PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2025
Contact: Nichole Alley, Practice Administrator
252-757-2663
Nichole.alley@orthoeast.com

Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center Partners with Prescribe FIT to Offer Root Cause Treatment and Injury Prevention Health Coaching Services

Greenville, NC – One year into their partnership with Prescribe FIT, Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center is proud to announce substantial patient health improvements. This collaboration, which focuses on addressing the root causes of joint pain and musculoskeletal issues through personalized lifestyle health coaching, has empowered patients to achieve remarkable results in their health journeys, while also preventing future injuries.

Through Prescribe FIT’s virtual health coaching program, patients at Orthopaedics East have been able to address the underlying factors—such as weight management, nutrition, and physical activity—that contribute to musculoskeletal conditions. This approach goes beyond treating the symptoms to offer long-term, preventative care that supports sustainable health improvements.

Dr. Anthony Skalak, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Orthopaedics East, emphasized the connection between lifestyle health and orthopedic conditions:

"Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial when it comes to preventing and managing hip and knee issues. Excess weight, poor nutrition, and inactivity place unnecessary stress on these joints, leading to pain, degeneration, and even the need for surgery. Through our partnership with Prescribe FIT, we’re helping patients reduce these risks by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to their joint problems. This holistic approach not only improves their current condition but also supports long-term joint health and mobility."

In just the first year of the program, Orthopaedics East patients achieved remarkable results, demonstrating the life-changing impact of lifestyle modifications. Collectively, participants lost over 2,500 pounds, reducing 10,000lbs of pressure on their knees and 25,000lbs of pressure on their lower back. One patient lost 64 pounds in the first 145 days of the program, and another has lost 90 pounds in 275 days. Overall, 86 patients have already experienced medically significant weight loss, reducing their body weight by at least 5%, while 36 patients lowered their BMI below 30. Additionally, 24 patients reached a milestone known as ONEderland, bringing their weight under 200 pounds for the first time in years.

Beyond the reduction of stress on their joints, the program led to significant musculoskeletal health improvements: 77% of patients in severe pain reported reduced pain levels, and 56% of those with limited mobility saw measurable improvements. These results highlight how holistic lifestyle changes can improve orthopedic conditions and overall quality of life.

Dr. Christopher Hasty, another one of the Orthopaedic Surgeons at Orthopaedics East, highlights the value of this partnership in promoting injury prevention:

“Through our collaboration with Prescribe FIT, we’ve been able to address the root causes of many orthopedic issues. By helping our patients improve their overall health, we not only reduce their pain and improve mobility but also enhance their ability to avoid future injuries. It’s a powerful virtual approach to care that complements our in-clinic orthopedic treatments.”

Patients have experienced life-changing outcomes thanks to this human-centric approach. George Griffin III shared his journey: “I was referred to Prescribe FIT for my arthritic pain. My goal was to feel better, move better, and take back my life. I started with a bang, lost 20lbs in my first month, and made some pretty amazing changes to my lifestyle. However, the challenges of everyday life reared their ugly head and reminded me this is not easy! Thanks to my health coach at Prescribe FIT, I’m not alone and got back on track. Every Thursday morning, we talk about the past week’s challenges as well as my recent accomplishments—no matter how big or small. I look forward to our meeting, and I am able to stay the course with her encouragement. At 73 years old, I feel better than I have in years!”

Richard Gordineer another patient, has also seen impressive progress: “I had two bad knees, but my doctor wanted me to get healthier and lose some weight before my knee replacement surgery, so he prescribed me this lifestyle coaching program called Prescribe FIT where I can improve my health at home. I’ve already lost 52lbs in 4 months!”

By addressing lifestyle factors, Orthopaedics East and Prescribe FIT aim to not only treat current conditions but also to reduce the risk of re-injury or new orthopedic issues in the future. This partnership represents a commitment to preventive care, offering patients long-lasting benefits and a higher quality of life.

For more information on how Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center and Prescribe FIT are helping patients improve their health and prevent injuries, please visit https://orthoeast.com/prescribe-fit/.

About Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center is a leading provider of orthopedic care in Eastern North Carolina. With a team of experienced surgeons and specialists, Orthopaedics East is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions.

About Prescribe FIT Prescribe FIT is a virtual health coaching program that partners with orthopedic practices to offer root cause treatment, surgical optimization, and preventive care. By focusing on lifestyle modifications, Prescribe FIT helps patients reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve their overall day-to-day life.

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Contact: Nichole Alley Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center
Phone: (252) 757-2663
Email: Nichole.alley@orthoeast.com
Website: www.orthoeast.com