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Cross country skiing – also known as Nordic skiing – is enjoyed by a growing demographic of all levels in the US. The Nordic experience provides a vigorous athletic workout, and access to winter landscapes and unique vistas for recreational participants to Olympic competitors. Injury prevention is essential to keep cross country [...]

From pro and semi-pro, to collegiate, juniors, youth, peewee and pick-up players, ice hockey is a popular winter sport. There is high speed action. Impacts and collisions can lead to injury in ice hockey players.What are the common risks for injury in ice hockey players?Richard Cunningham, MD, is a board certified orthopedic [...]

What is a Sports Medicine Doctor?Colorado’s high country is home to a large demographic of active athletes. Professionals, elites, masters, juniors, amateurs and enthusiasts alike take advantage of the high country setting, and also utilize the world class sports medicine care with Dr. Richard Cunningham when needed. Known as the Vail knee [...]

Dr. Cunningham is a knee surgeon at Vail Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. He is an expert at diagnosing and treating meniscus tears for patients. The knee is the largest joint in the body. It is designed to bear the full weight of the body and absorb the impact of all weight bearing [...]

Dr. Cunningham and his team want you to get the most out of your physical therapy if it is prescribed. Dr. Cunningham is an expert sports medicine orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of the knee and shoulder. He cares a great deal about patient education as this is so important [...]

Mountain sports enthusiasts share a common passion for conquering the heights. The Colorado Rockies offer a grand array of world class peaks, vistas, trail heads, terrain, seasons and challenges to draw mountain sports athletes from around the world. As such, these mountains present risk to the unprepared. Conditioning, fitness, strength, stamina and [...]

There are over 50 million hiking enthusiasts in the US. When consider backpackers, trekkers, and high peak summiteers, the numbers are impressive. Hikers who tackle the “Fourteeners” here in Colorado are an avid group. With all this high altitude trekking, injuries can occur. Hiking injuries typically involve strains and sprains, dislocations and [...]

With some of the world’s finest bouldering and rock climbing terrain, the Colorado’s Rocky Mountains draw a large number of the nearly 25 million rock climbers in the US. In addition, the sport of climbing will debut at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, featuring competition in bouldering, speed climbing and [...]

With the snow melting, and the water levels rising it’s time to start thinking about river sports. As with every sport, from casual to competitive, there is a risk of injury. Richard Cunninghan, MD, a sports medicine orthopedic doctor, offers information to prevent common shoulder, wrist, elbow and knee injuries in kayakers [...]

Richard Cunningham, MD is a prominent knee surgeon treating patients in Vail, Frisco, Aspen, and Denver, CO. He has extensive knowledge to diagnose and treat acute and chronic knee injuries. His care philosophy is founded on a commitment to educate his patients for a better understanding of knee health, conditions and optimal [...]

Common Snowboarding InjuriesNearly 10 million snowboard athletes hit the slopes every winter. From beginners to pros, injuries occur. The most common snowboarding injuries are caused by an impact or fall. Frequently, injuries involve the:KneeShoulderWristHeadDr. Richard Cunningham is an expert at diagnosing and treating snowboarding injuries in athletes who have sustained an injury [...]

Is ACL Surgery Required After an ACL Injury from Skiing?ACL injuries are common among skiers. Proper form and maintaining a strong core, glutes, quads, and hamstrings can help prevent ACL injuries. Most skiing related ACL injuries occur as a result of a twisting fall or collision. In some cases, an ACL injury [...]