rotator cuff syndrome

Injuries can derail a season and football is by nature a collision sport. With players in constant motion and contact, injuries are a frequent hazard to professional athletes. Dr. Souryal gives his spin on Cowboy’s quarterback Tony Romo’s back injuries and the medical “revenue stream” that can lead to unpleasant experiences for some patients.

As always, safety is a hot topic on the field and off. The Doc mentions the viral It Can Wait campaign to discourage texting and driving especially among teens. Now you can text, tweet, or email “#X” to let your friends know you’re about to drive and can’t respond until you arrive.

Callers ask about various shoulder injuries, stretching to increase flexibility and prevent injuries, a chipped tibia causing pain for a young soccer player, and treatment options for a lower back stress fracture. One listener asks whether just an x-ray can indicate if a knee replacement is necessary. Dr. Souryal explains that an x-ray is just one component to consider in a diagnosis and can only tell part of the story. How the patient feels and functions are critical factors in deciding which options are best. Also- whenever patients have questions or concerns about their diagnosis or treatment, a second opinion can be reassuring or point to other options.