Whether you’re a professional athlete or just a recreational one, Dr. Romanelli’s years of expertise will provide you with a personalized, efficient treatment plan that will return you to your pre-injury level of performance in no time.

Image of Man on stretcher for Knee Injury | Dr. Daniel A. Romanelli, M.D.

Dr. Romanelli evaluates, diagnoses, and treats a wide scope of common sports-related issues, including:

SHOULDER TENDONITIS & BURSITIS

Shoulder Tendonitis & Bursitis is a common athletic injury, prevalent in sports where the arm is used in an overhead motion. Sports requiring this type of movement include competitive swimming, where the freestyle, backstroke, and breast stroke require maximum range of motion for your shoulder. Baseball is also home to a prevalent number of athletes, namely pitchers, with shoulder tendonitis and bursitis, as well as tennis, due to powerful backhand returns and overhand serves.

ACL INJURIES

ACL injuries are one of the most universally found sports injuries among athletes, from professional football players to amateur soccer players. ACL tears or strains are more prevalent in sports that require sudden stops, jumps, or direction changes — that includes basketball, soccer, football, tennis, downhill skiing, volleyball, and gymnastics. When or if an ACL injury occurs, you may hear a loud pop or feel a popping sensation in the knee, or experience severe swelling or stiffness. If that happens, consult Dr. Romanelli as soon as possible.

STRESS FRACTURES

Stress fractures are caused by just that — stress to the bones, ligaments, and muscles due to overuse or physical exhaustion. When the muscles become fatigued, they are unable to absorb shock, passing off the stress to your bone and resulting in a fracture. Stress fractures happen across all types of sports, but are typical in sports where repeated striking of your foot to the ground occurs — including basketball, track & field, gymnastics, and ballet. Stress fractures typically require surgery or prolonged rest to give your bones time to heal. solutions are always found.

TORN ROTATOR CUFF

Torn Rotator Cuff injuries are common among sports that require throwing and whipping, typically among baseball pitchers, as well as tennis pros, and even some track & field events. When throwing a ball or rotating your shoulder at a high velocity, your joint can experience tears, wears, and pulls as a result. To combat such pain and damage, Dr. Romanelli will tackle your torn rotator cuff issues with a comprehensive evaluation, customized treatment plan, and sports therapy exercises and tips.

MENISCUS TEAR

Meniscus Tears are common among contact sports, including football and hockey, due to the constant clashing and colliding of players. Additional sports that require jumping or darting can also result in meniscus tears, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Meniscus tears may take a while to set in, with many players finishing out the game before the elevated pain sets in. Be on the lookout for a swollen kneecap, with a possible popping sensation, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

SLAP TEAR

A SLAP tear, or superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP), is a common injury for athletes in sports requiring overhead motion, including football, baseball, weightlifting, and swimming. When this labral tear occurs, the cartilage in your shoulder gradually wears down and gives out, resulting in intense pain and reduced mobility. These injuries can often be season-ending, so it is critical to seek out the expert eye of Dr. Romanelli to kickstart the recovery process as soon as possible.

CLAVICLE FRACTURE

A clavicle fracture is often the result of a hard fall on the shoulder during a contact sport, namely football. This injury to the collarbone can be quite damaging, resulting in immediate pain and swelling to the area, followed by an inability to move the shoulder. Depending on how the clavicle fractures, recovery may require wearing a sling, or more intensive surgery to repair the damage. No matter how your fracture falls, consult the expert advice of Dr. Romanelli ASAP to begin your road to recovery.

TORN LIGAMENTS & TENDONS

Torn Ligaments & Tendons represent a large spectrum of sports injuries, all resulting in reduced mobility and noted pain. One standout tendon tear includes an Achilles Tendon tear, which damages the tendon connecting your heel and lower leg muscle. It can be difficult to determine the difference between a tendon tear and a ligament tear, as these connective tissues can be very closely placed. To ensure you fully understand the extent of your ligament or tendon injury, please reach out to Dr. Romanelli’s office today.

HAMSTRING STRAIN OR TEAR

Hamstring muscle injuries effect the large muscles of your legs, and as such, are common in sports that require sprinting. Track, soccer, and basketball athletes are all too familiar with hamstring strains & tears as a result of sprinting, resulting in decreased mobility and increased pain to the muscles at the back of the thigh. Hamstring injuries vary in severity, from minor pulls, to partial tears, and complete tears of the muscle. Consult Dr. Romanelli if you’re experiencing focused pain around your hamstring, as well as bruising, weakness, and swelling of the back thigh.

IT BAND FRICTION SYNDROME

IT Band Friction Syndrome is an overuse injury to the tissues located on the outer thigh and knee, causing marked pain in the knee when the foot meets the ground. The IT band, or iliotibial band, runs along the outside portion of the thigh, stretching from the pelvis to the tibia, stabilizing your knee as the joint flexes and extends. Common among runners and bicyclists, those experiencing IT Band Friction Syndrome experience pain, stinging needle-like sensations, and snapping or popping of the knee.

TENDONITIS

Tendonitis is a generalized term for aggravation and irritation of the tendons, which connect muscle to bone. Tendonitis is common in athletes with repeated activities involved in their sports, including running, overhead hitting, and throwing, resulting in mild to severe inflammation of the tendons. Symptoms of tendonitis include swelling and pain at the site of the tendon, as well as a thickening of the tendon. These symptoms can be aggravated by lack of stretching and conditioning, as well as poor nutrition, and improper equipment. To combat this persistent pain, choose Dr. Romanelli for honest, accurate advice and unrivaled sports medicine treatment.

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