Featured Blog

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 [...]

What are Common Ski Racing Injuries?Alpine ski racing comprises 5 disciplines: Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, and Parallel ski racing. Even with years of experience, and excellent skiing technique, accidents happen. Olympic downhill racers can clock speeds of 75 and 95 mph. Traveling at high velocities can lead to high energy [...]

Shoulder Pain: Most Common Causes and How to Fix ItPain, stiffness, or weakness in the shoulder can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks. Simple movements like reaching for something above your head, driving a car, or brushing your hair can be uncomfortable and limiting. As one of the most mobile joints [...]

Ski season is right around the corner. The first day of the season is always full of excitement as you pull out your equipment and hit the slopes. Skiing uses different muscles than most summer activities, so it is not uncommon to definitely feel soreness after the first few days on the [...]

Joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can be debilitating and limit daily activity. It is estimated that 24 million adults in the United States suffer from arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the smooth cushion between bones (cartilage) breaks down making the joint painful, swollen, and difficult to move. Arthritis can affect any [...]

One of the most common traumatic knee injuries in athletics is an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is a main stabilizing ligament in the knee. Athletes and recreational enthusiasts of all ages -- and experience levels -- can tear their ACL. Athletes who participate in high impact and pivoting sports [...]