Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 53)

THEO IS FIRST TO ‘SERVE’ Ten years ago, in South Africa, Theo had surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. During a tennis match in Georgia, however, Theo felt pain in that knee, recognizing it as probably ACL pain, but continued playing. Afterward, a friend recommended Dr. Seidman, calling him one of the premier sports medicine doctors in the area and citing his membership on the Sports Medicine Committee at Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth. Theo’s ACL surgery was complicated by the difﬁculty of removing the old pins, but after an overnight stay at GMC–Duluth, Theo went home and dedicated himself to knee rehab. TIPS FOR STAYING IN PLAY Tennis can, indeed, be a dangerous sport. To prevent avoidable injuries, follow this advice from the experts at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Program: • Off the court, participate in endurance, flexibility and muscle-conditioning exercises. • When possible, avoid playing on hard surfaces with no “give,” such as cement or asphalt. • Wear tennis shoes with good support, and heel inserts to absorb shock if needed. • Consult a pro to learn your best racket and grip size. • Always take time to warm up and stretch, especially your shoulders. • Focus on technique. For instance, when serving, avoid overarching your back. SCORE: LOVE FOR THEO. Next “serve” was Ronél’s. “I used to play net ball in South Africa,” she says. “It’s a little like basketball in that you stop and turn, over and over. My knee had wear and tear.” Dr. Seidman performed arthroscopic surgery on her knee, and got her back on the tennis court quickly. ALL. Ronél’s shoulder came next. During a doubles match, she was near the net, with her arm poised in the air, when her partner ran into her, driving her collarbone into her rotator cuff. “It hurt a lot,” she says, “and I think shoulder rehab is more painful than knee, but now it’s good.” FOR RONÉL. Not to be outdone, Theo developed arthritis on his collarbone, which pressed on the muscle and kept his arm from moving freely. Another surgery with Dr. Seidman. Another successful rehab. A BREAK IN THE ACTION And here the game stands. “The Willemses are terriﬁc patients,” Dr. Seidman says. “They come right in when there’s an injury, and follow every step of the rehabilitation process. They tell me that getting outdoors, staying ﬁt and keeping in good shape for tennis are important to them. So I do my best to help keep them on the courts.” “All in all, tennis is a very dangerous sport,” Theo says. “But it’s a fun sport,” Ronél adds. ALL. TOOLS Gwinnett Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Program is dedicated to getting you back in the action. To take a sports injury quiz, request a FREE sports injury tool kit or get a physician referral, visit gwinnettsportsmed.com/sportsinjury. Orthopedic surgeries keep tennis lovers Theo and Ronél Willemse on the court. Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2012 Free Resources from GMC 53 http://www.gwinnettsportsmed.com/sportsinjury

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
The Philanthropist Next Door
Special Delivery
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
PrimeTime Health
Reclaiming Form and Function
Nice Follow-Through
Out of the White Coat
SPECIAL: Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center