For Danna Raphael, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist at HSS, one favorite treat is simple: a few Medjool dates topped with peanut butter and dark chocolate chips.

“It’s just the perfect gooey sweet treat,” Raphael said. “And there’s a lot of nutrition in there.”

The combination provides a balance of nutrients, including healthy fats and protein from peanut butter, beneficial plant compounds from dark chocolate, and fiber and potassium from dates.

Beyond dessert, Raphael says the snack can also double as a source of quick energy before exercise.

“It’s a great pre-workout snack,” she said.

Read the full article at washingtonpost.com.

Dr. Williams, who performed Purce's ACL reconstruction surgery, explains why ACL tears are increasingly common among female athletes, the biggest mistakes athletes make after ACL surgery, and what it takes to return safely to sport.

The conversation also explores the debate over playing on turf versus grass, the risks associated with early youth sports specialization, strategies for preventing lower extremity injuries, and Dr. Williams' ranking of the most challenging lower-limb injuries athletes can face.

Listen to the full podcast here: Confessions of an Elite Athlete with Midge Purce.

In an article with Medscape, Heidi Prather, DO, Founder and Medical Director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program said, “When middle-aged women present with new joint pain, it is important to determine where they are in the menopausal transition” to guide appropriate education and management strategies. “Women may not offer the information without being asked, as they may be unaware of the links between hormone changes and soft tissue and joint pain.”

For some women, the chronic systemic inflammation associated with estrogen loss can be well managed with lifestyle and conventional medical interventions including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Dr. Prather explained. “For others, things can seem out of control, and usual care is not as effective.”

Dr. Prather pointed to the need for studies assessing “modifiable and nonmodifiable factors to best arm women with the information they need to manage and improve their health” across the menopause transition and beyond.

Read the full article at medscape.com.

Read the announcement at dcunited.com. 

He shared, “I do not think ‘bigger surgery’ because of radiographic malalignment will define the next decade of spine care. The field is moving toward biologically informed, tissue-preserving surgery with increasingly personalized decision-making. Better imaging, AI and objective patient-specific risk assessment will allow us to identify who truly benefits from surgery and, just as importantly, who can safely avoid it.”

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

In The New York Times, Snehal Patel, PT, MPT, SCS, physical therapist at HSS, explained, “When top athletes get injured, rehab becomes their job. They might spend hours each day on strength, conditioning and bodywork treatments, as well as talk therapy with a sports psychologist.” 

While professional athletes often have access to extensive resources, injuries and recovery are experiences shared by athletes of all ages and abilities. Some recreational athletes told the publication that following recovery stories online helped them better understand and prioritize their own rehabilitation process. HSS experts emphasize that anyone recovering from an injury should seek appropriate medical guidance to support a safe and effective return to activity. 

Read the full article at nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access.

“I couldn’t believe how he was moving out there,” Porter said, praising Irving’s ability to get to the basket and finish plays despite the significant knee injury.

Read the full article at Yardbarker.com.

The article was also published in Yahoo! Sports, The Sporting News, and Heavy.com.  

In a recent Newsweek opinion piece, Ashley Austin, MD, sports medicine physician at HSS and team physician for the New York Liberty, argues that greater investment in women's sports science is urgently needed. Expanding research in this area won't just benefit elite athletes. It has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes for women and girls everywhere.

The call comes at a pivotal moment. Women's sports have never attracted more attention, with media coverage reaching a record 15% in 2024. Dr. Austin writes that this momentum must be matched by increased funding and research efforts to ensure sports medicine evolves alongside the athletes it serves.

Read the full article at newsweek.com.

This article was also published in Yahoo! Sports.

Skipping a post-workout stretch probably won’t hurt your long-term mobility, especially if you stay active and strength train regularly.

Hunter Carter, ACSM-EP, CPT, CES, exercise physiologist at HSS said, “While post-workout stretching can be a useful tool for maintaining flexibility, the research suggests it is not the single best or most important strategy for preserving mobility as you age.” 

“For long-term health and performance, regularly moving, strength training, and incorporating dedicated mobility work into your overall fitness routine appear to have the greatest impact on maintaining function and mobility,” said Carter.

Read the full article at health.com. 

This article was also published on AOL.com.

In an update shared by the Calgary Flames, team rehabilitation sports physiotherapist Scott Cyr described Dr. Su as "one of the world's leading specialists" in hip resurfacing surgery.

Just one week after surgery, Huberdeau reported that his recovery was progressing well and that his body was responding positively to treatment. 

Huberdeau joined the Flames in 2022 following a blockbuster trade from the Florida Panthers and later signed the largest contract in franchise history. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, the veteran forward is focused on recovery and returning to the ice

Read the full article at Yardbarker.com.

In recent comments, Haliburton shared that he and Jones connected during their recoveries, noting that having the same surgeon helped spark conversations throughout the rehabilitation process.

Read the full article at clutchpoints.com. 

This article also published in Yahoo! Sports.

Popular trends include lymphatic walking, which emphasizes relaxed movement, deep breathing, good posture, and natural arm swing, as well as rebounding and dynamic stretching routines. 

Tiana Woolridge, MD, MPH, sports medicine physician at HSS, weighed in on the trend, stating that ultimately, “movement is medicine, no matter what kind of health we’re talking about." If the goal of supporting your lymphatic health gets you moving, she added, your whole body will benefit.

Read the full article at nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access.

Pam brings to HSS three decades of healthcare human resources experience ranging from academic medical centers to community health systems to private equity-backed start-ups.

Teufel shared, “I have been fortunate enough in my career to work with some of the nation’s best healthcare systems — especially in the Northeast,” she said. “After a refreshing summer break, I’m thrilled to start working with the number one orthopedic hospital in the country.”

Read the full article at beckershospitalreview.com.

You can listen to the full episode at ESPN West Palm Tonight. 

“Zone 2 cardio refers to exercise performed at a low-to-moderate intensity where the body relies primarily on aerobic metabolism and uses fat as a major fuel source to produce energy,” said George Yusuff, MS, exercise physiologist at HSS.

“Zone 2 training provides numerous heart health benefits because it strengthens the cardiovascular system while placing relatively low stress on the body. One of the most important adaptations is an increase in stroke volume, meaning the heart becomes stronger and more efficient, allowing it to pump more blood with each heartbeat,” Yusuff said. “As a result, the heart does not need to work as hard during exercise or daily activities.”

Read the full article at verywellhealth.com. This story also published in MSN.com.

In the latest episode of The Starting Gate podcast, Heidi Prather, DO, Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Physiatrist at HSS and Founder and Medical Director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, explores how lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress, physical activity, and social connection can influence musculoskeletal pain, recovery, and even surgical outcomes. 

Listen to the full episode at The Starting Gate.

Dr. Kim specializes in adult and pediatric spinal deformity, scoliosis and complex cervical spine surgery, including motion-preserving procedures such as disc replacement and laminoplasty.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

They took photos, handed out merch, and answered the kids' most pressing questions like, “how tall are you?”

HSS is the official Hospital of the Brooklyn Nets, proudly serving the team since 2004, following the organization from New Jersey to Brooklyn to offer continuous world-class orthopedic care for the athletes.

The segments aired on News 12 Long Island and News 12 Brooklyn, and also appeared on MSN.com, PIX 11 Morning News, PIX 11 New York Nightcap and Spectrum News NY1 (News All Night).

“The majority of my patients are golfers, and they love the simulator,” aid Spencer Summers, MD, a hip and knee surgeon at HSS Florida. “It’s the kind that professionals use, with a huge screen that could make you feel like you’re at a golf course in Augusta or Pebble Beach. It’s very impressive.” 

Utilizing advanced radar-tracking technology, the simulator captures detailed data on swing mechanics, ball launch and flight patterns. “The wealth of information enables our physical therapists to design highly personalized rehabilitation plans in a safe, controlled environment,” said Ryan Simovitch, MD, director of the shoulder division and co-medical director at HSS Florida. 

Read the full article at essential.golf

Listen to the full episode at ESPN West Palm Tonight.

While the name is new, the condition itself is not. Rock G. Positano, DPM, MSc, MPH, DSc, Director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at HSS, and the Heel Pain Center at HSS, has seen similar cases for years among patients who experienced dramatic weight loss following bariatric surgery. "The heel relies on a protective fat pad to absorb shock with every step," said Dr. Positano. "When that cushioning is lost too quickly, the heel can become extremely sensitive and painful, making even routine movement difficult." Understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment early can help patients stay active while continuing their weight-loss journey.

Read the full article at usnews.com. 

Listen to the full episode at ESPN West Palm Tonight. 

Jason Hoellwarth, MD, a limb reconstruction and osseointegration surgeon at HSS shared that the study “emphasizes emerging and established principles of pain management for amputees: that there are direct sources of pain such as from the residual amputated limb, somewhat local non-musculoskeletal pain such as nerve-based pain, and non-local pain from compensatory adaptations such as low back pain."

“As with any problem, the true origin must be diagnosed, which allows the [pain] to be directly and potentially more thoroughly treated,” said Dr. Hoellwarth. 

Read the full article at painmedicinenews.com.

A recent Runner's World article features seven adjustments that help optimize training at this age, including strength training, recovery, fueling, sleep, pelvic floor health, and mobility.

Jaclyn McKenna, MD, sports medicine physician at HSS, weighed in with her insights, emphasizing the importance of strength training, plyometrics, recovery, and maintaining a balanced approach to fitness as runners age.

Read the full article at runnersworld.com. A subscription is required to access.

“I remember walking up to the batter’s box and, for the first time, feeling confident,” Apgar said. “My legs weren’t shaking. I was standing there thinking, ‘I’m about to hit the crap out of this ball!’”

Apgar grounded out in her first at-bat, but the outcome was beside the point. The moment represented something far more meaningful than a result in the scorebook.

“I feel like my teammates now,” she said.

Read the full article at mlb.com.

Research has found that many women wear shoes that are too small and may need a larger size as they age. Dr. Positano refers to this as the “Cinderella complex”: trying to fit a larger foot into a smaller shoe size.

“It is unlikely that your shoe size at age 20 is going to be the same at age 50,” said Dr. Positano.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can contribute to foot pain, tendonitis, blisters, ankle swelling, and even discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. Instead of expecting shoes to "break in," Dr. Positano advised choosing footwear that feels comfortable from the start, with adequate support in the heel, arch, and forefoot.

Read the full article at nypost.com. 

In an article published to Fortune, Jessica Starr, MD, endocrinologist at HSS, and Emily Stein, MD, MS, Co-Director of the Skeletal Health Orthopaedic Research Program at HSS, recommend that patients taking GLP-1 medications work closely with their physicians and incorporate exercise and strength training into their treatment plans to preserve long-term musculoskeletal health.

Read the full article at Fortune.com. A subscription is required to access.

HSS researchers, Alexandra Sideris, PhD, Director of the Pain Prevention Research Center and Faye Rim, MD, FAAPMR, a physiatrist and pain management specialist within the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, are exploring suzetrigine’s limits in acute pain by testing it in hip replacement, a more complex and painful procedure than those used in the manufacturers’ trials. Their clinical trial, scheduled to run through next spring, will help determine whether giving suzetrigine before surgery keeps patients from experiencing sudden pain when their anesthesia wears off, Sideris said—and whether it also reduces their need for opioid treatment during recovery. “This is above and beyond what current literature has shown,” she shared.

Read the full article at science.org. 

On the injury, Brunson said: “I just knew that the opportunity rarely presents itself, you know, to be in a position like that. So I just wasn’t going to let something that seemed minor take me out. So, just whatever needed to be done, just focus on it afterwards.”

Brunson said his wrist would remain in a cast for roughly six more weeks before rehab begins, with a target of being ready by September. That timeline lines up well with training camp and preseason action in October, meaning New York’s title defense shouldn’t be disrupted.

Read the full article at heavy.com.

Japanese walking is a form of interval training that alternates between brisk and moderate-paced walking. After a 5-minute warm-up, you walk fast for 3 minutes, then at a comfortable pace for 3 minutes, repeating the cycle for about 30 minutes.

Like other high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, Japanese walking leaves you with a sort of “after-burn effect,” Ben Yamuder, MS, CSCS, USAW-1, exercise physiologist at HSS, said. This effect means your body needs more oxygen to refuel after your exercise, so you will continue to burn more calories even when you’re done with your walk, he explained.

Read the full article at today.com.

The article also explores the growing focus on Achilles injuries in professional sports and the evolving treatment approaches that are improving outcomes for athletes. Dr. O'Malley expressed confidence in both players' recoveries, noting their commitment to the rehabilitation process and predicting a "return to greatness." 

Read the full article at indystar.com. A subscription is required to access. 

In a social media update to his Instagram story, Tiafoe credited Dr. Carlson and the HSS team for successfully diagnosing and treating the condition: “Big S/O to Dr. Michelle Carlson and the Hospital for Special Surgery team. They were able to diagnose and take out a cyst that has been causing some issues for some time now. Everything went well and I appreciate all of the messages and support. I'll be back soon.” 

Read the full article at tennisuptodate.com. The story can also be found on Yardbarker, Yahoo! Sports, MSN, motorcyclesports.net, Tennis Temple, Tennis Head, Tennis World USA, Daily Express, Pro Football & Sports Network and Essentially Sports.

Incorporating single-leg exercises into your routine can help improve balance, core strength and coordination, said Candace Young, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, physical therapist at HSS, in a recent article with the New York Times. Training single-leg strength can also help you avoid injuries that arise from muscle imbalances, she added.

The article includes a 25-minute workout with exercises designed to improve balance, lower-body strength, mobility and everyday function, underscoring the role of targeted exercise in supporting injury prevention and long-term musculoskeletal health.

Read the full article at nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access. 

Read the full article at healio.com.

Additional coverage:

• beckersspine.com.
• lasvegassun.com.
• medcentral.com.

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages, from athletes dealing with overuse injuries to older adults managing arthritis. While knee pain can significantly impact daily life, it doesn't automatically mean surgery is the next step. "You don't just necessarily go from 'my knee hurts' to having surgery," said Turner. Many patients benefit from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, targeted strengthening, and activity modification to reduce pain, improve function, and stay active.

Read the full article at nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access. 

While taking an active interest in one's health is positive, Dr. Metzl noted that the pursuit of perfect metrics can sometimes become anxiety-provoking and counterproductive. Rather than focusing on unproven biohacks or obsessing over wearable data, he encourages patients to prioritize evidence-based habits such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, quality sleep, stress management, and meaningful social connections, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all path to health and longevity.

Read the full article at medscape.com. 

Recovery from Achilles tendinopathy often includes strengthening, mobility work and low-impact exercise to gradually rebuild tendon resilience. For athletes, prioritizing recovery now can support long-term health and performance while helping ensure a safe return to play.

"Certainly that risk of injury, of rupturing, would be higher if you don't give yourself adequate time to heal and recover, and if you don’t make the changes that you need to change or you need to make going forward," said Dr. Voellmicke.

Read the full article at ctinsider.com. A subscription is required to access.

Instead, Dr. Barad advocates for greater data sharing between providers and payers to build more personalized care pathways. By leveraging real-world clinical outcomes and advanced analytics, he believes healthcare organizations can improve decision-making, reduce administrative burden and deliver more efficient, patient-centered care.

Read the full article at medcitynews.com. 

With fellowship training in adult reconstruction and trauma surgery, Dr. Gausden has developed expertise in periprosthetic fractures, post-traumatic arthritis and revision joint replacement.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com. 

As the physician helping keep NBA and WNBA athletes performing at an elite level, Riley J. Williams III, MD, has a front-row seat to the science of longevity. Now, he's applying those lessons to his own fitness routine.

In a recent Super Age article, Dr. Williams, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS and Medical Director for the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, discusses the fitness habits that help him stay strong and active at 60, including regular strength training, daily mobility exercises, and a long-term approach to health and longevity.

Read the full article at superage.com.

Watkins, 25, was ​injured during the NBA ⁠Summer League in Las ​Vegas. The procedure on his ​knee was performed by Riley J. Williams III, MD, Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at HSS.

Read the full article at reuters.com.

Additional coverage:

• nytimes.com. A subscription is required to access.
• miamiherald.com.
• yardbarker.com.

In a Q&A with Healio / Orthopedics Today, Anuj Malhotra, MD, director of the pain management division in the department of anesthesiology, critical care and pain management at HSS, discussed the importance of orthopedic surgeons understanding pain management in patients and the barriers that exist to that education.

Although pain education for health care providers and trainees has been identified as one way to improve pain care, previously published research has shown pain education is often suboptimal in medical school and residency training.

Read the full article at healio.com.

Osteoporosis is the condition through which bones become weak and brittle. We lose calcium naturally as we reach 50 years of age, Dr. Drake said, but that rate can be exacerbated when we don’t take in enough calcium, and the body must rob it from bones to survive.

The body is constantly creating and breaking down calcium, using cells known as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. When osteoblasts fall behind the osteoclasts and the body steals calcium from bones, the bones become weak and brittle and can break. This often happens when older folks fall.

“Just moving and supporting yourself is one of the best things you can do,” he said. “I spend a lot of time with patients talking about limiting their risk for falls. That’s one of the biggest risks for having broken bone is having a fall.”

And just as people seeking to drink enough water each day don’t take it in at one time, calcium for bone strength is best if it’s taken in throughout the day, said Dr. Drake. Meals, for example, should include a solid source of calcium, and that can be enhanced with a supplement.

Read the full article at mankatofreepress.com. A subscription is required to access.

Dr. Lovecchio specializes in adult and pediatric scoliosis, spinal deformity and complex revision spine surgery. He is recognized for his expertise in both traditional and minimally invasive techniques and for his multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to treating complex spinal conditions.

Dr. Lovecchio is an accomplished spine researcher with more than 115 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focused on improving outcomes after spine surgery. He has received multiple research grants and national honors for his work, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Medicine and is an active peer reviewer for several leading spine journals.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

The annual list recognizes 40 rising leaders under age 40 who are shaping New York’s future through innovation, leadership and impact across a range of industries.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Dr. Woolridge was inspired by her mother’s advice to pursue a career centered on helping others, a principle that continues to guide her work today.

“I love my job because I can help kids like me, athletes, black kids, a lot of people in ways I dreamed about when I was younger,” she said. “I take the work I do in health education outside of the hospital to meet kids where they are, to serve underserved communities.”

A Princeton University graduate, Dr. Woolridge earned a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and her medical degree from the University of California before joining HSS in 2024.

Dr. Woolridge is focused not just on physical well-being but also on the interplay between physical health, mental well-being and performance. Her book, “The AthMindset Workbook: Training Your Mind for Optimal Mental Health in Sport and in Life,” is designed to help athletes’ mental performance on and off the playing field. She speaks frequently to communities and athletic organizations and at conferences and schools about “wellness, resilience and identity.”

“I want to help expand, uplift and support youth athletes, be seen as a leader nationally and internationally,” she said.

Read the full article at crainsnewyork.com. A subscription is required to access.

Irolla is building a prosthetic for Apgar with a gel liner and a hook extension that is designed to fit around the bat and provide a more secure attachment. Doctors used some of the bones in Apgar’s left leg and foot to help strengthen her arm when she was a kid, so HSS also is creating custom foot orthotics for her with built-in rigid plates.

“She’s very open to trying new things. She just wants to perform at the highest level and everything that she can do to get there,” Irolla said. “It’s really nice to have somebody be that open and creative and motivated.”

Apgar has no feeling in her nub. During one visit with Irolla, she tried on a prosthetic that mimicked the sensation of touch.

“It was the first time that I had held a bat and it felt like I was holding it with two hands. So I started tearing up,” she said. “It was such a mind-blowing feeling.”

Read the full article at apnews.com.

In a recent article, Lindsay S. Lally, MD, rheumatologist at HSS, discussed the importance of recognizing the disease beyond its hallmark symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.

“It is important for non-rheumatologists to think about Sjögren’s disease — otherwise, it will never be diagnosed,” Dr. Lally explained. “Sjögren’s should be considered in patients with constitutional symptoms, especially if dryness, rashes, or joint pain are prominent.”

Read the full article at rheumatologyadvisor.com.

Dr. Positano noted that improperly fitting shoes can contribute to issues such as tendonitis, blisters, ankle swelling, and knee, hip, and back pain. While many people do well in traditional footwear, he said customized shoes may be particularly beneficial for those with unique foot structures or other specific needs.

“People often neglect the importance of their feet until they develop a problem,” Dr. Positano said. “Foot and ankle pain may not be life threatening — but it certainly is lifestyle threatening.”

Read the full article at nypost.com. 

Dr. Starr emphasized that bone is not a static structure. "We think of bones as a hard substance that's just there. But bone is very much alive," she said. "Bone is constantly changing; it's building up, and it's breaking down at different rates throughout life."

She highlighted the importance of adequate calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise, and evaluation for underlying conditions that can accelerate bone loss, including menopause, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and certain inflammatory diseases. Dr. Starr also noted that fragility fractures, such as a broken hip after a minor fall or a vertebral fracture from coughing, can be a telling sign of weakened bones. 

For individuals at higher risk, Dr. Starr recommends discussing bone density testing with their healthcare provider, even before the standard screening ages. She also encourages patients to seek guidance on prevention and treatment options. "It's definitely worth having a discussion with a healthcare provider," she said

To read the full article, visit HealthRadar.com. A subscription is required to access.

The new HSS at NCH hospital opened in June 2025. The three-story facility in North Naples includes 10 operating rooms, 23 treatment rooms, and an outpatient musculoskeletal surgery center.

“We estimated volumes over the first three years, and I can tell you that the volumes are way exceeding our expectations here,” Hiltz shared. “And we're really in year three in terms of the volume.”

Dr. Kelly said the facility reflects HSS’ singular focus on orthopedics, and that the hospital in South Florida is one of the nicest and most comprehensive musculoskeletal care centers in the world.

Read the full article at chiefhealthcareexecutive.com.