Introducing Dr Joseph E. Herrera

This month we have taken an in-depth look at how sports injuries can affect your life and highlighted preventative steps to avoid sports injuries. This week we would like to introduce you to a sports-specialist at Mount Sinai’s Department of Rehabilitative Medicine – Dr Joseph E Herrera. During sports seasons it is important that players look after themselves off the field as well as on. If you are looking at rehab to get back into shape or fighting off a hamstring tear - wherever you are on your journey to recovery (or the MBA), Dr Joseph Herrera can give you some coaching tips.

Dr Joseph E. Herrera is a Board-Certified Physician who joined Mount Sinai after the completion of an Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine Fellowship at the renown Beth Israel Medical Center, New York. He then completed his residency and served as Chief Resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation through a combined program of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Weill Cornel Medical Center. He finished his academic career before joining us by completing a fellowship at Beth Israel Medical Center and has been named an American Pain Scholar by the American Pain Society.

His literary works extend to authoring and editing textbooks such as the “Manual to Musculoskeletal Medicine” and “Essential Sports Medicine and he is the chief editor of the medical journal “Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine.”

He is currently researching Wii Shoulder Injuries – which are injuries obtained during using the Nintendo Wii Sports devices. His past accomplishment was in adding to the cutting edge of Lumbar Discography Study – and he anticipates beginning work in adding to the literature on Plasma Rich Protein for the Elbow.

Dr Herrera is also the New York State Athletic Commission and Chief Team Physician for USA Boxing Metro which has allowed him to regularly treat and evaluate professional athletes. His in-depth understanding of his field has awarded him the Rocky Marciano Physician of the Year Award for excellence in Sports Medicine.

Dr Herrera comes highly recommended. He was selected as one of the Best Doctors in America and has won an abundant of awards and comes highly recommended by his patients. He maintains an excellent rating on our website – averaging at 4.7/5 rating. His top-rated categories are in the following:

·        He explains in a way you understand

·        He listens carefully

·        They will recommend him to a friend

If you are looking for a sports physician that can help you through rehab or someone to create a bespoke plan of action.

If you have suffered a sports-related injury, please contact us at Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitative Medicine for a bespoke rehab plan and request Dr Herrera. Contact our switchboard on: (212) 241-6321

Brain Injury - The Healing Process

Brain Injury has a traumatic effect on not the only the victim, but also the victim’s family. Often, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional changes can be difficult to witness - especially as victims tend to be in a state of denial about their injury. You may feel as though the person you knew has been replaced by someone else. But rest assured, you can help a loved one fight back against brain injury by having an understanding on how their symptoms work and having a structured method of reclaiming their life. This week, we will look at dealing with the life transition after someone you know suffers from brain injury.

Please remember to create a bespoke plan of action to ensure your loved one receives optimal help. As brain injury is an umbrella term, it is important you know how much to focus on distinct aspects of rehabilitation. Please consult your physician for guidance.

After brain injury, the victim’s lack of control over their mood and behaviour is a common consequence of any serious brain injury. Frequent and notable behavioural changes are anxiety and depression, but also extend to poor behaviour and a loss of memory. Their behaviour may drastically change after suffering, and depending on the severity of damage – they may never be the same again. It may be necessary to see a psychiatrist if depression or anxiety gets out of hand, and ensure they are in an appropriate support group.

Some victim’s behaviour can be unrecognizable – and they may begin acting up and misbehaving. The most effective ways of dealing with bad behaviour is in a firm but fair way. Set limits around their behaviour and how you allow them to treat you.

The first three months are the most essential when recovering from brain injury; and starting early means you can optimize success. During this time ensure you have started all physiotherapy programs, exercises, and seen your occupational therapist. This will aid in regaining communication, social, and personal skills alongside aiding with any emotional struggles you may be experiencing. It can take time adjust to changes – be patient and support each other during the process.

The most effective way of supporting a loved one is to help them form new habits. Depending on the victim’s need, you can help them improve mobility or gain function of certain parts of their body. This type of therapy will allow the patient to reclaim their life in the long term. It is important that you know your limits, and ensure there is a professional program in place. For example, a neurologist can work with your psychiatrist to help improve concentration and mood swings. Your primary doctor will refer you if necessary.

You can also aid in their recovery by encouraging a healthy diet. A healthy body is fertile ground for success, ensure the brain has all the nutrients it needs available to it. You physician will advise you on foods to avoid and alternatives if chewing/shallowing is a problem.

Finally, you can encourage writing things down to encourage neural pathways to heal. In the long-term, this will aid in allowing the victims brain to heal. More importantly, it allows the patient to keep track of calendar appointments, medications, addresses, and an emergency contact number. You could even label things in the patient’s house depending on the severity of damage.

If you would like a plan on how to deal with a recent brain injury, please contact us as it is important you speak to your physician as soon as possible. Contact our switchboard on: (212) 241-6321