Brian, an avid CrossFitter and dedicated police officer, faced a significant challenge when persistent knee issues threatened to end his participation in the sport he loves. “CrossFit is so hard on your body. I started having some knee issues on my left knee,” Brian explained. The physical demands of CrossFit had finally caught up to him, bringing him to a crucial decision point in his athletic career.
Initial Attempts at Surgical Relief
Brian’s journey with the Orthopedic Specialty Institute (OSI) began when he first consulted Dr. Erol Yoldas about his knee pain. After an MRI revealed arthritis and debris in his knee, Dr. Yoldas recommended surgery. Shortly thereafter, Brian underwent his first knee surgery with Dr. Yoldas, which aimed to clean out the knee and address the underlying issues.
“They went in there, cleaned it up… I started therapy just two days after the surgery,” Brian recounted. However, he continued to experience pain and discomfort soon after recovery.
In an effort to manage the pain, Dr. Yoldas performed two PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections a few months apart with some temporary relief. Despite these efforts, Brian still struggled to return to the rigorous demands of CrossFit and policing. Knowing Brian wasn’t at his best, Dr. Yoldas ordered a new MRI and made the decision to perform a second surgery later that year. Unfortunately, some pain and swelling still held him back.
Turning to Dr. Weaver for Help
After recovery from surgery, Dr. Yoldas referred Brian to Dr. Martin Weaver at OSI for further evaluation and treatment. Specializing in advanced non-surgical and minimally invasive orthopedic treatments, Dr. Weaver recommended a treatment plan that included additional PRP injections and viscosupplementation. This approach offered Brian hope for relief after years of struggling with pain.
“A few months after the second surgery, I had my first PRP injection, and within four to five weeks, it was like nothing had ever happened to my knee,” Brian said. “I haven’t felt this good in years.”
A Full CrossFit Recovery
Dr. Weaver’s combination of treatments helped reduce the inflammation in Brian’s knee, allowing him to get back to his CrossFit training without pain or swelling. Brian was excited to have found a veteran CrossFit Medical Provider like Dr. Weaver and was so impressed with Dr. Weaver’s care that he continues to refer members of his “Box” to him. Dr. Weaver holds a CrossFit Healthcare Professional certification and has served as a medical provider for regional CrossFit competitions since 2017. Their shared enthusiasm for the positive health benefits of CrossFit and its community cemented the bond formed through their journey together.
A Patient-centric Approach to Care
Reflecting on his treatment, Brian was particularly appreciative of the patient-centric approach taken by both Dr. Yoldas and Dr. Weaver. Unlike previous experiences, he felt genuinely listened to, which significantly enhanced his trust and comfort level with the treatments proposed. “They just listen to you, and then when you’re done speaking, then they offer their opinion,” Brian highlighted, underscoring the importance of feeling heard by one’s medical providers.
A Story of Determination and Expert Care
Brian’s journey from injury to CrossFit recovery is not just about overcoming a physical hurdle; it’s about the resilience required to return to peak performance in CrossFit and maintain his professional duties as a police officer. OSI’s expert care, tailored to his needs as an athlete, ensured that Brian could continue pursuing his passion for CrossFit without compromise.
For more stories like Brian’s or to learn more about our services, visit www.osiftl.com. Whether you’re facing a sports injury, looking for CrossFit recovery or need ways to improve your physical condition, OSI is here to support your health and fitness goals.