ACL injuries can be devastating, which is why prevention is vital. By working on strength, balance, plyometrics, and body awareness, people can guard against possible ACL tears.
Neal Goldenberg, MDWith winter a few months away, Cheshire Medical Center, a Dartmouth Health member, will host a free community health education class, Knees and Skis, on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 5 to 6 pm at the hospital’s main campus at 580 Court Street in Keene. The session will be held in North Conference Rooms 1 and 2. Knee injuries are among the most common during skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Neal Goldenberg, MD, chair of Sports Medicine at Cheshire, will share tips to prevent these injuries and what to do if you experience knee pain. To register, visit cheshiremed.org/events.
Goldenberg specializes in knee and shoulder reconstruction surgeries, cartilage restoration, and meniscus repair. He says Cheshire’s Sports Medicine team has seen an increase in knee injuries over the past few years. Specifically, Goldenberg hopes to reduce the wave of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries his team sees at the beginning of each ski season.
“ACL injuries can be devastating, which is why prevention is vital,” Goldenberg says. “By working on strength, balance, plyometrics, and body awareness, people can guard against possible ACL tears.”
Tears in the ACL, located in the center of the knee, relate to knee joint stabilization during cutting and pivoting movements. ACL injuries can occur to anyone at any age, but the highest-risk age group is 14 to 25 because they tend to be more active. ACL injuries are 2 to 6 times more common in females than males.
During this presentation, Goldenberg will cover a range of other possible ski-related injuries, corresponding assessments, and recommendations for care. While stressing injury prevention, Goldenberg can reassure athletes that the Orthopeadic teams at Cheshire Medical Center and other Dartmouth Health members provide world-class care close to home.
“With prehab, modern surgical techniques available at Cheshire, and rehab protocols, our surgeons and Sports Medicine trained physical therapists really do a great job at getting patients ready to return to sports safely,” says Goldenberg.
For a knee injury assessment with Cheshire Medical Center’s Orthopaedics department, call 603-354-5482 or talk to your primary care provider. If you want Cheshire Medical Center’s Sports Medicine team to help create an injury prevention program for you or a team, please call Sports Medicine at 603-354-5454 ext. 3730.
About Cheshire Medical Center
Cheshire Medical Center (Cheshire) advances the health and wellness of individuals across New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region through outstanding care and exceptional service. Cheshire teams deliver an impressive range of clinical services that support the community's needs. As a member of Dartmouth Health, Cheshire is able to provide services far exceeding those of a typical rural hospital, including extensive programs in primary care, cancer care, cardiology, orthopaedics, and public health. Cheshire patients are also able to access hundreds of highly trained specialists and a depth of clinical and technical resources through its collaboration with Dartmouth Health. Cheshire’s clinical practice is distinguished by an exceptional staff, a strong commitment to safety and quality, and a culture that values the contribution of every staff member and volunteer. Cheshire is the area's largest healthcare provider and leading employer. Along with the services delivered on their Keene campus and satellite locations, the Medical Center partners with local organizations to provide vital services and programs throughout the region. To learn more, call 603-354-5400 or visit cheshiremed.org.