On August 2nd, Jacob deGrom made his first start for the Mets in over a year due to a stress reaction injury in his right scapula that had him sidelined since spring training. Continue reading to learn about deGrom’s road to return while working with a sports medicine doctor in Brooklyn, Dr. David Altchek.

deGrom is currently known as the best pitcher in baseball, winning back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019. In 15 starts during the 2021 season, he logged a 1.08 ERA and, in 92 innings, struck out 146 batters and walked only 11.

Jacob deGrom has a history of multiple injuries, along with many other pitchers, due to repetitive throwing motion. deGrom suffered a forearm injury in the 2021 season, which had him out until spring training of this season. deGrom believes the forearm injury was caused by having to reposition his arm into an MRI tube and raise it for an hour at a time, which he thinks made it much worse than it was.

The forearm injury kept deGrom out until spring training of 2022. During spring training, he experienced tightness in his shoulder while having a catch and had an MRI performed on his shoulder by a sports medicine doctor in Brooklyn. The MRI revealed a stress reaction to his right scapula, which meant he was going to miss significant time. This injury is rare for the shoulders of pitchers but occurs from repetitive overhead motion. The scapula is a triangular-shaped bone located in the upper back area and is a key bone for pitchers. The scapula is covered by many muscles, which allows it to move smoothly and have strength. A stress reaction is different from a stress fracture as it isn’t as severe but still damages the scapula. We know that nobody wants to suffer from this injury, but thankfully, its primary treatment is just rest, and it rarely requires surgery. A successful return from a scapular stress reaction depends upon safely returning to play, doing so without obtaining continued damage to the scapula that often can make the injury worse.

Sports medicine doctor Brooklyn, David Altchek, performed more MRIs that showed his shoulder was healing, which led to him being able to have a catch on flat ground and progressed to throwing bullpens again. deGrom eventually made rehab starts for the St. Lucie Mets in Florida. deGrom made a rehab start on July 3rd, which was his first one before the injury was discovered this past March during spring training. deGrom was dominant during his first rehab start, as he struck out five of the six batters faced and hit 100 mph on the radar gun six times in the outing. After making a few more rehab starts, deGrom was scheduled to throw a simulated game and return when the Mets played the Padres or Yankees after the All-Star Game. But deGrom’s return had to be pushed back due to him experiencing muscle soreness surrounding his shoulder. deGrom felt fine while having a catch, but the Mets pushed back his simulated game to be cautious. deGrom didn’t enjoy the rehab process as he had to take a large amount of time off and slowly work his way back, but he was excited to be close to returning.

For the first time in over 13 months, Jacob deGrom made his first regular-season start against the Nationals. During the start, deGrom looked just like the outstanding pitcher he was before being sidelined. He struck out six batters and allowed one run on just three hits before being pulled in the 5th inning to be cautious. While it had seemed like the Nationals were going to lose with a depleted lineup after trading star outfielder Juan Soto at the deadline, the Mets bullpen wasn’t able to secure the win. Allowing four runs in relief for deGrom, the Mets lost 5-1. deGrom would’ve liked to win the game, but being healthy and on the field again is a huge step in the right direction for him and the NL East-leading Mets.

Contact Us: Sports Medicine Doctor Brooklyn

Shoulder injuries shouldn’t go untreated. If you find yourself injured, our team at Dr. David Altchek’s office is here to help. Dr. Altchek, sports medicine doctor Brooklyn, has outstanding expertise in treating shoulder injuries and has worked with a number of pro athletes. To learn more about how our team can assist you, be sure to contact us today.

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It is extremely easy for an athlete to injure their shoulder while playing a sport. The most common reasons for shoulder injuries are overuse, repetitive motion, or trauma of some sort. Sometimes shoulder injuries can be minimal or can last a lifetime. If you were to hurt your shoulder, it would affect your mobility and restrict you from participating in not only sports but various activities. If you are looking for the sports medicine doctor in  Brooklyn, Dr. David Altchek, MD, can give you the treatment you need. Dr. Altchek is a talented orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon. He has dedicated his career to perfecting innovative shoulder injury treatment techniques and has years of experience in medical services!

Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an acutely inflamed swollen tendon that does not have microscopic damage to the tendon to see. If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder and it has not eased up in seven to ten days, then it’s time to see a doctor. The symptoms of Tendonitis include:

• Pain or tenderness near or around the joint.
• Stiffness restricts the movement of the joint.
• Mild thickening or swelling of the tendon near the joint.

Ways to Prevent Shoulder Injuries

You are constantly using your shoulder, and this is because your shoulder has a great range of motion. Many shoulder issues do not need to be fixed with surgery. This is lucky for us because the shoulder is constantly getting a workout doing all the movements we are always doing. Ways to prevent shoulder injuries include:

• Listen to your body- Don’t push yourself if your body is sore. If you are feeling any type of pain, do not ignore it.
• Stay in shape- Keeping a healthy diet and regular exercise can prevent many different injuries.
• Exercise the right way- Warm up before you work out and start slowly, ease into a more in-depth exercise.
• Watch out at work- Maintain good posture while doing anything, especially while exercising. Take time to get up and stretch at work and make sure you are always sitting comfortably. 
• Don’t strain to reach what you need- Use a step stool to reach high places. Reaching above your head to grab something is one of the best ways to injure your shoulder.
• Recovery- If you do injure your shoulder, rest and ice it. Take Ibuprofen, and don’t wear a sling to allow your arm to move freely. If your doctor recommends physical therapy, do it.

Why Should You Choose Dr. Altchek? Sports Medicine Doctor Brooklyn

Our shoulders stabilize some of the most flexible joints in our body. They are what allow you to perform big movements. It’s important to know what doctor is the best to use for shoulder treatment. Dr. Altchek is a second-generation orthopedic physician and Co-Chief Emeritus at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is one of the lead consultants to the NBA and is a top doctor for many professional athletes. If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor in Brooklyn, Dr. David Altchek, MD, specializes in several services to aid patients:

• Arthroscopy of the shoulder, knee, and elbow
• UCL Reconstruction- Docking Procedure
• ACL Reconstruction
• Total Shoulder Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Shoulder instability treatment

Shoulder Injury Services:

Dr. Altchek will sit down with you and find a treatment plan that works best for you. He has decades of experience diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions. His shoulder injury services include:

• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
• Total Joint Replacement of the Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability Surgery
• Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Schedule An Appointment with Dr. Altchek- Sports Medicine Doctor Brooklyn

Several individuals suffer from long-term shoulder injuries that bother them more than it should. Shoulder Tendonitis is painful and uncomfortable, and nobody should have to live with it. As many people don’t see shoulder tendonitis to be that serious, the treatment for it is. Dr. Altchek is one of the best-known doctors in New York. He will take time to evaluate your needs and make an adjustment for you to get you back to feeling your best! 

Dr. Altchek is committed to providing top-notch care to anyone who needs his services. If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor in Brooklyn, contact Dr. David Altchek, MD, and get the help you need! 

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If you were to injure your shoulder, you may need surgery to help repair it. In our shoulder, our upper arm has a ball and socket joint that connects it to our body. Ligaments and tendons hold it together, connecting the bones and muscles. This ball and socket joint we have allows us to move our arms up and down and side to side freely. If you need shoulder replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will replace the natural bone in the ball and socket joint with metal or plastic. This surgery will require a long recovery process. If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor Brooklyn, Dr. David Altchek, MD, can give you the treatment you need. Dr. Altchek is a talented orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon. He has dedicated his career to perfecting innovative shoulder injury treatment techniques and has years of experience in medical services!

 

Types of Shoulder Surgeries

There are three different types of shoulder replacement surgery:

 

Total Shoulder Replacement– This is the most common type of shoulder replacement surgery. The doctor will replace the ball at the top of your humerus with a metal ball, attaching it to the remaining bone. The socket then gets covered with a new plastic surface. 

Partial Shoulder Replacement– Only the ball in your shoulder gets replaced.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement– You would get this surgery if you have a torn rotator cuff or if another shoulder replacement surgery did not work. The doctor will attach the metal ball to your shoulder bones, and a socket will be implanted at the top of your arm.

 

Why You Would Need Shoulder Replacement Surgery

If you are suffering from a shoulder condition, your doctor will treat you with prescribed drugs and physical therapy. If this does not work, then you would most likely be recommended to get surgery. Reasons for needing a shoulder replacement include:

 

• A broken bone.
• Severe Arthritis.
• A torn rotator cuff.

 

Recovery

After your surgery, you will most likely be able to go home the same day. Expect to feel pain and swelling; your doctor will provide drugs to help manage the pain and ice to help ease the swelling. You will first be wearing a brace, and once you start physical therapy, it’ll be easier to move it. The doctor will suggest you do physical therapy in your home to gradually improve the joints. It will take time, and for some, it can take almost up to four weeks to even pick up a glass of water. The recovery process usually takes about six weeks, and you will be in a sling for most of that time. Your doctor will ensure checkups throughout the year after your surgery to make sure everything is going okay with your recovery. Most patients come out of surgery with full motion in their shoulders. However, after years of use, the replacement joint can become loose and ultimately separate from the bone. This would require another surgery.

 

Why Should You Choose Dr. Altchek?

Our shoulders stabilize some of the most flexible joints in our body. They are what allow you to perform big movements. It’s important to know what doctor is best to use for shoulder treatment. Dr. Altchek is a second-generation orthopedic physician and Co-Chief Emeritus at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is one of the lead consultants to the NBA and is a top doctor for many professional athletes. If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor in Brooklyn, Dr. David Altchek, MD, specializes in several services to aid patients:

 

• Arthroscopy of the shoulder, knee, and elbow
• UCL Reconstruction- Docking Procedure
• ACL Reconstruction
• Total Shoulder Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Shoulder instability treatment

 

Shoulder Injury Services:

Dr. Altchek will sit down with you and find a treatment plan that works best for you. He has decades of experience diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions in many individuals. His shoulder injury services include:

 

• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
• Total Joint Replacement of the Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability Surgery
• Reverse Shoulder Replacement

 

Schedule An Appointment with Dr. Altchek: Sports Medicine Doctor Brooklyn

For athletes, shoulder injuries are not exactly a rare occurrence. More than 50,000 shoulder replacements are done in the US each year. If you are experiencing this, you don’t have to live with shoulder pain, limited mobility, or impaired performance. Dr. Altchek is one of the best-known doctors in New York. He will take time to evaluate your needs and make an adjustment for you to get you back to feeling your best! 

 

Dr. Altchek is committed to providing top-notch care to anyone who needs his services. If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor Brooklyn, contact Dr. David Altchek, MD, and get the help you need!