Visit Your Insurance Provider’s Website or Mobile App: You can often find detailed information about your plan and its requirements online or on a designated app that you log into for personal account details.

    Important Considerations

    Orthopedic doctors can help you with a lot of different aches, pains, and injuries. However, you are the one who ultimately decides if a specialists is the right choice for you and your situation. Out-of-network costs can affect a lot of medical decisions. Even in-network specialists may have caveats, like co-payments or other fees. Be sure to do your research before visiting to avoid any unexpected costs. Of course, if you do not have health insurance or your insurance plan does not cover an orthopedic doctor, you will usually have a self-pay option like you do at Orthopaedic Specialists.

    What To Bring if Your Visit is Covered By Insurance

    At Orthopaedic Specialists, if your visit is covered by insurance, we ask that you arrive ten minutes early to fill out paperwork and bring the following to your first appointment:

    • Shorts or sleeveless shirt if being seen for your knee or shoulder.
    • Insurance card or worker’s compensation information.
    • Government issued ID; example: driver’s license.
    • Preferred pharmacy location information.
    • Co-pay if required, cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted)
    • Prior imaging studies if possible.
    • Prior Orthopaedic medical records if possible.
    • List of current medications.

    If you need help getting a referral, give us a call! We’ll be more than happy to talk to you about your options.

    If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    When Can a Broken Clavicle Sling Come Off?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Clavicle fractures and breaks are common injuries, but thankfully not ones that normally require surgery. However, in order to help the bone heal and set in the correct position, orthopedic doctors usually give patients a sling to wear that supports the arm. Because the collarbone joins the shoulder joint to the breastbone, immobilizing the arm is an important part of recovery. But, when can a broken clavicle sling come off?

    Broken Clavicle Stages of Healing

    How long a broken collarbone takes to heal is dependent on several factors, including:

    • Age: Clavicle fractures in children younger than 8 years old may only take 4-5 weeks to heal completely. In adolescents, 6-8 weeks is the average. In older teens and adults, healing can take up to 12 weeks to heal.
    • Location of the Fracture: A fracture can occur in a mid-shaft, distal, or proximal location and affect the healing time if it requires surgery.
    • Type of Fracture: Singular fractures describe a collarbone with only one break. A comminuted fracture has more than one break, and takes longer to heal than a singular fracture. Other types of fractures are displaced (when a bone moves out of position) and undisplaced (when a bone remains aligned).

    Non-Surgical Treatment and Healing

    In a non-surgical case, a sling helps patients to immobilize the injury and prevent further damage. Due to where the clavicle sits in the body, a normal cast is ineffective. A sling keeps the shoulder in an optimal healing position, which then restricts the movement of the clavicle.

    If your injury does not require surgery, your doctor may tell you that you can remove your broken clavicle sling once most of the pain goes away. This can be as early as 2-4 weeks into recovery, but will be mostly dependent on pain level and the factors mentioned above. Every case is different, and you should wait until your doctor tells you that it is okay to stop wearing the sling at night or during the day. You can take the sling off to bathe, but still take care and avoid moving your shoulder too much.

    Surgical Treatment and Healing

    If your collarbone fracture did require surgery, then the sling may plan an even more important part in your recovery process than in a non-surgical case. The sling not only prevents a lot of pain as it does in non-surgical cases, but also protects any surgical wounds while they heal. This could be external, like stitches, staples, and other suture wounds, or internal, like screws and plates.

    In surgical cases, slings are normally not removed before 4 weeks at minimum. Your orthopedic doctor will give you the go-ahead once tests and imaging results show proper healing. However, if you are reckless with the injury as it heals without a sling, there is a chance that you may need to wear it again. Take care of your injury!

    Visit Orthopaedic Specialists for Advice on Your Broken Clavicle Sling

    If you or someone you love has suffered a collarbone injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    5 Common Surgeries a Knee Orthopedic Surgeon Performs

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Orthopedic surgeons are doctors that focus on the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues like cartilage, nerves, ligaments and tendons. However, if an orthopedic surgeon is performing surgery, it is most likely going to be on a joint. Shoulders, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, and ankles are all vulnerable because of how much we use them every day. Because they are effected by the surrounding joints of the hips and ankles, knees can be particularly vulnerable. Especially considering that they are a weight-bearing joint. A knee orthopedic surgeon can perform several different surgeries for various conditions and injuries, but some of the most common knee surgeries preformed include:

    1. Total Knee Replacement:

    Total knee replacement is also known as knee arthroplasty. This surgery replaces the damaged surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella with artificial components. It’s often recommended for severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Degenerative arthritis can result from damaging, repetitive motion or trauma, which is why athletes, people suffering from obesity, and manual labor workers commonly need total knee replacement surgery as they age.

    2. Partial Knee Replacement:

    Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint. The knee is dived into 3 major compartments:

    1. Medial Compartment (Inside of the Knee)
    2. Lateral Compartment (Outside of the Knee)
    3. Patellofemoral Compartment (Top/Front of the Knee)

    Because it preserves more healthy bone and cartilage tissue, the procedure oftentimes allows patients to have a shorter recovery. Most patients who undergo partial knee replacements also suffer from osteoarthritis, but only in part of the knee.

    3. ACL Reconstruction:

    This surgery repairs or replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is a major ligament in the knee that provides stability during pivoting and twisting motions. Several athletes in soccer, football, tennis, basketball, and other sports that require quick direction turns are at risk of torn or damaged ACLs. Slippery or uneven surfaces can also contribute to a torn ACL in non-athletes.

    4. Arthroscopy:

    Knee arthroscopies can also be known as knee scopes. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various knee problems, such as cartilage tears, meniscus (MCL) tears, and plica (tissue folds) problems. It is different than the other surgeries preformed because sometimes, it doesn’t fix the issue, it only diagnoses it. But, because it is minimally invasive, it can tell a knee orthopedic surgeon much more about whether a knee injury needs additional surgery or if it can be solved with non-surgical treatments.

    5. Meniscus Repair/Meniscectomy:

    The meniscus is a cartilage structure that cushions the knee joint. Meniscectomy involves removing a torn meniscus, while meniscus repair involves suturing the torn meniscus to promote healing. There are several factors for a torn meniscus that come into play when it comes to the best treatments.

    • Meniscus injuries can result both from degenerative reasons or from acute trauma, which will affect the pain level that a patient feels.
    • Not all locations of the meniscus connect to the body’s blood flow, which means that some areas cannot heal on their own.
    • Some meniscal tears may detach part of the meniscus from itself, which prohibits natural healing.
    • There are stable and unstable tears that may affect whether the meniscus moves abnormally.
    • There are 6 different tear patterns that will affect its ability to heal naturally and on its own.

    Knee Orthopedic Surgeon in Louisville, KY

    Knee orthopedic surgeons can administer and oversee non-surgical options, but when the pain gets too severe or an injury cannot heal on its own, surgery can help mitigate symptoms. If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Employee Spotlight of the Month: Bailey Belcher

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s employee spotlight, Bailey Belcher!

    Bailey Belcher Barrel Racing

    When you come into our office here at Orthopaedic Specialists, our staff shows you the kindness, professionalism, and patience that you would expect from an orthopedic doctor’s office. You see the smiles, you hear the laughs, you witness them in action. But, each of our staff members has an exciting and unique life outside of work, and we like the share snippets every so often when something really exciting happens—like buying a mini donkey! Meet Bailey Belcher, our resident MA/LMR (X-Ray Tech), and her new furry friend, Tucker.

    About Bailey Belcher

    Bailey Belcher has officially been working at Orthopaedic Specialists since December 2020 after she graduated from ATA College. But, her journey with us actually started before that, as an intern during her final year of school. She came to us and we never let her go! She has been a steady and important presence around the office for going on almost 5 years now, and we couldn’t imagine our team without her.

    “I love everybody here,” Bailey says about working at Orthopaedic Specialists. “My boss is the best, she’s so funny! This is only my second job ever and I can’t imagine it gets any better than working here.”

    We’re very lucky to have snatched her up before anyone else could hire her!

    Barrel Racing and Horse Riding

    Bailey Belcher Posing with HorseLife isn’t all about work, and balancing hobbies on top of a profession can be a difficult thing to do. But, for Bailey, her hobbies have been a part of her life for over a decade now.

    Her story of how she grew up riding horses with her family and the opportunities that is has brought her is one that we love hearing. She says, “I’ve ridden horses since I was practically a baby. My grandma would put a pillow in front of her in the saddle and let me ride with her, and by the time I was 3 years old, I could ride totally by myself. I started barrel racing in 7th grade at age 12 after years of trail riding, and it just came pretty naturally to me.”

    Bailey Belcher Riding HorseBailey exercises her horses 2-3 times a week, and races on the majority of her weekends. Since she began competing, Bailey has competed in and won a variety of different state and national championships and competes at the highest rank of barrel racing. She loves the speed and the challenge of the sport, and has competed in many different places, including cities around Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and even Texas, where she was able to compete in the world’s largest rodeo. The rodeo, RFD TV’s The American, is only attended by 250 of the best riders with their horses the world.

    What About the Mini Donkey?

    Horses are highly social herd animals. In the wild, herds can have up to 130 horses in them, broken down into smaller herds with unique social hierarchies. Domesticated horses need to have the same social opportunities. It’s why you rarely see only one horse in a pasture. But, companions for horses don’t always need to be another horse.

    While Bailey and her family have several horses, their newest addition is a mini donkey by the name of Tucker. Bailey got Tucker as a companion for her horse, and he has been hee-hawing his way into our hearts. We just couldn’t help but share him with you!

    If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Osteoporosis bone model

    There are some conditions of the body that have causes still unknown to us. However, with studies and the technology of modern medicine, there are several that have established causes and risk factors that can help people seek preventative measures before symptoms of conditions become severe. Osteoporosis is one of these conditions. Moreso than other conditions, risk factors of osteoporosis are important to take into account because of the normal lack of symptoms.

    What is Osteoporosis?

    Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes a decrease in bone mineral density and bone mass. This makes bones brittle and very susceptible to fractures, breaks, and deformities. As we age, usually after the age of 30, bone density is lost faster than it is created, which is when the risk of osteoporosis becomes higher. While there are some treatments available for osteoporosis, prevention is far more effective than treatment.

    Prevention methods include having a calcium and Vitamin D-rich diet and exercising regularly. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and calcium is what helps to build bone density. Men between 18-70 and women between 18-70 should be getting 1,000-2,000 mg of calcium per day. Supplements can help if your diet does not allow for that much calcium, but eating well is a cornerstone to health, and incorporating calcium-rich foods can help people take steps towards a long-term healthy lifestyle.

    Exercising can help to build strong bones and supporting muscles to protect you as you go about your daily life. People should be combining weight-bearing exercises with balance and flexibility exercises. Weight-bearing exercises can include walking, jogging, lifting weights, skipping rope, and impact sports while balance and flexibility exercises include yoga, active stretching, tai chi, and calisthenics.

    Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

    There are some risk factors of osteoporosis that people can change, and others that people cannot change.

    Risk factors that you cannot change:

    • Gender: Women have a higher risk of osteoporosis because they generally have less bone tissue and experience hormonal changes after menopause.
    • Age: Anyone older than 50 likely have been experiencing bone density loss for ~20 years and go through hormonal and physical changes at this point that may make exercise and other preventative measures more difficult.
    • Body size: Petite people have less bone mass than larger people, and therefore have a lower peak bone mass.
    • Ethnicity: White and Asian women are generally more at risk for osteoporosis.
    • Family history: Interestingly, those who have family histories of broken hips or fractures, as well as other conditions like IBS, arthritis, eating disorders, and others are more likely to get osteoporosis.

    Risk factors that you can change:

    • Hormone levels: People with naturally-low hormones such as testosterone or estrogen can affect bone density, but hormone therapy and medication can help correct levels.
    • Eating disorders: Disorders like anorexia, which can cause nutrient deficiencies, or bulimia, which can cause obesity and put excess strain onto people’s bones, contribute to factors that lead to osteoporosis.
    • Diet and vitamin intake: Diets that lack the necessary vitamins and nutrients that allow bone density to grow can contribute to osteoporosis.
    • Medication use: Long-term use of medications like corticosteroids or other high-risk medications can disrupt the body’s natural production of bone density.
    • Lifestyle choices: Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to weaker bones and an overall less healthy body to fight diseases like osteoporosis.

    The Importance of Recovery

    Taking care of your body when you are young and still building your body’s bone density is a big part of prevention. You cannot exercise when you have an injury, and injuries that do not heal correctly weaken the bone and surrounding muscle, which are put at a higher risk of reinjury in the future. Whether you are a serious athlete or just a hobbyist, recovery is a crucial part of your future. Take physical therapy seriously, listen to your body, and learn to think about how your decisions now will affect your body in the future.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a bone break or fracture injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month: Shana Andres

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient in the spotlight, Shana Andres!

    Shana Andres Headshot

    Shana (pronounced Shay-na) Andres is an OT (occupational therapist) originally from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and proudly calls herself a Hoosier. She attended Indiana University Southeast (IUS), where she played softball and earned a degree in Sociology and minored in Religion. After college, she pursued a career in occupational therapy. She completed OT school at Spalding University in Louisville, and her early career took her out west as a travel therapist. Eventually, though, she returned to her roots at home in Indiana and began specializing in hand therapy.

    Shana discovered a true passion for helping others regain function and independence. She focuses on upper extremity orthopedic rehabilitation. In 2023, she became a Certified Hand Therapist. She is also certified in dry needling for the upper extremity. Shana finds joy in connecting with patients and seeing their progress. She values the hands-on nature of her work and the difference it makes in people’s lives.

    Dr. Grossfeld and Shana AndresOutside of work, Shana enjoys life with her wife, their two children, and their family dog. They love spending time outdoors, and her hobbies include biking, exercising, camping, cooking, and relaxing in a hammock.

    Shana has a special connection to Orthopaedic Specialists. Years ago, during her time as a collegiate athlete, she was a patient of Dr. Grossfeld’s for a knee injury. But, just recently, she also returned to visit and shadow Dr. Grossfeld in the clinic.

    We loved having her around, and we’re proud to feature Shana this month to celebrate her journey from patient to dedicated healthcare professional!

    If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    What is a Buckle Fracture?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Buckle Fracture in Arm

    A buckle fracture, otherwise known as a torus fracture or impacted fracture, is a common broken bone in children under the age of 12. Unlike complete breaks, buckle fractures don’t go all the way through the bone. This makes them more stable and less severe. They occur when a bone compresses suddenly, such as when a child uses their wrist to break a fall or lands on their feet harshly.

    While rare, buckle fractures can happen in adults. This usually affects flat bones like the ribs, or in people with osteoporosis. Children are more at risk of a buckle fracture because their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. When the bone compresses, it bends outward, similar to crushing a soda can without breaking it. This leaves a bump at the site of the injury.

    Where Can a Buckle Fracture Form?

    Buckle fractures form near where compression and impact might take place. Usually, it affects the radius and ulna, which connect the wrist to the elbow; however, it can also affect bones like:

    • The femur (thigh)
    • The tibia (shin)
    • The fibula (calf)
    • The humerus (upper arm)

    Symptoms of a Buckle Fracture

    Symptoms of a buckle fracture include:

    • Pain at the injury site
    • Swelling
    • Bruising or tenderness
    • A noticeable bump or deformity
    • Refusal to use the affected arm or leg

    Never ignore a suspected buckle fracture. While the bone will normally heal without any deformities or instability, untreated fractures can lead to worse symptoms or improper healing. If your child has intense pain, severe swelling, or visible deformity, seek emergency care immediately.

    Buckle Fracture Treatment

    Diagnosing a buckle fracture usually involves a physical exam and an X-ray to confirm the fracture and check bone alignment. Because buckle fractures don’t go through the entire bone, they’re very stable and heal faster than most other fractures. Most children heal with a simple splint or removable brace to help with pain and swelling; surgery is not needed for buckle fractures.

    A brace can be removed for bathing and sometimes for sleeping or activities like swimming as healing progresses. However, until the injury heals fully, your child should wear the brace when possible. Once the pain is gone, they can stop using it. Most children only need the brace for 3 to 4 weeks. After that, they can return to regular activities.

    Recovery

    If your child is in a lot of pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort during recovery. No prescription medicines will be necessary during recovery. Children typically return to school during recovery but should avoid sports until their symptoms fully resolve. They can usually resume all physical activities about a month after the injury, once cleared by their provider. Since these fractures don’t involve the growth plate, there’s no risk of bone length differences or long-term deformities or complications.

    How to Prevent Buckle Fractures

    You can reduce your child’s risk for buckle fractures by following basic safety practices, such as:

    • Wearing proper sports gear
    • Keeping floors clutter-free
    • Using seatbelts
    • Avoiding standing on furniture
    • Encouraging a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D

    Buckle Fracture Doctor in Louisville, KY

    If you or someone you love has suffered a buckle fracture or broken bone injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Patient of the Month: Tonya Lowe

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Meet this month’s patient in the spotlight, Tonya Lowe!

    Tonya Lowe, Owner of Blondie & Jim's Bistro

    Orthopaedic Specialists is a steadfast supporter of local small businesses and women-owned businesses, as we’re fortunate enough to be both. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our incredible patients who inspire us with their resilience, determination, and positivity throughout their healing journeys. This month, we’re honored to feature Tonya Lowe, a dynamic entrepreneur, devoted family woman, and someone whose strength both inside and out continues to motivate everyone around her.

    Tonya Lowe: A Woman of Many Talents

    Tonya is a powerhouse of creativity, business smarts, and community spirit. As the author of the best-selling book “Breathe, Believe, and Bounce Into It,” Tonya shares her journey navigating the two worlds of entrepreneurship and family. She outlines her own experience chasing her dreams while maintaining her role as a devoted wife, mother, and now, soon-to-be grandmother. Her story is one of tenacity and self-belief, a message that has inspired countless readers.

    Beyond her work as an author, Tonya is the proud owner of Blondie & Jim’s Bistro, a popular restaurant in Norton Commons known for its welcoming atmosphere and flavorful, healthy take on Southern cuisine and community classes and events. She also runs Keep It Spicy, a gourmet smoked seasoning company unique to Louisville. When she’s not juggling her multiple ventures, Tonya loves riding her bike and exploring new places through travel—activities that bring her both joy and peace.

    A Challenging Setback

    Like so many active individuals, Tonya’s journey took a turn when an old meniscus tear turned into a new knee injury and began to significantly impact her life. With the addition of arthritis, she experienced limited mobility. Daily tasks like standing for extended periods or climbing stairs became painful and discouraging.

    “For someone who’s always on the move running a business, writing, or spending time with family, not being able to stand for more than 3–4 hours at a time has really held me back,” Tonya shares. “I used to love bike riding, and now it’s something I really miss.”

    Tonya’s injury has not only affected her professional life but also touched the most personal parts of her day-to-day routine. As she looks forward to the arrival of her first grandbaby, she is also working to return to a place where she can comfortably play and interact without pain.

    The Road to Recovery

    Tonya is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and while her journey is still in progress, the signs of improvement are already bringing hope. “I’m slowly getting back to going up and down the stairs with a little less pain,” she says. Her commitment to healing and her positive attitude toward the recovery process are inspiring reminders that progress, even when gradual, is still progress worth celebrating.

    Tonya represents the best of what it means to be a Patient of the Month; not just for her strength in recovery, but for the energy and purpose she brings to every role in her life. We are proud to be part of Tonya’s journey and excited to see her continue to heal and thrive. Congratulations, Tonya, and thank you for letting us be a part of your incredible story!

    If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.