Podcast Archives - Page 22 of 83 - The Sports Medicine Broadcast

March 6, 2020March 2, 2020

Athletic Shoulder – Stephen Simonich – 619

What does the Athletic Sholder look like in 2019?

Dr. Stephen Simonich, MD joins us today to talk about the athletic shoulder from the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Update.

Ever wondered how to explain the rotator cuff as a secondary stabilizer in the GH joint to either your athlete or their family? Dr. Simonich has the perfect analogy.

He tells his patients that it is like if I were to take a big exercise ball in my right arm and pull it into my chest. My chest would be the socket, the exercise ball my humeral head, my arm would be the rotator cuff and my hand the tendons of the cuff. That demonstration can help show how difficult it is for the rotator cuff to stabilize the joint.

What are the two types of shoulder dislocations, where do you see them and how should we treat them?

TUBS (Traumatic Unilateral Bankart Surgical) and AMBRI (atraumatic multidirectional bilateral rehab rarely inferior capsular shift) are the two types of dislocations.

You will see TUBS is most often in contact or collision sports like football or rugby. AMBRI is seen often in swimmers especially at the end of a long season.

Post a TUBS dislocation and relocation Dr. Simonich likes to use the apprehension test as an indicator of further treatment. He also uses athlete age (young athletes have a high rate of recurrence) individual goals, sport played and level of participation as indicators for surgery. Surgery reduces the high rate of recurrence in young athletes.

What are the types of AC joint separation and how do you treat them?

AC joint separations are relatively easy to see and cause biplanar instability. There are 5 types with Type I and II requiring conservative treatment, Type III going either way but trending non-operatively and Type IV V VI requiring reconstruction with a joint tie-down.

Clavicle fracture treatments have changed throughout the years due to research. What does the current research say?

Prior to 06’-07’ most clavicle fractures were treated non operatively. Research was introduced in two studies in those years that saw a better union rate with fixation in the clavicle post-fracture and surgeons began to surgically treat and fixate.

In 2017 a new study showed that while the rate of union is still higher in clavicle fractures with fixation, fixation doesn’t improve shoulder function nor does it decrease limitations in the shoulder. Dr. Simonich will put a plate to fixate the clavicle on an athlete with shortening, displacement, or comminution because they get faster healing rates, are more predictable and can get them back to their sports.

Watch the Athletic Shoulder 2019 presentation on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/2274909885935150/

Contact Us

Stephen Simonich – (713) 486-9800

Contact Us:

Jeremy Jackson

Shawn Ready – shawnreadyatc@gmail.com

Dr. Mark Knoblauch – maknobla@Central.UH.EDU

Dr. Layci Harrison – lharris5@Central.UH.EDU

Bob Marley – Bob.Marley@uth.tmc.edu

ATCornerPodcast – ATCornerds@gmail.com

Joseph Eberhardt – eberhardtj@pearlandisd.org

Christina Fry – fryc@pearlandisd.org

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Compression Product Roundtable – 618

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Today on the podcast Robbie Jenkins from Rapid Reboot talks all things compression therapy in our Compression Roundtable.

Compression Products Roundtable, compression roundtable, robbie Jenkins; mike mckenney

What is Rapid Reboot?

Rapid Reboot is a company that specializes in dynamic compression technology that gives you more value for your money.

Robbie and the team at Rapid Reboot felt like there was a unique opportunity to add more to the market of compression therapy. They worked to offer more applications and educate on the many opportunities compression therapy has to benefit our athletes.

What benefits does compression therapy offer?

Most often people think of compression therapy in terms of recovery. Robbie explains that there are many more uses for dynamic compression. Compression can be beneficial to fluid replacement, lymphatic drainage, injury prevention, and pre-workout, pre-game.

How do you educate on the treatment of the lymphatic system since it is a delicate system that doesn’t require a great deal of pressure?

The lymphatic system is unlike other systems in the body in that it doesn’t pump. Evidence doesn’t support using tight as possible to treat it. Robbie recommends that you use well below 100mmHG of pressure if there is a lymphatic issue. However, for healthy individuals that don’t have lymphatic issues you can have 200-300mmHG of pressure combined with sped-up cycle times.

Are there contraindications for the use of dynamic compression therapy?

Yes. DVT, blood clots, as well as post-cancer patients, are contraindications to utilizing compression therapy. DVT is a different scenario as compression therapy is contraindicated if a DVT is present, however, compression therapy has been shown to prevent DVT’s. Surgeons often prescribe compression therapy immediately post-op to prevent the formation of them.

Robbie reminds us that Rapid Reboot is FDA approved and regulated for over the counter use.

What research is available or what is the best practice for the use of compression therapy?

Physicians that Rapid Reboot has spoken to highlight how dynamic compression can help with venous return and how important that is to the cyclical nature of our vascular system.

Robbie finds that with the fluid gathering that tends to happen in our lower extremities due to gravity that the Lower Extremity boots are most beneficial to the entire body, though he loves the hip attachment, as well as probably most beneficial to athletes as all utilize the lower body.

What is one thing Robbie wants AT’s to know regarding dynamic compression therapy?

Don’t put it into one box. Dynamic compression therapy has many benefits, can be used multiple times per day and is safe to use for as long as you want. Pre/post workout and games, prevention as well as post-injury, tight muscles or DOMS are many of the uses for this therapy.

Watch the live stream:

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/638522486651121/

Previous Compression Roundtable conversations

Recovery Pump with Brian Carberry

Call to Action

Instagram us with your favorite uses of compression products @SportsMedicineBroadcast

Contact Us

Jeremy Jackson

Jeremy Jackson – Host of The Sports Medicine Broadcast

John Ciecko – jciecko@bloomfield.org

Alisha M Pennington – alisha@theatvantage.com

Mike McKenney – m.mckenney@northeastern.edu

Mike Hopper – Mike.Hopper@bishoplynch.org

Clint Sanders – clint@dragonflyathletics.com

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

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February 26, 2020February 21, 2020

Compex Live – 617

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We have been testing the units and now Brandon Hearn – Product Guru for Compex – joins the Sports Medicine Broadcast to discuss Compex live. We have lots of questions and he has lots of answers.

“The Compex is not Complex” – Brandon Hearn

Do you have a Compex Unit?

We plan to have another discussion down the road but what tips, tricks, or uses have you found for helping athletes (yourself included) to recover and heal using NMES units like Compex?

What questions do you need answers to?

Compex Live; Compex Edge, NMES; AT Uses; Brandon Hearn

Want a sweet deal?

During our Compex live podcast, Brandon extends a pretty sweet deal towards the end of the show for podcast listeners. You can get one of the upper-level units for a base unit price.

Buying through an approved vendor?

MioTech has great prices and great customer service.

Current prices for the units discussed:

Fix Massage Gun – $165
Theragun G3Pro – $599
Marc Pro – $655
Compex Edge 2.0 – $140

Best use ideas to get started?

If you are brand new to (or taken an extended break from) exercise then START SLOW…

John, Sofia, myself and Coach Caballero all went way too heavy to start.

We were struggling to walk, tie shoes or do most things normally. SO BE WARNED!!!

Using squats as an example:

Hook the pads up as shown on the Compex website for the area you are trying to target.
Turn the device on
Select Resistance
Select the muscle group
leave the radiator image on

The top 2 uses for the devices:

Clearing of lactic acid in 7 minutes or less on the blood flow or warmup setting.
Increase muscle recruitment to improve training sessions.

Another great use for the device is pre and post-surgery. hooking the device up quad and hamstring simultaneously. This way they are all firing at the same time without movement. Decreasing muscle atrophy and improving long term outcomes.

Compex pads are expensive…

DON'T buy cheap ones on amazon. Brandon says the pads are more expensive to provide a better product and provide more safety. The cheap pads can actually cause burns to the skin if the adhesive is missing.

I bought some and we are going to test it out on ourselves…not on patients.

Two other safety features we learned about during the Compex Live session:

Biphasic current means the electricity goes into and out of the body through the pads.
You can not charge the device while operating it.

John, Sofia, Coach Caballero and I really tested these things out.

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/628606361230260/

See the demo on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/191100292243521/

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

February 21, 2020February 18, 2020

Thrower’s Elbow – 616

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Thrower’s elbow is an injury that AT’s and coaches deal with frequently. What do we need to know as we interact with young throwers?

The more you throw and the higher velocity you throw at increases your risk for injuries. As AT’s and coaches, we need to not only be aware of the rules that are in place to protect these young athletes we need to follow them and encourage parents who may have their kids participating in multiple leagues to stay within the guidelines. The bottom line is the AMOUNT MATTERS.

What should we do when a throwing athlete begins to complain about pain?

When complaints begin we need to take them out. Shut them down from throwing and begin evaluating what might be going on. Remember that in developing youth, growth plates are the weakest link. Rest when the pain starts to prevent an injury in the growth plate.

We hear about the dreaded curveball and why it shouldn’t be thrown by young athletes. Is this accurate?

We need to change how we think about the curveball. Any speed off-speed pitch will decrease the forces on the elbow and shoulder. The more you throw at an increased speed the higher your risk moves. It’s not the curveball that is the problem, it is the fact that most young people don’t have the correct mechanics to throw it.

What about asymmetry? We are told to expect it in throwing athletes. At what point should we be concerned?

When you see a greater than 15-20 degree difference between the throwing and non-throwing hand there is a significant increase risk of injury.

If the athlete has this significant difference but isn’t experiencing pain or throwing mechanics haven’t changed, you don’t have to shut them down but you should be working to get them around 10 degrees of motion between their throwing and non-throwing arms. It’s also important to remember that throwing slows down progress on the range of motion games.

Should we change our thinking on surgical vs non-surgical treatment of shoulder injuries and thrower's elbow?

It really is a case by case basis. Young athletes with acute large tears probably should get a surgical consult. More chronic injuries in a little bit older throwers might choose rest to get them pain-free or to finish out their career. It’s not cut and dry one way or the other but needs to be evaluated case by case.

What are the biggest barriers to recovery post-injury?

The number one barrier is compliance with treatment. Staying on top of them and encouraging them to continue with the rehabilitation even once they’ve become pain-free. Compliance with prevention is also difficult. They need constant reminders and encouragement to follow through.

Are there any prehab thoughts from athletes awaiting UCL repairs?

Braces that prevent valgus and restrict 10-100 degrees are recommended. Controlling pain and inflammation pre-surgery and reducing the stiffness in the joint is helpful. The athlete can continue to exercise if they are pain-free and using symptoms as their guide.

Is there anything else AT’s should know regarding throwing injuries?

Young kids are at increased risk because of their growth plates and mechanics. Be their advocate, and follow the rules.

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/853169705052706/

Related episodes

Here are other podcasts related to elbow injuries

Contact Us

Jeremy Jackson

Contact Us:

ATCornerPodcast – ATCornerds@gmail.com

Joseph Eberhardt – eberhardtj@pearlandisd.org

Christina Fry – fryc@pearlandisd.org

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

February 19, 2020February 18, 2020

Diversity and Inclusion in AT Leadership – 615

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Ever been the only white person in the room? How about your college program?

Eva Martinez says as a brown woman in Athletic Training she longs to see more diversity and inclusion in leadership. She wants to see people like her in leadership.

Diversity and Inclusion; Eva Martinez; Marco Nunez

What is your Diversity and Inclusion story?

Have you been excluded from conversations because you did not fit the mold for the current leadership style?

Are you like Sofia and never really felt excluded or like there was a ceiling to your ability?

Do you get fired up when someone makes an off-color comment, let it slide or find a way to educate?

Find the Similarities

Sometimes people make comments because they are intentionally hurtful, but sometimes they are just ignorant.

I said something about going to a polish festival and used the word “polak” while talking to my wife. I read a book where the main character was Polish and referred to himself as a “Polak” so I thought it was normal…until she told me the word is derogatory.

If I had said this to a polish person it may have ended very differently.

Continuing to use the term after learning the meaning would be intentional. I have only used the term to tell the story since that day.

In your quest for Diversity and Inclusion be quick to extend grace and offer a chance for education and change.

Watch the talk on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/192284961862124/

Contact Us

Marco Nunez – marcoanunez@msn.com

Eva Martinez – emart430@fiu.edu

John Ciecko – jciecko@bloomfield.org

Jeremy Jackson – info@sportsmedicinebroadcast.com

Resources

Brown Eyes & Caramel Thighs Podcast

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February 14, 2020February 11, 2020

ATLAS Project update – 614

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Secondary school AT? Then you should be familiar with and completed the ATLAS Project survey.

Today on the podcast John Ciecko catches Larry Cooper and Rob Huggins for an update on the ATLAS (Athletic Training Location and Services) program which started in 2015 as a joint initiative between the Korey Stringer Institute and the NATA.

The ATLAS project is designed to track to AT services, improve communication between athletic trainers and produce research for the advancement of the profession of Athletic Training in the secondary school setting.

What are the updates from ATLAS?

Rob reports that ATLAS has had a successful year. Over 13,488 schools are reporting AT services in the US and that is 66% of schools. Over 16,000 AT’s have completed surveys in the last 2 years and they are finding an increased response rate from AT’s and schools.

Why the increased response from Secondary AT’s?

Larry believes that the BOC adding a reminder at the end of our reporting document is aiding in more AT’s taking and re-taking the survey. State levels continuing to push it at the grassroots level are also helping.

The state of Florida is only 70 schools away from 100% participation, and the goal is for every state to reach that level.

How does ATLAS help AT’s in the secondary setting?

Data collected and reported from ATLAS to the individual states is helping push legislation through for things like AT presence at every school and cold water immersion tubs.

“ATLAS supports the policy initiatives that are making even bigger impacts in this country than this project is.”

Aside from the numbers of which schools have AT’s, what else do we learn from these surveys?

We are learning about how socioeconomic status affects the likelihood of an AT being at a high school. In the EATA Districts 1 and 2, there are 10 times greater odds of AT services in upper-class areas versus lower class and a 4 ½ time greater odds in middle versus lower class areas.

This information can help states or districts get AT services in those areas and present to those who have high stakes in youth athletics (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB) and together we can come up with creative solutions to manage this public health crisis.

Has ATLAS had a direct effect on legislation?

Absolutely! Recently in Arkansas, there was legislation brought forward threatening the practice act in that state for AT’s. Jason Cates used that data while sitting with his legislator to show him the actual numbers of students, teachers, and families that would be affected if this law was passed and that data helped the legislator block the bill.

What is the future goal of ATLAS?

We would like to have 100% participation in the ATLAS survey and we would like the data we collect to drive AT services throughout the country so that every school has an AT.

Rob encourages everyone in the secondary setting to please complete and update the survey each year. He believes that ATLAS “can make the biggest impact in what is arguably the largest area for growth in our profession, secondary schools.”

If you have questions please reach out to Rob via email at robert.huggins@uconn.edu or Kelly.coleman@uconn.edu Their goal is to return emails in 24-48 hours.

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/1060840587459814/

Contact Us

Jeremy Jackson

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

FrioHydration; frio hydration; Get Frio; Best in class; Waterboy; wisstech; hydration station; sports medicine broadcast; Jeremy Jackson; Rob McFarlin

February 7, 2020February 6, 2020

Pediatric Cardiology Update – 613

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Ever wondered if every athlete should get an EKG? Or if caffeine is really as bad for the heart as you thought?

Today on the podcast, Dr. Mark Knoblauch sits down with pediatric cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Wang and talks about any other information surrounding pediatric cardiology.

Dr. Wang is a born and raised Texas girl who did her undergrad at Texas A&M and got her medical degree from The University of North Texas. She did her pediatric residency and fellowship at UT Houston and is still there today.

Dr. Wang enjoys Pediatric Cardiology and refers to herself and others in this field as glorified electricians and plumbers. She is particularly interested in the athletic population because of the physiologic response to exercise.

When should an athlete see a pediatric cardiologist?

If there is no family history and the athlete is otherwise healthy and not reporting any symptoms then I educate them to remain hydrated drinking at least ½ their body weight in water per day and more if they are exercising, I encourage them to get 9-11 hours of sleep per night and to eat well including vegetables.

If symptoms are present, (ie deep pressure in chest, dizziness, passing out or palpitations) or symptoms appear or worsen with exertion then I recommend parents seek out a pediatric cardiologist.

Pediatricians and other general practitioners are vital in finding and referring abnormalities. Good physical examinations along with screening for hypertension and other abnormalities help differentiate who needs a referral to a pediatric cardiologist.

Are there drinks and other substances you recommend athletes avoid to help their hearts?

Dr. Wang absolutely recommends that athletes avoid caffeine, energy drinks, vape pens and other drugs. “If I go out of business because everyone stopped drinking caffeine and vaping then I am okay with that and I have done my job!” An otherwise-normal heart can go into arrhythmia with substances found in drugs and/or caffeine, so Dr. Wang recommends all her patients stay away from these and get more sleep.

What is your response to the thought that every athlete should get an EKG especially since there is a study sighting that Italy requires it?

Dr. Wang explains the particular study stating this is out of a small region in Italy that is very homogenous. This doesn’t apply to the US which is a large and very diverse population. EKG’s are a valuable tool but it doesn’t catch everything. There are false positives on EKG’s that can cause immense stress and thousands of dollars of follow up tests that eventually show a healthy heart, and there are normal EKG’s that aren’t followed up with the right questions about symptoms and exertional symptoms that can have a problem. There are rare abnormalities that don’t show up on a routine EKG and require a very well trained eye on an echocardiogram to diagnose. EKG’s are useful but we need to follow the guidelines for what does and does not require more testing.

If an AT suspects a cardiac issue and is worried about oxygen saturation is it best to check the lips and nail beds for capillary refill?

Dr. Wang believes that best practice is to check the gums and the tongue instead of the lips and nail beds. She explains that if an athlete is panicked or worried it can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and that can produce the blue lips or decreased capillary refill. “The gums and the tongue are most indicative of what your central oxygen saturation is.

Are there any closing thoughts you’d like to share?

“Please don’t be a stranger. I love interactions so please get a hold of me if you have any questions.” You can email Dr. Wang at Elizabeth.W.Wang@uth.tmc.edu

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/348474222527833/

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Jeremy Jackson

Contact Us:

ATCornerPodcast – ATCornerds@gmail.com

Joseph Eberhardt – eberhardtj@pearlandisd.org

Christina Fry – fryc@pearlandisd.org

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

February 5, 2020February 7, 2020

Creating Sports Medicine Content – 612

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Are you interested in creating Sports Medicine Content?

Todd Sabol's niche is Instagram. You can find him @ToddSportsMed

Calista Kelly creates for PhysicalTherapy.com where she is the managing editor.

I host the Sports Medicine Broadcast.

Sponsored by: Blubrry Podcasting – Launch your Podcast the Blubrry Way

Creating Content; Todd Sabol; @ToddSportsMed

Why do we do it?

Each of us creates content to grow patient care. We work out of our strengths to improve our chosen profession. But all that is useless if you are not authentic.

Todd says – Do it because it helps others and spreads positivity in a world that looks for negativity.

Where do you get started?

Calista Kelly, managing editor fo PhysicalTherapy.com, says these are her normal places when looking for content creation:

Online searches
Local and national conferences
Networking with presenters
Course evaluations

She likes for all courses to start is with the learning objectives to keep course concise and congruent.

Sports Medicine content needs to be impactful immediately.

Presenters need to be knowledgable about the subject but also be able to speak well and make adjustments on the fly.

Todd Sabol agrees and adds to just start posting and not worry about being perfect. If you are passionate and look to serve others then you are going to have people who mock you but that's ok

What holds people back from Creating Sports Medicine Content?

Physical Therapy, like Athletic Training, is so broad that the first set of courses were really hard to determine. They did not want to leave out some folks. As they have grown they have gotten deeper into niche markets and courses.

Remember to ask “How can I add value?”

Focus on one idea or technique at a time

Todd figured out he needed a calendar to mix things up. Without this, he would create only one type of Instagram post.

Finding what people want can be really hard as well.

How to Create “Great” content?

Great is subjective, because it’s not what you want to talk about, it’s what the consumer wants.

Everything needs to be cohesive – start with course objective or learner outcomes and then work from those.

How do you know what people want when creating content?

Course evals – look for repeat answers
How packed courses are at the conference
Watch behavior
What are hot topics
Look at social media

Know the nature of each platform

Facebook sees a lot of clinical questions

Twitter seems to be a lot of posts without as much clinical reasoning

Instagram – appeals to the younger crowd and people looking for quick information

Think about the consumer you are appealing to.

TikTok is almost always 15secs – mostly younger audience.

What are your most important factors in getting your content out there?

Appeal to the need for authentic human connection.

Tips for maximizing your own digital learning time:

Do it on personal time…maybe exercising or grocery store

Todd likes to just search for it, usually on Instagram. He will normally test the exercises out on himself several times before using them with patients.

Do your own research and clinical reasoning

Video the client on their phone and say here is your home exercise program. This is great as they will be able to hear your verbal coaching as well.

Get the most by picking what you specifically want to learn, not just taking a course because it is there.

If that course does not cover it find a different one.

Call to Action

Follow Todd on Instagram and get your one free course on PhysicalTherapy.com by clicking the link.

And get your free 30 days with Blubrry by using the code BLU008

Watch the Facebook Live

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/177378123359377/

Contact Us:

Calista Kelly – ckelly@physicaltherapy.com

Todd Sabol – @toddsportsmed on social media

Jeremy Jackson – click the about page on Sports Medicine Broadcast

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January 31, 2020February 7, 2020

Armed Forces AT Michael Hooper – 611

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Mike Hooper has spent the last 16 years serving as an athletic trainer in the armed forces. Specifically, the Department of the Navy. Today on the podcast, he joins John Cieko and discusses what drew him to the military setting as an AT.

Armed Forces Athletic Trainer Michael Hooper; John Ciecko; NATA; Las Vegas

How did Mike end up in the Armed Forces after a career that took him through a variety of settings including secondary, collegiate and professional?

He grew up around the military and served himself for a short time in the armed services. “I saw injuries, experienced some injuries and I looked at it (serving as an AT in the armed forces) as a good opportunity to be a much-needed resource within the community.”

What does he enjoy about this emerging setting?

Mike finds working in the armed services as an AT extremely rewarding. He sees it as a bigger cause with a global perspective. It really is life vs death.

What are the challenges of working in this setting?

Mike believes that your only limitations are between your ears. An injury is an injury in any setting, however, he highly recommends that you ingest all you can through observation and that will help you develop treatment strategies that you can tailor and modify. Mike’s goal is to learn something new every day and pass it on to those who may take his place someday.

What is the future of AT in the Armed Forces?

Mike feels that AT in the military is taking off like an Indy Car. It may have taken a few years to gain traction but they have gone from approximately 50 AT’s in 2003 to over 300 today.

“We (AT’s) fit in to maximize the effectiveness of the team.”

How is the military setting different?

In many ways, Mike believes it is the same. AT’s are generally caring and emotionally attached to their profession.

However, you want to give everything you have and exhaust every opportunity to help the guy who will save others. You are treating men and women who essentially have the mentality of taking a bullet or jumping on a grenade for their fellow team members. It’s hard to say no when you see the sacrifices they make.

What are some of the stories you have been a part of?

Mike has seen and experienced so many success stories. Success stories and triumphs that help him wake up with a different mentality in the morning.

In many settings, you don’t see a lot of gunshot wounds or amputees but we do in the armed services. Mike is thankful that the NATA is beginning to highlight the emerging settings within the profession and prepare students for these settings.

How can we get more information?

Visit the COPA website for military information or visit the Armed Forces Athletic Training Society website. Ask any military AT who would love to answer your questions.

https://www.facebook.com/sportsmedicinebroadcast/videos/2323635717861181/

Contact Us

Jeremy Jackson

Mike Hooper – Email

These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast:

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products.

Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

January 24, 2020February 4, 2020

Stem Cells and their Use – 610

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What are stem cells and how are we using them in the knee?

Today on the SMB, we are joined by Dr. Evan Meeks who helps educate us on stem cells and their use.

Dr. Meeks explains that stem cells are found within the body and they can change into other types of cells. They can be used to treat musculoskeletal injuries (ie regrow muscle, ligament or cartilage) However, Dr. Meeks cautions us that stem cells are a “new and budding area that has theoretically huge potential for the future but the science is still in the early stages.”

What can make you a good candidate for stem cell therapy?

Type and degree of injury are important factors when considering stem cell treatment as well as the patient’s age.

How are patients prepped for this procedure?

The best preparation we can give a patient is to educate them and to manage their expectations.

Are there ethical issues regarding stem cell treatment?

The main ethical concern is embryonic stem cells. However, currently, it is illegal to use embryonic stem cells for treatment. They are only used for research. Dr. Meeks cautions that embryonic stem cells are unsafe right now. They can turn into any type of cell and we can’t control it.

As secondary school athletic trainers will we encounter this often?

Dr. Meeks explains that it is pretty rare since or population is younger and still heals well. He does say occasionally it can be used to help surgical outcomes with meniscus repair or bone stimulation.

What is Dr. Meeks’ prognosis for stem cell usage for the next 10-20 years?

“It will be the new frontier for musculoskeletal medicine.”

What one thing should AT’s know regarding stem cell treatment?

Dr. Meek’s feels stem cell treatment is the new pitch count in athletic training. We must educate and disseminate the correct information.

About Dr. Meeks

Dr. Evan Meeks is an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

Dr. Meeks specializes in sports medicine with an emphasis on arthroscopy and minimally invasive techniques to treat injuries of the shoulder, hip, and knee. During his training, Dr. Meeks worked extensively with professional and college teams in the Houston area, including the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo, and the University of Houston athletic program.

As a former college athlete, Dr. Meeks has the unique ability to see injuries from the perspective of both the athlete and the physician.