Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 5)

Skyler Brody returns to the court for Greater Atlanta Christian School after suffering two ACL tears. Conditioning Key to Reducing Injuries began rehab. She spent about two months in a full leg brace. When the basketball season started in September, she began playing again, wearing a knee brace. “Almost exactly two years later,” Skyler says, “during another early-season game, I tore the other knee’s ACL.” This time, because she had a better understanding of her readiness, she got back on the court in June. As ACL surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, Dr. Maughon performed both of Skyler’s surgeries at the Outpatient Center at GMC–Duluth. “They were great,” Skyler says. “Each time, the nurses took such good care of me. They were really nice.” Skyler is considering attending the University of Mississippi after high school. Like many young women, “I think I’ll study business,” she says. Also like so many young women, Skyler won’t stop being active. “Since rehab, I still do the exercises I’ve been doing all along,” she says. “Once I fully recovered, my knees felt ﬁ ne. I think I’m stronger now than before.” ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF KRAMES STAYWELL Even though female athletes are more likely to suffer anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears than male athletes, there are steps everyone can take to lower the risks. “We know so much more about training, and how it can help, than we did even a few years ago,” says T. Scott Maughon, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Gwinnett Medical Center. “It’s important for coaches and parents to make sure their athletes participate in a regular conditioning program for balance, power and agility, including plyometric exercises, such as jumping and balance drills. Studies show this type of training helps improve neuromuscular conditioning and muscular reactions.” The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major knee ligaments that are prone to injury. GMC–Duluth Helps Athletes of All Ages and Abilities Whether you have an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or other orthopedic injury, the experts with Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth’s Sports Medicine Program provide what you need to get back in the game. As the sports medicine leaders in Atlanta, GMC’s trainers and affiliated physicians take care of the Gwinnett Gladiators, BB&T Atlanta Open, Greater Gwinnett Championship, several recreational leagues and more than 15 high schools. For a physician referral, call 678-430-3223. SUMM ER 2013 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
ACL Double Take
Saving the Littlest Lives
The Ultimate Backto- School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Delivered from Devastation
A Big Reason to Smile
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center