Kaiser Permanente Central Valley sports medicine physicians work collaboratively to help athletes back to health.
High school senior Alyanna Loaiza had been wrestling since she was 7 years old and wasn’t one to complain about pain. When she told her mother that her knee was troubling her, her mom Alicia Loaiza knew it was something to not take lightly.
David Falcocchia, DO, a sports medicine physician with the Kaiser Permanente Central Valley Service Area, examined Alyanna’s knee injury and discovered a cyst. Dr. Falcocchia said the injury was uncommon but wanted to manage it without surgery so gave her an ultrasound-guided injection. The procedure helped control the pain and swelling. Alyanna was not only able to compete in the wrestling tournament – she ended up winning it.
“She came in first place,” said Dr. Falcocchia, who said the family sent a photo of Alyanna with the winning medal. “It was a very positive experience.”
Loaiza said her daughter wanted to give Dr. Falcocchia a hug after her feat.
“She wouldn’t have been able to take first place if Dr. Falcocchia hadn’t helped her out,” said Loaiza. “We are so thankful to him.”
Growth of Sports Medicine in Central Valley
The Central Valley sports medicine department offers a broad range of treatments for sports-related problems like concussion, tendinitis, and other musculoskeletal issues. Its sports medicine surgeons perform surgeries for joint and tendon injuries, most commonly for shoulder, hip, and knee. The team also coordinates with specialists in hand, foot, and ankle surgery when those types of injuries arise.
The department has a strong partnership among sports medicine physicians, sports medicine surgeons, physical therapy, and other specialties such as cardiology and rehabilitation, providing integrated patient care. Today, 4 sports medicine surgeons and 3 sports medicine physicians make up the Central Valley sports medicine team from the Manteca, Tracy, Stockton, and Modesto facilities.
“I like the collaborative environment where all of us, from primary care to physical therapy, to specialty physicians are all part of the same organization and work toward common goals,” said Kip Wilkins, MD, a sports medicine surgeon who began at Kaiser Permanente Modesto in 2009. “The expansion of our treatment to higher-level athletes, including professional athletes, has really helped us see the possibilities for the care of all our patients. We are currently able to provide care for essentially all sports-related problems in our department.”
High School, Collegiate, and Professional Sports
Eric Larson, MD, is a family practice and sports medicine physician who started at Kaiser Permanente in 2005 as the first sports medicine physician in the Central Valley Service Area. Dr. Larson is team physician for the Stockton Kings (the G-League professional affiliate of the Sacramento Kings) and works with his sports medicine colleagues to cover athletic events for 5 area colleges and high school games.
Dr. Larson finds it gratifying to provide care for the wide scope of patients ranging from younger athletes to the professionals.
“There’s always some kind of interesting moment,” Dr. Larson said. “The younger athletes play for the love and enjoyment of the sport itself. It’s our job, if they get injured, to see them get a good diagnosis and a treatment plan.”
Nonsurgical sports medicine has evolved over the last 10 years. The ultrasound-guided injections that Dr. Falcocchia used on Alyanna is one of his specialties and is conducted now frequently as a treatment option instead of surgery.
For the Loaizas, Dr. Falcocchia’s personable approach to treating Alyanna was meaningful.
“It was a phenomenal experience. The personal level of wanting to really know my daughter as an athlete really stood out,” said Loaiza. “We’re so grateful.”
For more information, visit the Central Valley Service Area sports medicine team’s website.