What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

James Chen, MD

Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient and not just the injury. He places special emphasis

James Chen, MD is a general orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on sports-related injuries. His practice covers a broad range of orthopaedic treatments, from fracture care to joint replacements, anatomic ACL reconstruction, or ligament repair. Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient, not just the injury. He places special emphasis on the important face time before and after surgery, making sure he and his staff are present, available, and ready to answer any questions you might have.

05/29/2026

The Importance of Physical Therapy After Surgery 💪

Physical therapy is a key part of recovery after surgery, helping to restore movement, strength, and function. It reduces pain, improves mobility, and prevents complications like stiffness or muscle weakness. With a personalized therapy plan, patients can recover faster and regain their independence.

05/27/2026

The tibia, your shinbone, is the second-largest bone in the body and a key player in weight-bearing and movement. When it breaks, whether from sports, accidents, or trauma, it often requires surgical repair to restore stability and function.

🔧 Repair Options:
Internal fixation with rods, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place
External fixation for severe or complex fractures
Personalized rehab plans to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility

Recovery takes time, but with expert surgical techniques and guided physical therapy, most patients return to their daily activities and even sports with confidence.

A tibia fracture isn’t the end of your active lifestyle. With the right repair and rehab, it’s the start of your comeback.

05/25/2026

When it comes to orthopedic pain, the answer is simple: don’t. Pain is your body’s warning sign, it’s not something to ignore or push past. What feels like ‘just soreness’ could actually be an underlying injury that worsens without proper care.

Our advice: listen to your body and get evaluated by a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term performance.

05/22/2026

When it comes to movement, muscles usually get all the attention, but it’s your ligaments that keep everything in place.

Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone, acting like natural stabilizers. They prevent excessive motion, protect your joints from injury, and allow smooth, controlled movement.

When a ligament is stretched or torn, like in an ACL injury, the joint loses stability, which can lead to pain, swelling, and long-term issues if untreated. Strong muscles support your ligaments, but healthy ligaments are essential for lasting stability. Protect them with proper warm-ups, strength training, and by avoiding overuse.

📲 Think you may have a ligament injury? Schedule a consultation today to get a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

05/20/2026

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of your elbow. It’s common in athletes, yes, but also in anyone who repeats gripping, lifting, or twisting motions (think: typing, painting, lifting kids, or using tools). The pain typically starts on the outside of the elbow and can radiate down the forearm, making simple tasks like turning a doorknob or holding a coffee cup uncomfortable.

Treatment usually starts with rest, bracing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatories, but chronic cases may benefit from advanced options like PRP therapy or even surgery. If elbow pain is affecting your grip on daily life, it’s time to get it checked.

05/18/2026

Think swimming is injury-proof? Think again! 🏊‍♂️ Overuse, poor form, and slips can turn a summer splash into a serious setback. If your shoulder, back, or knee is feeling the strain, we’re here to help you stay safe, strong, and in the water all season long. 💪

05/15/2026

To strengthen your ankles and improve stability, incorporate exercises like ankle circles, resistance band exercises, and heel raises to target key muscles. Single-leg balances and lateral movements, such as side-to-side steps, help improve proprioception and strengthen stabilizers. Walking on uneven surfaces like grass or sand also boosts ankle strength by engaging ligaments. Consistency with these exercises will lead to better ankle stability, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall balance.

05/13/2026

Triceps tendon repair is a surgical procedure done to repair a torn or ruptured triceps tendon, which connects the triceps muscle to the elbow. During the surgery, Dr. Chen will typically make an incision on the back of the elbow to access the damaged tendon. The torn tendon is then reattached to the bone, either by stitching the tendon back to its original attachment site or using anchors to secure it. In some cases, if there’s significant damage to the tendon, a graft may be used to help reattach the tendon. After the repair, the elbow is usually immobilized in a brace or cast to allow for healing. Physical therapy is then initiated to restore strength, range of motion, and function to the arm.

05/11/2026

To avoid golf injuries this upcoming spring season, follow these key tips:

Warm-Up Properly: Start with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your muscles for the game. Focus on stretching your shoulders, back, and legs to improve flexibility and prevent strains.

Strengthen Core and Legs: A strong core and legs help with stability and power during your swing. Incorporate strength training exercises targeting these areas into your fitness routine.

Focus on Proper Technique: Work with a golf professional to ensure you're using proper technique, especially for your swing. Incorrect posture or form can lead to back, shoulder, and wrist injuries.

Use Proper Footwear: Wearing the right golf shoes with good support can prevent foot and ankle injuries. Choose shoes designed for golf to provide comfort and stability during your swings.

Take Breaks: Avoid overexertion by taking breaks throughout your round. Overuse injuries like tendinitis can occur if you push your body too hard.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, so drink plenty of water before and during your game.

Strengthen Your Wrists and Forearms: Golf involves repetitive wrist motion, so performing exercises that strengthen your wrists and forearms can prevent strains or tendinitis.

Invest in the Right Equipment: Make sure your clubs are properly fitted to your body and swing style. Ill-fitting clubs can contribute to poor posture and form, leading to injuries.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of injury and enjoy a safe, successful golf season.

05/08/2026

⚠️ Is Your Pain Serious or Just Temporary?
We all experience aches from time to time, but how do you know when it’s more than just soreness?

Red flags to watch for:
Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
Sudden, sharp, or severe pain
Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Swelling, redness, or deformity around the joint or muscle

👉 If your pain lingers beyond a few days, worsens, or limits your mobility, it’s time to see a professional. Don’t wait for it to get worse, early diagnosis can prevent bigger problems down the road.

Address

450 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14159003000

Website

http://www.jameschenmd.com/

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