James Mazzara, MD - Knee, Elbow & Shoulder Specialist

08/27/2021

How long is the recovery period after distal biceps tendon repair?

Distal biceps tears take some time to heal properly. The arm will be placed in a sling and then a splint for about six weeks, followed with a physical therapy program to rehabilitate the arm. Resistance exercises, such as lightly contracting the biceps or using elastic bands, may be gradually added to the rehabilitation plan. Light work activities can begin soon after surgery, but heavy lifting and vigorous activity should be avoided for several months until the tendon is completely healed.

Distal Bicep Tear Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve heavy lifting? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your distal biceps tendon. A distal bicep tear can occur from a blunt force trauma or excessive loading on the joint. Distal bicep tear specialist, Dr. James Mazza...

08/26/2021

Did you know that a dislocated shoulder can also provoke systemic symptoms such as nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting and sweating. Prompt medical treatment should be sought for any suspected joint dislocation. Patients should not attempt to return the shoulder to its normal position (also known as reduction) but should see a specialist who will use several methods to manually manipulate the dislocated joint and put the ball back into the socket. The reduction often minimizes pain immediately when completed properly. https://hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/dislocated-shoulder-instability-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/23/2021

Chris Nikic Wants to Be the First Ironman Finisher With Down Syndrome

The 21-year-old is shattering expectations while chasing his goal. https://medilink.us/ph26

What a truly inspirational story with so much riding on his shoulders!

The 21-year-old is shattering expectations while chasing his goal.

08/22/2021

What Causes Patellar Instability?

Patellar instability may slowly develop over time with daily activities. It can also be the result of a specific injury or event, such as a direct hit to the knee. If the patella is forced out of its groove, dislocation occurs; this is called a traumatic injury. Often, the kneecap returns to its correct position in the groove without intervention. If it does not return on its own, a procedure called a reduction can be performed by Dr. Mazzara.

Patellar instability can also be present without a specific injury when the kneecap comes partially out of the trochlear groove. This subluxation is called an atraumatic injury and happens when the kneecap does not stay in the appropriate place during daily activities.

In either situation, the knee will be painful and activity will be limited. https://hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/patellar-instability-knee-dislocation-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/20/2021

What is Shoulder Impingement?

Also known as swimmer’s shoulder, impingement syndrome or shoulder impingement, is one of the more common causes of pain in the shoulder. It occurs when the rotator cuff rubs against the top of the shoulder blade; or clinically, when the acromion (bony process of the shoulder blade, or scapula) catches or rubs against all or part of the rotator cuff. When the arm is lifted, the space between the rotator cuff and the scapula narrows. This can cause pressure on the rotator cuff, pinching the tendons and muscles. The repeated pressure, or pinching can cause inflammation which leads to swelling and pain in the shoulder.

Follow the link to learn more: https://hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/shoulder-impingement-swimmers-shoulder-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/19/2021

Extraordinary moments from the Tokyo Olympics that outshined the competition.

From knitting swimmers to dancing coaches, here are the top Olympic moments you might've missed.

08/13/2021

What exactly causes shoulder instability?

Your shoulder can do many things since it is an integral part of arm movement which allows you to lift your arm, reach up and down and rotate your shoulder joint. When these movements are abrupt, strenuous or excessive, your shoulder can become unstable. Injuries, particularly dislocation, and overuse are common culprits for shoulder instability. https://hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/arthroscopic-stabilization-shoulder-instability-capsular-shift-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/12/2021

What is 75 Hard? This 'mental toughness' program is helping people get in shape

If you miss one of the six daily tasks in 75 Hard, you must start over at day one.

If you miss one of the six daily tasks in 75 Hard, you must start over at day one.

08/09/2021

Is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Effective?

Even though the science behind PRP continues to evolve and the indications are constantly changing, the future of platelet rich plasma looks encouraging in healing sports injuries. Researchers believe that growth factors play a role in healing, but it is unclear precisely how PRP aids healing. It does not work for everyone, but people who have seen improvements usually experience healing over several weeks. Patients who experience a reduction in pain after protein rich plasma treatment find the results to be permanent. Some patients will need follow-up treatments if the pain returns.https://hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/platelet-rich-plasma-therapy-prp-osteoarthris-treatment-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/06/2021

How long will it take for the rotator cuff to heal?

Healing time for the average patient in good health is six months. The following timeline is recommended by Dr. Mazzara:

· Directly after surgery – Immobilization; the arm is typically kept in a sling. Use of a sling keeps the weight of the arm off the healing tendon.

· Day after surgery – Range of motion physical therapy, which may depend on the size of the tear and quality of the bone and tendon. Passive motion, used to keep the arm moving and is done by someone else, moving the arm.

· 1st few days – up to 3 weeks – Passive Motion. Passive motion is when someone else moves the arm.

· Between 3-6 weeks – Active assisted Motion. Patients are allowed to move the arm themselves with the assistance of a pulley or other aid.

· 4-6 weeks after surgery – active motion physical therapy is recommended, along with strengthening exercises starting no sooner than 10 weeks.

· 3-6 months – Begin a return to full recovery with unrestricted activity and return to normal sports or work activities. No limitations after 6 months. Improvements in function, motion and strength will continue for a year or more after a successful repair.

https://medilink.us/gl3b

08/05/2021

What are the symptoms of biceps tendinitis?

· Deep ache in the front and/or top of the shoulder
· Shoulder pain when raising the arm or extending the arm in front of the body
· Throbbing or pain radiating toward the elbow when touched
· Weakness when twisting the arm or bending the elbow
· Snapping or slipping sensation when moving the shoulder joint

Here are you non-surgical and surgical options//hartfordsportsorthopedics.com/biceps-tendinitis-south-windsor-enfield-glastonbury-ct/

08/02/2021

What's blood flow restriction training and why are Olympic athletes using it?

A few athletes have been wearing bands around their arms and legs while they exercise. Experts discuss what these bands do for the Olympians.

A few athletes have been wearing bands around their arms and legs while they exercise. Experts discuss what these bands do for the Olympians.