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Matthew Melander, DO Blog View all posts

National Athletic Training Month 2020
March is National Athletic Training Month We are proud to have not one, but two athletic trainers in our office and we are celebrating them and their profession this month! What is an Athletic Trainer (AT)? An athletic trainer is not to be confused...
Mar 18th, 2020

February is American Heart Health Month
Heart Health Month This month at Melander Sports Medicine we are spreading awareness about heart health and steps we can take in our daily lives to prevent heart disease. Did you know? Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women. We are bringing...
Feb 10th, 2020

Board Certification Matters
Dr. Melander is now Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine! What does it mean to be Board Certified? Board Certification is not a requirement for physicians. After graduating from medical school physicians are required to complete a...
Jan 20th, 2020

Self Care Season
As 2020 gets off to a start it feels like everyone is starting their New Year’s resolutions and fitness goals in preparation for a happier, healthier year. With increased activity comes weight loss but this can be coupled with injuries.
Jan 10th, 2020

Meet the Staff September: Athletic Trainer Heather
Meet the Staff September: Heather Each day this week Melander Sports Medicine will introduce you to another member of the team. Today we are getting to know more about Heather, the certified athletic trainer for Dr. Melander. Heather recently started...
Sep 27th, 2019

Meet the Staff September: Medical Secretary Ellen
Meet the Staff September: Ellen Each day this week Melander Sports Medicine will introduce you to another member of the team. Today we are getting to know more about Ellen, the medical secretary and workers’ compensation coordinator. Ellen has recently...
Sep 25th, 2019

Meet the Staff September: Nurse Practitioner Holly
Meet the Staff September: Holly Each day this week Melander Sports Medicine will introduce you to another member of the team. Today we are getting to know more about Holly, the nurse practitioner. Holly works alongside Dr. Melander treating patients and...
Sep 23rd, 2019

Sports Physicals 2019 (2)
Sports Physicals When: Tuesday July 23rd 2-6 pm Where: Signature Orthopedics St. Charles 9323 Phoenix Village Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63368 Cost: $30 cash only Availability: Walk Ins Welcome or Call 636-62-SPORT (7-7678) Sports physicals will be...
Jul 21st, 2019

#SportsMedicineMonday: US Women’s National Soccer Team
Congratulations to the US Women’s National Soccer Team on their World Cup Win! This is the team’s fourth World Cup win and a back to back victory after their World Cup win in 2015. They are the most successful team in international women’s soccer to date.
Jul 7th, 2019

Athletes: Know the Facts of ACL Injuries
For a professional athlete, an ACL tear is a season-ending injury with a long road to recovery. Athletes participating in highly physical sports, like football and soccer, should familiarize themselves with the causes of an ACL tear and treatment options.
Jun 16th, 2019

Sports Physicals 2019
Sports Physicals When: Tuesday June 25th 12 – 4:30 pm Where: Signature Orthopedics St. Charles 9323 Phoenix Village Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63368 Cost: $30 cash only Availability: Walk Ins Welcome or Call 636-62-SPORT (7-7678) Sports physicals will be...
Jun 12th, 2019

National Running Day is Wednesday June 5th
Interested in starting a running program? What better day to start than on National Running Day? Listed below are some benefits you might see when starting a running program. 5 Benefits of Running: 1.
Jun 4th, 2019

#SportsMedicineMonday: Fun Hockey Facts
Happy Sports Medicine Monday! St. Louis is buzzing with excitement as the Blues battle for their first ever Stanley Cup! Here are some fun hockey facts to share with your friends while you cheer on the Blues! During an intense NHL hockey game...
Jun 2nd, 2019

Melander Sports Medicine Welcomed a New Team Member
Melander Sports Medicine is happy to announce the addition of a new sports medicine team member, Heather Koch. Heather is a certified athletic trainer licensed in the state of Missouri. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science...
May 27th, 2019

Supporting Bowling for Badges
Melander Sports Medicine is a proud sponsor of this year’s Bowling for Badges event. Bowling for Badges is an annual fundraiser supporting the BackStoppers, which provides ongoing financial assistance to the families of St. Louis area first responders...
Mar 3rd, 2019

Dispatch from WINTERSKS 2019
The 2019 Shoulder, Knee & Sports Meeting is designed to enhance knowledge of diagnosis and treatment alternatives relevant to the entire array of arthroscopic practice. The program focuses upon surgical methods and technical pearls, which translates...
Feb 24th, 2019

Melander Sports Medicine is Hiring!
Melander Sports Medicine is currently searching for a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) to join the team!! Please see the below job description for the position and submit all resumes and cover letters to...
Feb 21st, 2019

Common Football Injuries
Common Football Injuries Football is one of the most physical sports in the world. Nearly every move leading to forceful contact and opening the door for a sports injury. With football season in full swing, players and parents alike should...
Sep 10th, 2018

Common Soccer Injuries
Identifying Common Soccer Injuries Soccer is a global sport on the rise here in the United States with athletes of all ages. As fall sports begin and young athletes settle into their practice schedules, we’re highlighting common sports injuries and...
Aug 26th, 2018

Sports Safety for Young Athletes
Keeping Young Athletes Safe from Sports Injuries Students across the country are headed back to school this month, meaning young athletes are gearing up for their favorite fall and spring sports. Sports are a great way for children to stay in shape...
Aug 13th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Tendinitis
Tendinitis It’s common to feel sore after an intensive workout or game, but a dull ache that lasts more than a few days might be a sign of a more serious sports injury, such as tendinitis. As tendinitis affects athletes of all sports...
Jul 30th, 2018

Sports Physicals 2018
Sports Physicals When: Wednesday 7/25/2018 4-7 PM Where: St. Charles Orthopedic Surgery Associates 9323 Phoenix Village Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63368 Cost: $25 cash only Availability: Walk-ins welcome or call 636-62-SPORT (7-7678) Sports physicals will be...
Jul 16th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring Injuries Every athlete knows the feeling of pulling a hamstring, but dealing with one may be more challenging that you’d think. Athletes competing in sports involving sprinting, such as track and soccer, should know the signs of...
Jul 9th, 2018

Preventing Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
Heat Injury & Prevention We’ve had our fair share of hot days already, but last week marked the official start of summer. As temperatures reach the triple digits, it’s important to learn how you can enjoy your time in the sun without...
Jun 26th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Hand Pain
Hand Pain – Causes and Treatments Hand pain can be tough to handle–especially when you don’t know what’s causing it or what will bring you lasting relief. The causes of hand pain fall under a wide range, from acute injuries to chronic conditions.
Jun 11th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Elbow Injuries
Common Elbow Injuries The spring and summer weather has everyone outside and back to their favorite outdoor sports, like tennis and golf. As much as we love playing these sports every chance we get, too much can result in common elbow injuries known...
May 28th, 2018

Dr. Melander is Now Offering Extended Hours!
Need an appointment but want to avoid taking off work? Dr. Melander and the Sports Medicine Team are now offering extended clinic hours on Wednesdays at our Winghaven office. There are now appointment times available until 6PM!
May 21st, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Labral Tears
Labral Tears Spring marks the return of one of our favorite times of the year here in St. Louis: baseball season! For fans, baseball season is a time to relax and enjoy the games. For players, however, this season brings a lot of opportunity for injury.
May 14th, 2018

6 Tips for Your Next 5K Race
Dominate Your Next 5K Spring has sprung and with it come 5Ks, 10Ks and all kinds of other races throughout your community. Whether you’re gearing up for your first race or you’re a seasoned runner, take a moment to read up on...
Apr 30th, 2018

Running Against the Rain to Complete 10th Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon 2018 Monday April 16th, 2018 Dr. Matthew ran against pouring rain and high wind gusts to complete his 10th Boston Marathon, 8th consecutive. Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, Dr. Melander was among the 25,746 racers...
Apr 22nd, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: What is Orthobiologics?
What is Orthobiologics? One of the most exciting innovations in orthopaedic surgery over the last decade has been the rise of orthobiologics. Orthobiologics are biological substances made from naturally occurring materials in the body and that...
Mar 26th, 2018

Reflecting on My Fellowship During the NFL Combine
#SportsMedicineMonday: Reflecting on My Fellowship During the NFL Combine Hard to believe that it’s been eleven years since I was a Sports Medicine fellow with the Indianapolis Colts NFL Combine. Watching from afar, I remember all those workouts...
Mar 19th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Meniscus Injury
Meniscus Injuries Your knee plays a significant role in your athletic performance, especially in contact sports such as football and basketball. Injuries to the knee’s interior cartilage, called the meniscus, are common in these sports and often...
Mar 12th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip Replacement Surgery Your hips are critical to your overall posture as well as day-to-day activities, like walking and sitting. Luckily, they are one of the strongest joints in your body and require a great deal of force before they show signs...
Feb 25th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Your hands and fingers are among the most vital body parts. However, this also means they’re very likely to be injured in day-to-day activity. Those who perform repetitive hand motions throughout the day, like typing...
Feb 12th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Ankle Injuries
Ankle Injuries We’re all familiar with a common ankle sprain, but the ankle is susceptible to a number of more severe injuries. This is especially prominent if you’re a runner or other form of athlete.
Jan 29th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator Cuff Injuries Your shoulder is a vital part of the body, providing structural support and mobility to the arm. For athletes or those whose jobs require overhead arm movements, injuries to the shoulder’s rotator cuff may be common...
Jan 15th, 2018

Rachel Benzing
Dr. Melander and his staff have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has helped me return 100% from two torn ACLs. I am forever grateful!
Jan 4th, 2018

#SportsMedicineMonday: ACL Injuries
ACL Injuries The knee is one of the body’s most complex joints. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most likely body parts to be injured during high-intensity activity. Sprains or tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are particularly common...
Dec 27th, 2017

Make Daily Stretching a Priority –Your Body Will Thank You
Not stretching after your workout? That’s naughty. Stretching daily? That’s nice. Which list are you on this Christmas? Achieving aerobic fitness goals, burning fat, and building muscle are great, but you need to think about flexibility too.
Dec 12th, 2017

Sports Medicine Seminar
Dr. Melander is proud to be a part of the Signature Sports Medicine Seminar Thursday, November, 30. Signature Medical Group and Athletico Physical Therapy are offering a free education opportunity for athletic trainers to gain additional knowledge...
Nov 27th, 2017

Cold Weather Sports: Nutrition and Hydration
Good Nutrition May Keep You Warm in the Cold Too Nutrition and hydration are just as crucial to a premier athletic performance in the cold weather months of the year as they are during the warm weather months. With the changing of the seasons and...
Nov 12th, 2017

Why Having a Sports Medicine Specialist Means so Much
Dr. Melander is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. Dr. Melander strives to keep people of ages and activity levels healthy and active. Whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or someone who just likes to be active...
Oct 24th, 2017

Hockey Season is Here! So Are Upper Body Injuries!
With the start of hockey season, upper body injuries are something that you will hear a lot about. Upper body injuries are very common in both athletic and every day settings. So, what exactly does it mean when someone sustains an upper body injury?
Oct 22nd, 2017

Trystien Charles
As a collegiate gymnast, I battled with 2 torn Achilles in addition to nagging pains and cartilage issues in my shoulder and both knees. With the help of Dr. Melander and his team, I was able to gain the confidence needed to come back strong and...
Oct 19th, 2017

Dr. Melander is Accepting New Patients!
Dr. Matthew Melander is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon who specializes in Sports Medicine. Dr. Melander is now accepting new patients! He treats people of all ages and activity levels, and strives to keep patients feeling well and...
Sep 11th, 2017

What You Need to Know About Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic Surgery Arthroscopic surgery or arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which examination and treatment of damaged structures inside of a joint is performed. The advantage of arthroscopic surgery over...
Aug 13th, 2017

Sports Physicals
Melander Sports Medicine is Offering Sports Physicals When: Tuesday July 25, 2017 12:30-2:00 & 5:30-7:00 Where: St. Charles Orthopaedics- 9323 Phoenix Village Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63368 Cost: $25 cash only Availability...
Jul 17th, 2017

Happy 4th of July!
Wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July from all of us here at Melander Sports Medicine!
Jul 4th, 2017

Amber Waves of Pain – Knee Pain Solutions
Knee Pain Solutions Knee pain is something that affects thousands of Americans daily. Below are a few tips that may be helpful in easing the pain. Low Impact Exercise Exercise that keeps you active, but that causes minimal stress on your joints is...
Jul 3rd, 2017

23rd Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference
Dr. Melander and The Sports Medicine Team are happy to be a part of the 23rd Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference. We are here for you when work place injury occurs. Call the Workers’ Compensation Hotline at 314-315-2051. Sometimes a break from...
Jun 5th, 2017

Calling All Weekend Warriors!
Attention all Weekend Warriors! Did you enjoy your extended weekend? Maybe a little too much? Don’t worry! If injury has you down, come and see us! Dr. Melander and his Sports Medicine team...
May 30th, 2017

It’s Warming Up Out There!
It’s warming up out there! Adequate hydration is crucial to any outside activity during the warm weather months. Preventing heat related illnesses requires a great deal of planning and forward thinking.
May 15th, 2017

National Athletic Training Month 2017
It’s Sunday afternoon and you are sitting on your couch watching football. You hear, “What a sack! Tough hit for the quarterback. He appears to be hurt. The trainers are headed out to take a look at him.” Twitter comes alive.
Mar 31st, 2017

On Pace Triathlon Training Club
Melander Sports Medicine is proud to be a new sponsor for ON PACE Triathlon Training Club! Be sure to look out for our logo when you see these athletes competing and don’t forget to cheer them on! Follow ON PACE on Facebook by clicking...
Mar 28th, 2017

Here’s to a Healthy Heart!
Here are some healthy tips from our Signature Medical Group nutritionist, Liz Erker RD, LD, MS! As February is American Heart Month it seems fitting to reinforce just how important it is to eat heart healthy foods. According to the...
Feb 8th, 2017

Meniscus Tears
How do I know if I’ve torn my meniscus? “Pop.” “Click.” “Catch.” “Lock.” These are all words commonly used to describe the sensation one has in a knee with a meniscus tear. Meniscus tears are common across several age groups and activity levels.
Jan 16th, 2017

Helpful Nutrition Tips Every Athlete Needs
Have you ever started a work out feeling like a million bucks and then half way through it feels you’re your body has hit a wall? That may be because you are not operating with enough fuel in your system. There is a lot of information available through…
Jan 6th, 2017

Be Careful Catching Some Air – Snowboarding Injuries
What to Know About Ankle Injuries in Snowboarding Despite being a relatively young sport, snowboarding has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years with an estimated 8.2 million people participating. Most common snowboarding injuries include those...
Dec 13th, 2016

Having An Injury Can Be Scary!
Luckily, it’s all treats and no tricks when you come to see Dr. Melander! Dr. Melander is a sports medicine specialist right here in St. Charles County. Call the Sports Medicine Hotline for a quick and convenient appointment.
Oct 31st, 2016

Platelet Rich Plasma: Is It Right For You?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) During the past several years, much has been written about a preparation called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its potential effectiveness in the treatment of injuries. Many famous athletes — Tiger Woods, tennis star...
Sep 26th, 2016

The 5 Most Common Running Injuries
The Most Common Running Injuries Whether a seasoned runner or beginner, here are five of the most common running injuries to watch out for and how to treat them. 1. Plantar Fasciitis The symptoms: Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation in the bottom...
May 1st, 2016

Lucky Number 7- Another Boston Marathon in the Books
Dr. Melander finished his 7th overall and 5th consecutive Boston Marathon on Monday April 18, 2016. This marks is 14th overall marathon. This year marked the 120th year for the marathon. It is unique from other marathons in that not just any runner...
Apr 19th, 2016

New Breakthrough Research on ACL Surgery
New experimental surgery trials from Boston Children’s Hospital suggest that there may be hope for repairing your own torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) instead of reconstructing it with a graft from another site. This would mean stitching your own...
Mar 24th, 2016

Athletic Trainers: Unsung Heroes of Sports Medicine
Melander Sports Medicine is proud to have the opportunity to work with so many Certified Athletic Trainers, both in our office and in multiple other outpatient settings. We understand the important role that athletic training has as...
Mar 6th, 2016

Sports Medicine Specialist : What does that mean?
An important section in any active lifestyle or fitness magazine is the medical section written by healthcare professionals. Who better to write for these magazines than a sports medicine specialist?
Feb 21st, 2016

Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, that is inserted into the joint through...
Jan 24th, 2016

Pickleball Grows in Popularity
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The game was started in the summer of 1965 in the state of Washington by Joel Pritchard and a group of his friends. They attempted to set-up for badminton...
Dec 24th, 2015

Running With a Cold
Should I Rest or Run With a Cold? If you’re starting to come down with something, here’s advice for when to take a break. The Neck Rule Some health care professionals suggest using the “neck rule” when deciding whether to run or not. Symptoms involving...
Dec 15th, 2015

2015 Lake St. Louis Triathlon
Although the 2015 Lake St. Louis Triathlon was cut short due to stormy weather, we still had so much fun being the title sponsor this year. The participants were able to complete the swim portion of the tri and many got started on the bike portion...
Aug 25th, 2015

New Town Triathlon
Dr. Melander is excited to be the Official Title Sponsor of the 2015 New Town Triathlon. As an endurance athlete, my practice encourages people of all ages to stay fit, healthy and active. Be sure to visit our tent at the event, or visit the website...
Jun 22nd, 2015

Melander Sports Medicine has a New Team Member!
Melander Sports Medicine is happy to announce the addition of a new sports medicine team member, Cody Llewellyn. Cody is a national board certified and Missouri state licensed Athletic Trainer.
Jun 11th, 2015

21st Annual Missouri Workers Compenstion Conference
Melander Sports Medicine was happy to be a part of the Missouri Workers Compensation Conference again this year. It is always good to catch up with other Workers Compensation professionals and to make new connections. Dr. Melander specializes...
Jun 10th, 2015

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month
National Arthritis Awareness Month Osteoarthritis Aching knees, sore back, and painful shoulders. These areas are just some of the joints that are commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
May 6th, 2015

Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury in the adult population. Many times when a rotator cuff injury is sustained, even simple activities such as brushing one’s hair or reaching for a coffee cup can be affected.
May 4th, 2015

Urgent Care vs Emergency Room
It can be frightening whenever an unexpected injury or sudden illness strikes. When something alarming occurs, we register such events as emergencies. However, when it comes to your health, it may be prudent to determine what is an emergency...
Apr 11th, 2015

Athletic Trainers- not “Trainers”
National Athletic Training Month Melander Sports Medicine is proud to have the opportunity to work with so many Certified Athletic Trainers. We understand the important role that athletic training has as a part of the sports medicine team and...
Mar 2nd, 2015

Skiing Related Injuries
Skiing Injuries Skiing is becoming increasingly more popular among wide varieties of people. As more and more people take part in the sport, the increase in skiing related injuries cannot be denied. People with less experience are hitting the slopes...
Feb 26th, 2015

Connor Harris Earns Second MIAA Defensive Player of the Week Honor
Lindenwood football linebacker Connor Harris earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season on Monday.Harris recorded 20 tackles in last week’s contest against Central Oklahoma. He had nine solo tackles and 11 assisted...
Nov 11th, 2014

EIU Lands Missouri Basketball All-Stater
It is always great to hear about the success of one our young athletes. Good Luck! EIU Lands Missouri Basketball All-Stater Casey Teson 2014-09-09T16:32:00ZEIU lands Missouri basketball all-staterBRIAN NIELSEN JG-TC Sports EditorJG-TC.com...
Nov 11th, 2014

STL Rock & Roll 2014
Good luck to all of the runners at the STL Rock & Roll 5K, 1/2 marathon, and marathon this weekend!
Oct 16th, 2014

How Exercise Helps Us Tolerate Pain
“Regular exercise may alter how a person experiences pain, according to a new study. The longer we continue to work out, the new findings suggest, the greater our tolerance for discomfort can grow.” An interesting study on the threshold of pain during...
Sep 8th, 2014

Boston Marathon 2014
We all run Boston. That is the mantra for the 2014 Boston Marathon. After the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon we all are were part of the race. No matter your cause or conviction, the 2014 Boston Marathon was a catharsis to get...
Jul 10th, 2014

Sports Medicine in the Community
An important section in any active lifestyle or fitness magazine is the medical section written by a healthcare professional and who better to do that than a Sports Medicine Physician? Did you know there was a physician who specializes in Sports Medicine?
Mar 17th, 2014