Knowledge Center
Clear Answers for Your Healing Journey
Evidence-based information about orthopedic conditions, treatments, and recovery—written by our expert physicians to guide your path to restoration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine doctor?
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, while sports medicine physicians focus on non-surgical care for injuries involving joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral. Some HMO policies do. We recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand so you know what your plan requires.
How do I know if I need surgery?
Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide relief, or when there is significant structural damage that requires repair. We always begin with the least invasive options and only suggest surgery when it’s the most effective path toward long-term stability and healing.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation:
Medical history review
Physical examination
Imaging review (MRI, X-rays)
Possible in-office diagnostic ultrasound
You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment options, and a personalized healing plan.
How long does it take to return to sport after an ACL reconstruction?
Most patients return to higher-level activity in 6–9 months, depending on healing progress, strength, and sport demands. We use objective testing and gradual reintegration to ensure safety throughout your recovery.
Can I continue exercising with a rotator cuff tear?
It depends on the severity.
Partial tears may improve with physical therapy, guided strengthening, and modified activity.
Larger or full-thickness tears often require surgical repair.
We can evaluate your shoulder with an ultrasound and recommend the safest approach.
What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow often responds well to rest, physical therapy, bracing, and regenerative treatments. If pain persists, options like PRP, the Tenex procedure, or ultrasound-guided injections can support healing and reduce chronic irritation.
How can I prevent running injuries?
Key strategies include gradual mileage progression, proper footwear, strength training (especially hips and core), flexibility work, adequate rest, and biomechanical assessment.
We offer injury-prevention screenings to help identify risk factors early.
What is PRP therapy and how does it work?
PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to support tissue repair. Platelets contain natural growth factors that promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints — offering a minimally invasive, natural option with little downtime.
What is the Tenex procedure?
Tenex is a micro-invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure that removes damaged tendon tissue while preserving what’s healthy.
Recovery usually ranges from 2–6 weeks, depending on the tendon treated.
What are regenerative medicine treatments?
Regenerative medicine uses your body’s own healing mechanisms — such as PRP or biologic therapies — to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
How important is physical therapy after surgery?
Physical therapy is essential.
It restores range of motion, rebuilds strength, improves mobility patterns, and helps prevent future injury.
Successful outcomes rely heavily on consistent, guided rehabilitation.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
When can I drive after surgery?
This depends on the procedure and which side was treated.
You should be off narcotic medication, able to control the vehicle safely, and have enough strength and range of motion.
Most patients can drive between 1–3 weeks after many procedures.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
What are signs of a complication after surgery?
Warning signs include:
Fever over 101°F
Increasing redness or warmth
Excessive swelling
Drainage from the incision
Severe or worsening pain
Numbness, tingling, or loss of motion
Contact us immediately if any of these occur.
How can I optimize my recovery?
Follow your rehab protocol, maintain good nutrition, stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, avoid smoking/alcohol, manage stress, and check in with your care team regularly.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We are an out of network provider, with some of our procedures not being covered by insurance.
See our Patient Resources page for the complete list or call our office to verify coverage.
What if you’re out of network with my insurance?
If we’re out of network, we can provide a superbill for reimbursement.
We also offer transparent self-pay pricing and flexible payment plans.
How much will my treatment cost?
Costs depend on your insurance benefits, deductible, and the specific treatment.
We provide estimates before procedures and help you understand your coverage.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes.
We offer payment plans for patients with high deductibles or out-of-pocket costs.
Call (646) 820-6770 to discuss options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine doctor?
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, while sports medicine physicians focus on non-surgical care for injuries involving joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral. Some HMO policies do. We recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand so you know what your plan requires.
How do I know if I need surgery?
Surgery is only recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide relief, or when there is significant structural damage that requires repair. We always begin with the least invasive options and only suggest surgery when it’s the most effective path toward long-term stability and healing.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation:
Medical history review
Physical examination
Imaging review (MRI, X-rays)
Possible in-office diagnostic ultrasound
You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment options, and a personalized healing plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
How long does it take to return to sport after an ACL reconstruction?
Most patients return to higher-level activity in 6–9 months, depending on healing progress, strength, and sport demands. We use objective testing and gradual reintegration to ensure safety throughout your recovery.
Can I continue exercising with a rotator cuff tear?
It depends on the severity.
Partial tears may improve with physical therapy, guided strengthening, and modified activity.
Larger or full-thickness tears often require surgical repair.
We can evaluate your shoulder with an ultrasound and recommend the safest approach.
What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow often responds well to rest, physical therapy, bracing, and regenerative treatments. If pain persists, options like PRP, the Tenex procedure, or ultrasound-guided injections can support healing and reduce chronic irritation.
How can I prevent running injuries?
Key strategies include gradual mileage progression, proper footwear, strength training (especially hips and core), flexibility work, adequate rest, and biomechanical assessment.
We offer injury-prevention screenings to help identify risk factors early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
What is PRP therapy and how does it work?
PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to support tissue repair. Platelets contain natural growth factors that promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints — offering a minimally invasive, natural option with little downtime.
What is the Tenex procedure?
Tenex is a micro-invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure that removes damaged tendon tissue while preserving what’s healthy.
Recovery usually ranges from 2–6 weeks, depending on the tendon treated.
What are regenerative medicine treatments?
Regenerative medicine uses your body’s own healing mechanisms — such as PRP or biologic therapies — to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
How important is physical therapy after surgery?
Physical therapy is essential.
It restores range of motion, rebuilds strength, improves mobility patterns, and helps prevent future injury.
Successful outcomes rely heavily on consistent, guided rehabilitation.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
When can I drive after surgery?
This depends on the procedure and which side was treated.
You should be off narcotic medication, able to control the vehicle safely, and have enough strength and range of motion.
Most patients can drive between 1–3 weeks after many procedures.
These treatments promote long-term improvement rather than temporary symptom relief.
What are signs of a complication after surgery?
Warning signs include:
Fever over 101°F
Increasing redness or warmth
Excessive swelling
Drainage from the incision
Severe or worsening pain
Numbness, tingling, or loss of motion
Contact us immediately if any of these occur.
How can I optimize my recovery?
Follow your rehab protocol, maintain good nutrition, stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, avoid smoking/alcohol, manage stress, and check in with your care team regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about healing, repair, and recovery from our medical team.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We are an out of network provider, with some of our procedures not being covered by insurance.
See our Patient Resources page for the complete list or call our office to verify coverage.
What if you’re out of network with my insurance?
If we’re out of network, we can provide a superbill for reimbursement.
We also offer transparent self-pay pricing and flexible payment plans.
How much will my treatment cost?
Costs depend on your insurance benefits, deductible, and the specific treatment.
We provide estimates before procedures and help you understand your coverage.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes.
We offer payment plans for patients with high deductibles or out-of-pocket costs.
Call (646) 820-6770 to discuss options.