Newsletter
Sports Medicine Weekly with Dr. Brian Cole

Sports Medicine Weekly with Dr. Brian Cole

The Sports Enthusiast's Official Resource for Fitness, Nutrition, Injury Prevention and Treatment

All Episodes

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Joints

Dr. Brian Cole shares tips for maintaining healthy joints, focusing on non-surgical and holistic remedies.
December 15, 2023

Raising Awareness About the Prevention of Cardiac Episodes in Young Athletes

In this episode, Dr. Cole welcomes renowned physical therapist Bob Mangine to the podcast. With more than three decades of experience in sports medicine, Bob has served as Director of Rehabilitative Services at the University of Cincinnati since 2002. He supervises a program at the University that addresses the health and well-being of the Bearcats football team and has also served as the head athletic trainer for the aquatic teams at the 1996 Olympics. Bob currently serves as National Director of Sports Physical Therapy Clinical Residency for NovaCare, and is President of MBM Consultants, which provides educational management services for physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals. Bob is also involved extensively in the Matthew Mangine, Jr. “One Shot” Foundation, which raises awareness about the prevention of cardiac episodes in young athletes. His family started the Foundation following the tragic death of his grandson on the soccer field. Tune in to learn more about Bob, the Foundation, and what is being done to make AEDs and cardiac training more available to help young athletes survive Sudden Cardiac Arrest. One-Shot Foundation website: https://www.matthewmanginejrfoundation.org/
June 29, 2023

Does Joint Hypermobility Increase Injury Risk?

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by George Andrews, PT, DPT from RUSH Physical Therapy to discuss hypermobility in athletes, especially in sports like collegiate and professional divers. To schedule an appointment with RUSH Physical Therapy, visit www.rushpt.com.
April 17, 2023

Mental Health & Wellness In Sports with Guest Natalie Graves

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Natalie Graves, an expert in mental health for athletes. Natalie specializes in athletes’ mental health and wellness at all levels, helping this unique group maximize success both on and off the field. Learn more about Natalie Graves at her website here: https://www.nataliegraves.com/
February 7, 2023

Using Light Therapy To Treat Certain Medical Conditions

Dr. Brian Cole explains how light therapy, sometimes called phototherapy, can be used to treat certain medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or other health conditions like seasonal affective disorder.
January 3, 2023

The Most Common Pickleball Injuries

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Brandon Abonce, PT, DPT from RUSH Physical Therapy to talk about the most common pickleball injuries.
December 13, 2022

The Physical Demands of Gymnastics

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Brad Trompeter, a physical therapist from RUSH Physical Therapy , and former gymnast, to discuss the physical demands placed on gymnasts and common injuries that occur.
November 9, 2022

NextName: A Unique Offering to Support College Athletes

On this episode, Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Steve Thayer from NextName, a platform designed to support collegiate athletes and teams through the sale of digital collectibles.
October 28, 2022

The Relationship Between Inflammation and Your Diet

Through research, we’re learning that some of the best solutions for reducing inflammation are not necessarily found in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator. On this episode, Dr. Brian Cole talks to certified Integrative Health Coach and Lifestyle Practitioner Karen Malkin about inflammation and how to fight it with an anti-inflammatory diet.
October 13, 2022

A Look Into One Of The Fastest Growing Sports: Water Polo

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Alyssa Turza, a former professional water polo player, to discuss the growth of the sport and how it presents different physical challenges compared to more traditional sports played on a hard surface.
October 5, 2022

The Evaluation and Management of Concussions

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, the Director of the Concussion Program at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, to talk about the evaluation and management of concussions. Dr. Pieroth is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and is the Head Injury/Concussion specialist for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, Fire, and the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as numerous colleges and high schools across the State of Illinois. Dr. Pieroth is the Co-Director of the NFL Neuropsychology Consulting Program. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois and is a member of the USA Football Heads Up Advisory Committee, the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee, the US Soccer Concussion Task Force and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois Safety Committee.
September 20, 2022

What Is A High Ankle Sprain?

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Joshua James, DPT, CSCS from RUSH Physical Therapy to discuss high ankle sprains, including how they are diagnosed and the best treatments to help athletes recover.
August 29, 2022

Caffeine and Caffeine Supplements: Spilling the Beans on Caffeine

Caffeine is the most popular psychoactive substance in the world, with 89 percent of people in the U.S. consuming at least one drink containing caffeine daily. People depend on caffeine or caffeine supplements for a temporary energy boost, to stay alert, to enhance focus, and even to improve their mood. With so many people so dependent on caffeine, today we are going to take an in-depth look at caffeine pills and supplements.
August 18, 2022

The Impact of Playing School Sports with Guest Mickey Pruitt

Former NFL linebacker and current Director of Sports for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) joins Dr. Brian Cole to discuss the importance that school sports have on young students. Pruitt oversees 23 sports, with tens of thousands of CPS athletes; guiding the very program that enriched his life as a teenager in Chicago. Pruitt was an all-state halfback and safety at Robeson High School in Englewood, Ill.
July 11, 2022

Percussive Massage Devices: Muscle Relief in the Palm of Your Hand

Percussive massage devices, which are sometimes referred to as “massage guns”, have become increasingly popular among recreational athletes for therapeutic use. They use targeted percussive or vibration pressure to stimulate blood flow to the muscles and provide the benefits of a massage in the comfort of your home, including reducing soreness, increasing flexibility, and accelerating recovery. But do they actually work? Today, we’ll take a look at the science behind these increasingly popular devices.
June 27, 2022

A Conversation with Six-Time X Games Medalist Grete Eliassen

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Six-Time X Games Medalist Grete Eliassen to talk about her career in snow sports, dealing with injuries and empowering women in the sport of skiing.
June 6, 2022

How A Collegiate Athlete Is Making Her Comeback from Knee Cartilage Damage

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole is joined by UCLA Beach Volleyball athlete Lindsey Sparks to talk about her comeback from a knee cartilage injury.
May 24, 2022

The Benefits of Cross-Training

Dr. Cole shares the benefits of taking time away from your primary sport to train other areas of the body which helps reduce the risk of injury.
May 17, 2022

Five Evidence-Based Strategies For Losing Weight

With summer right around the corner, it’s quite common for people to focus on shedding a few pounds. While many diets and fads have some merit, today we’re going to talk about five simple, science-based weight loss strategies that can help you slim down before summer. These include: tracking your diet and exercise daily, starting your day with protein, intermittent fasting, balancing your gut bacteria, and of course, reducing your intake of sugar and refined carbs.
April 29, 2022

The Evolution of Cartilage Restoration with Guest Solomon Wilcots

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by former NFL safety and broadcaster Solomon Wilcots to discuss advancements in cartilage restoration.
April 11, 2022

How To Create Healthy Lifestyle Habits with Karen Malkin

Dr. Brian Cole is joined by Karen Malkin from Karen Malkin Health Consulting to talk about the best ways to create healthy lifestyle habits.
March 31, 2022

How Sports Psychology Helps Athletes and Performers with Lauren Loberg, PhD

On this episode of Sports Medicine Weekly, Dr. Lauren Loberg joins Dr. Brian Cole to discuss her experiences as a UCLA student-athlete, coach, researcher, mental health counselor, and sports psychology consultant.
March 21, 2022

The Best Treatments For Patellar Tendonitis

Josh James, a Physical Therapist from RUSH PT joins Dr. Cole to discuss the best ways to manage patellar tendonitis, commonly referred to as jumper's knee.
March 7, 2022

Intermittent Fasting: Fad or Fact?

Dr. Cole breaks down the science behind Intermittent Fasting (IF), discussing the potential benefits and side effects, and looking at the different types of IF plans.
February 22, 2022

What Is Heart Rate Variability?

Dr. Brian Cole explains why a measurement called Heart rate variability, or HRV, is an important metric for determining your body’s readiness to perform.
February 7, 2022

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Right For You?

Dr. Brian Cole talks about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) including whether or not athletes should be able to supplement their testosterone levels with TRT and when is the proper time to consider this treatment.
January 31, 2022

Achieving Your Goals In The New Year

What’s the secret to keeping resolutions? How do you become one of the exclusive, high achievers who set and actually follow through on their resolutions? Dr. Brian Cole shares tips for how you can set and achieve your goals in the new year. Sports Medicine Weekly is brought to you by: Rush Physical Therapy JRF Ortho Vericel Karin Malkin Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
January 24, 2022

Maximizing The Squat Exercise

On this episode, we talk with Dustin Jesberger, PT, DPT from RUSH Physical Therapy to discuss maximizing and utilizing the squat exercise. 
January 11, 2022

The NBA COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole breaks down the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and how the league is working to contain the spread of the virus.
December 10, 2021

The Benefits Of Yoga For Athletes

In this episode, we talk with Lesley Bezdek-Cohen, PT, DPT about the different benefits of yoga for athletes. Lesley is the Lead Physical Therapist at Rush Physical Therapy’s Andersonville, Illinois clinic. Lesley danced professionally with ballet and jazz companies prior to going back to school for physical therapy and has been teaching yoga since 2009.
December 2, 2021

Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Prevented?

In this episode, we are joined by Karen Malkin, NBC-HWC, to talk about strategies to support brain health. Karen is a board-certified health coach and the owner of Karen Malkin Health Counseling. 
November 22, 2021

The COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Dr. Brian Cole discusses the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and the vaccine statistics both in the United States and worldwide. 
November 9, 2021

Ask The Doctor: How Does Nutrition Help Joint Recovery?

In this Ask The Doctor episode, Dr. Brian Cole highlights the importance of nutrition in joint recovery.
November 4, 2021

Understanding The New Aspirin Recommendations

In today's episode, Dr. Brian Cole takes a look at how aspirin has been used over the years — and where the medical advice stands today.
October 26, 2021

Using Data to Analyze Sports Injuries with Christina Mack, PhD, MSPH, FISPE

We are joined by Dr. Christina Mack, Vice President, Epidemiology and Clinical Evidence at IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services to the life sciences industry. IQVIA creates intelligent connections across all aspects of healthcare through its analytics, transformative technology, big data resources, and extensive domain expertise. IQVIA Connected Intelligence™ delivers powerful insights with speed and agility — enabling customers to accelerate the clinical development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments that improve healthcare outcomes for patients. With approximately 70,000 employees, IQVIA conducts operations in more than 100 countries.
October 19, 2021

Ask The Doctor: What Is Shoulder Instability and How Is It Treated?

Dr. Brian Cole provides an overview of shoulder instability and the various treatments used to restore stability in the shoulder.
October 18, 2021

What It Takes To Run a 100-Mile Race with Guest Zach Bitter

In this episode, we are joined by Zach Bitter, an American ultramarathon runner. He held world records for the 100-mile run and the 12-hour run. Bitter claimed both records with his performance during the Six Days in the Dome event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 24, 2019.
October 13, 2021

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): How Much Is Too Much?

Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul discuss the positive and negative impacts of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
October 3, 2021

Will Activities Like Running Make Your Arthritis Worse?

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul talk about osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage that covers our bones, including whether activities such as running can worsen a person's osteoarthritis.
September 27, 2021

Ep. 27: What Is The Best Alcohol To Drink?

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul dive into which alcohol is the healthiest to drink and how alcohol impacts sleep, which is a critical time for muscle repair.
September 20, 2021

Ep. 26: Treating Rotator Cuff Tears With Dr. Nik Verma

In this episode, we discuss the treatment of rotator cuff tears with sports medicine and shoulder surgeon Dr. Nik Verma from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Verma is the lead investigator in a clinical study focused on the first balloon implant for arthroscopic treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs).
September 13, 2021

Ep. 25: Avoiding Injury While Endurance Training with Erin Short, PT, DPT

In this episode, we are joined by Erin Short, PT, DPT, from RUSH Physical Therapy to talk about how to avoid an injury while endurance training. We also discuss the role of physical therapy in helping patients both before and after an injury.
September 2, 2021

Ep. 24 Maximizing Recovery with Patrick Pauley M.S., ATC, PES, FRCms

In this episode, we talk with Patrick Pauley, an athletic trainer specializing in fitness, injury prevention, and sports performance, about how to use a system approach at the time of injury to maximize recovery.
August 20, 2021

Ep. 23: Taking Care of Performing Arts Athletes with Dustin Jesberger, PT, DPT

In this episode, we are joined by Dustin Jesberger, PT, DPT from RUSH Physical Therapy who shares insight into common injuries in the performing arts industry. Dustin explains the types of injuries seen in the performing arts space and his role in helping keep these performers as healthy as possible.
August 10, 2021

Ep. 22: How Sleep Improves Recovery & What You Can Do To Sleep Better

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole discusses the importance of sleep and how it impacts stress, muscle recovery, memory, immune system, mood, and much more. Dr. Cole also shares his tips for how to sleep better at night.
August 9, 2021

Ep. 21: Maximizing Performance After Injury with Eric Ridings, B.S., LMT

Eric Ridings, B.S., LMT, joins the podcast to talk about recovering from various degrees of injury and how he helps his clients develop a return to optimal performance in their sport.
August 2, 2021

Ask The Doctor: ACL Tears — Your Treatment Options

Dr. Brian Cole explains tears to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), which impacts around 500,000 people each year. Learn about the anatomy of the ACL and the treatment options available for ACL tears.
July 19, 2021

Ask The Doctor: Meniscus Tear without Osteoarthritis – Management and Treatment Options

Dr. Brian Cole highlights the management and treatment of meniscus tears without osteoarthritis.
July 12, 2021

Ep. 20: Discussing The Use Of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular treatment over the last several years, but there are still questions about its potential effectiveness in treating injuries. In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole explains how PRP is used in both the office and surgical settings to promote healing.
June 28, 2021

Ep. 19: Common Injuries of the Weekend Warrior with Casey Gray, PT, DPT

Casey Gray, PT, DPT, from RUSH Physical Therapy, joins Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul to discuss managing common injuries of the weekend warrior and the best prevention and treatment options available.
June 21, 2021

SMW Injury Update: Kawhi Leonard

You’re about to listen to a Sports Medicine Weekly Injury Update, where Dr. Brian Cole provides his analysis of major professional sports injuries in just 10 minutes or less.
June 17, 2021

Ep. 18: Osteoarthritis orthobiologics with Dr. Brian Cole

Orthobiologics such as platelet-rich-plasma, and stem cells have gained popularity as treatments for knee osteoarthritis over recent years. Orthobiologics are cells, blood components or growth factors which claim to promote healing and decrease inflammation. Platelet rich plasma and stem cell injections are an expensive treatment and there is a paucity of rigorous evidence to support the use of them in people with OA. On this episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr. Brian Cole to unpack the controversial topic of osteoarthritis orthobiologics.Dr. Brian Cole is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and a Professor of Orthopaedics, Anatomy and Cell Biology at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Cole is Managing Partner of Midwest Orthopaedics and is the Department’s Associate Chairman and the Section Head of the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center. He is the Chairman of Surgery at Rush Oak Park Hospital and leads the Rush Orthopedic Master’s Program. Dr. Cole is the 2020 President of the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
June 15, 2021

Ep. 17: Icing Your Pitching Arm — Does It Work?

In this episode, Dr. Brian Cole and Steve discuss icing a pitcher's arm and the perceived benefits. However, no published peer-reviewed research has shown definitively that ice is beneficial to the healing process. So, what is the best way to help a pitcher's arm recover after throwing?
June 14, 2021

Ep. 16: Treating Athletes with a Cartilage Defect – Presented by MACI

In this episode, Dr. Cole explains common knee cartilage defects found in both athletes and active populations, how to decide on the best available treatment, and an overview of the different kinds of cartilage found in joints.
June 7, 2021

Ep. 15: Understanding White Sox OF Luis Robert's Injury

In this episode, Dr. Cole and Steve break down how an injury like the one sustained by Chicago White Sox OF Luis Robert happens, the difference between a strain and a sprain, and the relationship between fatigue and injury.
May 26, 2021

Ep. 14: Discussing Throwing Injuries with Biomechanist Brittany Dowling, MS

In this episode, we talk with biomechanics expert Brittany Dowling, MS, about the variables that can result in arm injuries in baseball players. Dowling, the Director of Biomechanics at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, uses motion capture technology to help throwers avoid injury and improve their overall performance. Prior to working at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Dowling worked for Motus Global, a leader in wearable technology focused on workload management for athletes.
May 24, 2021

Ep. 13: Leadership & Life Lessons with Dr. Brian Cole

Covering:*Dr Cole’s background*Lessons learned from sports growing up*Qualities of a good mentor*Traits of a leader and steps you can take to become a better leaderDr. Brian Cole graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency in Orthopedics at Hospital For Special Surgery/Cornell Med Center. Moreover, he completed his fellowship in Sports Medicine at University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Brian Cole is a well-known orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine for knee, shoulder, and elbow . Dr. Cole is also the current president of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and holds leadership positions in multiple societies in the field of sports medicine. He is the chairman of surgery at Rush Oak Park Hospital and is the head team physician for the Chicago Bulls NBA team, co- team physician for the Chicago White Sox MLB team and DePaul University in Chicago. He has published over 1000 articles and has given numerous national and international talks on a variety of subjects.In 2009, he was recognized by his colleagues as one of the top 20 sports medicine, knee, and shoulder experts over the past five years and was selected as NBA Team Physician of the Year. Since 2004, he has been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” and a “Top Doctor” in Chicagoland since 2003.Also, Dr. Brian Cole is a professor of orthopaedics, anatomy, and cell biology at Rush University Medical Center and an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Moreover, he is the Managing Partner of Midwest Orthopaedics, as well as the Department’s Associate Chairman and the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center’s Section Head. He is also the host of the sports medicine weekly podcast!Learn more about Dr. Cole at: https://www.briancolemd.com/
May 18, 2021

Ep. 12: Managing Pain and Improving Functional Movement with Ted Kurlinkus, PT, DPT

Ted Kurlinkus, PT, DPT, from RUSH Physical Therapy, joins Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul to discuss how physical therapy helps patients manage pain and how to know when you should see a physical therapist.
May 17, 2021

Ep. 11: Neuropsychologist Elizabeth Pieroth on Managing Athletes with Multiple Concussions

Neuropsychologist Elizabeth M. Pieroth, PsyD, ABPP, MPH shares insight into how she manages athletes who have sustained multiple concussions including how to know when to recommend athletes retire from their professional careers. Dr. Pieorth is the Director of the Concussion Program at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. She has been involved in the assessment of players in the National Hockey League since 1997 and is the Head Injury/Concussion specialist for the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, Fire, and the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as the Co-Director of the NFL Neuropsychology Consulting Program.
May 7, 2021

Ep. 10: Knee Instability with guest Dr. Adam Yanke

In this episode, Dr. Cole and Steve discuss common causes of knee pain and instability with guest Dr. Adam Yanke from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Yanke also talks about treating patients who suffer from patellofemoral dysfunction — more commonly known as knee cap instability.
April 28, 2021

Ep. 9: NBA COVID Protocol; How the Vaccine Works and why it's Important; Myth vs. Reality

Dr. Brian Cole provides in depth understanding of the disease and how we can all be protected. What The future holds as herd immunity evolves. In addition, Dr. Cole reviews the current protocols for the NBA to keep personnel safe and how that will carry over to the NFL and MLB. This is one you cannot miss.
April 20, 2021

Ep. 8: Managing Football Injuries and Life Decisions with Mike Martin

Steve and Dr. Cole talk with Mike Martin about lessons learned in his career as a professional athlete, dealing with injuries in the NFL and using his experience to make important life decisions.Michael Martin is an former American football defensive end. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 2008 to 2011. At Michigan, Martin recorded 172 tackles and appeared in 49 games, including 37 games as the Wolverines' starting nose tackle.He was selected as a second-team All-Big Ten Conference player by both the coaches and media in 2011 and received the same recognition from the coaches in 2010. In high school, he was the state Gatorade Player of the Year in football. He was also a two-time Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state wrestling champion as well as a two-time MHSAA state shot put champion.Mike is currently a Financial Advisor with Wealth Strategies Financial Group in Southfield, Michigan. E-mail: [email protected]
April 15, 2021

Ep. 7: Managing Hockey Injuries with Dr. John Grant

In depth conversation with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. John Grant, Head Team Physician for Eastern Michigan University Athletics and the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Dr. Grant talks about his experience in managing common hockey injuries and the players.Dr. Grant obtained his PhD in Kinesiology with a specialization in Bone & Joint Health from the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre under the mentorship of Dr. Nicholas Mohtadi and Dr. Ron Zernicke. He then attended the University of Calgary Medical School and completed residency training in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Calgary in 2010.Dr. Grant completed sub-specialty training in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the University of Michigan. This fellowship covered a wide range of sports medicine and shoulder surgery from cartilage and ligament injuries in children & adolescents, through adult knee ligament reconstruction & shoulder instability management, to rotator cuff tears and shoulder replacement in older adults. Care of the elite athlete involved the University of Michigan Wolverines and Eastern Michigan University athletic teams. Particular time was spent with the NCAA Division I football programs at both universities and Michigan’s women's gymnastics team.Dr. Grant specializes in all disorders of the shoulder, including rotator cuff repairs, shoulder replacements, shoulder instability and other sports related injuries.  His practice also includes ligamentous injuries of the knee (ACL, LCL, PCL and MCL), meniscal injuries, knee realignment procedures and other sports related injuries. He is a former Associate Physician with the Saint John Seadogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and is currently the Head Team Orthopaedic Surgeon for Eastern Michigan University Athletics and a Consultant to the University of Michigan Athletics Department.Dr. Grant’s research interests include clinical decision making in sports injuries of the knee and shoulder, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation of the knee and shoulder, prevention of sports-related injuries.This Episode is presented by our proud sponsor JRF Ortho, The Leader in Allograft Joint Restoration - JRFORTHO.org
April 13, 2021

Ep. 6: Ask the Doctor about Current Injuries suffered by MLB Players

Dr. Brian Cole from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center talks with his co-host Steve Kashul about current injuries in MLB players: bone spurs in the elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome and other common injuries experienced by pitchers.
March 30, 2021

Ep. 5: Dr. John Fernandez from Rush: Managing Hand Injuries

Dr. John Fernandez talks about the variety of hand injuries and how they are treated. Dr. Fernandez has created and innovated some of the advanced surgeries currently popularized in the treatment of the hand, wrist, and elbow. His original research has led to techniques minimizing surgical trauma while maximizing outcomes. As an inventor, he holds patents in some of the very implants developed for these minimally invasive surgeries. As director of microsurgery for Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, he has performed hundreds of successful microsurgical procedures. These have included replantation of amputated arms, hands, and digits, as well as complex reconstructions for deformity and wounds. 
March 25, 2021

Ep. 4: Karen Malkin discusses Inflammation, Stress, Sleep, Toxins and much more

Certified Integrative Health Coach, Karen Malkin from Karen Malkin Health Counseling talks about the types, causes and treatment for chronic inflammation; how we can manage stress, sleep patterns and environmental toxins to enhance our overall health and longevity. (KarenMalkin.com)
March 23, 2021

Ep. 3: Ask the Doctor about Shoulder Injuries and Bone Bruises in Young Athletes

Dr. Brian Cole from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center talks with his co-host Steve Kashul about the causes, symptoms and treatment for shoulder injuries and bone bruises in young athletes.
March 18, 2021

Ep. 2: Benefits of Physical Therapy at Home: by Athletico

Are you planning a joint replacement or other surgery? Do you have difficulty leaving your home due to mobility or transportation issues? Or, would you simply prefer the convenience of receiving physical therapy services in the privacy and comfort of your home? If any of these are true, Athletico Home Therapy is the solution for you!Through a simple intake and insurance verification process, we will match you with a highly skilled therapist to address your specific needs. Appointments are available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, 7 days a week for maximum convenience. Our therapists will design a personalized treatment program to achieve your functional goals and when necessary, prepare you to transition into one of our many outpatient clinics for continued care.Athletico therapists have a 98% patient satisfaction rating and we have the data to back it up. Patients know to ask for us by name because they have come to expect a superior patient experience from our therapists. We are excited to bring the same dedication, passion, and energy of our outpatient clinics right to your home!
March 16, 2021

Ep. 1: MLB Season opening with new COVID Protocols, by Dr. Nikhil Verma from Midwest Ortho

Dr. Nikhil Verma from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and head team physician for the Chicago White Sox discusses how testing, contract tracing, vaccinations and precautions have evolved for MLB spring training and the 2021 season. There will be continuing flexibility to modify the protocol based on changes in guidelines as they unfold.Dr. Cole also describes the AC joint shoulder sprain of Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen,  along with treatment and recovery. The Bulls recently announced the injury, saying that Markkanen has a sprained right acromioclavicular joint at the top of the shoulder, which happened when Markkanen was fouled as he was driving to the basket.
March 15, 2021

Potential Problems with Sports Betting, by Frank Ignatius

Interview with Frank Ignatius, the President and Founder of USA Sports Gaming, about the legalization of sports betting and what to expect. Frank explains the problems that can occur as the betting begins from a fans, coaches, and an athletes perspective.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners about how the procedures of an ACL repair and reconstruction are different, and the purpose of an unloader brace for someone who is bowlegged with osteoarthritis.
March 4, 2021

Types of Intermittent Fasting and Who Should be doing it, by Karen Malkin

Fasting for 24 hours? Different types of intermittent fasting and who should be doing it. With Karen Malkin, Board Certified Health and Nutrition Coach. Karen helps to explain what intermittent fasting is and the healthiest way to go about it. She explains how a person can work up to longer intermittent fasting times and how to begin if you are interested.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners- Why does my back hurt when I do sit-ups? What is the difference between shoulder separation and dislocation? Is it bad to get out of a sling/cast early after surgery?
March 2, 2021

Growing Cartilage and utilizing Stem-cells from Umbilical Cords

Dr. Alex Bendersky, Director of Rehabilitation at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, explains the focus on Orthopedics for Ivy Rehab. He explains a high vs. low value physical therapy session, and the importance of patient compliance after procedures.  Visit https://www.ivyrehab.com/ to learn more.Listen to the interview segment with Dr. Robert Spiro, Senior Vice President of Biologics, Development, Scientific, and Clinical Affairs of Aesculap Biologics. He explains why damaged cartilage is difficult to heal, why it’s important to treat, and the current ongoing clinical Novocart trial that analyzes cartilage growth and use during surgery. Visit https://www.aesculapbiologics.com/en.html for more info.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners. Leg press injuries, open vs close chain exercises, cord blood banking, muscle soreness after exercise, and nutrition post-workout are all the topics covered.
February 25, 2021

Preparing for the Golf Season with GolfTec; Sleep Therapy with Athletico

Golfing Season is Near: How to prepare and what the GolfTec facility has to offer: Congratulations to TJ Sullivan, Manager and Director of Instruction at GolfTec in Oak Brook, for administering over 19,000 golfing lessons! TJ tells Steve and Dr. Bush-Joseph how to physically prepare for golfing season. TJ also goes about explaining the GolfTec facilities available and open in the Chicago-land area. Visit https://www.golftec.com/ to learn more.Steve and Dr. Bush-Joseph interview Tara Hackney from Athletico to discuss healthy ways to sleep and relax. This includes sleeping positions that decrease neck and back pain, good pillows to use, and techniques to put the mind at rest before bed.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Bush-Joseph answers questions from listeners and explains the differences between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, vitamin effects on lung capacity, and how shoulder replacement procedures and physical therapy differ from a bicep tenodesis.
February 23, 2021

Youth Sports Injuries; UCL Injuries with Dr. Bush-Joseph from Midwest Ortho

Increased Incidents of Youth Sports-Related Injuries; Repair vs Replacement of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)Dr. Charles Bush-Joseph, Orthopaedic Surgeon, White Sox Head Team Physician for 15 years, and team physician for many Chicago Sports Teams fills in for Dr. Cole for today’s podcast.Interview with Dr. William Hadesman, Orthopedic Surgeon, to discuss overuse injuries in youth and peak performances in young athletes. When competitive sports should become recreational activities.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Bush-Joseph answers questions from listeners about whether a repair or replacement of the UCL is recommended for different ages and types of athletes, and the risks of training and practicing of sports daily.
February 18, 2021

Benefits of Dairy Protein; Open vs. Closed-Chain Exercises

Dr. Cole and Steve discuss the types of unusual and common injuries among a variety of athletes.David Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer of Glanbia Performance Nutrition, explains the benefits of dairy protein and what makes it unique. It can be used by body builders and your average adult for diet and exercise. David explains the machine at headquarters that tastes and smells new products!Visit https://www.optimumnutrition.com/en-us to learn more.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners about the differences and definitions of open vs closed-chain exercises, how to improve posture, and the impact yoga can have on one’s body.For more details please visit https://sportsmedicineweekly.com/
February 15, 2021

Advanced Wound Closure Technology with Fred Smith from BandGrip

Founder and CEO of BandGrip, Fred Smith, joins Steve Kashul and guest co-host Dr.Nikhil Verma from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush to discuss BandGrip Micro-Anchor Skin Closure: a faster, easier, and non-invasive way to safely close wounds. They discuss the history of the device, how it is different than traditional wound closure methods, and the future of non-invasive wound closure.
February 14, 2021

Marathon Training by Athletico; High Altitude Climbing; Treadmill vs Outdoor Running

Interview with Karen Shanahan, Facility Manager at Athletico, about marathon training and injury. Karen emphasizes the importance in taking breaks in training especially when a suspected injury presents symptoms. One day off does not hurt! She shares some tips for the time leading up to the marathon and what runners should do in order to prepare their body, mind, and stamina.Steve and Dr. Cole also discuss how to prepare for hiking and climbing at high altitudes. Dr. Cole mentions how Mark Smiley aided in his training, and that it is highly recommended to have a professional teach you how to prepare for your first time up a mountain. Visit https://smileysproject.smugmug.com/ to learn more about guided mountain trips.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners about the differences between running on a treadmill and outdoor, what underwater treadmills assist with, and the kinds of activity those with osteoporosis should undergo.
February 14, 2021

Emmett Cleary Discusses Transition from the NFL to Medical School

Steve and Dr. Cole interview Emmett Cleary, former NFL athlete, about how he transitioned from playing in the NFL to becoming a medical student. Emmett explains the struggles of being a college athlete and the preparation he took in order to work towards healthcare after his football career.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners about how age impacts working out, how to hydrate properly through intensive activities, and whether or not stretching can make you stronger. 
February 13, 2021

Bandgrip vs Sutures: the Evolution of Ways to Close Incisions, with Fred Smith from BandGrip

Dr. Nikhil Verma, Head Team Physician for the Chicago White Sox, Sports Medicine Specialist, and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush fills in for Dr. Cole for today’s podcast.Interview with Fred Smith, the CEO and Founder of BandGrip, to explain what BandGrip is and how it can be used during surgery. Fred tells us the inspiration behind developing his product, and the effort to create simple, pain-free, non-invasive wound closure system. Visit https://www.bandgrip.com/ to learn more.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Verma answers questions from listeners about dizziness during workouts, being active at night, complex training, and the benefits to exercising while pregnant.
February 12, 2021

The business of organ and tissue donation with Kevin Cmunt; How Pitchers should Train with Athletico

Kevin Cmunt and Shannon Wyatt, from Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, discuss the logistics of tissue donation and the emotional stories that come from both the donor families and the receivers. To register to be a tissue/organ donor please visit https://www.giftofhope.org/How pitchers should train and recover to avoid injury: Patrick Pauley, Head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Dogs Professional Baseball Team and Trainer at Athletico, discusses how overhead injuries need time to recover and analysis to be fixed. He tells Steve and Dr. Cole how session in physical therapy can help target abnormalities in throwing to prevent future injuries.Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole answers questions from listeners about when knee locking and popping is alarming, night pain in joints, and how to prepare body for recreational sports that occur once a week.
February 11, 2021

About Sports Medicine Weekly with Dr. Brian Cole

Dr. Brian Cole, an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon, shares his clinical expertise to empower athletes and weekend warriors with knowledge on how to treat and prevent sports injuries and improve fitness. Tune in to his Sports Medicine Weekly podcast to get your weekly dose of health and wellness.

Host

Dr. Brian Cole, MD, MBA

Dr. Brian Cole, MD, MBA

Dr. Cole is a nationally acclaimed orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine for the knee, shoulder and elbow at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. He received an MD and MBA from the University of Chicago, completed his orthopedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Cornell Medical Center, and a Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, Dr. Cole serves as team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Dogs and co-team physician for the Chicago White Sox.

Recognized as one of the best doctors in America, and top doctors in Chicago, Orthopedics This Week has named Dr. Cole as one of the top 20 sports medicine, knee and shoulder specialists repeatedly over the last 5 years as selected by his peers. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Cole has hosted the radio talk-show Sports Medicine Weekly on ESPN and 670TheScore – Chicago Sports Radio and is now the official host of his Sports Medicine Weekly podcast.

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