Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bryan Penalosa and his team are dedicated to providing an industry-leading patient experience—one that is smooth, efficient, and convenient. Our team has compiled a comprehensive set of orthopedic patient resources to assist you with insurance information, patient forms, and much more.
Explore the patient resources below to learn more.
Pre-operative clearance is required for your safety. Your health is our top priority, and we must confirm that it is safe to move forward with surgery. All pre-operative clearance documents discussed at the time of scheduling your surgery must be received 7 days before surgery.
Pre-operative clearance can be completed through Rush or your personal primary care provider.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 909-315-6515.
Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may need a brace, sling, or crutches afterward. You will also have the option to purchase a cold therapy unit (ice machine). While not required, this device is recommended to help manage pain and swelling after surgery.
Before your surgery day, you will receive an email from the DME Team with more details.
Each Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush clinic has a DME office where you can view these items in person—no appointment needed.
For questions, you may contact the DME office at 708-492-5664.
Make sure your physical therapy is scheduled ahead of time to ensure a smooth recovery process.
If you have not yet received the date for your initial post-operative appointment with Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s team, please call our office at 909-315-6515.
Please review Dr. Penalosa’s Surgical Booklet for a list of medications that must be discontinued before surgery.
Ensure all prescribed medications are picked up ahead of time to avoid delays in your recovery.
After surgery, you will not be permitted to drive if you are taking narcotic medications or using a sling, brace/cast, or crutches.
Please arrange transportation with family or friends for physical therapy visits and follow-up appointments. Planning ahead will significantly reduce stress after surgery.
Dr. Bryan Penalosa frequently treats patients who travel from out of state to receive his specialized orthopedic care. Nearly 20% of his practice consists of patients who come to the Chicagoland area for his minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, his comprehensive approach to joint preservation, and his techniques designed to reduce post-operative recovery time—helping patients return to the activities they love as quickly as possible.
Yes, and we appreciate the value you place in Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s opinion and consultation. To begin the process of submitting clinical information or imaging prior to a scheduled office visit, please contact Dr. Penalosa’s administrative team at 909-315-6515.
Dr. Bryan Penalosa also offers virtual clinical case and imaging review for patients seeking a second opinion without an in-person consultation. This service is available for a fee of $300.00. Please note that this fee cannot be billed to insurance and does not apply toward any future services with our office.
To learn more about this process, request the required packet, or receive instructions for submitting medical records, please contact Dr. Penalosa’s administrative team at the phone number above. Additional information is also available at the following link: Clinical Case/Imaging Review.
Two trips to Chicago, with the possibility of a third visit
1st Trip: Initial in-person consultation with Dr. Penalosa
2nd Trip: Surgery and initial post-operative visit/suture removal
Optional 3rd Trip: A follow-up appointment at a later date, depending on the patient’s progress during the first 3 months after surgery.
One trip to Chicago, with the potential for a second visit
Only Trip: Pre-operative in-person office visit with Dr. Penalosa, surgery, and initial post-operative visit/suture removal.
Note: This option usually begins with a virtual initial consultation with Dr. Penalosa. The pre-operative in-person visit allows him to conduct a physical examination and confirm the diagnosis and surgical plan.
Optional 2nd Trip: A follow-up appointment at a later date, if needed, based on progress during the first 3 months after surgery.
All patients are required to obtain pre-operative medical clearance, unless under the age of 18. If you do not currently have a primary care doctor, please refer to page 13 in your surgical booklet from Dr. Bryan Penalosa. Once you have a surgical date, contact your PCP or one of our recommended practices to schedule your appointment within 30 days of your procedure.
If the PCP requires additional screening after the initial evaluation, it is the patient’s responsibility to complete all further testing before proceeding with surgery.
If any specialists (such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist, or endocrinologist) are involved in your care, additional clearance from those specialists is required.
Medical clearance results may be faxed to (708) 409-5179, Attn: Dr. Bryan Penalosa Office.
Medical clearance must be obtained within 30 days of surgery, and our office must receive it at least 7 days prior to your procedure. Failure to obtain medical clearance may result in the cancellation of surgery to ensure patient safety.
If you have any questions regarding pre-operative clearance, call Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s office at 909-315-6515. We are happy to assist you!
When it comes to preparing for your upcoming surgery, you have a lot on your plate. Making thoughtful decisions about what you put in your body is just as important for facilitating your surgical outcome as scheduling physical therapy, coordinating help with family and friends, or arranging your home to accommodate post-operative restrictions. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach designed to put you, the patient, at the center of your care. Dr. Bryan Penalosa and his team, together with anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and dietitians, have developed a practice that focuses on optimizing your physiological function before, during, and after surgery to promote the best possible recovery.
Several factors play a role in successfully executing ERAS, including reducing stress and anxiety through adequate preoperative patient education about the expected surgical plan and recovery. On the day of surgery, your team of skilled anesthesiologists works to minimize fluid and heat loss, manage post-operative pain, and prevent nausea and vomiting. One key aspect of ERAS is supporting your recovery with proper nutrition to enhance healing.
You have the power to start your recovery today, and we have the tools to help fuel you up.
Fluids, electrolytes, and protein are the key players in creating meals that optimize healing and recovery. A strong start begins at breakfast with high-protein foods and colorful fruits, such as berries. Consuming 30–45 grams of protein in the morning helps provide energy and supports the healing process.
Managing stress during the perioperative period is critical. Elevated stress increases cortisol production, which can cause insulin resistance and hyperglycemia—both of which can impair healing and delay recovery. To minimize these effects, avoid foods that spike insulin levels:
Grains: Limit whole grains leading up to surgery, especially if you have insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, or excess abdominal weight. Focus on protein and vegetables/berries. If still hungry, a small portion of whole grains is acceptable.
Sugary Drinks: Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and juices, as they can increase blood sugar and impair wound healing.
Protein Shakes: Avoid shakes like Ensure or Boost. Look for alternatives with <5 grams of carbs, no sucralose, and ≥25 grams of protein (examples: Isopure, Naked Whey, Vega Sport, Owyn).
Sugary Foods: Foods high in sugar can impair wound healing.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol, as it increases inflammation and cellular stress.
Processed Foods: Limit processed foods, which can elevate inflammation and delay recovery.
At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, we want you to feel supported and informed. We offer a variety of resources to help prepare you for your upcoming surgery. Take control of your recovery by exploring additional materials and guidance available through our practice.
English Post-Op Instructions
Gluteus Medius Repair Post-Op Instructions
Hamstring Tendon Repair-Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Hip Arthroscopy Core Decompression Post-Op Instructions
Hip Arthroscopy Iliopsoas Release Post-Op Instructions
Hip Arthroscopy-Labral Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Hip Arthroscopy-Labral Repair Post-Op Instructions
Post-Operative Instruction Summaries
English Post-Op Instruction Summaries
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Gluteus Medius Repair
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hamstring Tendon Repair
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hip Core Decompression
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hip Scope
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summaries
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Gluteus Medius Repair
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hamstring Tendon Repair
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hip Core Decompression
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Hip Scope
ACL + FCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + MCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + PCL + MCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + PCL + MCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + PCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + PCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL BEAR Implant Repair Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction + Meniscus (Inside-Out) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction + Meniscus Repair (All Inside) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction + Meniscus Repair (Bucket Handle) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction + Meniscus Repair (Radial) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction + Meniscus Repair (Root) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (All Inside) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Bucket Handle) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Inside-Out) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Radial) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Root) Post-Op Instructions
ACL Repair Post-Op Instructions
Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Common Peroneal Nerve Release Post-Op Instructions
Distal Femoral Osteotomy Post-Op Instructions
FCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Femoral Condyle OCA + HTO Post-Op Instructions
Femoral Condyle OCA + Meniscus Transplant Post-Op Instructions
Femoral Condyle OCA Post-Op Instructions
High Tibial Osteotomy Post-Op Instructions
Knee Arthroscopy-Meniscectomy Post-Op Instructions
LET Post-Op Instructions
LPFL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
MCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Meniscus All Inside Repair Post-Op Instructions
Meniscus Bucket Handle Repair Post-Op Instructions
Meniscus Inside Out Post-Op Instructions
Meniscus Radial Repair Post-Op Instructions
Meniscus Root Repair Post-Op Instructions
MPFL Reconstruction + TTO Post-Op Instructions
MPFL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
MUA + LOA Post-Op Instructions
Patella ORIF Post-Op Instructions
Patella: Trochlea OCA Post-Op Instructions
Patellar Tendon Post-Op Instructions
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty Post-Op Instructions
PCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
PCL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
PCL Repair Post-Op Instructions
Pes Anserine Bursectomy Post-Op Instructions
Posterolateral Corner (PLC) Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Posteromedial Corner (PMC) Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions
Quadriceps Tendon Post-Op Instructions
Tibial Plateau ORIF Post-Op Instructions
English Post-Op Instructions
Clavicle ORIF Post-Op Instructions
Distal Clavicle Excision Post-Op Instructions
Shoulder Arthroscopy Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op Instructions
Shoulder Arthroscopy Labral Repair Post-Op Instructions
Shoulder Arthroscopy Post-Op Instructions
Shoulder Arthroscopy RCR Post-Op Instructions
Post-Operative Instruction Summaries
English Post-Op Instruction Summaries
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Rotator Cuff Repair
Post-Op Instruction Summary – Shoulder Arthroscopy
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summaries
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Rotator Cuff Repair
Spanish Post-Op Instruction Summary – Shoulder Arthroscopy
On the day of your surgery, you will go home with a post-operative folder from Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s office. This folder will include a physical therapy order as well as a physical therapy protocol specific to the surgery you underwent. Please bring these documents to your initial post-operative physical therapy visit so your physical therapist can provide care tailored to your procedure.
For most procedures, we ask that patients begin physical therapy 1–2 days following surgery (scheduling for Monday if your surgery is on a Friday is acceptable). A member of Dr. Penalosa’s team will inform you if your surgery does not require physical therapy within 1–2 days. Because physical therapy clinics can fill quickly, please contact your physical therapy office as soon as possible to schedule your initial post-operative appointment. If you need a physical therapy facility, you can find a list of the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Physical Therapy locations.
If you will be using crutches after surgery, it may be helpful to schedule a one-time pre-operative physical therapy session in addition to your post-operative sessions. This session can help you learn to properly use crutches in your home or on stairs, especially if you have never used them before.
Gluteus Medius Tendon Repair-Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Hamstring Tendon Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip Arthroscopy Core Decompression Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip Arthroscopy Iliopsoas Release Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip Arthroscopy Labral Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip Arthroscopy Labral Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip Arthroscopy Subchondroplasty Post-Op PT Protocol
Hip ORIF Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + FCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + MCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + PCL + MCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + PCL + MCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + PCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + PCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair (BEAR) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (All Inside) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Bucket Handle) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Inside Out) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Radial) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair + Meniscus Repair (Root) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACL Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
ACLR + Meniscus Repair (All Inside) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACLR + Meniscus Repair (Bucket Handle) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACLR + Meniscus Repair (Inside Out) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACLR + Meniscus Repair (Radial) Post-Op PT Protocol
ACLR + Meniscus Repair (Root) Post-Op PT Protocol
Anterolateral Ligament (ALL) Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Common Peroneal Nerve Decompression Post-Op PT Protocol
Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO) Post-Op PT Protocol
Femoral-Tibial Subchondroplasty Post-Op PT Protocol
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) Post-Op PT Protocol
Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) Post-Op PT Protocol
LCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
LPFL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
MCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscectomy + Knee Arthroscopy Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscus Repair (All Inside) Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscus Repair (Bucket Handle) Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscus Repair (Inside Out) Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscus Repair (Radial) Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscus Repair (Root) Post-Op PT Protocol
Meniscectomy + MCL Pie Crusting PT Protocol
MPFL Reconstruction + Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy (TTO) Post-Op PT Protocol
MPFL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
MUA + LOA Post-Op PT Protocol
Osteochondral Allograft (OCA) Femur + HTO Post-Op PT Protocol
Osteochondral Allograft (OCA) Femur + Meniscus Transplant Post-Op PT Protocol
Osteochondral Allograft (OCA) Femur Post-Op PT Protocol
Osteochondral Allograft (OCA) Patella-Trochlea Post-Op PT Protocol
Patellar Fracture Non-Operative PT Protocol
Patellar Fracture ORIF Post-Op PT Protocol
Patellar Tendon Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty (PFA) Post-Op PT Protocol
PCL + PLC Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
PCL Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
PCL Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Pes Anserine Bursectomy Post-Op PT Protocol
Posterolateral Corner (PLC) Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Posteromedial Corner (PMC) Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Proximal Tibiofibular Reconstruction Post-Op PT Protocol
Quadriceps Tendon Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Tibial Avulsion Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Tibial Plateau Fracture ORIF Post-Op PT Protocol
Clavicle Fracture ORIF Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Debridement Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Distal Clavicle Excision (DCE) Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Labral Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Massive Rotator Cuff Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Shoulder Arthroscopy-Rotator Cuff Repair Post-Op PT Protocol
Prior to surgery, one of Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s physician assistants will reach out to you by phone to discuss your post-operative medications. Post-operative medications may vary slightly depending on a patient’s allergies, current medications, or the surgical procedure itself.
In general:
A blood thinner (typically Aspirin) may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of blood clots following surgery.
A pain medication (typically Norco) may be prescribed. Norco is a narcotic medication recommended to be taken as needed to help control post-operative pain. Most patients begin to discontinue use of the narcotic medication 3–4 days after surgery, depending on the type of procedure.
An anti-nausea medication (typically Zofran) may also be prescribed to help alleviate nausea caused by anesthesia.
Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s physician assistant will take time during this phone call to answer any questions you may have about the medications being prescribed for your upcoming surgery. They will also confirm your preferred pharmacy.
Post-operative medications will be sent prior to surgery. Although you do not need to begin any of the medications before your surgery, we recommend picking up the medications prior to surgery day. This helps reduce stress on the day of your procedure and ensures that you have your medications available after surgery in case your pharmacy is closed when you are discharged from the surgery center.
From post-operative care to return-to-play, orthopedic bracing can play an integral role in your recovery. The DME Store at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush provides all physician-recommended products to make your recovery as seamless as possible.
The DME Store carries innovative products from vendors such as Bauerfeind, Breg, Donjoy, and Ossur. The store is staffed by Certified Athletic Trainers, ensuring that you are properly fit and educated on all physician-prescribed products. Based on your orthopedic surgeon’s recommendations, the DME staff works diligently to provide items best suited to your recovery needs.
Within the DME Store, patients can:
Be measured and fit with Functional and Osteoarthritis knee bracing
Coordinate post-operative bracing and cold therapy needs
Purchase items such as Theraband to assist throughout the recovery process
Working closely with local vendors, the DME Store can also coordinate delivery of specialized products not carried in-store.
Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s most used DME items:
Hip Post-Op DME Handout
Knee Post-Op DME Handout
Shoulder Post-Op DME Handout
Understanding your orthopedic bills and insurance costs is important to us. Continue reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about billing and insurance.
If you have any questions about the billing for your services with Dr. Bryan Penalosa and his team, please contact Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush at 708-236-2607.
Although we will file your insurance forms, payment for your medical services is your responsibility. We will assist you in any way we can to help make this process as smooth as possible. For your convenience we accept cash, checks, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover), and money orders.
Additionally, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is pleased to offer online bill pay for your convenience. Please be assured that all your personal information will be confidential and secure and will not be internally or externally forwarded or shared with any outside parties and will only be used by MOR for the purpose of processing your payment.
Your request will generally be processed within 1 business day, during normal business hours, excluding holidays. Please make sure to wait for the acknowledgement that your transaction has been processed and confirmed, as MOR cannot be responsible in the event your electronic message is not transmitted due to technical problems related to the site or the hosting server.
As a courtesy to our patients, we will file your insurance forms from our office. In order to do this, we will require information from you. We ask that at the time of making your appointment, you inform the customer service representative of the type of insurance you have. Additional information will be required for those injuries or illnesses that are a result of a work or auto accident or if your case is under litigation. We will need all your demographic and insurance information prior to your appointment.
We ask that at the time of your appointment you bring your insurance card and a photo ID as well as any other forms that will assist in making sure that your claim is filed correctly. These forms may include a letter from your employer (as in the case of a work injury), copy of your vehicle accident report and auto insurance for auto accidents, attorney information for cases in litigation, etc.
What is a bundled payment program?
Healthcare bundled payments are fixed bundled pricing plans. These plans help providers reduce costs, improve value, and increase accessibility. They also allow patients to understand the total cost of care before treatment begins, offering affordability and transparency while ensuring access to high-quality sports medicine care.
How does a bundled payment program work?
For each package, prices are non-negotiable, and payment is expected in full when Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush providers render the services. Patients pay Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush directly, and third parties or insurance companies are not billed for services included in the program.
What is included in the fixed bundled pricing plans?
Surgeon fees – including initial consultation visit
Facility fees
Anesthesia fees
Supplies and implants (if applicable)
Uncomplicated follow-up care
What services may not be included in the healthcare bundled payments?
MRI or X-rays
Post-operative rehabilitation
Home health services
Physical Therapy
Durable Medical Equipment
Post-operative medication
Orthopedic healthcare bundled payment packages available at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Knee Arthroscopy: $6,000
ACL Reconstruction (Autograft): $11,500
ACL Reconstruction (Allograft): $12,500
Hip Arthroscopy: $13,250
Shoulder Arthroscopy: $11,000
Rotator Cuff Repair: $12,500
Medical Records – Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Medical records can be viewed via the Athena Patient Portal or by submitting a request for your medical records.
Medical Records / Office Visit Summary
A copy of your medical records will be provided upon request.
You must sign a letter of release at the time of pick-up or complete and submit the request online.
Please allow 7–10 days for copying your records.
If you wish for your records to be mailed, there may be a fee to cover mailing costs. Additional copies may also incur a fee, as per Illinois state statutes.
Diagnostic Imaging
Copies of X-rays, MRI, CT, or other diagnostic imaging can be provided upon request.
You must sign a letter of release at the time of pick-up.
Please allow 48 hours from the time of your request.
A charge per X-ray or diagnostic imaging test is payable at the time of pick-up.
At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Dr. Bryan Penalosa and his team work diligently to advance medicine and patient care. Patient IQ is a patient-friendly online platform that connects you with your surgical team through a simple link sent directly to your email inbox.
This platform allows Dr. Penalosa and his team to easily collect clinical outcomes data specific to each patient’s surgical procedure. With this individualized information, the team gains valuable insights that can be integrated into actionable items to fuel research breakthroughs.
In addition, Patient IQ enhances patient care by allowing Dr. Penalosa to send educational videos tailored to your upcoming surgery. You can watch these videos from the comfort of your own home to learn more about your procedure and receive tips on how to prepare for and optimize your recovery.
Undergoing surgery, regardless of how minor, is a serious healthcare decision. Being confident in both your diagnosis and surgical team is important. We appreciate the value you place in Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s opinion by submitting an inquiry for a clinical case and imaging review performed by Dr. Penalosa.
The review is available for a fee of $300.00, which will not be billed to insurance and cannot be applied toward any future services.
The link below will guide you to Dr. Penalosa’s Clinical Case/Imaging Review packet, which explains the process for submitting a request.
Instructions:
Complete the packet and submit it for review.
Payment will be collected via your preferred method indicated in the packet.
Once your completed packet and payment are received, a team member will contact you to schedule a virtual telemedicine appointment to discuss Dr. Penalosa’s findings.
During the review, Dr. Penalosa can provide:
Additional insights about your diagnosis
Additional knowledge about treatment options
Additional guidance on recovery and rehabilitation
Important Note:
Dr. Penalosa cannot provide a full recommendation based on imaging alone. A physical examination at one of our Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush locations is required to finalize a diagnosis and treatment plan.
To schedule an in-office consultation with Dr. Penalosa, please contact the office directly.
Education in sports medicine and arthroscopy is a principal focus at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Dr. Bryan Penalosa and his team of clinical researchers from around the world work diligently to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics and surgical techniques to elevate patient care.
Using state-of-the-art laboratories at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush — including a biomotion lab, biomechanics lab, sports performance center, histology lab, and 3D printers — and collaborating with numerous academic healthcare institutions for global multi-center studies, Dr. Penalosa and his team conduct over 90 studies per year and have published more than 520 papers.
Dr. Penalosa continues to lead the orthopedic research field by combining the best practices of academia and patient care to pioneer groundbreaking research that enhances recovery.
If you are interested in being part of the forefront of sports medicine or need help deciding which of Dr. Bryan Penalosa’s ongoing clinical trials is the right fit for you, please contact us.
Our Stats:
600+ Peer-Reviewed Scientific Manuscripts
90+ Ongoing Clinical Trials Each Year
15K+ Citations
200+ Professional Presentations
8 Published Books
60+ Edited Scientific Textbook Chapters
Knee – Meniscus Root Tear Multi-Center Trial Study
Purpose: Increase understanding of the natural history of meniscal root tears.
Identify patient-specific or intrinsic injury characteristics predictive of surgical success or continued progression with non-operative management.
Design: Pragmatic, parallel group, randomized clinical trial with 140 subjects diagnosed with medial meniscus root tear via MRI and confirmed intra-operatively, randomized to one of two treatment arms.
Efficacy of BMAC vs Cortisone Intra-articular Knee Injection for Osteoarthritis
Purpose: Examine the effect of BMAC on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis compared to corticosteroid injections with six-month follow-up.
Hip
Post Hip-Arthroscopy Opioid-Sparing Clinical Trial
Purpose: Determine if the quantity of opioid pills prescribed at discharge affects the number consumed or unused after primary hip arthroscopy.
Anticipated Result: Patients receiving 5 opioid pills (Norco) at discharge will consume fewer pills and have fewer leftover pills compared to patients receiving 30 pills, with no difference in functional outcome scores.
Use of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Rehabilitation Following Hip Arthroscopy
Purpose: Determine if blood flow restriction therapy reduces muscle loss and improves strength, outcomes, and return-to-sport rates after hip arthroscopy.
Role of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Intra-operatively During Hip Arthroscopy
Purpose: Evaluate TXA’s effect on postoperative pain and function in hip arthroscopy, as prior studies have shown benefits in shoulder and knee arthroscopy.
Knee
Effects of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear and Repair on In Vivo Knee Biomechanics
Purpose: Identify knee kinematics and kinetics parameters in patients with medial meniscal posterior root tears, those who underwent repair, and compare with patients with no history of meniscus root injury.
Postoperative ERIS Knee Splinting Following ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Purpose: Examine outcomes of two braces in patients undergoing isolated ACL reconstruction.
Goal: Determine if a postoperative knee splint (ERIS brace) reduces stiffness and decreases time to achieve maximum extension.
At the Sports Performance Center (SPC), we address the strength, fitness, and confidence needs of all individuals for performance enhancement, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Our team combines evidence-based methods with world-class equipment at our state-of-the-art facilities to optimize performance for every individual.
3D Motion Capture Assessments
Previously only available to professional athletes, these assessments are now accessible to the public.
Our team has experience working with professional, college, youth, and recreational athletes, including the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Fire.
The center’s mission is to provide access to effective strength and conditioning programming grounded in medically sound principles.
Certified Athletic Trainers
Our SPC employs certified and licensed athletic trainers, who bridge the medical and performance worlds.
This unique approach supports clients transitioning back to sport after physical therapy who may not yet feel fully ready.
If Dr. Bryan Penalosa has recommended a Functional Sports Assessment Test, or if you are interested in working with us on strength, mobility, stability, or blood flow restriction training, click the link below to learn more about scheduling your consultation at our Sports Performance Center.
