Newsday reports on the latest men's health advances in Long Island and features commentary from Mark C. Drakos, MD, foot and ankle surgeon and medical director of HSS Long Island.

Dr. Drakos said, "The Rehabilitation and Performance Center at HSS Long Island in Uniondale offers physical and occupational therapy and other specialized services. Our goal is to enable individuals of all ages and fitness levels to be the best they can be. To that end, we also offer one-on-one sports and fitness training and nutrition counseling. These personalized programs are designed to improve performance,  prevent injuries, and help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Moreover, our strength is helping those who have had an injury, or a surgery return to the activities they love. One such advance is the DARI 3D motion analysis system, which tracks a patient’s movements and provides valuable data on muscle, bone and joint health. The physical therapist or exercise physiologist can then establish a program to address any deficits or imbalances, minimize the risk of injury and track progress over time. We have the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which uses positive air pressure to reduce gravitational forces on the body. While walking on the treadmill, the legs feel lighter, there is less pressure on the joints, and each step takes less effort. It allows for easier, pain-free movement, while restoring and building muscle strength, range of motion and balance. It is a phenomenal transitional device to help those individuals return to sports. Our physical therapists are also well-versed in blood-flow restriction training. An inflatable band is commonly wrapped around the arms just under the shoulder or around the legs below the hip to decrease blood flow to the limbs to gain strength while lifting lighter loads. All of these modalities have been shown to help people get better faster, safer and more efficiently. HSS has always been at the cutting edge of research when it comes to rehabbing our patients. And now those services are closer to home right here on Long Island.”

This article appeared in June 7 issue of Newsday in the special HealthLink section.