Dr. Ched Garten

Myers Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Ched Garten to the practice.  Dr. Garten has been in the Atlanta area for the past 6 years and has recently joined the Myers Sports Medicine team. He begins seeing patients on August 1, 2011.

As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Garten, manages both nonoperative orthopaedic and sports medicine injuries. His clinical interests include acute injuries and overuse injuries among athletes of all levels and all sports, exercised-induced medical injuries and illnesses, sports and orthopaedic injuries, and the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosing injuries and guided procedures (such as Platelet Rich Plasma injections).

Dr. Garten completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Tennessee with a major in biology and a minor in biochemistry in 1997. He graduated summa cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. His education continued at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine where he graduated in 2001.

Upon graduation of medical school, Dr. Garten completed a family medicine residency at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and North Carolina Baptist Hospital. During his time in Winston-Salem, NC, Dr. Garten served as team physician for minor league hockey and baseball teams as well as numerous other high school and collegiate events. He served as Chief Resident during his final year and was name the Family Medicine Resident Clinical Teacher of the Year 2003-2004.

Dr. Garten continued his sub-specialization training as a primary care sports medicine fellow in Birmingham, AL at the American Sports Medicine Institute under the direction of Tracy R. Ray M.D., James R. Andrews M.D., and Lawrence J. Lemak, M.D. As a fellow, he trained in the care of athletes ranging from adolescent to elite professional level. Upon completion of his fellowship in 2005, Dr. Garten was inducted as a member of the American Sports Medicine Institute Fellowship Society.

Dr. Garten previously served as the head primary care physician for the NFL Atlanta Falcons from 2005-2010 and associate team physician for the NHL Atlanta Thrashers from 2005-2011.  He also provides sports medicine coverage for many local and national events.  Dr. Garten teaches other physicians and medical professionals about the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound at national conferences.  He also has lectured on the subject at various meetings around the country including the NFL Team Physicians Society Annual Scientific Symposium at the NFL Scouting Combine.  Dr. Garten is participating physician in the Team Doctors Preferred Access Network.  Dr. Garten also serves as the Medical Director for Total Pain Solutions Pharmacy.

Dr. Garten is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine and has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. His memberships in various medical organizations and societies have included the NFL Team Physicians Society, the NHL Team Physicians Society, the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Garten grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee before attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  During his time away from work, he enjoys physical fitness, traveling, and spending time with his son Charlie.

What is PRP?

PRP is “platelet-rich plasma,” also known as autologous platelet concentrate (APC). Platelets are a specialized type of blood cell that are involved in injury healing. With PRP, a concentrated platelet solution is injected into the injured area to stimulate healing.

Why Does PRP Work?

Human platelets are naturally extremely rich in connective tissue growth factors. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments and tendons stimulates a natural repair process. But in order to benefit from these natural healing proteins, the platelets must first be concentrated. In other words, PRP recreates and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.

What Conditions Benefit From PRP?

PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon injuries that have failed other conservative treatment, including:
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis & golfer’s elbow
• Hamstring and hip strains
• Quadriceps and patellar tendinosis
• Achilles tendinosis & plantar fasciitis

How is PRP Done?

In the office, blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special centrifuge, where the blood is spun down. The platelets are separated from the red blood cells and are concentrated. The red blood cells are discarded, and the resulting platelet concentrate is used for treatment. While the blood is spinning in the centrifuge, the painful area is injected with lidocaine to numb it. The PRP is then injected using ultrasound guidance. The entire treatment, from blood draw, to solution preparation, to injection, takes 30-40 minutes.

How Often are Injections Given?

After the initial treatment, a follow up visit is scheduled 8-12 weeks later. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, typically 1-3 treatments are necessary.

Is PRP Covered by Insurance?

Since PRP is relatively new, insurance companies vary in coverage.  We require payment in advance for the procedure.  Our office will gladly submit the upfront fee for the PRP to your commercial insurance and refund the initial cost if it is covered.

Do PRP Injections Hurt?

Because the injured area is first anesthetized with lidocaine, the actual injections are slightly uncomfortable. Once the lidocaine wears off in a few hours, there is usually mild-to-moderate pain for the next few days. Ice for the first 2-3 days after the procedure is beneficial for pain control. For the first week after the injections it is critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex. These will interfere with the healing response. Tylenol is OK. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication also.

Are There Risks With PRP?

Anytime a needle is placed anywhere in the body, even getting blood drawn, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these are very rare. Other complications, though rare, can occur depending on the area being treated, and will be discussed by your doctor before starting treatment.

What is the Success Rate?

Studies suggest an improvement of 80-85%. Some patients experience complete relief of their pain. The results are generally permanent!

Additional Therapies

To get maximum benefit from the treatment, and to help prevent re-injury, physical therapy after the procedure is required. This helps the newly developing connective tissue mature into healthy and strong tendon or ligament fibers.