Sports Medicine New Jersey
(201) 639-6620
Paramus, NJ
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Montvale, NJ
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4 PM
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Introduction
Sports medicine plays an important role in keeping athletes and active individuals moving safely and efficiently. Whether you’re training for a marathon or staying active with weekend pickleball, injuries to the shoulder or elbow can sideline you quickly.
Dr. Kohan brings his orthopedic expertise to athletes across New Jersey, offering a sports medicine approach that prioritizes accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and a personalized path back to optimal performance.
Elbow Sports Injuries
Elbow injuries can negatively impact athletic performance, especially in sports that involve throwing, lifting, or repetitive arm movements. Whether it’s pain from overuse or a ligament injury from sudden force, expert diagnosis and treatment are key.
In New Jersey, Dr. Kohan provides comprehensive sports medicine care for elbow injuries, helping athletes return to play with confidence and lasting strength.
Common Elbow Injuries
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is a degenerative condition affecting the tendons that attach to the lateral (outer) aspect of the elbow. Despite the name, it’s not exclusive to tennis players. Tennis elbow can affect anyone who frequently uses the wrist and forearm in a repetitive manner, such as golfers, weightlifters, or mechanics.
Symptoms include:
- Outer elbow pain, especially when gripping or lifting
- Weak grip strength
- Tenderness and burning sensation
Initial management involves rest, wrist supports, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening and correcting improper movement patterns. For stubborn cases, corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be used. Rarely, surgery is required to remove degenerated tendon tissue. Full recovery typically spans 6–12 weeks with therapy.
UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Injuries
The UCL is a stabilizing ligament on the inner side of the elbow, often stressed during throwing motions. UCL sprains or tears are especially common among baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and overhead athletes. Injuries range from microtears to complete ruptures.
Symptoms include:
- Inner elbow pain during throwing
- Decreased throwing velocity or control
- Swelling and a sense of looseness or instability
Mild injuries respond well to rest, physical therapy, and a structured throwing therapy program. Severe tears, especially in competitive athletes, may require surgical reconstruction (Tommy John surgery). Post-surgical rehab typically spans 9–12 months, with progressive throwing re-integration and gradual return to play.
Shoulder Sports Injuries
From swimming strokes to weightlifting presses, nearly every upper-body movement in sports relies on the shoulder. However, its unmatched range of motion comes at a cost, as the shoulder is one of the most commonly injured joints due to its complexity.
Dr. Kohan offers advanced care for shoulder injuries in athletes across New Jersey, focusing on rapid recovery and long-term performance.
Common Shoulder Injuries
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and assist with lifting and rotating the arm. Tears can result from acute trauma (e.g., falls or heavy lifting) or chronic overuse in sports like baseball, swimming, and tennis.
Symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain that worsens at night or during overhead motion
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm
Smaller tears often improve with rest, therapy, and strengthening exercises. Complete tears or persistent injuries may require arthroscopic surgery to repair the tendon. Post-op recovery takes several months, with most athletes resuming full activity within 4–6 months with supervised rehab.
Shoulder Instability
Instability occurs when the shoulder joint becomes loose or dislocates entirely. It may be the result of trauma (such as a fall or tackle) or develop gradually from repetitive strain in sports like volleyball, swimming, or gymnastics.
Symptoms include:
- A feeling of the shoulder “slipping” or popping out
- Pain during movement or load-bearing
- Decreased strength and confidence in shoulder use
Initial treatment includes strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding stabilizers. Activity modification and proprioception exercises are key. If instability persists or dislocations recur, surgical tightening of the joint capsule or labral repair may be performed. Return to play generally takes 4–6 months.
Treatment & Recovery
Dr. Kohan offers advanced, athlete-focused treatment tailored to each individual’s sport and level of activity.
- Non-Surgical Care: Rest, guided rehabilitation, bracing, and sport-specific physical therapy programs.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: When conservative care is not enough, Dr. Kohan performs arthroscopic surgeries and ligament repairs to restore joint integrity and function.
- Rehabilitation & Return to Sport: Every recovery plan is personalized to help you regain mobility, rebuild strength, and safely return to sport. Preventive care and technique optimization are integrated to reduce future injury risks.
Sports injuries to the shoulder or elbow can interrupt your progress, but the right treatment can get you back on track. Dr. Kohan delivers expert sports medicine care to active patients throughout New Jersey, combining orthopedic precision with a deep understanding of athletic demands. From diagnosis to full recovery, he’s committed to helping you move better, stronger, and smarter.