Dr. Ronald P. Grelsamer, NYC Knee & Hip Surgeon and Author, Launches the “Accelerate ACL Awareness Among Young Women" Campaign
The predisposition of young women to Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears is a very important topic. Orthopedists, coaches and sports researchers agree that ACL injuries cause significant health and financial consequences. According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS.), the majority of these injuries occur in females aged 15 to 25. Yet, too many of our young women and their teachers are still in the dark about how to avoid this problem with proper conditioning and training regimes. Education is the Key.
(PRWEB) April 22, 2005 -- The predisposition of young women to Anterior
Cruciate Ligament tears is a very important topic. ACL ( a thick cord that runs
through the center of the knee and behind the kneecap, attaching the femur to
the shinbone, stabilizing the knee joint) injuries in young women who enjoy
organized school sports or are in training to become professional athletes are
significantly on the rise. Recent studies executed during the past decade
indicate that the risk of female ACL injuries is 5 - 6 times greater than it is
for males, and can begin as early as puberty for those who play soccer,
basketball, and volleyball -- non-contact sports that involve jumping, rapid
pivoting, sudden stops and starts.
Orthopedists, coaches and sports
researchers agree that ACL injuries cause significant health and financial
consequences. According to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS.),
the majority of these injuries occur in females aged 15 to 25. Yet, too many of
our young women and their teachers are still in the dark about how to avoid this
problem with proper conditioning and training regimes.
To increase
understanding and decrease the risk of ACL damage, Dr. Ronald P. Grelsamer, NYC
Knee Surgeon and author of "What Your Doctor May not Tell You About Knee Pain
and Surgery," Warner Books 2002, and "What Your Doctor May not Tell You About
Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery," Warner Books 2004, is launching an
“Accelerate ACL Awareness Among Young Women" Campaign to educate young athletes,
parents, coaches, physical education teachers, and other fitness counselors. The
campaign will include educational, interactive presentations and workshops, as
well as ongoing online discussions on Dr. Grelsamer’s web site/blog www.kneehippain.com.
“ACL injuries usually result in
reconstructive surgery followed by months of physical therapy,” says Dr.
Grelsamer. “The damage is often linked to repetitive strain due to overuse,
occurring as a result of sudden stops and turns or bad landings after jumps.
Researchers attribute the discrepancy between men and women to differences in
the way females jump and land, to hormonal differences, and to actual anatomical
variances. Theories have most recently centered on joint laxity, hormonal
variations within the menstrual cycle, reaction times (how quickly muscles react
to an event), and body position. Strength per se does not seem to be an
issue.
"Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles
while promoting balance are important. Women can reeducate their muscles to run
and land from jumps more safely and lightly, with flexed knees, rather than
straight knee landings which put more strain on the anterior cruciate ligaments.
Young women should also be trained to use their hamstrings rather than their
quadriceps muscles; to minimize twisting as well as bending movements of the
landing leg; and to roll their feet as they hit the ground."
Dr.
Grelsamer advises school coaches and sports trainers to implement specific
training regimes such as weight training and conditioning programs, as well as
sport-specific skill drills that teach safe positioning, balance and agility.
“The sooner an answer is found, the sooner steps can be taken to bridge the gap.
ACL injuries may be preventable, but women must be educated and conditioned at
young ages.”
Ronald P. Grelsamer, M.D., is currently the chief of hip and
knee reconstruction at Maimonides Medical Center, and a noted staff orthopedic
specialist at the NYU Medical Center and Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic
Institute. A highly regarded knee and hip surgeon, Grelsamer has been listed in
Castle Connolly’s “America’s Top Doctors,” and in New York Magazine’s “Best
Doctors of New York” for many years.
Traditionally trained and educated,
Grelsamer is an avid patient advocate at the forefront of orthopedic research
and technology, who integrates the latest treatments and surgery options into
his practice. He has been treating people of all ages for over twenty years at
his two offices in New York City and Brooklyn, New York. He has also shared his
expertise with the public on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Eyewitness News, FOX TV,
Plum TV, and in publications such as Forbes Magazine and USA Today.
Books
Authored By Ronald P. Grelsamer, M.D.:
"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
About Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery."
Ronald P. Grelsamer. Warner Books,
2004
"What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Knee Pain and Surgery." Ronald
P. Grelsamer. Warner Books, 2002
"La Rotula - approcio d'equipe." Ronald P.
Grelsamer and J. McConnell PT, GDMT.
Translated by A. Albasini. Masson
Milano, 2001
"The Patella: A Team Approach." Ronald P. Grelsamer and J.
McConnell PT, GDMT. Aspen Press, 1998
"The Columbia-Presbyterian
Osteoarthritis Handbook." Ronald P. Grelsamer and Suzanne Loebl, New York:
Macmillan, 1996
To schedule Dr. Grelsamer for in-person and telephone
interviews, or to request a media kit, please contact Diana Aceti Public
Relations, Phone/Fax 1-631-613-6057; Cell 1-516-382-0922, e-mail protected from
spam bots
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb232112.htm