Sports Doc Talk

The 2024 baseball season is in full swing, but amidst the excitement of the game, a more intricate challenge looms—the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology and its profound impact on healthcare. In this episode, we embark on a journey through this dynamic terrain, where cutting-edge innovations intersect with the complexities of insurance coverage. From revolutionary surgical procedures to the hurdles faced by insurance companies, we delve into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare.

As we navigate this intricate landscape, we explore the delicate balance between costs, innovation, and patient care. With a spotlight on the role of AI in shaping the future of healthcare, we unravel the potential it holds to revolutionize patient outcomes and streamline medical processes. Amidst these discussions, we find ourselves inspired by the myriad possibilities that lie ahead, driven by a shared vision of enhancing patient care and well-being.

We extend our gratitude to our dedicated followers for their support and invite them to join us on Sportsdoctalk.com for further exploration. With resources ranging from informative transcripts to engaging shows, we strive to foster meaningful discussions and insights. Find us on all major listening platforms, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare

As we wrap up, a heartfelt thank you to our audience and everyone who contributed to making Sports Doc Talk a great experience. Exciting times await, with upcoming episodes promising even more insight and engagement. Stay tuned, and let's continue this remarkable journey together!"

Welcome to this special anniversary episode of Sports Doc Talk! As we fondly look back on the remarkable journey of 2023, we're eagerly stepping into 2024 with a promise of even more exciting content. Responding to your requests, today marks the launch of our dual-format podcast, seamlessly combining traditional and video platforms, as we strive to elevate the Sports Doc Talk experience to new heights.

In this episode, we had a blast reflecting on memorable topics and hosting amazing guests. We delved into cutting-edge medical technologies, such as the groundbreaking MISHA implant, innovative OssioFiber Anchors, the latest advancements in ACL repair with the BEAR implant, and more.

As we wrap up, a sincere thank you to our dedicated audience and everyone who contributed to making Sports Doc Talk an exceptional experience. Anticipate thrilling episodes ahead, promising deeper insights and increased engagement. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Welcome to Sports Doc Talk! In this episode, Will Sanchez and Dr.Grant Garcia feature two exceptional guests who not only excel as top shoulder surgeons but also bring their captivating charm to the airwaves. Dr. Shariff Bishai and Dr. Danny Acevedo, hosts of "I'm a Podstar not a Doctor," join us to share their insights.

One of our many conversations delves into the crucial doctor-patient relationship, emphasizing mutual respect and the importance of building strong connections with patients. Dr. Bishai and Dr. Acevedo stress continuous learning, training, and peak performance in the medical field, echoing Dr. Acevedo's mantra, "You got to stay ready to be ready."

On their podcast, they are better known as the American Pharoah and Cuff Daddy, bringing a distinct blend of entertainment with eclectic guests and fun banter. A must listen to. This episode takes you on a rollercoaster of education and entertainment; from their experiences in the medical field to behind-the-scenes fun.

Whether you're a medical professional, an avid podcast listener, or simply curious about Sports Doc Talk, this episode promises a blast of insights and entertainment. Visit sportsdoctalk.com for exclusive content, transcripts, and opportunities to be part of the show. Thank you for being a valued member of our community, and happy listening!

Hosts Will Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia chat with Lia Winter, co-founder of Winter Innovations, focusing on entrepreneurship and the journey from napkin idea to reality.

We discuss Lia’s creation of EasyWhip, an innovative suture inspired by Lia's mother's initial unsuccessful ACL surgery. EasyWhip allows surgeons to switch between a whip stitch and a locking stitch on the fly. We dive into Lia’s background in biomedical engineering along with the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance (you won't want to miss how Lia caught Dr. Garcia's attention with her incredible story.)

Lia's story serves as an inspiring testament to the impact of innovative thinking in sports medicine, showing aspiring entrepreneurs that bold visions can become transformative realities. We have a little fun with her Tennessee roots through conversations about Peyton Manning, banana pudding, and Dolly Parton. What, how, and why you ask? Well, you’ll just have to listen to this new episode of Sports Doc Talk.

As we approach the holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to all our listeners. And if you're eager for more insights, and transcripts, or aspire to be a part of the show, head over to sportsdoctalk.com. Thank you for being a part of our community, and happy listening!

In this edition of Sports Doc Talk, host Will Sanchez and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant Garcia discuss the recent shoulder injury faced by NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson. Deshaun is now dealing with a challenging glenoid fracture, and Dr. Garcia provides insights into the intricacies of the repair process. The episode delves into Deshaun's healing journey, potential complications, and the potential long-term implications of this uncommon fracture. The discussion covers a spectrum of medical procedures, recovery timelines, and rehabilitation strategies, and shines a spotlight on the profound impact such an injury could have on a professional athlete's career—particularly emphasizing the nuanced challenges it presents to a quarterback's throwing capabilities.

Would you like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or have a topic or question you want to hear more about? Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com. We want to hear from you.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:34 Discussing Deshaun Watson's Injury

02:34 Understanding the Nature of the Injury

04:58 Implications of Playing with the Injury

07:01 Explaining the Surgical Procedure

09:07 Post-Surgery Concerns and Rehabilitation

15:29 Potential Long-Term Effects and Recovery

24:15 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

A topic that has been discussed for a long time, but now seems to be at the forefront more than ever, Dr. Grant Garcia and William Sanchez discuss what seems to be this season’s hot topic in the NFL…Turf vs grass. In the perennial debate between turf and grass playing surfaces, each presents unique advantages and drawbacks. Turf fields offer durability, low maintenance, and a consistent playing surface year-round; however, studies suggest they may contribute to an increased risk of certain injuries, such as non-contact, and the lower extremities. On the flip side, natural grass provides a traditional feel and better shock absorption, yet maintenance challenges and the potential for uneven surfaces pose their risks. Striking a balance between the two, hybrid surfaces combining natural grass with synthetic elements, are emerging as a potential solution to optimize player safety and performance. Will the NFL eventually want specific fields mandatory in every stadium?

We also discuss AT&T's groundbreaking 5G helmet and how it impacted the Gallaudet football team. A university for the deaf and hard of hearing utilized this technology this season and the results were successful in many areas. This innovative headgear integrates 5G connectivity to provide athletes with real-time data and analytics, enhancing their performance and safety on the field. The helmet's advanced sensors and communication capabilities enable instantaneous transfer of information, facilitating quicker decision-making for both players and coaches.

AT&T's 5G helmet not only signifies a major stride in sports tech but also hints at the broader impact 5G technology is poised to have across various industries. We discuss some of those impacts that have already infiltrated the orthopedic world.

Would you like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or have a topic or question you want to hear more about? Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com. We want to hear from you.

On this episode of Sports Doc Talk our guest is Physical Therapist, and co-owner of HIDEF Physical Therapy Zach Smith. He discusses how HIDEF Physical Therapy is embracing innovative techniques and technologies. Their dedication to education and staying current ensures that patients receive the highest level of care, and their unique procedures and integration of technology contribute to a more effective and engaging rehabilitation process. HIDEF's approach exemplifies the future of physical therapy, with a focus on personalization, innovation, and patient-centered care.

We discussed Blood Flow Restriction, Dynamometry, Virtual Reality, and utilizing apps such as TheraCentric, an app that will guide patients through exercises, count reps, and times rest periods. It's like having a personal coach in your pocket. Be sure to check out Zach’s Instagram page and HIDEF’s website at hidefpt.com.

If you would like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or have a topic or question that you want to hear more about? Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com. We want to hear from you.

Football is a sport that so many people love. It is a unique sport that showcases the best athletes in the world. They exhibit speed, strength, and athleticism on the highest level, but the game at many times is unforgiving. Week in and week out players get hurt. Some player's injuries are not as severe, and others can be possibly career-ending. This past week we saw many stars getting hurt. Including one of the best running backs in the NFL. Nick Chubb for the 2nd time in his career has suffered a dislocated knee. It’s the same knee that he dislocated back in 2015 while he was just a sophomore at Georgia University. Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the severity of the injury and the difficulty of getting back to playing at the highest level of sport. The challenges of repairing this injury, especially considering the damage that had been done to the knee previously.

Aaron Rodgers was the biggest story in sports this entire football offseason. The trade that gave NY Jets fans hope that they may win a championship that has eluded that fan base for the last 54 years. On the biggest stage with a crowd that was absolutely electrifying his season ended after 4 plays. Aaron Rodgers reached out to renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Dr. ElAttrache has performed surgeries on Tom Brady, Connor McGregor, and so many other athletes. DR. ElAttrache placed an internal brace called an Achilles “speed bridge” on Rodgers’ torn Achilles. Dr. Grant Garcia describes the procedure, he discusses how and why the repair gives him a chance to heal quicker, but would it heal fast enough to get Rodgers back on the field?

Take a listen and we hope you enjoy the show. If you would like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or have a topic or question that you want to hear more about? Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com. We want to hear from you.

Football season kicks off, and with that, we begin our show with a discussion about the NCAA's research on the kickoff rule change and its impact on concussion rates in collegiate football. Despite the expectation that this rule change would reduce concussions during kickoff plays, the data suggests otherwise. We explore the many reasons behind this unexpected outcome and its implications for player safety in the sport.

The Q-Collar is a biomedical engineering innovation designed to reduce brain injury risks. This FDA-authorized device of its kind, works by increasing blood volume inside the head to reduce the brain's movement upon impact, ultimately decreasing the risk of concussions, and has the potential to revolutionize player safety in contact sports. Will we see even more players utilizing this tech this season?

Don’t laugh but it’s true. We explore the fascinating concept of urinals with sensors that change color based on player hydration levels in the Jacksonville Jaguars' facilities. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to optimize player performance and health. Even though Dr. Garcia was not a fan of this discussion. Ha!

The Seahawks lead the NFL in miles traveled but does distance and additional games add to more injuries? A study from Northwestern University might surprise you.

Do you want bad picks for the NFL season? We have them. Will Dr. Garcia get this show's trivia? Have a listen and check it out. If you would like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or just want more information about Sports Doc Talk. Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com.

Dr. Wayne Weil is an exceptional individual who juggles multiple roles as a father, athlete, and surgeon. He has garnered recognition as one of the leading orthopedic surgeons specializing in hand and elbow surgery. In an insightful episode of Sports Doc Talk, we delve into multiple topics including "skiers' thumb" injury, exploring various treatment options, including the implementation of internal bracing techniques.

If you happen to be a golfer concerned about reducing hand injuries, you're in luck! We address this topic as well, discussing whether potential grips may help mitigate such injuries. As technology continues to evolve, we always strive to incorporate it into our conversations. During our discussion, Dr. Weil sheds light on his utilization of Rebless, an FDA-registered robotic physical therapy device designed for both the upper and lower extremities. For more in-depth information on Rebless, we encourage you to check out our episode titled "Robotics, cameras, and Rehab" which aired on February 4th.

Recently, the renowned baseball player Mike Trout experienced a relatively uncommon injury—a fracture of the hamate bone in his left hand. Dr. Weil provides valuable insights into this type of fracture and explains why Trout requires a cast that extends from his hand to his elbow. Notably, the episode delves into an intriguing aspect of medical procedures—the recommended protocols for different age groups, for example, treating a fracture in a 70-year-old individual requires different considerations compared to a younger patient, and we explore these nuances extensively.

Fractures, sports, rehabilitation, and the intersection of technology with medical practices are all encompassed in our latest episode of Sports Doc Talk. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, making it an engaging and informative discussion for our listeners.

If you would like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or just want more information about Sports Doc Talk

Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com.

In this podcast episode of Sports Doc Talk, Dr. Grant Garcia and Will Sanchez interview Dr. David Smith, the inventor of the Q-Collar. The Q-Collar is designed to mitigate the absorption of SLOSH (sloshing) energy by the soft tissues of the brain, thereby reducing the risk of brain damage from traumatic events. It is the first device authorized by the FDA for this purpose. You are going to love hearing his thoughts and how animals such as the woodpecker and ram became his inspiration for developing the Q-Collar. Many athletes across all professional sports are currently utilizing the Q-Collar. We discuss a few of these athletes throughout the show, but the Q-Collar is not just for contact sports, it is also used in military operations and other areas.

Dr. Smith is a highly accomplished medical professional with a background in internal medicine and a specialization in traumatic brain injury (TBI). He has served as a visiting scientist at esteemed institutions such as the Human Performance Laboratory for the Division of Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the North Shore Division of Neurosurgery and North Shore Neurological Institute.

If you would like a transcript of the show, want to be a guest, or just want more information about Sports Doc Talk

Check us out at sportsdoctalk.com.

In this podcast episode, William Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia interview foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Anthony Yi. The discussion focuses on getting patients back on their feet as soon as possible after foot and ankle injuries.

One of the key topics is ankle fractures, particularly the use of Fibular Nail (Arthrex Fibulock) in the rehabilitation process. When soft tissue injuries often accompany ankle fractures Dr. Yi suggests that ligament repair supplemented with an internal brace can facilitate an earlier and more efficient rehabilitation process by allowing for early motion and rehab. The group discusses the use of Tightrope for syndesmosis repair and its benefits including flexible fixation, improved joint alignment, and reduced risk of subsequent procedures.

If you have heard our podcast before, you know that using the internal brace is one of Will’s favorite topics to discuss. We discuss its use for chronic ankle instability, focusing on athletes who experience recurrent ankle sprains and their struggle with trusting their ankles. Incorporating the internal brace can accelerate the rehab time by approximately four weeks.

From Fibular Nail and ligament repair with an internal brace to Tightrope for syndesmosis repair and managing Achilles ruptures, the discussion provides valuable information for medical professionals and sports enthusiasts. More importantly, can Dr. Yi answer this episode's trivia question? Hint: Harvard versus Penn in a bragging rights Ivy League showdown.

For more information: check out sportsdoctalk.com and grantgarciamd.com / orthopdedicsspecialistsofseattle.com / (206) 633-8100 or (206) 784-8833

This episode of Sports Doc Talk focuses on the competitive aging athlete. We want to especially thank one of our loyal listeners for requesting this episode and remind everyone to check out sportsdoctalk.com for podcast links, transcripts, comments, show requests, and much more.

As always, this episode features hosts Will Sanchez and orthopedic sports medicine specialist Dr. Grant Garcia discussing various topics related to sports medicine and performance enhancement. We discuss the challenges faced by recreational athletes who may not have access to the same resources as professional athletes but also remind our listeners that they still have many options. The show covers advancements in regenerative medicine such as stem cells, wearable technology including smartwatches and glucose monitors, and supplementation with Omega 3, vitamin D, and electrolytes. We also cover topics such as diet, inflammation, hydration, sleep, plyometrics, and stretching. The proactive approach to training involves looking for deficits, appropriate rest and recovery, and advanced PT facilities. This episode also talks about sports surgeons and the latest advancements in injections, cartilage restoration, and biologics. Lastly, we want to emphasize the importance of listening to your body. We hope you enjoy the show while you keep moving and staying in shape. Thanks for listening.

For more information: check out sportsdoctalk.com and grantgarciamd.com / orthopdedicsspecialistsofseattle.com / (206) 633-8100 or (206) 784-8833

In the latest episode of the Sports Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Grant Garcia and Will Sanchez dive into the excitement surrounding the new baseball season and the concerns surrounding injuries brought up by the new rules to speed up the game. We discuss the significant strain that throwing a baseball at high velocities repeatedly and frequently can put on a pitcher's body, particularly on the arm and shoulder. We explore some of the potential injuries that pitchers may experience, including shoulder injuries, elbow injuries, forearm injuries, and others. We also discuss team doctors and what data and equipment they will use to help prevent these new challenges surrounding this new era of baseball. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the potential injuries pitchers may face and how to avoid them. More importantly to see if Dr. Garcia gets the baseball trivia correct.

Sports Doc Talk is a podcast hosted by Will Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. Check out Sports Doc Talk on all major podcast platforms and on our YouTube channel. Please reach out to us for any questions or show ideas at sportsdoctalkpodcast@gmail.com. You can also reach Dr. Grant Garcia at grantgarciamd.com for great orthopedic information and content.

This podcast aims to educate listeners about sports medicine and the procedures that are used to help athletes recover from injuries.

In this episode, we discuss the recent surgery that Lonzo Ball underwent, his third knee surgery in over a year. Dr. Grant Garcia explains cartilage transplant surgery and how it is a unique procedure that is not commonly performed on professional athletes. We also talk about the history of Lonzo Ball's knee injuries and how his meniscus tear led to the loss of cartilage in his knee. I ask Dr. Garcia if he has any Big Baller Brand gear in his wardrobe…

Dr. Garcia does about 30 to 40 of these procedures a year. The recovery process is a long one, taking about 9-12 months, but the success rates for the procedure are high. Dr. Garcia notes that success rates for professional athletes may be different. Rebless is a robotic by H Robotic that most likely will be used in Lonzo Ball’s recovery, which we’ve discussed in previous shows.

Sports Doc Talk is a podcast hosted by Will Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. Check out Sports Doc Talk on all major podcast platforms and on our YouTube channel. Please reach out to us for any questions or show ideas at sportsdoctalkpodcast@gmail. You can also reach Dr. Grant Garcia at grantgarciamd.com for great orthopedic information and content.

This podcast aims to educate listeners about sports medicine and the procedures that are used to help athletes recover from injuries.

How do orthopedic surgeons take a napkin idea into a full-blown product? In business, there are well-validated step processes to get this done. In this show, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses taking an idea through to full approval from the FDA: the BEAR Implant. We also discuss how innovation is manufactured and marketed, and the concerns surgeons and hospitals may have especially when they are hesitant to adopt new tech due to concerns about safety, effectiveness, and costs. We touch upon how using the 501(k) pathway is a faster and less expensive way to gain FDA approval for a new use of an existing device or implant.

Dr. Garcia discusses how he and other surgeons utilize Biomechanical labs for innovation in orthopedic implants. In these labs, extensive testing is done to validate the performance of orthopedic implants before they are used in patients. They must provide the necessary data and effectiveness before meeting FDA approval.  Last, but not least we discuss Arthrex, the industry leader. Arthrex is a hub for all levels of design, engineering, marketing, teaching, learning videos, and more. Dr. Garcia mentioned he had utilized the SwiveLock anchor numerous times and how suture tape was a staple in his surgeries just like so many other doctors.  I joked that I had seen one of their videos online utilizing the nano-SwiveLock on a patient's finger as they did a finger repair using an internal brace. I told him I was ready to perform surgery. Maybe not just yet.

Check out Sports Doc Talk with Will Sanchez and Dr. Grant Garcia on all major podcast platforms and also on our YouTube channel. Please reach out to us for any questions or show ideas at sportsdoctalkpodcast@gmail.  You can also reach Dr. Grant Garcia at grantgarciamd.com for great orthopedic information and content.

It’s Super Bowl week!

This football season is about to be concluded and there will only be one team to bring the elusive Lombardi trophy back to their city and fans. In this episode of Sports Doc Talk, we discuss key injuries that could affect both teams and their players. Before we look ahead, we look back to a key injury in the NFC championship game to quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy will have an elbow repair using a technique we have discussed in previous shows called internal bracing. What’s the difference between an elbow repair versus Tommy John surgery?

We talk about Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson playing with a torn adductor (ouch). Also, Patrick Mahomes has been dealing with a high ankle sprain. Could that injury lead to a more serious issue in the future and perhaps surgery in the offseason depending on the severity?  We discuss other players as well involved in the big game. We have Super Bowl trivia, predictions sure to go wrong, and lots of excitement discussing our new show platform. Thanks for spending time with us and listening. We hope you enjoy and learn something along the way.

For more information on Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant Garcia check out grantgarciamd.com

One of the scariest scenes unfolded this NFL season for the world to see. There was great excitement for the Bills versus Bengals game, as two of the best teams in the NFL were competing head-to-head with playoff implications. A packed stadium and a buzz that only great teams can generate. Shortly after the game had started the unthinkable occurred…

24-year-old Damar Hamlin was injured on the field. Just a routine tackle. A play that you’ve seen numerous times in a game and one that you would never think twice about. As Hamlin stood up, he soon then collapsed back down and lay motionless on the field. Doctors rushed by his side, administered CPR, and 20 minutes later he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance.

Dr. Grant Garcia wanted to share some information about what happened and explain what Commotio Cordis is: a trauma to your chest, a type of injury that is usually associated with Baseball, Lacrosse, Hockey, and combat sports. Dr. Garcia wants to let coaches and families know how to be prepared and recognize the difference between a common injury and a life-threatening one.

As the World Cup takes the planet by storm, we look at some common soccer injuries and discuss them along with our semifinal and final predictions sure to go wrong. Dr. Grant Garcia discusses serious to nagging injuries such as ACL, quad, hamstring, tears, strains, and others. When do doctors use PRP, shockwave, and other treatments for these injuries and how do these treatments work best for patients? We discuss.

The World Cup excitement begins as there are only 4 teams left. Can Croatia and Morocco win their first World Cup? Lionel Messi will be looking to win his first title and Argentina’s third overall. Not to be outdone the defending champions France will look to win back-to-back titles. If France can win, it will be the first time a nation has won in consecutive tournaments since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. Each team has suffered injuries. The type of injuries that Dr. Garcia discusses in this show.

Enjoy the games. Enjoy the show. Be on the lookout for our end-of-year best of 2022 show. Thanks for listening.

Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses a new technology that will revolutionize how patients can rehab and how surgeons can teach. We start out discussing the Avail system. A camera system that utilizes technology, networking, and software to combine the perfect partnership. This Avail system will allow doctors to learn and teach in a way they haven't done before.

One technology that has the industry buzzing is coming from the company H Robotics. They have come out with an FDA-registered robotic, physical therapy device for both the upper and lower extremities called Rebless. Rebless allows for passive, active, active-assisted, and resisted training and range of motion measurement, so therapy can be customized based on each patient’s condition and progress. To simplify, as a patient you can take this machine home, and your doctor can program, monitor, and adjust your rehab in real time. This device can do much more and Dr. Garcia explains all of it. Take a listen, get informed, and enjoy.

The 2022 football season is underway, and already key players such as Zach Wilson, the quarterback of the New York Jets have not played a down yet due to a torn meniscus suffered early this preseason. In this show Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the torn meniscus and more importantly the technology, and decision-making between reparation versus preservation. Also discussed are...

- Not all patients are alike

- Age limit on repair?

- Radial tears: A lack of blood flow complicating the healing process

- Meniscus tears combined with ACL

- Cartledge damage is the key

- Meniscus deficiency syndrome: When to transplant

- Future Tech

- Scaffolds: What is it

- When and why: Preserving the knee

- Does Dr. Garcia have a fantasy football team?

An informative show for all. Also, try to count how many times I said “last question”, but the conversation was too good to end right there. Take a listen and as always, we hope you learn something along the way.

When technology and creativity intertwine great discoveries are explored. This is what is occurring in the orthopedic field. The discussion of restoration versus reconstruction of a torn ACL at times has been debated, but now more than ever restoration has given patients a great option. Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the BEAR Implant. The Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) technique is a procedure used to treat ruptured or torn ACLs. This new, FDA-approved procedure serves as a much better alternative than traditional ACL reconstruction. It's less invasive and less complex in nature.

Dr. Garcia talks about how the BEAR Implant enables your body to heal its torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The implant is different because it works with your own blood to heal the torn ends of your ACL back together. We discuss who is a prime candidate, and how soon after your injury should you have this procedure done, the pros and cons of restoration versus reconstruction, affordability, and getting insurance to approve this procedure. Dr. Garcia covers all patients' questions. Real topics, real questions, and answers. Dr. Garcia is always at the forefront of technology and the BEAR implant has him excited for his patients as they recover and get back to normality faster than ever. Why might the BEAR implant be good for you? There’s a lot more that we discuss, but I guess you need to listen and enjoy.

Patients can now achieve complete functional restoration without the consequences of traditional ACL surgery. Here are a few fun facts. the BEAR implant is FDA-approved. A tiny incision can place the implant as it will be situated in the space between the two ACL ends. Also, the patient's blood will be added to the BEAR implant to activate clot formation.

The scene is set as the NBA and the NHL are ready to conclude their season and crown a champion. All-season teams have one common goal in mind, a reward that every athlete dreams of and it fuels their desire to get to the biggest stage to make their dreams come true. The road is filled with daily competition, athletic endurance, pain threshold, mental fortitude, and luck.  Not everyone is fortunate to get to that stage let alone make it to that level of competition. Not everyone has what it takes.

In this show, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses his experiences working with the top athletes in sports and their relentless drive to be the best.  We discuss these successes on the field and off it as well. Rainier Beach high school football coach Corey Sampson joins us to share his thoughts on the various ways to recognize success, especially when it comes to his players. It can be graduating, giving back to your community, becoming a professional in your field of interest, etc. This show is inspired by the movie “American Underdog” and it opened up the discussion of “what it takes.” to achieve success and how that looks different for many of us. 

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It is also the oldest team sport in North America. In fact, one of the earliest accounts of lacrosse comes from a document that was written in the early 17th century, but the sport was clearly around before that time. We also know that the document recognizes the First Nations people first played it across Canada over 500 years ago. Each nation had its own version of “Stickball”, later changed to Lacrosse. “La Crosse” (The Stick), but they all played it to thank the Great Spirit — called Gichi-manidoo in Anishinaabe.

Dr. Grant Garcia discusses injuries that apply to lacrosse, and some of the signs to look for when they’re not so obvious. As he says…” he rather be safe than sorry.” Especially when it pertains to neck injuries. It’s a show that is beneficial to coaches, parents, and fellow teammates. It’s not just about the injuries, but the love of the sport. These shows are not to discourage playing sports, in fact, there are countless benefits to playing team sports, but we should be aware of some of the injuries and be prepared for them as they occur. Now get out there and play.

The Internal Brace has been a huge leap forward in treatment for how patients recover from surgeries and how it allows them to get back to normal activities in a fraction of the time it used to take from conventional surgeries. This technology has been applied to some of the greatest athletes in the world, such as Drew Brees and others. A recent example is the dislocated kneecap that Brooks Koepka suffered right before the 2021 Masters tournament. The 4-time major champion and former #1 golfer in the world had put in place an Internal Brace, and a week later was hitting and walking on the golf course able to compete at the Masters just 3 weeks after surgery. This technology is not only available to the best athletes in the world, but it’s also available to you.

Dr. Garcia discusses at length what Internal Bracing is and how it is applied to injuries.  We discuss how it works for acute and chronic ligament injuries, its instabilities, and the benefits of using it when it comes to knee, shoulder, ankle, and thumb injuries. He shares what information and options you should discuss with your doctor regarding this procedure, and the importance of having a doctor who knows how to apply an Internal Brace. Is Internal Bracing permanent? Is it safe for MRIs? Who’s more likely to get an Internal Brace? What are the cost differences if any? We get to these questions and much more.

It’s a great topic and a game-changer for your recovery. Reach out to your doctor and others, to see if this procedure can benefit you.

Music: Bensound

Little Johnny wants to become a pro baseball player, but it all starts with little league. Dr. Grant H. Garcia shares his expertise on baseball injuries starting at the little league level and above. Dr. Garcia has authored over 70 publications in prominent peer-reviewed journals including the American Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.  Dr. Garcia was named a Seattle Met Top Doctor in 2019 & 2020.

We discuss common baseball injuries, such as shoulder and elbow injuries, specifically UCL tears (Tommy John), pitching, the importance of proper rest days, and adhering to the pitching guidelines by littleleague.org. Is there an increased risk of injury when a player only plays a specialized sport all year long? Are there adverse effects of teaching kids how to throw breaking balls at an early age? We cover many topics and address concerns that parents and coaches may have. It's a great show and highly thankful for Dr. Garcia's time on this important topic.

Dr. Grant H. Garcia has published over a dozen papers on this topic and his work has been featured widely including ESPN.com, Orthopedics Today, and AAOS Now. Dr. Garcia was an assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. During residency, he also cared for players on the New York Giants, New York Mets, US Tennis Team, New York Rangers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets as well as many collegiate athletes.

Consumer wearables such as Apple, Whoop, Polar, Garmin, and so many others are revolutionizing how we monitor our health. It’s a Multi-billion-dollar market that has expanded way beyond just counting our steps. On this show Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses the many uses and how its technology will revolutionize health care.

Athletes are a big part of the conversation because as Dr. Garcia said, consumer wearables are the “Holy grail of athletics” in how this tech will help athletes, trainers, doctors, and the overall organization when it comes down to the players and how they are monitored. Athletes compete longer and are aware of their sleep patterns, mental and physical stresses, and more.  Teams also watch hundreds of thousands of algorithms to make decisions that they determine are best for an overall winning outcome. There is an abundance of techs such as pitchers’ sleeves, helmet monitors, heads-up displays goggles for swimmers, and much more.

This tech doesn’t just benefit athletes, but patients like you and me. As Dr. Garcia said, they can use this technology to “treat patients with a holistic approach.” We cover a lot in this show…Concerns over HIPPA compliance, telemedicine, how surgeons themselves are monitored, and how certain places make sure they are up to an optimum standard before they go into surgery. Places like the Cleveland Clinic have already begun this process. An informative show that we hope like always you enjoy and find informative.

Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Grant Garcia discusses future training for orthopedic surgeons, advancement in robotics, sensors, and 3D printing. The role of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality and how costs and choosing a medical provider play a role.

The definition of virtual reality (VR) is… the use of computer modeling and simulation that enables a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3-D) visual or other sensory environment. Dr. Grant Garcia explains how virtual, augmented, and mixed reality is the future and present of orthopedics, from a teaching perspective to a technological one. For example, imagine the world’s greatest doctors operating on a patient from thousands of miles away or a student learning to operate under any scenario before even interacting with their first patient.

From robotics, sensors, costs, accessibility, and even the importance of choosing a medical provider, Dr. Garcia discusses it all. A fun futuristic show that even Stanley Kubrick would love.

When it comes to our health, we always want the best treatment. Just like we are looking for the best medicine, the best hospitals, the best care, and the best doctors, doctors are on the lookout for new technology, new methods, and new equipment that will essentially benefit us… the patient.

We discuss things that came faster than expected out of necessity and new technology that is ahead of its time: Telehealth which has increased over 50% in 2020, bringing convenience to so many.

Cartilage restoration: Scaffolds to grow cartilage, Arthritis prevention. How do you restore lost cartilage?

Biologics:  Can the future be as simple as an injection? A procedure that will eliminate the need for surgery.

Fertilized ACL: This new procedure was one of the most exciting Dr. Garcia discussed. A technique using a mixture that will fill the tunnels within the knee joint during a traditional ACL reconstruction. This technique also utilizes an innovative concept of internal brace reinforcement to improve the stability of the healing ACL and it will allow the patient to recover in a much quicker time frame.

On December 4, 2018, the NHL Board of Governors approved expansion for the city of Seattle.  The three years that followed saw the construction of the Climate Pledge Arena, 32,000 ticket deposits, a new Kraken Community Iceplex, and a generation of new hockey fans. This recent boom has thousands of new fans learning to ice skate and learning how to play hockey. A sport and activity that is fun for the entire family to enjoy. Dr. Grant Garcia discusses common injuries related to this sport and how to minimize them. Listen in before you lace up those skates!

Now don’t forget to grab your protective gear and get out there and have fun. Let’s get Kraken!