Price Transparency
Get to Know Our Staff: Alex Loewen, Movement Science Lab

Get to Know Our Staff: Alex Loewen, Movement Science Lab

by | Jun 17, 2025 | Sports Medicine, Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a bioengineer in the Movement Science Lab at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco. We use high-speed motion capture technology, similar to what is used in movies and video games, to record young athletes’ movements. As a bioengineer, I am responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data collected through our motion capture equipment. A significant part of my role involves developing the code that supports our analysis of the 3D motion capture data in a programming language called MATLAB.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
There are two main aspects of my job that I find fulfilling. First, we test athletes in our lab and generate reports, which identifies movement patterns that may increase their injury risk while playing their sports. As a former athlete myself, I understand how important it is to be able to continue playing the sport you love. Second, I develop ways to streamline our data processing methods, which ultimately supports every member of our incredible Movement Science Lab team.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The culture at Scottish Rite is what truly makes it special. By keeping our focus on the patients we treat, we are constantly reminded of why we do what we do, which fosters a strong sense of purpose and dedication throughout the team.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have always loved sports, so I initially planned to become a sports physical therapist. However, I ended up pursuing a master’s in biomechanics, which led me to the world of motion capture. There are many different avenues you can take in motion capture, but I chose health care. It allows me to have the most immediate impact on individuals.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
One unique aspect of my position is how it molds engineering and health care in pediatric sports medicine. I get to apply advanced technology and data analysis techniques to understand and optimize movement patterns in young athletes.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife and 2-year-old daughter at the playground or the pool.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I play both the piano and ukulele.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I’m originally from McKinney, Texas, and have spent my entire academic and professional career in the DFW area.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Within the U.S., my wife and I have a goal to visit every national park, so whichever one is next on our list is where I’d love to go. Internationally, I would choose Italy — partly for the scenery, but mostly because one of my love languages is pasta.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would pick my abuelita’s huevos con salsita. It is a simple meal with flour tortillas, eggs, tomatoes and onions. No one makes it quite like her.

What was the first concert you attended?
I saw Luke Combs with Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson.

Favorite hidden DFW gem?
Cris and John. If you have never tried a ramenritto or phodilla in your life, then you are missing out!

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
John Krasinski

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Something I would tell my younger self is to trust that God will open and close the right doors. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to control every outcome, but looking back, the best opportunities came when I allowed God to guide me.

Pointe Readiness: How Does a Dance Instructor Know When a Young Dancer Should Start?

Pointe Readiness: How Does a Dance Instructor Know When a Young Dancer Should Start?

by | Jun 13, 2025 | Research & Innovation, Sports Medicine

A young ballet dancer who is committed to the art will eagerly await the opportunity to join more experienced dancers en pointe. Many factors should be considered before making the transition to training in pointe shoes. Parents and instructors should take this decision seriously and guide young dancers. However, Scottish Rite for Children’s researchers suggest not all instructors are familiar with common objective tests that can be used to aid in this decision.

The Scottish Rite Movement Science team surveyed 31 ballet instructors representing 15 states and one other country. The instructors reported using the following factors to decide when a ballet dancer was ready to transition:

  • Strength (100%)
  • Dance technique (94%)
  • Age (87%)
  • Years of ballet experience (71%)

In a 2024 study, published in the Journal of Dance Medicine, lead biomechanist in the Scottish Rite for Children Movement Science Lab Ashley Erdman, B.S., M.B.A., and other researchers found that, while strength, dance technique and age were the top considerations for evaluating readiness, approximately 40% of instructors did not evaluate flexibility or movement quality prior to progressing to pointe. Overall, their knowledge of existing criteria was low.

The instructors acknowledged they were not familiar with accepted criteria, such as range of motion, endurance and balance performance thresholds. They were also not familiar with strategies or tests to assess these factors.

Performing en pointe is difficult if the dancer does not have the flexibility, strength, experience and control that are needed in an elevated position. Erdman states there are published and accepted criteria for pointe readiness that could be used and encourages parents to talk with dance instructors early in the decision-making process.

Watch this video to learn how to assess your ballerina’s strength and stability when considering a transition to pointe work.

Football Injury Risks: What to Know About Male vs. Female Injuries

Football Injury Risks: What to Know About Male vs. Female Injuries

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Sports Medicine

As more young girls engage in football, sports medicine experts at Scottish Rite for Children seek to understand the differences in injuries between male and female athletes.

According to a report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in football among girls has increased by about 30%. This surge in popularity can be linked to the milestone announcement of women’s flag football as an official Olympic sport in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Understanding the type of injuries young female football players experience is key to developing prevention methods. Scottish Rite is making strides in this area of expertise, with data that was presented at the 2025 annual Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society meeting.

“If boys and girls experience different injuries in a sport, then they should not have the same injury prevention methods,” says Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children. “Until now, it was unclear what injuries were more common in female football athletes. Most of the data available for football injuries was for male athletes.”

The study, which compared male to female football injuries in athletes ages 4-18, uncovered important findings, which are outlined below:

What are the most common injuries in American football?

The top five injured body parts were:

  • Head (17.7%)
  • Finger (13.8%)
  • Knee (9.2%)
  • Shoulder (8.7%)
  • Ankle (8.0%)

The top five most common diagnoses for both groups were:

  • Fractures (24.5%)
  • Sprains/strains (22.7%)
  • Contusions (bruises) and abrasions (scrapes) (12.1%)
  • Concussions (9.8%)
  • Internal injury (7.1%)
What type of injuries are more common in male athletes?

Males had more head (including concussions), knee and shoulder injuries. They also had a larger number of fractures and lacerations.

What type of injuries are more common in female athletes?

Females had a larger number of ankle and finger injuries. They also had more strains/sprains and contusions than their male counterparts.

As research like this continues, injury prevention programs can be designed to address the specific needs of all athletes.

Jammed Finger? Early Treatment Can Improve Outcomes

Jammed Finger? Early Treatment Can Improve Outcomes

by | Mar 31, 2025 | Fractures, Sports Medicine, Therapy Services

When an injury occurs to a young athlete’s bones, ligaments and muscles in their hand, an evaluation is needed. A properly treated hand injury will most likely heal without complications.

In basketball and volleyball, fingers are at an increased risk of injury due to a variety of causes. Some children may snag their finger on a jersey, or others may hang on the rim or net. When an athlete says they have “jammed” their finger, there is concern for a volar plate injury.

What is the volar plate?

The volar plate is a thick ligament, located on the palm side of the finger. It connects two bones in the finger and stabilizes the middle joint of the finger, known as the proximal interphalangeal, which prevents the finger from bending backwards.

What is a volar plate injury?

A volar plate injury occurs when the finger is hyperextended or bent backwards, damaging the ligament. It is also commonly known as a sprained or jammed finger.

In some cases, the volar plate can be stretched and torn, pulling off a small piece of bone. This results in a fracture in the area called an avulsion fracture. With severe injuries, the joint may also be dislocated.

What are the symptoms in the injured finger?

  • Bruising
  • Immediate pain in the middle joint
  • Swelling of the middle joint
  • Decreased range of motion

What is the treatment for a volar plate injury?

Fracture Clinic provider Gerad Montgomery, M.S.N., FNP-C, sees and treats volar plate injuries frequently at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco. “Treatment for a volar plate injury depends on the severity and can range from a short period of immobilization to surgery,” Gerad says.

With more than 15 years in providing pediatric orthopedic care, Montgomery has learned to warn families of the risks associated with not properly treating this injury. It’s important for families and young athletes to understand that volar plate injuries can worsen to the point of needing surgery without evaluation or treatment from an expert.

When should an athlete return to sports after a volar plate injury?

After a clinical provider has released the athlete to begin exercises, gentle range of motion progressing to strengthening exercises may be recommended. Some athletes may need guided exercise with an occupational therapist. “Before returning to sports, the hand and finger should have full strength and range of motion,” certified hand therapist Lindsey Williams says. “Otherwise, there is a risk of injury to the same or other joints nearby.”

Not sure what to do if your child gets a finger injury? Learn about our Fracture Clinic and Sports Medicine Clinic.

D CEO: Ask the Expert With Dr. Henry Ellis

D CEO: Ask the Expert With Dr. Henry Ellis

by | Mar 17, 2025 | Press Coverage, Sports Medicine

Learn more about the rising rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young athletes, as discussed by Henry B. Ellis, M.D. — pediatric orthopedic surgeon, medical director of clinical research and program director for the Orthopedic Sports Fellowship at Scottish Rite for Children.

Why is there an ACL epidemic?

ACL injuries in young athletes have surged during the past 15 years. Research shows female athletes are six times more likely to experience an ACL tear. Any young athlete playing a pivoting sport is at risk for a knee injury. However, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and football have particularly high rates in North Texas. Although there are several contributing factors, the most significant is that our kids have too many organized activities, such as year-round schedules and intense trainings and practices.

How can we stop it?

In a recent Scottish Rite for Children parent survey, we learned 82% of parents were not aware of ACL injury prevention programs. We are dedicated to injury prevention and have discovered most ACL injuries are preventable if the muscles of the central and lower body are strong and well-coordinated. We also offer movement pattern screening along with performance and prevention training. Most importantly, parents should advocate to have coaches and others involved in their kids’ sports programs trained in injury prevention techniques and strategies.

Is it really the turf?

We’re not certain, but signs point to yes. Some studies highlight an increase of injuries on synthetic grass, but sufficient research has not been conducted to explain why natural grass is better. This may be a real concern for female athletes playing on turf since they are already at a higher risk for ACL injuries. Future studies will most likely show the quality or type of turf could play a significant role in injuries.

Why are female athletes at a higher risk of injury?

Risk factors exist for female athletes that may not be within their control. Scottish Rite is researching the changes in ligament laxity related to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles. These changes might lead to increased joint instability and raise the risk for injury.

Are there any developing treatment options?

Yes, we have developed and published a specialized ACL surgical technique for growing athletes that involves stabilizing the athlete’s knee to get them back to sports while limiting any risk to their growth plate. Not all kids need ACL surgery. However, when an ACL injury is suspected, parents and athletes should review the risk and benefits of surgical treatment with a sports medicine expert.

What advice would you give to parents of young athletes?

It’s important to prioritize kids playing for fun first, and then playing to win. Don’t forget about taking an offseason for every sport. Young athletes’ bodies need a rest during growth and especially during a growth spurt. Repetitive movement while practicing can cause the body and growth plates to wear out, so balance practice with strength training. A 70/30 plan is ideal for young athletes. That means 70% of time at practice and 30% of time strength training. Facilitate, encourage, or ask about an injury prevention program for your young athlete. ACL injury prevention programs exist and work.

 

Published by D CEO. 

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Shively, Physical Therapy

Get to Know Our Staff: Nicole Shively, Physical Therapy

by | Mar 6, 2025 | Sports Medicine, Spotlight

What is your job title at Scottish Rite?
I am a sports physical therapist.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
It is fulfilling to help kids find joy through the rehabilitation process. I enjoy helping them implement a good work ethic that they can apply inside and outside of physical therapy (PT).

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The environment at Scottish Rite is unmatched, because every employee holds themselves to a high standard. My colleagues and I are not only trying to grow ourselves but also the PT profession.

What made you choose a career in health care?
When I was a young athlete, I was sidelined for so many injuries. Rehabilitation had such a positive and lasting impact on my life that I decided to pursue it.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to embrace my playful side and make PT sessions fun for the kids. Playing sports with the young athletes also makes me feel like a kid again. 

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to watch sports. I also like to spend time with my family, especially my nieces and my dog, Boston.

Where are you from and what brought you to D-FW?
I am originally from Upstate New York. I came to D-FW for the warmer weather and to be closer to my family.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Banff National Park in Canada to go on a hike in the mountains, be by a lake and do all the outdoor activities.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat brisket tacos with chips and guacamole on the side.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Sandlot.”

What was the first concert you attended?
I saw the Jonas Brothers when I was in 8th grade.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Jimmy’s Food Store in Dallas.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Jennifer Lawrence.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Care less about what other people think, and be confident in yourself.