Hand and wrist pain can stop life in its tracks — from typing and gripping to cooking and sleeping. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, orthopedic hand specialist Dr. Bruce Monaghan joins host Debbie Rody to explain two of the most common causes: trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome.

You’ll learn:

• What causes trigger finger & how it’s diagnosed
• The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• What separates nerve pain from tendon problems
• The professions most affected (office workers, mechanics, stylists, musicians & more)
• When conservative care works — and when minimally invasive surgery is the best option
• Inspiring patient success stories

If you’ve been dealing with numbness, tingling, finger locking, or hand weakness, this episode offers clarity — and hope.

📍 Learn more: poasnj.com 📱 Call or Text: 856.690.1616

Bad to the Bones — conversations that help you move, live, and feel better.

On this episode of Bad to the Bones, host Debbie Rody sits down with Dr. Chiara Mariani, licensed acupuncture specialist at Premier Orthopaedic Associates, to demystify the ancient (yet scientifically backed) world of acupuncture and auriculotherapy. They explore how these holistic therapies work, the conditions they treat, and why they’re a game-changing part of integrated care. From back pain and migraines to anxiety and fatigue, discover how tiny needles and ear-based therapy can bring big relief — without medications or surgery. 🎯 Topics include:

• What is acupuncture? What is auriculotherapy?
• How does it relieve pain and restore balance?
• Common myths and misconceptions
• How acupuncture fits into POA’s collaborative patient care model
• Real patient results and success stories

💡 Whether you're curious, skeptical, or ready to try something new—this episode offers insight, inspiration, and next steps for your healing journey. 📍 Learn more or schedule an appointment at www.poasnj.com 📞 Call or Text: 856.690.1616

Pain is personal—but relief can be too. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry, pain management specialist at Premier Orthopaedic Associates, joins host Debbie Rody to explain how he helps patients move from frustration to freedom.

Discover:

• Conditions treated: back & neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain
• Why patient history + exam are key before imaging
• How imaging supports diagnosis and treatment planning
• Treatment options: therapy, medications, injections, and minimally invasive procedures
• Inspiring patient success stories
• Plus, hear how Dr. Fitzhenry’s daily rowing sessions at Boathouse Row inspire his commitment to keeping patients active.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward relief.

📍 Schedule at poasnj.com | 📱 Call/Text: 856.690.1616

What happens after your total knee replacement? In Part 2 of this special Bad to the Bones series, host Debbie Rody is joined again by Dr. John Catalano & Danielle Francis, PA-C to walk through the entire recovery journey—from day one, through long-term healing.

🎯 In this episode:

• What to expect in the hospital (the "Three Ps": Position, Pain, Potty)
• The 3 stages of recovery
• When to expect to drive, travel, and return to daily activities
• Nutrition, therapy, and common post-op concerns
• FAQs: “When can I do my other knee?” and more!

If you or someone you love is having knee surgery, this episode will help guide the way from first steps to full freedom.

📍 Learn more: poasnj.com 📱 Call/Text: 856.690.1616

Thinking about total knee replacement? In Part 1 of this special Bad to the Bones series, Dr. John Catalano & Danielle Francis, PA-C joins host Debbie Rody to walk you through the entire preparation process — from diagnosis to the day of surgery.

🎯 You’ll learn:

• What TKA (Total Knee Arthroplasty) really is
• How to prepare your body and your home
• What pre-op tests and clearances are needed
• When to stop alcohol, adjust medications, and prep meals
• What to expect the night before and day of surgery

Whether you're weeks away or just beginning to research, this episode offers real-world advice, surgical expertise, and the patient-first approach Premier Orthopaedic Associates is known for.

📍 Schedule with Dr. Catalano: poasnj.com 📱 Call/Text: 856.690.1616

Foot pain affects millions — but getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. On this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie Rody is joined by Dr. Benjamin Marder, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, to dive into two of the most common (and commonly misunderstood) conditions: bunions and flat feet.

🎯 Inside this episode:

• What bunions really are — and why they’re not just cosmetic
• Common myths about bunions (yes, high heels are not the cause)
• What the Lapiplasty® procedure does differently
• Why flat feet can lead to knee, hip, or back issues
• How to know when it’s time for conservative or surgical treatment
• Early warning signs and how to protect long-term mobility

Dr. Marder also shares real-life examples of patients regaining function, comfort — and confidence — with the right care. To schedule an appointment at Premier Orthopaedic Associates, call or text 856.690.1616 or visit poasnj.com

Back pain is one of the most common — and most frustrating — issues people face. But what if the real problem isn’t where the pain is? On this episode of Bad to the Bones Podcast, Dr. Joseph Zerbo breaks down how to truly get to the root cause of back pain.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why starting with the patient’s story is the key to proper diagnosis
• The truth about MRIs and why they may not always be the first step
• How collaborative care at POA helps patients get faster, better care
• Conservative vs. interventional vs. surgical treatment options
• The emotional toll of back pain & how a team approach makes a difference
• New advancements in spine care that are improving patient outcomes
• How neck pain can come from the shoulder, and back pain can come from the hips

If you're living with back pain or caring for someone who is, this episode is packed with expert advice, hope, and a pathway toward better outcomes.

Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it!

Why are young athletes—who seem strong, flexible, and full of energy—more prone to injuries, especially during growth spurts? In this episode with Dr. Ravin Patel, double board certified family medicine and sports medicine with Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we dive into the biomechanics and psychology behind youth sports injuries. Learn why rapid bone growth outpaces tendon and ligament development, creating a temporary mismatch that can lead to overuse injuries like Osgood-Schlatter’s disease and Sever’s disease. We also explore:

🔹 The impact of muscle tightness and decreased coordination 🔹 Why the lower extremities (hips, knees, calves, ankles) are most affected 🔹 The role of emotional and psychological stress in injury risk 🔹 Early warning signs and how to detect movement compensations 🔹 Tips for injury prevention and better performance

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode offers essential insights to help reduce injuries and build resilient, high-performing bodies.

👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share with someone who needs this!

Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.