Dr. Raj Featured on GirlsGoneSporty: The importance of warmup and stretching

In my latest media coverage, GirlsGoneSporty asked for my professional advice about warming up and stretching.

We live in an era where we have very little time! So, when our "weekend warriors" workout, they often forget the basics. 

There are two fundamental components of every workout routine:

 warming up and stretching

 To jump into a workout without warming up, and to pursue exercise without stretching will often lead to injury. To be sufficiently warmed up and stretched, try the following:

1. Engage in a five minute walk or jog to allow your joints to become more flexible. 

2. Participate in dynamic stretching before you exercise.

3. Finish your workout with an easy, static stretch.

Read the full article here!

Dr. Raj Featured on Dime Q&A: Expert Surgeon Talks Zach Randolph & Knee Injuries

Dime Q&A sat me down to see what my personal expertise was on the situation of Zack Randolph MCL Tear and and Steve Nash's Back Problem.

Check out the full article  here!

Dr. Raj Featured on The Jewish Exponent: THIGHS MATTER!

In my latest media coverage, The Jewish Exponent asked for my intake on how thighs matter.

I support the philosophy of consuming five or six small meals a day that incorporate complex carbs from grown foods, such as kale, Brussels sprouts or broccoli, as they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber.

"Though fashion has periodically glorified the slender, delicate leg and adorned it with sky-high stiletto shoes and skinny jeans for women, the findings of one recent study in Denmark suggest that bigger may actually be better when it comes to body types that include thicker thighs."

"And that goes for men, too."

Read the full article here!

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Dr. Raj Discusses the Angel Out for the Season

Mark Trumbo is known for playing an infielder position for a Major League Baseball team-- the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  He plays right infield and first baseman. 


At only 25 years old, he is a leading contender for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

For about a month and a half, Mark had been playing several games with pain in his right foot. On Monday, September 26^th, 2011, after several tests- including MRIs, CT scan, and x-rays, the team orthopedist discovered a stress fracture at the top of his right foot in the navicular bone. 


No surgery is indicated for Mark but he will need to rest his foot for the rest of the season. He will be placed in a walking boot with no vigorous activity for at least 6 weeks.


The Breakdown
A stress fracture is one of the most common causes of foot pain. A metatarsal stress fracture is also called a “March fracture” because pain increases with activity specifically seen in solider recruits. In several interviews, Mark stated he felt throbbing pain across his right foot and felt his activity was limited.

These types of fractures need time to heal properly to avoid surgical intervention. An x-ray would have shown a hairline crack in one of the metatarsals (foot bones)-in this case the navicular bone.

Treatment includes rest for 6-8 weeks usually in a stiff orthopedic boot. Mark will be ready to return for next season as a full–time first baseman!

AN EXERCISE IN ORTHOPEDICS: Michael Vick Bounces Back

Michael Vick Back for the Next Game After Concussion
Co-written by Gina Sacco, MPAS, PA-C

Michael Vick is most infamous for being a football quarterback for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Although he was involved in illegal dog fighting ring several years ago, Vick remains committed to being record-breaking football player.


On Sunday, September 18^th, the Philadelphia Eagles were in a gripping game against the Atlanta Falcons. During a routine play in the 3^rd quarter, Vick was tackled and spun out by an opponent and collided with his teammate’s helmet. He slowly went to the sidelines and sat out for the rest of the game.  

Because of the sudden blow to his head, he was thought to have a neck injury but it turned out to be a concussion.  He was evaluated by a neurosurgeon and underwent several tests this week. He was cleared to return to practice. According to the Eagle’s official Facebook page, Vick is excited to play the NY Giants this Sunday.


Every year, millions of people have suffered from a head injury. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may result in a bad headache, altered levels of alertness, or unconsciousness. It temporarily interferes with the way your brain works, and it can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, coordination, and sleep patterns. A CT scan is often used to detect brain injury after a concussion.  Most of these injuries are minor because the skull provides the brain with considerable protection. The symptoms of minor head injuries usually go away on their own. 


The Breakdown


More than half a million head injuries a year, however, are severe enough to require hospitalization. Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe. In Vick’s case his symptoms were on the milder side.  They can include: altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes), confusion, feeling spacey, or not thinking straight, headache, loss of consciousness, memory loss (amnesia) of events before the injury or immediately after nausea and vomiting, seeing flashing lights, or feeling like you have “lost time”. 


Recovering from a concussion takes time, even up to a month.  Luckily for Vick, on Sunday he will return to play against the NY Giants!