Dr. Chad Campion wants as many patients as possible to have access to minimally invasive spinal surgery. As one of about 20 high-volume endoscopic spine surgeons in the country, he’s passionate about both treating his patients well and training other surgeons in endoscopic procedures. In this episode, Dr. Campion returns to the podcast to define some key terms patients should know when exploring their options for spinal surgery. He also explains why fusions aren’t always the best option and discusses the benefits of endoscopic procedures.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
Dr. Campion’s first podcast episode
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Sports Injury Prevention Tips for Athletes of All LevelsBy Joseph D. Lamplot, M.D. of the Campbell Clinic | Orthopaedics Contributor
Understanding the importance of sports injury prevention is crucial for sustaining a healthy and successful athletic career. Whether you are a weekend warrior or an elite competitive athlete, you can take steps to stay safe. This article offers practical advice to help athletes at all levels reduce their risk of injuries. It walks you through proper training, appropriate use of equipment, and effective techniques.
Overuse injuries are surprisingly common—accounting for roughly 42% of injuries in individual sports and 33% in team sports. This makes recognizing your body’s warning signs one of the most valuable athlete injury prevention tips.
Listen to Your Body: Learn to recognize the signs of fatigue and overuse. Overtraining can increase injury risk, so it’s essential to understand your body’s limits. One of the most practical steps you can take is to pay attention to warning signs like soreness or swelling, which helps you prevent overuse injuries before they become more serious.
Regular Health Check-ups: Staying proactive is one of the best tips for how to prevent sports injuries and support long-term performance. That’s why we recommend regular consultations with healthcare professionals including your primary care physician (PCP). Checkups can help identify any underlying issues that might predispose you to injuries.
The right habits in training don’t just improve performance—they also protect your body from unnecessary setbacks. Following proven training tips for athletes can help keep you healthy and competitive.
Customized Training Programs: Tailor your training regime to your specific sport and physical condition. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach—what works for a runner may not work for a swimmer. Working with a certified personal trainer, either one-on-one or in small group training sessions, can be beneficial. They can guide you through safe exercises as you get ready for participation in sports. This is especially valuable when learning how to avoid overuse injuries in athletes who push their limits during practice.
Cross-Training: Incorporate different types of exercises to build overall fitness and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Exercise programs that include quick direction changes and agility drills can help reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. Adding swimming, cycling, or strength work to your primary sport can also provide significant cross-training benefits. It gives your muscles and joints a chance to recover while still improving performance.
Warm-Up and Cool-Down Exercises: A proper warm-up helps prepare the body for intense activity. Cool-downs are just as important because they aid in recovery. Our patients often ask what the best warm-up exercises to prevent sports injuries are. Stretching alone isn’t enough. Warm-ups should involve dynamic movements such as lunges, skipping, bounding, and running progressions.
Athletes at every level can benefit from reinforcing good form. Whether it’s lifting weights or playing a high-impact sport, focusing on proper sports technique helps protect your body. The importance of proper technique in sports injury prevention can’t be overstated. Small mistakes in form often lead to long-term issues that are much harder to correct.
Skill Development: Focus on learning the correct techniques and form, especially for high-impact sports. Improper technique can result in undue stress on the body. A pitcher who throws incorrectly, for example, can develop shoulder or elbow injuries over time. The same is true in the weight room—using good form during lifts is one of the simplest ways to prevent sports injuries and maximize gains.
Continuous Learning: Even experienced athletes benefit from refreshers. Attend workshops and training sessions to stay updated on the best practices for your sport. Even reading updated training guides can help refine your technique. Staying current with the latest recommendations helps ensure fewer setbacks and less time spent in sports injury recovery down the road.
The equipment you use plays a bigger role in injury prevention than many athletes realize. Choosing quality sports gear not only improves performance but also lowers the risk of unnecessary setbacks.
Quality Sports Gear: Invest in high-quality, sport-specific gear and replace it when it shows signs of wear. Even something as simple as running shoes with the proper support can make the difference between healthy training and a season-ending setback. Consulting with an expert at a specialty store is especially helpful when preparing for activities like a marathon.
Proper Fit: Equipment that doesn’t fit correctly—whether it’s a helmet, pads, or shoes—can cause more harm than good. Ensuring that all equipment, especially protective gear, fits properly and offers adequate protection is a simple but effective step in how to prevent sports injuries.
Balanced Diet: Maintain a well-balanced diet to support your training needs. Avoid empty calories and don’t train on an empty stomach. Always ensure adequate caloric intake when participating in sports and fitness activities. If you’re looking for practical nutrition tips for athletes to prevent injuries, try eating lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for peak performance and sports injury prevention. Even mild dehydration can affect coordination and increase the risk of cramps or strains, making hydration and sports performance inseparable. Avoid excessive caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverage intake. Instead, focus on consistent fluid intake before, during, and after activity.
Rest and recovery are just as important as training itself. Without proper recovery, athletes are more likely to experience fatigue and overtraining, both of which increase the risk of injury. Giving your body the time it needs to heal and rebuild is one of the simplest steps in how to prevent sports injuries and avoid setbacks.
Rest Days: Incorporate rest days into your training schedule to allow your body to recover. Do not train the same muscle groups every day. It creates unnecessary strain and makes it harder to prevent overuse injuries.
Sleep: Quality sleep plays a vital role in recovery and sports injury prevention. Most high level athletes aim for at least 8-9 hours per night. Nearly everyone should try to get at least 7 hours per night. Consistent, restorative sleep improves reaction time, focus, and overall resilience.
Mental well-being is often overlooked in training, but it plays a major role in your performance. Prioritizing mental health for athletes reduces stress and helps prevent physical breakdowns caused by overtraining or anxiety. Understanding how mental health affects athletic performance is just as important as monitoring physical training loads.
Stress Management: Pay attention to your mental health, as stress can negatively impact your physical well-being and increase injury risk. Simple habits like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or stepping back from competition when needed can help you stay balanced and focused.
Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive mindset to boost confidence and reduce anxiety about injuries. Staying positive is especially important during sports injury recovery, when patience and motivation play a big role in returning to full strength.
Not every ache or strain requires medical care, but there are times when seeing a doctor is the best way to protect your health and performance. Make an appointment if you experience:
At Campbell Clinic, we believe that sports injury prevention and treatment go hand in hand. Whether you’re focused on sports injury prevention in Memphis TN or looking for trusted care from an orthopedic clinic in Oxford MS, our team is here to help you stay healthy and recover once you’ve had a setback.
With fellowship-trained physicians and a full range of sports medicine services for Memphis and Mid-South athletes, we provide advanced treatment and ongoing support for athletes at every level.
If you need personalized advice or are recovering from an injury, schedule a visit today. Our specialists can help you build safer training routines, recover more effectively, and get back to doing what you love.
“From Memphis to the World: Campbell Clinic’s Legacy of Healing and Teaching” with Jenny Turner KoltnowCampbell Clinic’s impact extends far beyond the Memphis community, and much of that global outreach, education, and research is the result of the Campbell Clinic Foundation. In this episode, Campbell Clinic Foundation Executive Director Jenny Turner Koltnow MBA, MEd joins the podcast to discuss the foundation’s work. She explains how they’re continuing to build on Dr. Campbell’s legacy today, from the residency program to the Campbell Clinic Textbook, to research, and much, much more. She also shares how you can get involved in the foundation’s life saving work.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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“Revolutionizing Recovery: Cutting-Edge Techniques in Physical Therapy” with Carie McPhailThere’s more to recovery than just surgery, and at Campbell Clinic, patients have the benefit of working with experienced physical therapists who are committed to using all the best technologies at their disposal. In this episode, Carie McPhail joins the podcast to discuss her 13-year physical therapy career at Campbell Clinic and break down some of the latest technological innovations, from shockwave to wearables and more. Carie also explains how getting to know her patients personally helps her deliver better care, and she discusses Campbell Clinic’s unique approach to education and innovation.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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“When Seconds Matter: The Hidden Work of Athletic Trainers” with Thaddeus AveryThe stakes for student athletics are higher than ever before, with athletes getting recruited at a young age and even receiving NIL money while in high school. In this environment, it’s more important than ever to ensure every student has access to high quality athletic training. In this episode, Thaddeus Avery joins the podcast to discuss the work Campbell Clinic is doing to partner with schools across Memphis and care for student athletes. Thaddeus is Campbell Clinic’s Director of Athletic Training and the Vice President of the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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The Hidden Side of Patient Safety: What Every Surgery Patient Should KnowWe’ve come a very long way in the area of patient safety over the past 20 years. In this episode, Dr. David Richardson returns to the podcast to explain how he prioritizes patient safety during every procedure and interaction — from risk assessment, to pre-op checklists, to the surgery itself. He also talks about some of the big picture changes he’s seen in patient safety throughout his career, and he explains why he’s so excited by the potential of AI and other new technologies.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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“Move Better, Heal Faster” with Dr. Joshua BrandonAs a primary care sports medicine physician, Dr. Joshua Brandon knows that exercise and lifelong health go hand in hand. In this episode, he joins the podcast to discuss some of the most common misconceptions about exercise and the way it impacts our health. He also explains how movement can help with conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, and he shares his predictions for the future of sports medicine.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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“Orthopaedic Breakthroughs and Patient-Centered Care” with Dr. James GuytonAs an orthopaedic surgeon who’s spent more than 30 years working at Campbell Clinic, Dr. James Guyton has witnessed some incredible innovations and shifts in the way we deliver care. In this episode, Dr. Guyton shares his perspective on the changes he’s seen throughout his career, especially in his specialty of hip and knee replacements. Dr. Guyton also offers advice to listeners who are considering a joint replacement and explains how they can think about longevity after a surgery like this.
Episode Recap:
Links and Resources:
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics Textbook
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Ultra Minimally Invasive SurgeryCampbell Clinic is proud to be the only provider in the Greater Memphis area offering ultra minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. Performed by specialists, this advanced procedure uses state-of-the-art technology to treat spinal conditions with less pain, lower risks, and a faster return to daily activities.
Ultra Minimally Invasive Surgery is an advancement of Minimally Invasive Surgery. It uses endoscopic tools to create even smaller incisions, often resulting in less overall tissue damage. Through a single 8mm incision, a scope and instruments can be inserted to complete a spine surgery. These tools allow surgeons get a clear view of the surgical site and address spine problems without a large incision.
This procedure is easier on the body than traditional open surgery. As a result, recovery times improve, and the risk of infection decreases.
Ultra Minimally Invasive Surgery is an outpatient procedure, and doctors often release patients within a few hours of treatment. This procedure is done at our mid-south surgery center located in Germantown on Wolf River Blvd.
Patients suffering from a variety of spinal conditions can benefit from this surgery. The most common conditions suitable for this treatment are:
This surgery is also effective in managing the pain associated with conditions like herniated discs. Injuries can cause the gel inside a disc to leak, which puts pressure on the nerves and leads to moderate to severe pain. Doctors can use Ultra Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to relive this pressure by removing herniated or damaged discs. This is a particularly beneficial option for those who have tried conventional treatments like physical therapy and injections without successful outcomes. It is often an option to avoid spine fusion procedures.
Our fellowship-trained spine specialist, Dr. Chad E. Campion, is an expert in ultra minimally invasive spine surgery. Using the most advanced surgical techniques, he helps patients find relief with less pain and faster recovery times. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Campion to explore how this innovative procedure can improve your quality of life.
Hand Fractures: Symptoms & Treatment OptionsOur hands are incredibly important to everyday life. Activities as simple as picking up a pencil, driving a car, or holding a bag of groceries are all made possible by the complex network of bones, muscles, and tendons that work together in the hand and wrist.
Because we use our hands so often for many different daily tasks, they become susceptible to breaks. It’s important to consult a trained orthopaedic provider when injuries occur.
Fractures are when a bone breaks. Sometimes a fracture is called a broken bone. The words can be used interchangeably.
The hand is made up of three types of bones: phalanges (in the fingers), metacarpal bones (in the middle hand and palm), and the carpel bones (in the wrist). Each of these are important for movement and strength of the hand. Several types of fractures can occur in these bones:
Hand fracture symptoms may include:
If you have an injury, schedule an appointment with a hand provider. They will start with getting X-rays, which show us the bones.
The physical exam is an important part of the evaluation because sometimes an injury can involve the ligaments or muscles which are not visible on X-ray. On occasion, further imaging needs to be done to look at the tendons and ligaments, and an MRI is ordered. CT scans can also be done to further look at a significantly broken bone.
With high energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or high-impact falls, the bone may break and poke through the skin.
Open compound fractures, where bone pierces through the skin, require immediate treatment for both the fracture and possible infection. If you believe you have an open compound fracture, please visit an emergency room.
After the provider reviews the X-rays and does a physical exam, treatment options will be discussed. Bones on average takes about 6 weeks to heal. To ensure proper healing, many broken bones are immobilized in either casts or splints. After immobilization, patients often have stiffness, and physical therapy can help regain range of motion and strengthening.
Sometimes broken bones need surgery to put the bone in a better position. Your provider will talk with you about the options after a full evaluation.
Casts and splints are often used to treat mild stable breaks. Casts are custom fit to your body to immobilize the break and support the bones as they heal. Immobilizing the break also helps reduce pain. Patients typically wear a cast for 3-6 weeks of recovery time.
Immobilization for several weeks can cause muscles in the hand to atrophy while bones heal. After a cast is removed, physical therapy is important for restoring stability, preventing complications, and managing pain.
Physical therapists will often prescribe a personalized series of exercises for patients to complete over several weeks. These movements often include weight bearing exercises and resistance training, which helps patients regain mobility and strength in the hand.
For severe breaks that result in instability or displacement, surgery to insert metal pins, plates or screws may be necessary to set the bones. Ensuring they are in proper alignment during healing is vital to a healthy recovery.
Patients should seek immediate care if they suspect they are suffering from a broken hand, wrist, or finger. If left untreated, the fracture may not heal properly and cause limited function or physical deformity indefinitely.
Visit Campbell Clinic to speak to one of our board-certified hand surgeons today.
For appointments call
901-759-3111