Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Your Pressing Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Questions

What is a boutique orthopedic practice?

A boutique medical practice is one that focuses on great patient care and communication. Boutique practices are independently owned and operated and are not affiliated with a hospital system. There are a number of benefits to this model including: As a boutique orthopedic practice, G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is able to prioritize personalized care for our patients in Richmond,
Read More.

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

There are many causes of knee pain. Some conditions are due to overuse and repetitive activities, which can be treated with rest, ice, and non-prescription pain relievers.  You should see an orthopedic knee specialist if a knee injury causes severe swelling, weakness, giving-way, catching, or locking. These symptoms require further evaluation so the best treatment can begin without delay.  In
Read More.

What are the signs and symptoms of an ACL tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is the most common knee ligament injury that requires surgery. A significant injury always causes the ACL to tear. Most patients who experience an ACL tear describe their foot being planted on the ground while the body twists, resulting in a “pop” in the knee with a lot of swelling.  When you have an
Read More.

What are the warning signs of a rotator cuff tear?

The rotator cuff can tear completely or partially with an injury or years of use. The rotator cuff can be injured with lifting, falling on the arm or when something pulls on the arm.  Typically tears occur in those over age 40, but occasionally tears are seen in younger individuals. Typical signs of a rotator cuff tear include pain with
Read More.

How long does an ACL injury take to heal?

A torn ACL does not heal on its own. Think of the ACL being like a braided rope. The ACL “unravels” similar to what happens to a cut or torn piece of rope. Unfortunately, the torn ACL does not grow back together. In order to restore full knee function, surgery is needed to repair or replace the ACL. After ACL
Read More.

How long does it take to recover from a torn rotator cuff?

Rotator cuff surgery has come a long way, allowing for faster recovery times and better outcomes.  At G2, we perform all rotator cuff repairs with arthroscopic surgery. Patients go home the same day and for most repairs, they can remove the arm from the sling the day after surgery. As the rotator cuff heals, physical therapy helps patients regain their
Read More.

How long does a dislocated shoulder or labral tear take to recover from?

A reverse total shoulder replacement is performed in patients with arthritis in the ball and socket as well as rotator cuff weakness or tearing. As the surgery has become more popular, many surgeons are doing more reverse shoulder replacements instead of a standard shoulder replacement in patients over age 50.  At G2 we perform shoulder replacements as an outpatient surgery.
Read More.

Will a meniscus tear heal on its own?

A meniscus tear itself usually doesn’t heal on its own, except in young patients (<10 years old). However, some patients with small tears may not experience pain or physical limitations if treated with rest for 6 weeks. In most cases, meniscus tears are larger and cause pain, swelling, catching or locking. These larger tears generally require surgery to repair or
Read More.

How long does it take to recover from a reverse total shoulder replacement?

A reverse total shoulder replacement is performed in patients with arthritis in the ball and socket as well as rotator cuff weakness or tearing. As the surgery has become more popular, many surgeons are doing more reverse shoulder replacements instead of a standard shoulder replacement in patients over age 50.  At G2 we perform shoulder replacements as an outpatient surgery.
Read More.

What is chondromalacia?

Chondromalacia results from damage to the smooth, hard, white articular cartilage on the ends of bones. This cartilage damage can occur with wear and tear or overuse for many years or it can occur with an injury. Typical symptoms of chondromalacia include swelling, catching, grinding, giving way or locking. Initial treatment may include medications, injections and physical therapy. If the condition
Read More.