Explore our range of services and see if Geraci Spine & Sports Medicine is the right fit for you.
Learn MoreMost patients, about 90%, will respond to specific exercises and symptoms will resolve over a short course. Some, about 10%, may need an injection to help improve symptoms so that their exercises will then benefit them. Only about 2% will require surgery and then I will design a post-operative exercise program to help patients get the best results from their surgical intervention.
Located in Williamsville, New York serving the Buffalo and Western New York communities, Dr. Geraci also sees patients from Canada and out of state.
These case studies showcase a variety of challenges that Dr. Geraci's patients have faced and the innovative and forward-thinking solutions he has come up with. Click on some examples below:
An avid hiker and downhill skier was suffering from left knee osteoarthritis (OA) and facing her second total knee replacement. Treatment included platelet rich plasma (PRP).
A 15-year-old elite high-school gymnast was set to attend an NCAA Division I college on scholarship until she injured her back. Her non-surgical treatment resolved the issue.
A 20-year-old Division I soccer player with low back pain radiating down her left leg to her heel and bottom of her foot.
A 42-year-old nurse suffering from a torn common extensor, or what is commonly known as tennis elbow.
We are available to see you either in person or via telemedicine. Please know we are there for those who need medical spine or any other musculoskeletal care. Call our office at: 716-247-5320 and we will work with you to make arrangements.
Please note that our office requires masks for both patient and staff.
You will leave your first appointment with a plan designed to provide the fastest results with the least invasive methods possible. We will discuss proven treatments, prevention techniques and why you may or may not need injections or surgery—even if you have been told these were your only options.
Surgery carries a higher complication rate than exercises or injection therapy. Even after minimally invasive surgical procedures a small percent of patients will suffer a complication that may disable them from their work, sport or lifestyle activities. Major complications, particular from spinal fusions, can range from 14-35%.
While the majority of patients will respond to specific exercises, the challenge remains how to determine which exercise will be individualized to your needs. Dr. Geraci’s main research interest is in functional exercise. His special interest and expertise is in spinal stabilization exercises, as well as exercises that will promote healing of knee meniscal tears, hip and shoulder labral tears and in exercises for arthritic joints.
Dr. Geraci has studied and published with the leading researcher in spinal exercise, Professor Stuart McGill, PhD. This gives him with a unique perspective when choosing exercises for patients with spinal disorders. He understands which exercises provide low spinal loads and high co-activation of the muscles that support the spine to take stress off the bones, joints and discs.
He has also completed The McKenzie Method or Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy courses that have proven to be the most valid and reliable methods when selecting the best exercise to reduce a disc herniation or treat a joint dysfunction.
Dr. Geraci has also completed the courses on how to classify pain in order to provide treatment and not just manage your pain including the Pain Mechanism Classification System taught by the Neuro-orthopedic Institute from Australia and the World of Hurt Courses from Annie O’Connor, MSPT. In addition, he is currently completing training with the Integrated Musculoskeletal Care group from Tallahasse, Florida that recently published the most important article on cost effective care and prevention for musculoskeletal disorders.
When it comes to performing indicated spinal injections, such as epidural steroid injections, sacro-iliac and facet joint injections or selective nerve root blocks, Dr. Geraci uses the most precise fluroscopic (x-ray) guided technique. He was one of the first physicians to mentor under Dr. Charles Aprill MD who piorneered these procedures.
Dr. Geraci offers other procedures, such as joint, tendon, muscle, cartilage and ligament injections which are done under ultrasound guidance and are regenerative in nature. These may include using your own concentrated platelets (platelet rich plasma therapy or PRP), which have growth factors for these tissues. Less commonly, but at times necessary, using your own cells from bone marrow or fat can provide additional cells from your own tissues to promote healing. Prolotherapy (a concentrated sugar solution) is also offered when indicated for joint arthritis or ligament healing.
All of these procedures are combined with the most effective exercise protocols, developed by Dr. Geraci, who will assist you and your physical therapist to give the best results from your injection procedure.
Dr. Geraci also trained and then taught Manual Medicine at Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. He along with 2 other faculty members developed a course on Exercise as an Adjunct to Manual Medicine, to help maintain the correction provided from a mobilization or manipulation.
Ready to schedule your first appointment?