25 Years of ACLS: Reflections on a Lifesaving Journey
This year marks a meaningful milestone: 25 consecutive years of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Nov 25th, 2025
Blog Articles
Ultrasound Guided PRP Frequently Asked Questions
At Sports Health Northwest, Dr. Westerdahl offers PRP injections for tendon and joint injuries. Using advanced systems like the Angel, PRP promotes healing when traditional treatments fail. Call 503-747-6376 to explore customized regenerative care.
Oct 8th, 2025
Reflections on 25 years in Medicine: A Journey Through Time
Reflecting on 25 years in medicine, I’m grateful for innovations like ultrasound, EHRs, and telemedicine. For personalized sports injury care in Portland, visit Sports Health Northwest or call (503) 747-6376 today.
Sep 29th, 2025
PRP and HA Combination Therapy Improves Results
New research continues to highlight the growing potential of PRP, especially when combined with hyaluronic acid (HA), in improving knee joint health.
Jun 11th, 2025
Exploring PRP as a Promising Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising treatment for knee osteoarthritis, offering potential benefits in pain relief, joint function, and tissue healing.
Jun 11th, 2025
Psychosocial Impacts of Sports-Related Injuries in Adolescent Athletes
For many young athletes, a sports injury doesn’t just hurt physically—it can also lead to emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, and feeling cut off from their peers.
May 29th, 2025
Muscle Cramps During Exercise
Muscle cramps during exercise are common and may be the result of muscle fatigue or electrolyte imbalances. These cramps are often localized and relieved with rest, stretching, or massaging.
May 8th, 2025
Tenex And Its Role In Treating Tendinopathy and Fasciopathy
Dr. David Westerdahl, MD, at Sports Health Northwest utilizes advanced, minimally invasive Tenjet and Tenex procedures to treat chronic tendinopathy and fasciopathy, offering patients effective, faster recovery.
Mar 28th, 2025
Principles to Follow in Sports Training
Improving athletic performance requires a structured approach based on six key
training principles: overload, reversibility, progression, individualization, periodization, and
specificity.
Mar 26th, 2025
Volleyball Related Injuries
The most common injuries in volleyball are often the result of strain on the body
from movements like jumping, pivoting, and overhead hitting. It is important to properly address injuries in volleyball to get back to action quickly and more efficiently.
Mar 14th, 2025
Creatine Supplementation and Athletes
Creatine is one of the most well-researched supplements for athletes, with studies showing its link to increased lean muscle mass, gains in strength, and shorter recovery times.
Feb 27th, 2025
Using Exercise to Prevent and Treat Depression
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression and alleviate symptoms in those already affected by the condition. It can improve mental and physical wellbeing, making it a valuable preventive and therapeutic tool.
Jan 22nd, 2025
Sleep and Athletic Performance
Research shows that good sleep quality positively impacts athletic performance and success. Additionally, adequate sleep reduces the risk of injuries and illnesses, allowing one to maintain consistent training and improve performance.
Dec 30th, 2024
Medical Weight Loss and Obesity Management
Our Weight Loss and Metabolism clinic is now in-network with most major insurance companies.
Oct 8th, 2024
The Carnivore Diet and Nutrition
LeWine, Howard E. "What is the carnivore diet?" Harvard University, Harvard
University, 8 May 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/what-is-the-carnivore-diet.
Oct 1st, 2024
The Olympics and Bouncing Back from Injury
"Early Intervention for Injuries: Why Quick Treatment Benefits Athletes." Advanced
Orthopedics New England, Advanced Orthopedics New England.
Aug 30th, 2024
Exercises for Injury Prevention in Athletes
Effective ways to reduce injuries in athletes.
Aug 12th, 2024
Does running cause arthritis
In this blog, we try to answer a common question about running and joint damage by taking a look at results from recent studies
Jun 9th, 2024
Be hip to your glutes
Hip pain can have many etiologies and affect individuals of all different ages and abilities. Let's take a look at common causes of hip pain with a focus on the outer hip.
Apr 28th, 2024
Pickleball: Having fun and avoiding injury
Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport played by and enjoyed by people of all ages. With the increased number of people playing it, at our sports injury clinic, we are seeing more injuries linked to this sport.
Feb 23rd, 2024
Nurse Practitioner Joins Sports Health Northwest
We are pleased to announce Leah Gaedeke FNP-BC has joined Sports Health Northwest. She brings over twenty years of experience as a Nurse practitioner in Oregon and Virginia.
Jan 14th, 2024
Top Doctor 2024
Portland Monthly selected Dr David Westerdahl is honored to be selected by Portland Monthly to be on the Top Doctors 2024 list for non-operative sports medicine specialists.
Jan 10th, 2024
IV Infusion Therapies
IV (intravenous) fluid therapies are not just for the hospital. They can be an effective recovery tool to support active individuals to help treat dehydration and muscle soreness. Read on in the blog to learn more.
Dec 14th, 2023
Weight training: Free weights vs Machines
A recent study published by the American College of Sports Medicine answers the question if Free weights or Machines are better.
Dec 13th, 2023
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Patients who call and visit our practice have many questions about PRP. In this blog, we list some of the most commonly asked questions.
Nov 13th, 2023
A Pain in the Neck
Neck pain affects one out of every 10 people on any given day. Usually it is self limited. In this blog, we discuss a nonsurgical approach to treating neck pain.
Oct 14th, 2023
Exercise for Low Back Pain
Most individuals will experience an episode of low back pain in their lifetime. Exercise is an effective way to treat low back pain and prevent low back pain.
Oct 10th, 2023
Preventing Dog-Walking Related Injuries
While walking your dog can be a fun way to exercise and bond with your pet, it can be dangerous as an increasing number of individuals are ending up in the emergency room after taking their dog for a walk. Read on to learn more...
Aug 28th, 2023
Staying healthy while biking
Biking can be a great way to exercise while enjoying the long summer days. In addition to wearing a helmet, there are other considerations to avoid injury.
Jul 4th, 2023
Don't get caught by a Fishing Injury
Fishing injuries involve more than just getting a hook in your finger. Shoulder and spine injuries are common among anglers. Staying healthy helps you stay on the water
May 22nd, 2023
Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones....
While having a strong backbone and a healthy funny bone are important for staying healthy, we need to take care of all our bones. As we age, our bones can weaken. Here are some thoughts for keeping them strong.
Apr 23rd, 2023
No Pain, No Gain?
A recent study shows that adults who regularly exercise have a lower likelihood of experiencing chronic pain.
Mar 24th, 2023
Concussion Recovery: How to speed up return to school and sports.
Recent studies provide support for early return to mental and physical activity to help reduce symptoms after a concussion
Feb 24th, 2023
The Importance of Treating Ankle Sprains to Prevent Further Injury
Ankle sprains are a common sports injury. If not treated properly, the risk of additional lower extremity injury such as knee or hip injury is increased during the next 12 months.
Jan 25th, 2023
Start the New Year with Sports Health Northwest
A new year means new possibilities. At Sports Health Northwest, we want to help you achieve your goals for a healthier you.
Jan 19th, 2023
Weight Loss. You can do it!
Weight loss and weight gain can affect our joints positively or negatively. Being overweight has been linked to arthritis in our knees. Just a 5 percent reduction in weight can significantly reduce knee pain.
Dec 6th, 2022
Common questions about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has many uses in sports medicine and orthopedics. In this blog we try to answer common questions we hear about PRP.
Oct 20th, 2022
Bursitis, what is it?
There are many bursa in the body that function to allow bones to glide smoothly across the overlying tissues. Sometimes these bursa become inflamed.
Oct 7th, 2022
Hiking for health
Hiking is a great family activity and has tremendous health benefits. Stay healthy hiking and avoid injury
Sep 17th, 2022
Triggered by Trigger Finger?
Hand and wrist pain are common and can result from injuries or overuse
Aug 26th, 2022
Now that its Summer, are you ready for Fall Sports?
Summer is the time to improve fitness, get healthy and ready for fall sports
Jun 30th, 2022
Sleep more to perform better
What is the best way to help your body recover, heal injuries, and perform your best? Its sleep.
May 30th, 2022
Avoid running injuries
Increase your running enjoyment and mileage while avoiding injury
Mar 11th, 2022
Your First Choice for a Second Opinion
Make Sports Health Northwest your first choice for a second opinion when it comes to an orthopedic problem or sport related injury.
Feb 6th, 2022
Getting Active after Covid 19 Illness
Safely returning to sports activity after recovering from Covid 19 illness
Jan 9th, 2022
The Right Diagnosis, Right Away
Same day appointments at Sports Health Northwest, orthopedic urgent care
Dec 20th, 2021
Common Golf Injuries and How They Can Treated at a Sports Injury Clinic
Golf requires repetitive movements which can lead to various injuries. A sports injury clinic in Portland can provide fast and effective treatment.
Nov 24th, 2021
What You Should Know About Receiving a TENEX Procedure in Portland
A shoulder pain injury treatment center may recommend TENEX, a minimally invasive procedure that can provide pain relief faster and more safely.
Nov 23rd, 2021
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among athletes and can lead to
long-term issues if not properly treated. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is essential for
determining the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of an ankle sprain.
Jan 3rd, 2025
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
To best diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome, a combination of physical exams, imaging, and nerve tests are typically necessary to properly pinpoint the type and cause.
Dec 19th, 2024
Use of Blood Flow Restriction Training for Postoperative Rehabilitation
Blood flow restriction training partially restricts blood flow to the targeted muscles, creating a hypoxic environment. It is a groundbreaking new method for physical rehabilitation that promotes muscle growth and strength.
Dec 18th, 2024
A Introductory Guide To PRP Sports Medicine
Have you recently suffered a sports injury? Are you considering retiring or getting fed up playing sports while in pain? Maybe you have a lingering knee or shoulder injury that, no matter what you do, will not get better?...
May 21st, 2021
How To Choose The Best PRP Clinic: 6 Key Factors To Consider
If you’ve recently suffered an injury or are considering treatment sometimes called regenerative medicine, then you may be looking for a sports medicine specialty clinic that utilizes PRP.
May 12th, 2021
What Is A PRP Injection And How Does It Work?
Did you know that over 3 million people are injured in car accidents every year in the United States? In sports, over 2 million athletes of all ages and sports suffer injuries every year.
May 7th, 2021
PRP Injection Joint Repair And Preservation: 9 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know
Are you recovering from an injury? Or do you want to end your daily bouts with that nagging shoulder pain? When we talk about pain, we can further spread it out to different types and categories.
Apr 30th, 2021
Joint Injury Treatment: Washing Away Calcific Tendonitis With Ultrasound Guided Injections
Do you have very intense pain around your shoulder at the rotator cuff region? Has your doctor diagnosed you with calcific tendonitis?...
Apr 23rd, 2021
A2M Therapy For Joint Restoration – A Primer
A2M injections are growing in popularity in the fields of sports medicine and other motion therapy fields. Primarily used to help treat arthritis, these injections also help protect against various proteins that lead to non-arthritic joint pain as well...
Apr 16th, 2021
PRP Meniscus: Can PRP Therapy Treat Meniscus Tears?
Did you know that 10-20% of orthopedic surgeries involve a meniscus tear? It’s the most common knee injury for athletes and non-athletes alike. It’s also one of the most complicated injuries to treat...
Apr 9th, 2021
When Is It Time To See A Doctor For Hip Pain?
Hip pain is one of the most common joint problems experienced by adults in the United States. Often the cause of hip pain is aging and the onset of osteoarthritis...
Mar 26th, 2021
The Benefits Of Seeing A Sports Medicine Doctor
Do you suffer from an injury that just does not seem to go away? Then you probably need to see a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal injury treatments like a sports medicine doctor...
Mar 19th, 2021
Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) Stem Cell Therapy For Joint Preservation
Recent scientific advances in the field of orthopedics have recently discovered that the human body potentially holds its own healing power when it comes to alleviating chronic joint pain...
Mar 12th, 2021
Shoulder Pain: When To See A Shoulder Injury Doctor
Are you experiencing shoulder pain while playing sports, or even just trying to carry something light? The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body and pain can pop out even if you have not suffered an injury...
Feb 26th, 2021
5 Signs You Should Consider Seeing A Sports Injury Specialist
Too often athletes brush off a sports injury, hoping for it to get better over time even when it affects their daily lives and athletic performance. Does this sound like you?...
Feb 20th, 2021
Portland Covid 19 Testing For Travel
Are you traveling to Canada, Hawaii, Japan, Europe, or the middle east? Do you need Covid testing before or after travel? If so, Sports Health Northwest can help...
Feb 19th, 2021
Large Group Covid 19 Testing Clinic In Portland Oregon
While it’s been difficult to gather in groups for work and play over the past year, we are now more prepared than ever before to begin resuming activities this spring and summer like school, in person classes, labs,..
Feb 11th, 2021
The Many Benefits Of Ultrasound-Guided Injections For Treating Injuries
Treating sports injuries resulting from swinging a tennis racket or repeat action injuries from using a jackhammer at work often result in surgery because the pain and disability eventually persist beyond standard treatments...
Feb 10th, 2021
PRP Therapy – An Effective Regenerative Sports Medicine Treatment
The acronym PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. Platelets are readily available in the human blood...
Feb 5th, 2021
What Is Tenex For Tenotomy?
Tendon pain has a lot of sources. You may have injured a tendon like your hamstring playing sports or your rotator cuff by lifting a heavy object...
Feb 3rd, 2021
Knee Osteoarthritis: How Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CFRA) Can Help
It is estimated that about 25 percent of adult’s experience knee pain that limits their mobility and function. For most of them, osteoarthritis is the culprit...
Jan 27th, 2021
Joint Preservation: How Hyaluronic Acid Injections Can Help Your Knee Pain
Did you know that your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid is a key component of the thick, natural fluid that keeps our joints lubricated and cushioned to ensure they work smoothly...
Jan 20th, 2021
Precision Sports Medicine And Regenerative Therapies In Portland
I recently saw a pleasant 53 year–old female patient in my Portland sports injury clinic who has been struggling with right shoulder pain for several months...
Jan 4th, 2021
Joint Preservation Clinic In Portland – A Success Story!
A 40 year–old patient, Marco, recently came in to see me about his right knee. He is very active and likes to hike and bike the many trails near Portland...
Jan 4th, 2021
5 Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Elbow Pain
The elbow is a complex joint. This is because it provides not only flexion and extension, but also rotation allowing us to rotate our hand palm up or down...
Jan 3rd, 2021
5 Factors To Consider When Choosing An Ankle Injury Doctor
Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries. Just one step off an uneven surface, an unexpected slip, or a step too close to the curb, and you can become one of the 25,000 people who sprain their ankle every day in the U.S...
Jan 3rd, 2021
Nothing Funny About The Funny Bone: When To See An Elbow Injury Doctor
Does your elbow hurt? If you’ve had an injury to your arm, especially in the elbow area, you may need to do more than rest it and apply ice or heat....
Dec 9th, 2020
5 Reasons To See A Sports Medicine Doctor In Your Area
Each year, almost nine million Americans suffer injuries while playing sports or engaging in recreational activities. In about half of these cases, medical attention is required...
Nov 10th, 2020
The De-Training Effect: De-Conditioning During Covid-19
Over the past six months, the loss of sports seasons and consistent training schedules, has resulted in a de-training effect for many student and adult athletes,...
Nov 3rd, 2020
MRIs Can Lie: Surgery Alternatives for Knee and Shoulder Pain
Fifteen years ago, when I was training at the Cleveland Clinic to be a sports medicine doctor, a talented orthopedic surgeon, who also happened to be an NBA team physician, recommended a book to me.
Sep 24th, 2020
Injured While Exercising? Here’s Why You Should See A Sports Medicine Doctor
If you like to play sports, then you are no stranger to the occasional pains and injuries. Minor issues will often resolve on their own. But, once in a while, you will suffer from an acute or chronic injury...
Sep 24th, 2020
Covid-19 And Sports Health
As an active sports medicine specialist, parent of two very active teenagers who play sports year-round, and living in an active community like Portland, Oregon,...
Aug 17th, 2020