Tower Health Providers Health & Wellness Radio Show – Albright College with Dr. Schumacher, MD
Host: Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us today for this special Q&A session with Dr. Christopher Schumacher from the Bone & Joint Care Center in Reading, PA. Dr. Schumacher is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, and we’re thrilled to have him here today to talk about his expertise and the care available through Bone & Joint Care Center.
Dr. Schumacher, thank you so much for being here. We’re excited to dive into some important topics related to sports injuries, recovery, and the specialized services you offer. But before we start with the questions, could you give us a brief overview of your background and what led you to specialize in sports medicine?
Dr. Schumacher:
Thank you for having me! I’m really excited to be here today. After finishing my orthopedic residency, I completed an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Wake Forest University, where I had the opportunity to work with athletes at all levels, from high school to professional teams. I was always drawn to orthopedic surgery, and within orthopedics you have the ability to specialize in various fields. I found that I had the strongest connection to sports medicine. My focus on minimally invasive techniques and joint preservation has been a key aspect of my practice, as I believe these methods can significantly enhance recovery and quality of life for my patients.
Q: Could you share what makes sports medicine particularly rewarding for you?
A: What I find most rewarding about sports medicine is the ability to help individuals get back to doing what they love, whether that’s playing in a competitive sport or simply staying active so they can really enjoy their daily life. There’s something very fulfilling about seeing a patient go from being in pain, limited in their activity to fully recovered and able to perform at their best. Sports medicine is also unique because it's about more than just treating the injury; it's about understanding the person’s goals and creating a treatment plan that fits into their lifestyle.
Q: Bone & Joint Care Center offers a range of services related to sports injuries. What are some of the most common injuries you see in athletes or active individuals?
A: Some of the most common injuries I see in athletes include knee injuries (such as ACL tears), meniscus tears, and tendonitis - particularly in the shoulder, elbow, and knee. For non-athletes, we also treat overuse injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis, which are common in individuals who stay active but may not be competing at a high level.
How do you approach their treatment?
My approach always begins with getting to know my patients and their goals. I typically start with less invasive options, such as physical therapy, medications, or using a brace, before moving to more invasive treatments if necessary. For example, with simple tendonitis, we may start with physical therapy and rest. But for more serious injuries, like an ACL tear, we may discuss surgery followed by rehabilitation.
Q: A significant part of your expertise is in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Can you explain how this procedure works and what benefits it offers compared to traditional surgery?
A: Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to visualize and treat the joint. In a typical arthroscopic procedure, we insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint, which allows us to view the area in real-time on a monitor. This means we can perform repairs, such as ligament reconstructions or cartilage repairs, with far less disruption to the surrounding tissues. The key benefits are less pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of infection compared to traditional open surgery. It’s also a great option for joint preservation, as it helps minimize the trauma to healthy tissue and can prevent the need for more invasive procedures down the road.
Q: You emphasize joint preservation in your practice. Can you talk about why preserving the joint is so important and the options available to patients who want to avoid joint replacement surgery?
A: Joint preservation is incredibly important because it helps maintain long-term mobility and function. Joint replacement surgery, while very effective, often requires a lengthy recovery and may not always be the best option for younger, active individuals who still have good joint health. For these patients, I focus on minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopic surgery to repair or stabilize damaged tissues, as well as joint preservation techniques such as PRP therapy. These treatments can help delay or even avoid the need for joint replacement surgery, and for many patients, they allow them to continue to be active and pain-free.
Q: ACL injuries are very common in athletes. Could you walk us through how you determine whether surgery or non-surgical treatment is best for them?
A: ACL tears are unfortunately very common, particularly in sports that involve cutting, pivoting, and sudden changes of direction, like soccer or basketball. The first step in treatment is determining the extent of the injury through imaging, typically an MRI. In some cases, non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy and utilizing a brace can be effective for athletes who don’t need to return to high-level competition. However, for many athletes, surgery is the best option to restore stability to the knee and prevent further damage to the joint.
What is the recovery process like for someone with an ACL tear?
The recovery process after ACL surgery involves several stages: initially, we focus on reducing swelling and restoring range of motion. Then we move to strength training and proprioception, or balance exercises. Full recovery typically takes about 6 months, depending on the individual and the demands of their sport. Rehabilitation plays an important role during this time, and we work closely with Freedom Therapies and the entire Bone & Joint Care Center team to ensure our patients make a full recovery.
Q: You’ve worked with athletes of all ages, from high school teams to college. How does the treatment approach vary based on the athlete’s age and activity level?
A: The fundamental approach doesn’t change, but the treatment plan may differ depending on the individual’s age, activity level, and goals. Younger athletes may benefit from more aggressive rehabilitation and surgical options, as they tend to heal faster and have more potential for full recovery. For older or less active individuals, I may lean more towards non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, to help manage pain and improve function without pushing for a full return to competitive sports. My goal is always to tailor the treatment to the person’s lifestyle and aspirations.
Q: Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in recovery. Can you speak to the importance of a team-based approach, including how your team collaborates with physical therapists and athletic trainers during recovery?
A: Absolutely! Recovery is a team effort. Our friends at Freedom Therapies, athletic trainers, and physicians like me all work closely to ensure that the patient is progressing as they should. After surgery, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and function. I rely heavily on physical therapists to guide the rehabilitation process, particularly in the early stages when restoring range of motion and strength is critical. Athletic trainers also play a big role, especially for athletes who are returning to sports. They help with injury prevention, conditioning, and gradual re-entry into activity. By working as a team, we can ensure that patients not only recover properly but also avoid re-injury in the future.
Q: Overuse injuries are becoming more common, especially with athletes training year-round. What are some of the most common overuse injuries, and how do you help prevent them from getting worse?
A: Overuse injuries are increasingly common, particularly in young athletes who specialize in one sport and train year-round. Common overuse injuries include tendonitis (like rotator cuff tendonitis or patellar tendonitis), stress fractures, and shin splints. Prevention is key, and I always encourage athletes to incorporate rest days, proper warm-ups, and strength training into their routines. When an overuse injury occurs, we first focus on reducing inflammation and pain through rest, physical therapy, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications. It’s also critical to address any muscle imbalances or forms.
Q: Recovery times can vary greatly depending on the injury. What can patients do to maximize their recovery time, and how do you help them stay motivated during the rehabilitation process?
A: At Bone & Joint Care Center, we take a team approach to recovery, working closely with physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes. Patients can maximize their recovery by following the treatment plan, staying consistent with physical therapy, and focusing on key factors like nutrition, sleep, and hydration. We help patients stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating progress along the way. Recovery is a journey, and the more committed you are to the process, the better your long-term results will be. Our goal is to help you heal quickly, safely, and with the tools to prevent future injuries.
Q: What role does nutrition and overall wellness play in sports recovery?
A: Nutrition plays a huge role in recovery. A balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients is essential for tissue repair and overall healing.
How do you advise your patients in these areas?
I recommend my patients focus on anti-inflammatory foods, like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, to help reduce swelling and promote healing. I also advise them to stay hydrated, as dehydration can slow down the recovery process. Overall wellness, such as sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight - also supports the body’s ability to recover and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Q: As a team physician for several athletic programs, what has been the most fulfilling part of working closely with athletes in that capacity?
A: The most fulfilling part is being a part of the athlete’s journey, not just as a doctor, but as someone who is invested in their success both on and off the field. I enjoy the relationships I build with the athletes and their families and the opportunity to guide them through some of the toughest times of their careers, like recovering from a serious injury. Being there to see them come back stronger and return to competition is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Looking ahead, what advancements or innovations in sports medicine are you most excited about? Are there any new technologies or treatment methods that you're particularly interested in?
A: I’m really excited about the continued advancements in biologic therapies, like PRP therapy. These treatments have the potential to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. Additionally, advancements in imaging technology are allowing us to detect injuries earlier and more accurately, which means we can treat them more effectively before they become serious. The future of sports medicine is incredibly promising, and I’m excited to see how these innovations will further improve patient outcomes.
Host: Dr. Schumacher, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us today. Your expertise in sports medicine and your dedication to helping patients recover and reach their peak performance is truly inspiring. We’re grateful for the time you’ve taken to be here, and I’m confident our audience now has a deeper understanding of the exceptional services offered at Bone & Joint Care Center.
For those in the Reading, PA area seeking expert orthopedic and sports medicine care, the Bone & Joint Care Center team is here to help. Contact them at 484-628-2663 or visit berksortho.com to learn more about how they are committed to improving the quality of life for Berks County residents.
Get Back in The Game - Introducing Sports Medicine Care
We are excited to announce the expansion of our services at Bone & Joint Care Center with the addition of Dr. Christopher Schumacher, Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, and Bryce Petersheim, PA-C. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in orthopedic care, focusing on sports medicine to help athletes and active individuals recover quickly and get back to what they love.
Some of our new specialized treatments for a wide variety of sports injuries include:
Knee, Shoulder, and Elbow Injuries
ACL, MCL, and Meniscus Tears
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Tendonitis and Bursitis
Sprains, Strains, and Fractures
Overuse Injuries and Stress Fractures
iovera° Cryotherapy
No matter the injury, we are committed to helping you recover with minimal downtime and optimal results. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, our sports medicine experts will guide you every step of the way.
Advancements in Joint Health Provide Options for Pain Relief
Our very own Orthopedic Surgeon, Kenneth McAlpine Jr., MD, was recently featured in the Reading Eagle discussing the remarkable advancements in orthopedic care over the past decade. Discover how these innovations are shaping the future of healthcare and empowering patients to lead active, fulfilling lives. Read more…
Pickleball has Health Benefits for Seniors
Welcome to a conversation that explores the secrets of senior wellness through the eyes of orthopedic surgeons Dr. Stephen Longenecker, MD and Dr. Kenneth McAlpine, Jr. MD from the Bone & Joint Care Center in Reading, PA. Within this insightful interview, we explore the myriad of health advantages that seniors can enjoy through the trending phenomenon of pickleball. Gain valuable insights from seasoned medical professionals committed to elevating the orthopedic well-being of their patients.
Bone & Joint Care Center Donates AED to The Friends of Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital has announced the donation of two AEDs that will be part of The Friends of Reading Hospital’s HeartSAFE Berks County AED Loaner Program, which allows community organizations to rent this lifesaving technology at no cost. The donation comes from two local organizations within Berks County: The Bone and Joint Care Center and MADJ Marketing.
“As part of our commitment to supporting and serving our community, we are proud to be a part of this initiative,” said Stephen Longenecker, MD, Medical Director at Reading Hospital and practicing physician at the Bone and Joint Care Center. “Time is a crucial element when an individual goes into cardiac arrest, so we are happy to support The Friends of Reading Hospital by helping to make AEDs more readily available at community events.”