Published on Mar 12 2019
The brachial plexus is a collection of nerves on each side of the neck. The bulk of the structure is found in the lower neck although it originates from the spinal cord and extends into the armpit. The brachial plexus has many subdivisions and provides the nervous input and output for the chest,... Read More
Published on Mar 12 2019
Dr. Carfagno has been doing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for 29 years.
Dr. Carfagno likes to combine OMT with physical therapy, myofascial and stretch therapy as well as re-education to maximize healing and prevent further injury and pain. There are different types of osteopathic... Read More
Published on Mar 11 2019
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a term used to describe a group of genetic disorders related to the synthesis and processing of the different types of collagen. There are 6 major types: classic, hypermobile, vascular, kyphoscoliosis, arthrochalasia, and dermatosparaxis. The vascular type is the most... Read More
Published on Mar 07 2019
HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WORK?
To prepare PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and automatically produces the PRP. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of... Read More
Published on Mar 06 2019
For over two decades plus, Dr Carfagno has managed athletes and their medical care. The aging athlete is a very popular patient profile here. It started back in Cleveland Clinic Foundation during his residency and fellowship where in 1997 he was lecturing on Supplements in fellowship in front of... Read More
Published on Mar 05 2019
A recent review article by Trommelen et al tackled the age old question with a comprehensive analysis of over one hundred sports medicine-related research papers. Our bodies are highly adaptive and are constantly varying the rates of muscle turnover and breakdown based on our nutritional status and... Read More
Published on Mar 05 2019
DEXA, or DXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry. This painless, non-invasive procedure scans your body as you lie on a table and only requires a few specific pre-test conditions to ensure the highest accuracy and repeatability of subsequent testing (please go here for details). The DXA... Read More
Published on Mar 04 2019
RED-S was previously known as the Female Athlete Triad, which Drinkwater et al. defined as ‘the combination of disordered eating and irregular menstrual cycles eventually leading to a decrease in endogenous estrogen and other hormones, resulting in low bone mineral density.” The diagram below is a... Read More
Published on Feb 28 2019
There is no denying the benefits of regular exercise on your cardiovascular health. Physical Activity Guidelines indicate that 150 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise per week can decrease risks for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease 1. Although there is more concern regarding low... Read More
Published on Feb 28 2019
A VO2 max is the gold standard exercise test to determine your aerobic capacity.
With Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute’s on-site testing the test can be performed here at the fitness lab. For the test, the subject will breathe through a mouthpiece connected to a metabolic analyzer, and he/she... Read More
Published on Feb 27 2019
Due to its location and mechanism of action, the wrist joint is extremely vulnerable to injury, making it one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. Most patients present to primary care or sports medicine clinics although the more serious fractures or breaks should be taken to the... Read More
Published on Feb 27 2019
Take Dr. Carfagno with you!
SSMI is now offering a service for patients that can’t make it into the clinic but are wanting to have an appointment with Dr. Carfagno thru our telemedicine system.
The telemedicine system is HIPAA compliant, protecting patient information.
Patients can use the... Read More
Published on Feb 26 2019
The term “adrenal fatigue” has gained popularity over the last two decades to explain symptoms that are seen in those who have been dealing with long-term physical or emotional stress1. The term originated from Dr. James Wilson, a chiropractor and naturopath and was used to explain the generalized... Read More
Published on Feb 26 2019
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how well your lungs are able to supply oxygen to the rest of your body.
Your doctor may order these tests:
if you are having... Read More
Published on Feb 25 2019
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute (SSMI) lead by Dr. David Carfagno, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M. is here for you after Cardiac Phase 1, 2 & 3. We want to keep you on track for your commitment to changing your health.
SSMI has a six-week program will assist you to on build on your road to a healthy and... Read More
Published on Feb 22 2019
More than 100 trillion different microbes live in your gut. Gut microbiota (GM) is found mostly in the colon and consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. It is known that GM break down fiber, produces vitamin K, and aids in pathogen recognition. However, gut microbiota’s influence on... Read More
Published on Feb 21 2019
Stress fracture of the Femoral Neck On MRI
Many injuries can occur with athletes and those that take part in routine physical activity. The scariest of those injuries are the ones that present like a lesser version of what they are.
A 13-year old soccer player was recently seen at SSMI for what was... Read More
Published on Feb 21 2019
If you are interested in this advanced physical built for an athlete then give us a call (480) 664-4615. #metabolictesting #fitnessforlife #annualexam #sportsmedicine #internalmed #vitals #musclemass #metabolism #aerobic #SSMI
At SSMI we have an annual exam with a lot of our patients known as... Read More
Published on Feb 20 2019
In a technology ran world filled with smartphones and computers, it is not surprising that wrist pain is extremely common. Whether you are working behind a desk clicking your mouse all day, or just passing the time swiping through news stories on your phone, over use of wrist is bound to happen.... Read More
Published on Feb 20 2019
Yoga for medicine is a modality that promotes deep muscle relaxation, reduces joint pain, stretches the whole body and releases tight fascia. The personalized one on one or small group sessions are performed on a yoga mat and the individual is taken through a progression of yoga stretches while... Read More
Published on Feb 19 2019
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a relatively common heart valve disorder that can arise either as a primary disorder of the valve itself or secondarily from various forms of cardiomyopathy. In either case, the result is the same: a portion of the outward blood flow of the heart backs up into the left... Read More
Published on Feb 19 2019
Looking to better eating habits?
Want to increase energy by feeding the right fuel into your body?
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute (SSMI) Nutrition is for you!
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute under the director on David Carfagno, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M. has always been a leader in their... Read More
Published on Feb 18 2019
Want an unconventional non-linear way to enjoy your Sunday wind down workout? Consider a Route around your hood and beyond with stops for interval runs or walks along way to break it up. With a destination of fueling up for a finish area. In our case Sushi Brokers. #fitnessmotivation #fitness #... Read More
Published on Feb 15 2019
The hip is one of the most dynamic joints in the body. Much like the shoulder joint, the hip grants us the ability to perform many different activities from simply getting out of a chair to more complex ones such as playing tennis or participating in ironman triathlons. In addition to the wide... Read More
Published on Feb 14 2019
The recent death of a teen due to caffeine-induced sudden cardiac death (SCD) raises concerns about the safety of caffeine use during exercise. Although millions of athletes consume energy drinks daily without adverse effects, there are rare cases in which caffeine causes heart problems and even... Read More
Published on Feb 13 2019
Ever since the “first marathon” 2500 years ago in ancient Greece when Pheidippides completed his run to Athens and then died upon arrival, we worry about the chance of a catastrophic health event during intense competitions like marathons, triathlons and distance cycling. The most common cause of... Read More
Published on Feb 13 2019
Over the counter (OTC) pain medications or prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications are often the best first option that doctors advise patients to use when addressing acute, nonspecific pain issues, osteoarthritis, or musculoskeletal pain. Especially with the new research... Read More
Published on Feb 13 2019
At SSMI we offer post-op training focused on individuals who have had major orthopedic surgeries and have finished PT, but may still feel uncomfortable with returning to normal activities. SSMI creates a bridge for the patient in order for them to gain more confidence before returning to the... Read More
Published on Feb 12 2019
Leg pain can have a number of different causes, some related to disease process and a lot to mechanical sources. Among the most common mechanical reasons for pain is entrapment of the fifth lumbar (L5) nerve. Anatomy: The spinal cord puts out nerve branches that correspond to each bony vertebra.... Read More
Published on Feb 08 2019
What is CKD?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when the kidneys are damaged and can't clean the blood effectively. It can also affect the ability of the kidneys to help balance the body's fluids, control blood pressure, keep the bones strong, and make red blood cells.
What causes CKD and... Read More
Published on Feb 07 2019
The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is a peptidergic system that possesses endocrine characteristics. Renin is secreted by juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys, mostly in response to reduced renal blood flow (Schleich, Smoot, & Erstnt, 2016). Sodium depletion and direct adrenergic stimulation... Read More
Published on Feb 07 2019
What Is an Electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram, also called an EKG or ECG, is a simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. To understand this test, it helps to understand how the heart works.
With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to... Read More
Published on Feb 06 2019
Dr. Carfagno has years of experience as a medical director for both the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon races and Iron Man races has a few goals for his patients: 1) Safety first and foremost, 2) Avoiding the need for the medical tent on race day, 3) Enjoy the experience! With these goals in mind, Dr.... Read More
Published on Feb 05 2019
Do you suffer from low back pain? You are not alone. Low back pain is the number one cause of disability globally, with 84% of adults experiencing low back pain at some point in their lives.
Certain lifestyle factors can be contributing risk factors for low back pain. These risk factors include... Read More
Published on Feb 04 2019
Are you feeling like you lack flexibility? Feel tight? Have trouble getting into certain positions? If you answered yes to any of these, you may benefit greatly from stretch therapy. Stretching has been shown to greatly improve range of motion and can even help prevent injury in some cases (... Read More
Published on Feb 01 2019
If you are an athlete that commonly experiences headaches during or after sustained, strenuous exercise you may have what is called exercise-induced headaches, or exertional headaches. Exertional headaches can be either secondary, meaning caused by some other underlying disorder, or primary, where... Read More
Published on Jan 31 2019
Respiratory tract infections are the most common types of illness affecting athletes. Pathogenic organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungus) can colonize any portion of the respiratory tract causing a range of nonspecific symptoms, from mild nasal congestion to serious systemic illness. If severe enough... Read More
Published on Jan 31 2019
Shoulder bursitis.
Ultrasound images are typically used to help diagnose:
tendon tears, or tendinitis of the rotator cuff in the shoulder, Achilles tendon in the ankle and other tendons throughout the body.
muscle tears, masses or fluid collections. ligament sprains or tears. inflammation or... Read More
Published on Jan 29 2019
In the 1940's the Recommended Dietary Allowance guidelines were made to help the population meet the minimum food requirements for health.
Since then, the guidelines have been revised, and hundreds of research articles are published every year on nutrition and sports medicine.
Current... Read More
Published on Jan 29 2019
SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc., is a specialized clinical testing laboratory company. We were established in 1993 to commercialize a patented, groundbreaking technology for micronutrient testing. The technology was developed at the University of Texas, by the Clayton Foundation for Research, as a... Read More
Published on Jan 25 2019
There are a lot of myths surrounding what is the right amount of protein to include in your diet. Unless you are vegan or vegetarian, odds are you probably have more than enough protein from consuming a well-rounded diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein in males and females... Read More
Published on Jan 25 2019
From the classroom to the boardroom, the Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute offers an array of fitness tests for every level of athlete.
But why is fitness testing important? The major reason is to get an accurate and holistic picture of your body as a performance machine, and then to establish... Read More
Published on Jan 24 2019
According to the most rigorous analysis of risk factors ever published, The Global Burden of Disease Study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the number one cause of disability is America is now our diet, bumping cigarette smoking to number two.1
Since the Standard American Diet... Read More
Published on Jan 24 2019
What Is an Exercise Stress Test?
The exercise stress test -- also called a stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG -- is used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling... Read More
Published on Jan 23 2019
“Tennis leg” is a common acute mid-calf injury often seen in middle-aged tennis players and runners. The pain is usually caused by an incomplete rupture of the medial (inside) gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. This injury often occurs during a sudden contraction of the calf muscles while the knee is... Read More
Published on Jan 22 2019
During the past few weeks, we have seen and treated many different rib dysfunctions in the office. So, it seemed like the perfect time to discuss how rib dysfunctions occur and how we treat them in the office.
Rib dysfunctions can result from many different situations. Patients with chronic asthma... Read More
Published on Jan 16 2019
Did you ever feel a lump or fullness in the backside of your leg behind the knee? This might be what is called a Baker’s cyst or popliteal synovial cyst. A Baker’s cyst is an accumulation of joint fluid that creates a fluid-filled sac behind the knee. The cyst can gradually expand, due to a one-... Read More
Published on Jan 15 2019
Have you started feeling dizzy?
We recently had a patient who started feeling dizzy, and nothing seemed to help. After seeing multiple doctors, he had an MRI which showed enlarged fluid-filled spaces in the brain. This led to the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH.
NPH... Read More
Published on Jan 14 2019
Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR), also known as occlusion, is a low-load exercise training method that involves the restriction of blood flow to the muscles. BFR is an effective training method because it maximizes muscle hypertrophy while tissue load capacity is limited/low. This can be... Read More
Published on Jan 14 2019
Surgical procedures increase the physical exertion faced by the body during and after the intervention. Patients undergoing surgery are therefore first 'risk stratified' by doctors for chances of developing any complications that may affect recovery during or after surgery. A person's exercise... Read More
Published on Jan 08 2019
General Health/Fitness
Are you looking to lose weight in the New Year? It can be really tough to exercise when the excitement of the New Year fades and your motivation is dwindling, but YOU can be successful! And research shows you are much more likely to stick to your goals if you work... Read More
Published on Jan 04 2019
If you are interested in learning more information about the SSMI medical metabolic program please call 480-664-4615 #BeastMode#TransformationThursday #WeightLossJourney #FitnessForLife#ScottsdaleSportsMedicine #Scottsdale
The roots of the program date back to 1986. I was a sophomore at Arizona... Read More
Published on Jan 03 2019
This simple yet powerful 10-20 minute breath test determines how much energy (calories) you burn in a day at rest. You simply sit back, relax and breathe. During the test, the air you breathe in and out is analyzed for how much oxygen your body uses to maintain basic life functions. Once... Read More
Published on Dec 27 2018
We are heading into another New Year and I’m sure you have plenty of resolutions you want to accomplish. The team at SSMI is here to help with any of your health and fitness resolutions you may have. Whether it is weight loss, weight gain, performance-based, we are here to help you achieve it. We... Read More
Published on Dec 19 2018
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute is looking for a part time nurse practitioner for our TeleSports medicine program. The nurse practitioner (NP) will work closely with Dr. David Carfagno, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M. The NP will consult with new patients to prepare for follow-ups. SSMI treats athletes and... Read More
Published on Dec 17 2018
Shoulder injuries are extremely common in active men in their 5th and 6th decades. Activities like golfing and swimming make these injuries even more prevalent, but the common misconception with shoulder injuries is “it has to be rotator cuff related” and the truth of the matter is, no it does not... Read More
Published on Dec 13 2018
This time of year is party season! Who doesn’t have a Christmas party, ugly sweater party, New Year’s celebration? All the more reason to be aware of an interesting condition called Saturday night palsy (also known as honeymooner’s palsy, or radial nerve compression). So what’s the connection with... Read More
Published on Dec 05 2018
Nothing is worse than finally feeling like you are making the effort to get active and start running when BOOM! shin pain strikes , and takes you out of commission faster than you started. Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a very common injury in those taking part in... Read More
Published on Nov 29 2018
Having knee pain? You may be experiencing a condition called pes anserine bursitis or pes anserinus pain syndrome (PAPS). PAPS is a condition that causes medial knee pain and tenderness over the upper medial tibia at the bursae, a synovial lined capsule that facilitates connection between tendon... Read More
Published on Nov 26 2018
Do you have heel pain? You may be dealing with the most common heel condition present in adults, plantar fasciitis. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative change in the plantar fascia (a fine sheath of fibrous tissue connected to the inner portion of the heel). This usually... Read More
Published on Nov 20 2018
The iliotibial band is a tract of fibrous tissue running down the outside of the leg from the iliac crest (pelvis) to Gerdy’s tubercle on the tibia (knee). Multiple muscles attach to it, including the tensor fascia lata and the gluteus maximus. Because it crosses two joints, it helps with both hip... Read More
Published on Nov 13 2018
Do you struggle with wrist pain? People often think they have carpal tunnel syndrome, however that is only one of many possibilities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific condition that occurs when there is compression of the median nerve as it courses through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This... Read More
Published on Nov 08 2018
#MyofascialRelease #Counterstrain #OsteopathicManipulation#Osteopathy #SportsMedicine#InternalMedicine #HyperVolt One of many services and treatment modalities Dr. Carfagno and his team offer for all types of sports injuries in elements. Call the office for a consultation to see if you are a... Read More
Published on Nov 05 2018
Have you ever noticed that one of your legs is smaller than the other? Or maybe the muscles in one leg aren’t as strong as the other side? This could actually be due to a nerve problem in your back called “lumbosacral radiculopathy” which leads to “denervation atrophy” of your leg muscles. This... Read More
Published on Nov 01 2018
Are you a runner training for a marathon and hurt yourself running on the hills? Are you a baseball catcher whose knee hurts after you stood up after a long day of practice? Don’t try to tough it out, there is a chance that you could have injured your popliteus!
The popliteus is a small muscle... Read More
Published on Oct 24 2018
A common cause of shoulder joint instability is injury to the superior labrum. The labrum forms a fibrous ring that helps widen the surface of the glenohumeral joint in which the head of the humerus articulates. SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) injuries can result from sudden injuries... Read More
Published on Oct 24 2018
What is a Meniscus?
A meniscus is a crescent shaped disk that’s found in the knee. It functions as a shock absorber or cushion between the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). It helps with knee stability, lubrication, proprioception, and congruity. Each knee has 2 menisci—one on the... Read More
Published on Oct 14 2018
Dr. Carfagno's interview on channel 5 PHX where he explains NBA hand injuries and how they are managed using the body exhibit recently revealed at the Odyssey Acquarium
Published on Sep 17 2018
The hip flexors are a group of muscles that act to flex the femur at the hip joint. The primary movers are the rectus femoris and iliopsoas. The pectineus, sartorious and hip adductors also assist in the action of hip flexion. An easy way to visualize this action is bringing the knee towards the... Read More
Published on Sep 13 2018
More than 100 trillion different microbes live in your gut. Gut microbiota (GM) is found mostly in the colon and consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. It is known that GM break down fiber, produces vitamin K, and aids in pathogen recognition. However, gut microbiota’s influence on... Read More
Published on Sep 13 2018
Trevor is the Exercise Physiologist at the Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute and takes care of the Metabolic programs. Trevor was born in San Diego, California but relocated to Arizona at a young age. He completed all his basic schooling in Arizona and recently finished with a degree in... Read More
Published on Mar 17 2018
Experienced Exercise Physiologist with a demonstrated history of working in the medical practice industry. Skilled in coaching, strength and conditioning, weight-loss management, communication, and team Building. Strong community and social services professional working on a M.S. in Kinesiology... Read More
Published on Jan 22 2018
Published on Jan 22 2018
Get this year started right by tracking you body composition with the GOLD STANDARD measurement using the DEXA Body Composition scan. Call today to schedule your appointment!
Here are some frequently asked questions about the scan:
1. As a physician, what does the body composition analysis by... Read More
Published on Jan 17 2018
Published on Jan 08 2018
Want to run the big Race this weekend? Dr Carfagno and Scottsdale Sports Medicine's Team in it's 8th year will be caring for the whole weekend's events on the course and the finish line. We have many VIP passes to give away to our loyal clients and athletes.
If you want a VIP pass and are an ... Read More
Published on Dec 19 2017
We are launching out personal training here at SSMI with the introductory offer of one free session with the purchase of another session. Great for all first-time exercisers or those with medical conditions and need some physician supervision. Over 45 years of personal training experience among... Read More
Published on Dec 14 2017
Christmas special from SSMI: the first athlete to call and schedule a DEXA body composition will receive a free VIP pass for the Rock and Roll marathon that includes free race admission to the half or full marathon, and access to all of the VIP sections at the expo and on race day. In order claim... Read More
Published on Dec 11 2017
Listen in to Dr Carfagno's interview on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060, Dorf on Sports with 3 time super bowl champion Dale Hellestrea, Brad Hanna and Andy Dorf.
Published on Dec 06 2017
I posted a few days ago about my experience on the way back from Kauai. I had received a bottle of wine from American Airlines but I’m so proud of this experience I wanted to tell the story. More so, in that I received a very nice thank you email. It’s an email like this that makes my year. I... Read More
Published on Dec 04 2017
In part two of our hip flexor series, we will discuss some stretching techniques to help lengthen tight hip flexors. A quick review of hip flexor anatomy will help understand how to make stretching more effective. The three main muscles responsible for hip flexion are the iliacus, psoas major,... Read More
Published on Nov 07 2017
Are you always feeling tight, noticing limited range of motion, and looking to improve your flexibility? Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute is proud to announce that we have added stretch therapy as part of our services. Stretch therapy sessions can be booked for 15 or 30 minute sessions to fit... Read More
Published on Oct 31 2017
Part 1 and 2 of our hamstring series focused on assessing flexibility and passive stretches for the hamstring. Part 3 of this series will focus on some strength exercises with an eccentric emphasis that will improve hamstring mobility. The eccentric phase of a movement involves a muscle... Read More
Published on Oct 29 2017
Published on Oct 26 2017
Happy Thursday From Doctor Carfagno and Max!
Published on Oct 19 2017
Welcome, Dr. Johnson, to Scottsdale Sports Medicine! We are happy to announce that Dr. Eric Johnson, PhD, has just recently joined us here in our office.
Dr. Eric Johnson is clinically trained as a Neuropsychologist and has treated ages 10-100. He specializes in utilizing the ImPACT computer... Read More
Published on Oct 19 2017
Published on Oct 15 2017
Published on Oct 12 2017
This is not a TRICK! We have a real TREAT for you! Come in to Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute before HALLOWEEN to receive 20% off all Metabolic Testing to include a VO2 Max Exercise Test an RMR and a DEXA Scan Body Composition Test. This deal is too SCARY to pass up! What are you waiting... Read More
Published on Oct 09 2017
Part 1 of our hamstring flexibility series looked at how to assess for hamstring flexibility using the active straight leg raise. This week, we will focus on passive stretching to increase hamstring flexibility. Flexibility can be thought of as the useable range of motion for a given joint and... Read More
Published on Oct 06 2017
Published on Oct 04 2017
Do you have tight hamstrings? The active straight leg test is a simple test you can use to test for hamstring flexibility. All you need for this test is a partner and a PVC pipe or dowel to check the position of the leg. You can follow these easy steps below and watch our video for a... Read More
Published on Sep 26 2017
Any fitness enthusiast would agree that the trunk muscles are important for posture and performance. However, there is a large discrepancy on what exercises work the best for training the core. Functional analysis of the core starts with stabilization. This explains why posture is such an... Read More
Published on Sep 18 2017
Testosterone (T) is a naturally occurring hormone that is responsible in part for gaining muscle mass and strength, increasing endurance and faster recovery from intense exercise, reducing body fat, promoting healthy bone density, and many other mental and sexual benefits. The psychological... Read More
Published on Sep 13 2017
Ankle mobility is often an overlooked component of human movement that has a tremendous ability to help or hinder performance. Most notably, good ankle mobility can help keep good form and posture during squats and olympic weightlifting movements. Good ankle mobility can also help to prevent... Read More
Published on Sep 10 2017
What is a Meniscus?
A meniscus is a crescent shaped disk that’s found in the knee. It functions as a shock absorber or cushion between the femur (thighbone) and the tibia (shinbone). It helps with knee stability, lubrication, proprioception, and congruity. Each knee has 2 menisci—one on the outer... Read More
Published on Sep 07 2017
1. As a physician, what does the body composition analysis by DEXA tell you that the BMI and your own eyes do not?
BMI is the minimum measurement for evaluating the overweight and obese patient, ultimately a reflection of body weight. Body weight is not nearly as important as the composition of... Read More
Published on Aug 29 2017
Shoulder mobility is one of the keys to maintaining healthy shoulders. Mobility differs from flexiblity because it is the useable range of motion. Shoulder mobility is important for elite athletes performing overhead movements as well as the aging population being able to reach above head. Here... Read More
Published on Aug 28 2017
Inner thigh or groin pain can cause discomfort on the inside of your leg that can be felt from the groin and all the way down to the knee. This type of injury is common in sports involving rapid acceleration, deceleration, and with rapid change in direction such as soccer, basketball, football,... Read More
Published on Aug 19 2017
Today Scottsdale Sports Medicine Dr Carfagno and Dr. Jones donated their time and did free school physicals for West Valley's Santamaria Middle School.
Published on Aug 19 2017
Today Scottsdale Sports Medicine Dr Carfagno and Dr. Jones donated their time and did free school physicals for West Valley's Santamaria Middle School.
Published on Aug 07 2017
We are happy to announce that a new doctor has just recently joined us here in our office. He looks forward to meeting each of you when you stop by and is available now to see patients!
Dr. Jones grew up in the area of Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University with a... Read More
Published on Jul 31 2017
Endurance athletes are always looking to improve their performance, and there is a lot of research that supports cardiovascular training adaptations with regards to fitness and health. A common exercise myth is the idea that strength training would impede an endurance athlete’s ability to compete... Read More
Published on Jul 19 2017
Planning exercise and physical activity is an important skill to understand for athletes, coaches, and health care professionals alike. Having a well-rounded program provides the athlete with “what to do,” but the program design can often answer the “why to do,” help direct goals and establish a... Read More
Published on Jul 12 2017
High intensity levels or large training volumes are often required for athletes to achieve gains in performance. However, training at high intensity increases the risk for injury and fatigue due to overtraining. Proper training requires a balance between overload and recovery. Inadequate rest and... Read More
Published on Jul 06 2017
Iliotibial band (ITB) foam rolling has become a controversial topic that has garnered much debate recently. The short answer, yes you can roll the IT band! However, there are a few key points to make your foam rolling more effective. Understanding the basic anatomy and function of the ITB can... Read More
Published on Jul 04 2017
Many years ago, while en route to Everest Base Camp, a fellow hiker began to experience headache, nausea, and lightheadedness. By the time he reached Lobuche (elevation 16,110’) he was having difficulty breathing. Fortunately, other members of the group recognized the symptoms of high altitude... Read More
Published on Jun 26 2017
The glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) is the most moveable joint in the body. This is partially due to its shape. The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is shaped like a ball that fits into a socket on the end of the scapula called the glenoid fossa. This joint works similar to the way a pestle... Read More
Published on Jun 06 2017
Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease among athletes. HTN is divided into three classifications. Prehypertension is a bloods pressure over 120/80 but less than 140/90. Stage 1 HTN is a blood pressure of 140/90 to 160/100. Stage 2 HTN is a blood... Read More
Published on Jun 01 2017
Rest, icing, compression, and elevation (RICE) are commonly recommended for sports injuries such as strains, sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral disorder, or IT band syndrome. However, prolonged rest results in rapid deconditioning and can lead to a cycle of chronic injury... Read More
Published on May 12 2017
Published on May 11 2017
Published on May 03 2017
This week’s topic is a TRX upper body warm up circuit to help prepare you for your upper body workouts. Dynamic warm ups are excellent movement prep for your workouts, especially when they include movements you plan to include in the given exercise session. As mentioned in our Flexibility 101... Read More
Published on Apr 17 2017
Technology has added tremendous benefit to our understanding of exercise adaptation and has become widely available and heavily used to track fitness. Wearable technology was named the top trend in fitness according to a survey published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health and... Read More
Published on Apr 05 2017
Weight management is a multi-billion-dollar industry that brings has brought out a lot of fad diets, supplements, “secret tricks”, and conflicting do’s and don’ts. Trying to get down to the brass tacks on what works and what doesn’t can be a daunting task leaving individuals confused and... Read More
Published on Mar 29 2017
Lately, I've been seeing a considerable amount of lateral hip pain. Specifically off the iliac crest, the edge of the hip on your side. As seen on the video, there are a number of attachments of muscles onto the iliac crest which span from the large muscles like the latissimus dorsi and erector... Read More
Published on Mar 23 2017
Group Wellness at SSMI
Focus Groups
Scottsdale Sports Medicine offers individualized focus groups on Monday evenings once a month. During the group meetings, we will discuss specific medical conditions and focus on living healthier lifestyles geared toward your specific needs. Healthy lifestyle... Read More
Published on Mar 16 2017
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute is proud to announce that Dr. Carfagno has been selected by his peers and colleagues as top sports medicine doctor as well as Internist in this month's Phoenix Magazine! This makes the 8th year in a row that he has been voted for this honor and Sports Medicine... Read More
Published on Mar 15 2017
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute
&
Me by Michelle
Please join us for our
Open House
Thursday March 30
5:30-8:00 pm
*Door Prizes and Raffles*
Me By Michelle Specials
25% OFF All Skin Care Products
(Obagi, SkinBetter Science & Jan Marini)
$9.50 per unit Botox, $8.50/Xeomin
$399 for... Read More
Published on Mar 14 2017
You’ve probably heard the adage “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” This fundamental truth can absolutely be applied to flexibility. Flexibility is a key component to a balanced training regimen but can often go unnoticed or even forgotten. Most people might be under the impression that... Read More
Published on Mar 07 2017
Last week in our Resistance Training 102 article we mentioned different types of equipment and how they can improve strength, balance, coordination and nervous system function. Today we are going to build off the same principles and expound on why unilateral exercises should be incorporated as... Read More
Published on Feb 28 2017
If you have been following our posts, you know that we love prescribing resistance training to almost everyone that walks through our doors. There are many ways that resistance training can be an effective treatment. Health benefits include improved coordination, balance, stability, strength,... Read More
Published on Feb 13 2017
See the Youtube link provided for Doctor Carfagno's tips on sleeper stingers.
Published on Feb 10 2017
American society has been accustomed to trust Doctors and allied health care professionals to prescribe medication and treatment plans. Common connotation might suggest that pills and surgery are the first thingthat pops into our minds when talking about western medicine. While these treatments... Read More
Published on Feb 06 2017
Feeling tight? Unwind With These Self Myofascial Release Tips...
Foam rolling, massage sticks, and many other tools have gained a lot of admiration in fitness and wellness circles for their ability to help relieve muscle soreness and improve flexibility. There are a lot of tools out there that aim... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2017
Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute takes great pride in the on-site metabolic lab Dr. Carfagno has created. If you have followed any of our social media or have visited our office you have probably been exposed to some of the metabolic testing we offer at our office.
In the past we have uploaded... Read More
Published on Jan 09 2017
Want to win a free VIP Race Entry into this Sunday's Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon?
To Win, the first 4 runners to show up at Scottsdale Sports Medicine this week, Like our page and Check in on Facebook will win an entry!!!
Dr Carfagno of Scottsdale Sport Medicine is the Medical Director... Read More
Published on Dec 20 2016
Group Wellness at SSMI
Focus Groups
Scottsdale Sports Medicine offers individualized focus groups on Friday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. During the group meetings, we will discuss specific medical conditions and focus on living healthier lifestyles geared toward your specific needs. ... Read More
Published on Dec 15 2016
With the holiday season in full swing, it can be hard to make time to exercise. With busy work, family and personal schedules, exercise falls low on our list of priorities. DON'T LET THIS BE AN EXCUSE! Short bouts of high intensity exercise can be just as if not more effective at maintaining... Read More
Published on Nov 30 2016
At SSMI we pride ourselves with providing patients with the highest quality treament that ensures safety and effectiveness. We are excited to announce the addition of Extracorporeal Softwave Therapy (ESWT) as a part of our practice.
So what is ESWT?
This non-invasive procedure involves... Read More
Published on Nov 21 2016
Does it help athletes to train in Flagstaff at a high-altitude? The answer to this question is yes, but only if the training is done correctly.Athletic performance at low-altitudes can be greatly improved when one attains the physiological effects from adjusting to training at high-altitudes. One... Read More
Published on Nov 21 2016
With Thanksgiving here to kick off the holiday season, we wanted to give some ideas how to enjoy the holidays without over indulging. Food is a strong part of the holiday culture that brings us together to celebrate. It wouldn’t be realistic to say that you should avoid temptation at all cost. ... Read More
Published on Nov 17 2016
At SSMI we love dogs as much as we love keeping you healthy and injury free! Here's a short video with some of Dr. Carfagno's top tips to prevent injury while walking your dog.
As a sports medicine clinic, we see the effects of repetitive stress placed on the musculoskeletal system. More often... Read More
Published on Nov 16 2016
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Vegas was this past weekend, and with thousands of athletes taking part in the 10k and half marathon, dehydration was a common problem seen by Dr Carfagno and his medical team. As all athletes know, maintaining the balance between fluid hydration and salt intake is... Read More
Published on Nov 09 2016
The holiday season has just begun, with tasty foods, festive music and cooler temperatures, welcome to peak cold and flu season! So, how do you know if you have a cold or the flu? And once you are sick, why can’t you just take an antibiotic to get better?A common cold or the flu?Rhinovirus, also... Read More
Published on Nov 07 2016
Group Wellness at SSMI
Friday, November 18
From 9:00am to 10:00am
Diabetes
Our wellness group on diabetes will focus on:
The Insulin-like Effects of ExerciseResistance Training Techniques
Cardio Activities
Healthy Food Choices
Concerns about your Diabetes
*Some insurances pay for the sessions... Read More
Published on Nov 07 2016
Group Wellness at SSMIFriday, November 18From 9:00am to 10:00am Diabetes Our wellness group on diabetes will focus on:The Insulin-like Effects of ExerciseResistance Training TechniquesCardio ActivitiesHealthy Food ChoicesConcerns about your Diabetes *Some insurances pay for the sessions.Space is... Read More
Published on Nov 03 2016
Squats are one of the best movements in any resistance training program because they target a powerhouse combination of muscles. The prime movers are the glutes, quadriceps, and calves as they act on the hip, knees and ankles. In strength and conditioning circles this is reffered to the triple... Read More
Published on Nov 02 2016
Published on Oct 31 2016
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) isn’t just an important indicator for endurance athletes, it is also a biomarker for cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals with low fitness levels are more likely to have a higher waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and pre-diabetes. It should be... Read More
Published on Oct 27 2016
The DEXA is most commonly used for bone density scans, but it is also able to provide the most accurate measurement for body fat percentage! Using a low dosage of X-ray, we are able to determine exactly how much fat, muscle and bone mass you are composed of. This 3 component model of body... Read More
Published on Oct 24 2016
Back pain is one of the most common types of pain that people chronically experience and one of the most common reasons someone comes into Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute. As frustrating as the pain is, people often get more frustrated with wide range of terms used to describe spinal disc... Read More
Published on Oct 24 2016
Back of the knee pain can be caused by a range of conditions. An acute injury or slow chronic onset can help determine the cause and treatment of the pain. One of the most common causes of back of the knee pain is due to inflammation of the popliteal bursa. When this occurs, the condition is... Read More
Published on Oct 24 2016
SSMI is proud to announce we are now offering exercise consults with our exercise physiologist on staff!! This is a 30 minute appointment aimed at prescribing an individualized exercise program based on your current fitness level, goals and needs. Common interests include weight loss, increased... Read More
Published on Oct 20 2016
Published on Oct 11 2016
Dr Carfagno's mantra in his medical practice is literally being in the Arena, arena of life. Since fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, he stumbled upon the Arena Quote by Teddy Roosevelt which exemplifies living life to the fullest without hesitation and giving it your all, whether you win or lose,... Read More
Published on Oct 03 2016
Recent research about the health benefits of yoga might encourage you to add it to your daily routine, especially if you have chronic low back pain. Yoga has long been used as a staple of natural health and wellness, and is now recognized for other potential health benefits. It has been proven that... Read More
Published on Sep 14 2016
Case: A 37 year old female came into Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute for an injury that occurred over 12 weeks ago while she was surfing. The cord of the board wrapped around her lower leg and pulled on her calf. She immediately experienced severe pain that she described as sharp as well as... Read More
Published on Sep 07 2016
Staring tonight, Scottsdale Sports Medicine has opened up its Wednesday evening clinic from 6 pm to 9 pm!! Accommodating patients and adding convenience for those who don't have to take off work or school.
Published on Sep 07 2016
Case: A 45 year old female complaining of right heel pain came into Scottsdale Sports Medicine last week. The pain began several months ago, and was primarily located on her right heel and radiated throughout the bottom of her foot. She described the pain as sharp, present within the first few... Read More
Published on Sep 06 2016
Exercise PhysiologyDuring exercise there are a wide range of metabolic demands put on the body, especially with endurance activities. Endurance exercises place demands on the heart and blood vessels to deliver oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and dissipate heat from the muscles. The primary purpose... Read More
Published on Aug 30 2016
Case: 15 year old athletic male presenting with complaints of right hip pain. The onset of pain occurred for several weeks without an acute injury. Located in the right anterior aspect of the hip and radiating towards the groin, the pain described ranging from dull to sharp was consistent... Read More
Published on Aug 23 2016
What is Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome?Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (also referred to as Handlebar Palsy) is caused from compression to the distal ulnar nerve. Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome results in faintness of ones grip, pain/tenderness in the Guyon’s canal, and possible numbness and/or tingling in the hand. If you... Read More
Published on Aug 22 2016
The sport of rowing presents unique set of exercise demands on an individual. It is typically considered a power sport, however endurance is equally important. A rower must have enough strength and power to push the pace as well as endurance to keep them from burning out before the finish line. ... Read More
Published on Aug 16 2016
A new study shows that strenuous mental work can lead to overeating. When we engage our brains in mentally challenging tasks, the brain localizes glucose/glycogen accessibility. As a result, we feel hungry and have a chance of eating more after strenuous mental work. However, exercising after... Read More
Published on Aug 15 2016
Evidence and published data is gaining ground in proving the benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This evidence has emerged rapidly and has fueled the desire to increase the use of affordable, minimally invasive treatments to reduce osteoarthritis-... Read More
Published on Aug 09 2016
With top-notch athletic performance comes healthy nutrition. Athletes may be very conscious of their nutrition, but does the diet of a vegan support athletic performance?Although meat may be a primary source of protein for many of those who are not on a vegan diet, vegans can get their proteins... Read More
Published on Jul 29 2016
Cardiorespiratory fitness is a critical component of an athlete’s health and performance. There are numerous physical and psychological benefits to aerobic training. Just ask any endurance athlete how their training makes them feel and they would give a list of reasons everyone should train for... Read More
Published on Jun 02 2016
Often many athletes and recreational folks present with chronic orthopedic injuries to the clinic. Many of these I like to evaluate with Gait Analysis to see their whole body in motion as it complements the evaluation process that may lead to contribute to the diagnosis. It certainly falls into... Read More
Published on May 18 2016
Training is something that every athlete is concerned about. Getting in enough workouts and ensuring peak performance. Athletes worry about ensuring they get enough cardio and enough strength training, but when does enough become too much. Over-Training Syndrome (OTS) is a constellation of problems... Read More
Published on May 06 2016
Lecturing at the AOASM, American Osteopathic Association of Sports Medicine's National Meeting on Medical Coverage of Mass Sporting Events. Tempe, AZ.
Published on Apr 10 2016
Pes anserine is actually french, and translated it means “goose foot”. It is a triangular (think of the shape of a goose foot) area on the anteromedial aspect of the knee 1-4 cm below the medial joint line where three different muscles insert. From anterodistal to posteroproximal the order of... Read More
Published on Mar 29 2016
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. In order to determine the severity of the curvature, a standing AP x-ray is used to determine the Cobb angle. This angle is calculated by drawing two lines and measuring the angle at which they intersect as see in the picture. This... Read More
Published on Mar 29 2016
For the 7th year in a row, Dr Carfagno has been chosen by his peers as Phoenix Magazine's Top Doctor in 2016!
Published on Mar 23 2016
So what is VO2Max? This value is the maximum oxygen uptake an individual utilizes during maximal exercise and it reflects the amount and ability of an individual to bring in, transport, and utilize oxygen in the body tissues. This therefore is measuring the individuals’ functional aerobic capacity... Read More
Published on Mar 22 2016
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra contractions of the heart that are triggered from the ventricular (bottom) portion of the heart. PVCs are a relatively common event and occur in a wide range of population groups. They occur in approximately 1% of people who have a routine EKG... Read More
Published on Mar 13 2016
Mildronate was originally developed in the 1970’s in Latvia as a growth-promoting agent in animals. More recently it was discovered that it is also an anti-ischemic (prevent loss of blood flow) medication, which has cardioprotective effects. It has also been used for the treatment of... Read More
Published on Mar 13 2016
Most individuals who exercise have likely experienced the shin splints, in medical terms referred to as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), at some point in their lives. MTSS is an inflammatory response of the connective tissues of the lower leg that occur due to repetitive loading, like what... Read More
Published on Mar 10 2016
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree in their recommendations for the amount of physical activity that adults should obtain. These activity levels can help to prevent heart disease and stroke, the Nation's Number 1 and Number 5 causes of... Read More
Published on Mar 09 2016
IntroductionThis is a very common question many athletes are faced with during periods when they become ill. Most are unsure if they should work through the pain to continue their training, or if they should take some, potentially valuable, time off. Part of this doubt may be that physically active... Read More
Published on Mar 08 2016
Heart Failure is a relatively common condition, with around 5 million Americans currently living with it. And about 550,000 more people are diagnosed with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) each year. It disproportionately affects older individuals, with over 5% of the population... Read More
Published on Mar 07 2016
Injuries to the legs are common among athletes and active individuals and most problems seem to be of little concern for the majority of people. This is justly so, as most conditions resolve on their own and do not warrant further attention. However, sometimes leg injuries may seem to be more... Read More
Published on Mar 07 2016
Caffeine is the most consumed stimulant, which is socially acceptable in the world, with approximately 90% of the adult population consuming caffeine each day. It is rapidly absorbed through the gastoinestinal tract into the bloodstream, reaching peak concentrations in approximately one hour.... Read More
Published on Mar 02 2016
Ischiofemoral Impingement can be an under-recognized cause hip, buttock, or inner thigh pain. It is cause by a narrowing of the space between the Ischium (the lower, lateral pelvic bone) and the Lesser Trochanter of the Femur bone. Pain can arise from this as the soft tissues of the body are... Read More
Published on Mar 02 2016
No man thinks this can happen to him, but could this be testicular cancer?Testicular Cancer is the most common malignancy (aka cancer) in men of ages 15-34; and is responsible for approximately 1% of all cancers in men. It is estimated that roughly 8,500 new cases of Testicular Cancer will be... Read More
Published on Feb 25 2016
At SSMI, we have a wellness exam for each patient. From the Executive Wellness to the Medicare Wellness to a general wellness exam, one must find what is 'their' true defintion to their individual wellness.
“Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health... Read More
Published on Feb 22 2016
What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the balance of calcium and bone health in our body. It is a prohormone, or precursor of a hormone, that is made in the skin after the exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin D is derived from foods such as fatty... Read More
Published on Feb 22 2016
What Are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are characterized by the persistent disturbance of eating that impairs health or psychosocial functioning. The most common eating disorders that have the most damaging effects on the health and performance of athletes are anorexia nervosa and... Read More
Published on Feb 22 2016
Physicians are constantly encouraging their patients to exercise. We all know it helps our hearts, joints, and muscles. But can exercise really benefit someone with osteoporosis? Truth is, it can!Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by significant loss of bone mass, quality, and strength. It can... Read More
Published on Feb 17 2016
All of us have felt sore after a workout. That soreness is generally a good sign that our workout was effective. But can soreness ever be dangerous? In some circumstances it can.Rhabdomyolosis is a serious medical condition that can be associated with sore muscles after exercise. It is important to... Read More
Published on Feb 15 2016
Dyspnea, defined as difficult or labored breathing, is a hallmark of chronic lung disease. As the diagram above depicits, when people feel short of breath they naturally limit their physical activity. Unfortunately, this decrease in exercise only serves to compound the decreased respiratory... Read More
Published on Feb 15 2016
Your body is an intricate collection of tissues, each with a specific purpose and funciton. Pain, while an important sign of injury, does not necessarily tell a physicain what type of tissue is being affected. It could be very important to know whether the source of the pain is soft tissue (muscles... Read More
Published on Feb 10 2016
We have all heard of someone straining their hamstring. We likely also know someone who has torn their rotator cuff. But what exactly are these injuries? And what should you know if you have been diagnosed with a similar injury? The answer can be found by beginning to understand the importance of... Read More
Published on Feb 09 2016
What is the IT Band?The Iliotibial band (IT band) is a tendon that courses down the lateral side of the leg from the hip to the top of the shin. It stablizes the knee joint and assists in the last 5-10 degrees of knee extension. The IT band also aids with knee flexion beyond 30 degrees. What is IT... Read More
Published on Feb 04 2016
Spinal cord injuries are common in athletes, especially those participating in contact sports. Thankfully the most severe and devastating spinal cord injuries are rare. There are, however, a variety of injuries that can affect you ability to return to your sport of choice. If you have been... Read More
Published on Feb 03 2016
Published on Feb 02 2016
What is Skier's Thumb?Skier's Thumb, also known as Gamekeeper's Thumb, refers to a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the inside of the thumb. As the name suggests the injury is common in skiers. During a fall on the slopes the thumb can become jammed against the ski pole resulting in... Read More
Published on Feb 01 2016
It can ruin your weekend ski trip. It can disrupt an enjoyable pickup basketball game. It can even occur when you simply step off a curb wrong. An injury to the meniscus in your knee is generally very painful and can be accompanied by a "popping" sound, swelling, and joint locking or instability. ... Read More
Published on Jan 26 2016
Single Leg Squat vs Double Leg SquatSquats using one or two legs will offer training emphasis to different muscles. Squats in general offers excellent primary muscle training of the gluteus maximus and quadriceps and secondary muscle training of the erector spinae, transverse abdominus, gluteus... Read More
Published on Jan 20 2016
Sugar has a huge presence in our diet; it is a source of energy but also a enabler of potential health risks. In fact, there are actually different types of sugar molecules as well as alternatives that mimick sugar's sweet flavor. In this article, we will discuss the many types of sugars and... Read More
Published on Jan 19 2016
We recently encountered a young athletic male patient who came with pelvic pain mostly on his pubic bone without hearing any abnormal pop that started when he was training for an intense sport. After a thorough workup, we came to a diagnosis of Osteitis Pubis. In this article, we will discuss the... Read More
Published on Jan 13 2016
A 2013 article published in JAMA stated that there has been a dramatic increase in inappropriate use of testosterone therapy in healthy middle-aged and older men. One possible reason for this is the rise in direct-to-consumer advertising encouraging the use of testosterone products for nonspecific... Read More
Published on Jan 12 2016
MORE FREE Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon VIP RACE ENTRIES are available to this weekend's Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. Plenty to give away. Winners will be given to the person to come down to Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute, and check-in and like their Facebook page. That's it... Read More
Published on Jan 11 2016
The 1st of 4 FREE VIP RACE ENTRIES are available to this weekend's Rock and Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. Today's Entry will be given to the first person to come down to Scottsdale Sports Medicine Institute, and check-in and like their Facebook page. That's it!! You have till 430 pm today to... Read More
Published on Jan 11 2016
What exactly happened?It's not uncommon to encounter athletic patients in our clinic presenting with neurological symptoms. Head injuries can cause a variety of issues both short and long term. However, this case stands out due to the gradual and unique change in speech behavior, writing skills,... Read More
Published on Jan 07 2016
The topic about exercise and osteoarthritis is complex and controversial. Traditional teachings recommend that runners with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip should avoid running because it would exacerbate their conditions. What makes the topic so complex is that various in vitro, in invo,... Read More
Published on Jan 04 2016
Typically when we talk about platelets, we think of its effective ability to clot bleed. In recent years, scientific research has provided a new perspective on understanding the wound healing process and have learned that platelets also release many bioactive proteins responsible for attracting... Read More
Published on Dec 29 2015
Making news last night in the world of sports medicine, an athlete recently diagnosed with sickle cell trait played in the city of Denver at high altitude. Why did this make news? For years, many athletes from recreational to professional have deferred physical activity at high altitude for fear... Read More
Published on Dec 17 2015
Daily RequirementsThe recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 0.8g/lb or 1.76g/kg of body weight daily. This is about 10-35% of the total energy that we consume. Most endurance athletes increase their protein intake to about 1.3g/lb or 2.86g/kg a day to support the balance of nitrogen. BCAA’s or... Read More
Published on Dec 12 2015
Published on Nov 16 2015
Published on Nov 15 2015
Published on Nov 14 2015
Published on Nov 09 2015
Published on Nov 08 2015
Published on Nov 08 2015
Published on Nov 04 2015
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Published on Nov 02 2015
Published on Nov 02 2015
Published on Oct 15 2015
Lateral epicondylitis, often called “Tennis elbow” is a very common cause of elbow pain in amateur athletes. It is a general overuse injury to the tendons that control wrist movement and occurs on the outside of the elbow. Similar pain on the inside of the elbow is called medial epicondylitis or... Read More
Published on Oct 15 2015
Common wisdom says that exercise is good for you in a lot of ways. Medical research has shown that exercise improves the function of virtually every organ and system including immune performance. This most recent study confirms these general ideas, but adds a little nuance considering very intense... Read More
Published on Oct 07 2015
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible degenerative disorder in which a specific type of plaque accumulates in the brain and leads to brain wasting, memory loss, and inability to function. This disease has devastating effects for the sufferers and for their families and current treatments remain... Read More
Published on Oct 01 2015
Virtually every child or adult athlete has experience with the exquisite pain that accompanies a ‘jammed finger’. Most of the time a little RICE, Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation, will treat the problem. Sometimes, however, a finger can be truly dislocated in this type of injury. When that happens... Read More
Published on Sep 29 2015
Staying hydrated but still cramping?Cramping is a bane of the endurance athlete and weekend warrior alike. It can ruin a record pace or be a painful end to your favorite activities. Often simply staying hydrated and keeping your ‘electrolytes’ balanced is the best way to stop it, but if you’re... Read More
Published on Sep 29 2015
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the major causes of death and disability today.. Though it is often initially asymptomatic, hypertension is implicated in significantly increased risks for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, and kidney failure. Minimizing these... Read More
Published on Sep 23 2015
It's very common to see asymptomatic, bulging disc after the age of 30 and unlikely to cause spinal nerve root compression. It's important to understand the difference between disc bulging versus disc herniation. Bulging disc appears round and symmetrical compared to herniated disc, which appears... Read More
Published on Sep 18 2015
Overview: A retrospective survey of 2886 runners reported an overall injury rate of 46%. Injured runners were more likely to be male and to run six days per week and more than 30 miles each week. No single reason have been given as the primary cause of these injuries; suggesting that many running... Read More
Published on Sep 15 2015
Overview: Osteoarthritis is the most common rheumatic disease, a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by joint destruction. Up to 80% of patients have some limitation of their activities and 25% are unable to perform their usual daily activities. By the age of 40, more than 90% of... Read More
Published on Sep 15 2015
What is Beta-Alanine? Protein is made from 20 different small units of amino acids. It helps with building and repairing tissues (skin, nail, and muscles) and plays a vital part in making antibodies and insulin. There are essential (9) and nonessential amino acids (11). Out of the 20 amino acids... Read More
Published on Sep 14 2015
The heart is arguably the most important muscle in the body. It is the unit responsible for providing every part of the body with oxygen. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to keep the heart healthy and strong. This is done through exercise – particularly cardiovascular exercise. ... Read More
Published on Sep 13 2015
Published on Sep 13 2015
Foot pain is a common problem among older, obese, and active adults who participate in sports that involve running and jumping. An understanding of basic foot anatomy and biomechanics can help guide the exam and diagnose the correct area. Futhermore, your history of foot pain (onset, provocative... Read More
Published on Sep 08 2015
Overview: Your shoulder has 4 main muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor) to help stablilize and provide shoulder mobility. Chronic movement (particularly overhead movement) and injuries can cause these muscle tendons to be inflamed. Inflammation will cause you to... Read More
Published on Sep 07 2015
Overview:"Runner's knee," aka patellofemoral pain, describes any pain involving the patellofemoral joint. Often, it's caused by repetitive pressure causing unbalanced force on the knees. The knees can feel 3-5x the body weight when going into full knee flexion (e.g. squatting and running). It's... Read More
Published on Sep 07 2015
Overview:Repetitive use of wrist flexion, extension and protonation can cause tendinopathy. Repetive overuse can cause microtrauma to the insertion site of the tendon to your bone. Overtime, the wearing and scaring of the tendon can create microchanges that lead to weakening of the tendon. ... Read More
Published on Aug 31 2015
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot ailment that plagues 10%-16% of the population. The majority of people who present with heel pain will have the condition.What is plantar fasciitis?Plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue inside the foot. It begins in the heel and extends to each of the... Read More
Published on Aug 13 2015
After a couple years away, Dr Carfagno has rejoined up with the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and will be the Ringside Physician this Saturday night.
Published on Aug 13 2015
What is exercise associated hyponatremia?Exercise associated hyponatremia (low sodium) can be caused by a loss of sodium (like sweating), an excess of total body water (drinking isotonic water), or a combination of both. Hyponatremia is serious issue and can lead to delirium, seizures, or even... Read More
Published on Aug 12 2015
Dr Carfagno will be the head medical director at the Los Angeles Rock and Roll Half Marathon and 5k, this October 25th 2015. If you're competing in it or watching, stop by the expo or the medical area and say Hi!
Published on Aug 11 2015
Magnesium plays a key role in energy metabolism and is therefore crucial to exercise performance. It also is involved in protein synthesis, cellular energy production and storage, cell growth and reproduction, and DNA and RNA synthesis. Magnesium also helps with nerve and muscle function, heart... Read More
Published on Aug 06 2015
What is a Baker's Cyst?A Baker's cyst is also known as a popliteal cyst. It is a benign cyst that is located behind your knee. It is filled with fluid and can cause tightness behind your knee that gets worse when you fully flex or extend your knee. Baker's cyst is named after William Baker (1838–... Read More
Published on Aug 03 2015
Case: 71 year old male swimmer.Reason for visit: Physical exam revealed premature heart contractions during an annual exam. What is a premature contraction?A premature contration is an early heart beat that disrupts the heart's rhythm. It is commonly described as a your heart "skipping a beat" but... Read More
Published on Jul 28 2015
Case: 20-year-old bodybuilderReason for visit: 3 months of pain in both shoulders with pain radiating down his armsAfter history and physical examination, he was determined to have bilateral neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. What is thoracic outlet syndrome?Thoracic outlet syndrome is a pattern... Read More
Published on Jul 27 2015
Most people have been prescribed prednisone (or a glucocorticoid) at one point in their lives or at least have heard of it. Even though corticosteroids are used so commonly, the general public does not know much about them.What is a corticosteroid? Does your body naturally make it?Corticosteroids... Read More
Published on Jul 22 2015
Case 65-year-old crossfit athleteReason for visit: Shortness of breath and lightheadedness during crossfit workoutHow do we approach shortness of breath?Shortness of breath and exercise intolerance can be due to many different causes. Some causes of exercise intolerance are cardiopulmonary disease... Read More
Published on Jul 21 2015
There are many causes for anterior knee pain in the athlete. One cause is plica syndrome. The plica is an extension of the synovial membrane in the knee. It can become inflamed or irritated following trauma or an increase in physical activity. Plica syndrome can cause anterior knee pain and a... Read More
Published on Jul 15 2015
A 30-year-old yogini presented with pain in the anterior (front) and posterior (back) aspect of the knee. In 2012 she was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). Until a couple of weeks ago the patient was very active, doing yoga 4 times a week, attending gymnastic classes and going to the gym.... Read More
Published on Jul 14 2015
Case: 32-year-old basketball playerReason for visit: Twisted right knee while playing basketball two days ago. Now has an achy pain in his right knee and some swelling.After physical exam and appropriate imaging, he was found to have a torn meniscus.What is a meniscus? What is its function?A... Read More
Published on Jun 30 2015
There’s always a lot of talk around the gym about Whey protein. Those who train regularly swear on the values of the supplement.But why is Whey protein such an important component of the diet?Contrary to popular belief, Whey is useful for all people and not just athletes. It is one of two milk... Read More
Published on Jun 24 2015
Knowing your body composition is useful for several reasons, especially when trying to lose weight or train for an athletic event. Many exercise physiologists would agree that tracking changes in percent body fat is essential to meeting weight and training goals.However, with all of the techniques... Read More
Published on Jun 18 2015
Try a power nap instead.You may not realize, but you’ve already had plenty of practice at power napping. Think back to your days at kindergarten and pre-primary– nap time. Whilst you may have been forced to nap against your will, this was your time to re-energize and re-charge. And for most of us,... Read More
Published on May 05 2015
Our patient Marvin Y. had a rotator cuff tear and along with physical therapy, eventually underwent an Amniogenic Therapeutic Injection Ultrasound-Guided and had a fantastic result. Ultrasound pre and post are displayed.
Published on May 04 2015
Welcome Michelle Cesena, a Licensed Clinical Aesthetician at SSMI!
Michelle is passionate about skincare. She will help you achieve your ultimate goal of youthful healthy skin. Michelle’s philosophy is to take a clinical approach and preventative measures in the aging process. Michelle will work... Read More
Published on Apr 30 2015
SSMI CASE OF THE DAY: The fatigued Athlete. The workoup of fatigue in an athlete and any individual for that matter is vast. Nearly every system of the body may be accountable for fatigue. From CardioPulmonary function, hormonal, hematological (marrow/blood), and more. Through careful... Read More
Published on Apr 22 2015
Dr Carfagno is again a contributing author in the AMSSM's Sports Medicine CAQ Study Guide, the Second Edition. He wrote 5 questions and answers which help Sports Medicine physicians read to study for the Sports Medicine, CAQ Boards.
Published on Apr 21 2015
DXA is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men and rarely in children. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more... Read More
Published on Apr 21 2015
Dr Carfagno and SSMI will be providing the medical event coverage for the annual Scottsdale PD vs the Salt River PD. Game is this saturday, April 25th, at 7 pm.
Published on Apr 02 2015
Dr Carfagno was a guest featured speaker on April 11th at the Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society meeting. He spoke on the subject "Female Athlete Triad". An entity commonly seen in female athletes in endurance sports as well as gymnastics, ballet.
Published on Feb 28 2015
First off lets start off the discussion with describing what the transverse process of the spine is and what is the mechanism that causes us to fracture it, in the first place. The transverse process are the lateral projections off the right and left of our cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae... Read More
Published on Feb 01 2015
Look and feel younger... today!
Millions of women already know BOTOX® Cosmetic— a nonsurgical treatment that helps temporarily improve moderate to severe frown lines between the brows.
Those moderate to severe vertical lines between the brows are sometimes referred to as 1’s, 11’s, or 111’s.
Years... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
After years of bad habits, I had begun developing a litany of health issues, ranging from massive weight gain, alopecia (hair falling out), heart flutters, and random injuries. However, with Doc's help and advice, I have gotten in as great of shape and as healthy as I've been since my college days... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
This was written by our patient, Mark D. It's a great story and a great testament to the power of the VO2 Max test. Thank you, Mark, for sharing your story and inspiring others to push harder and do more!
I started running almost 5 years ago. It was October of 2008, and the girl I was dating at... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
The following was written by my patient, Joseph. Thanks so much!
"O. K......so here's the question Dr. Carfagno is always asking, "Do we grow old because we stop playing games or do we stop playing games because we grow old?" So how would you answer that question for yourself....... hmmmm?
I have... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
The following was written my SSMI patient Terra. Thanks, Terra!
I have been a patient of Dr C. since 2012. No major medical issues except for typical triathlete pains and nags. No one would have thought that I would end up with a DVT and PE (blood clots) after racing. It started way back in July... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
Meet LC. She's 88 years young and one of our patients here at SSMI. She's been suffering from osteoarthritis of the spine and hip. To treat it, she's done physical therapy, taken medications and had injections in her back. The biggest relief and what helped her start to walk again has been platelet... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
This patient story hits very close to home for me, as it's by my father! I really appreciate him sharing his experience.
In mid-January of this year, my son, Dr. David Carfagno, gave me a thorough physical exam. In addition to routine requirements (blood profile, urine, etc.) he requested that I... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
Congrats to Andy D!! He completed the 30 day Metabolic Program and totally crushed it, And he has awesome results! Here's what he has to say:
"Just wanted to thank Dr. Carfagno and Dan and the whole staff for their encouragement and professionalism. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
Jen is just the latest to join our Top Tens list -- check out her numbers! I'm so impressed with what she achieved. Here's what she had to say:
"I'm so happy that I took the first step and started Dr. Carfagno's weight loss and workout program. I'm very pleased with my results so far and will be... Read More
Published on Jan 30 2015
Meet SSMI patient, Loren M. She's a real inspiration and represents what it means to be determined. I'm so happy to have met her!
"My successes with SSMI have been happening a lot longer than just the one month Metabolic Program. In early 2010, I was diagnosed with POTS [postural orthostatic... Read More
Published on Jan 28 2015
Dr. Carfagno's Back office staff
Leona "MOM"
Leona is Dr Carfagno's Mom. In 2003 when he left a prominent orthopedic group and went on his own, she was very integral in starting up his practice. Her passions are singing in the opera, raising her grandchildren, and truly enjoys working with... Read More
Published on Jan 27 2015
David Carfagno, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M. is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine (CAQ) and Ringside Medicine (ABRM). His internship, residency and fellowship were completed at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. From the elite physiology of a Professional athlete to the severe... Read More
