Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Physicians and Staff Celebrate Accomplishments of Patient and World Champion Gymnast, Simone Biles

Scott Rand, MD, and Travis Hanson, MD, Honored Biles Recently with a Reception Located at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

HOUSTON, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The physicians, care team and administrators of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine honored Simone Biles, a patient and newly named world champion gymnast, at a reception held recently in the Swadesh Khurana Healing Garden on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital campus.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140114/DC45784)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131031/DC08197LOGO)

Biles, who was under the care of Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) physician Scott Rand, MD, FAAFO, CAQSM for an ankle injury at the height of competition, secured the title of 2013 U.S. National and World All-Around Champion.

Teammates, family and friends, coaches and the health care team that cheered her on through every competition and encouraged her during treatment gathered in celebration of her journey and accomplishments.  The medical staff presented her with a commemorative trophy.

"Treating an athlete requires a different approach. Returning an average person with an ankle injury to normal gait and ensuring an athlete like Simone can land a difficult dismount safely are very different," said Rand.

Rand collaborated with orthopedic colleague and foot and ankle specialist Travis Hanson, MD, and the sports rehabilitation team to develop a program specific to Biles' training requirements. This also included ultrasound guided injection therapy that allowed her to continue training for and competing in key upcoming events. 

"Through therapy, we were also able to resolve muscle imbalance and a mechanical issue in Simone's ankle," added Rand.   "She is an amazing, dedicated athlete. Her accomplishments are hers. We had the opportunity to assist in a small way and are just happy to be a part of her team.  We couldn't be more proud of her," he said.

Surgery to remove the bone spur was then performed following her World Championship win and she resumed training within a few days. Biles, who secured the most medals of any woman at the 2013 World Championships (four total, of which two were gold) is set to lead the U.S. field at the 2014 American Cup competition. 

"As athletes, we're always going to have aches and pains, but when your teammates cheer you on you don't think about it," said Biles. "The Houston Methodist team really helped me as well. They kept me focused on my goals and I trusted them -- they really care and are an amazing team to work with.  I had complete confidence in them and just didn't worry about the injury."

Dr. Rand works extensively with amateur and collegiate athletes and has served as a local team physician for 10 years with USA Gymnastics. As a primary care sports medicine (PCSM) physician, director of the PCSM fellowship program and director of the Houston Methodist Human Performance Lab, he, along with his orthopedic colleagues, is able to develop treatment programs that support the continued training and competition of injured athletes.

To learn more about PCSM and the orthopedic services available at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, visit methodistorthopedics.com/willowbrook or call 281.737.0902. For more information on the Houston Methodist Human Performance Lab call 281.737.0466.

View the Simone Biles celebration.

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist Hospital - and has received its chest pain and stroke accreditations, performs complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and open heart, and focuses on women and children in its Women's & Children's Pavilion.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital was also named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. For more information on the comprehensive services available visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook. To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

SOURCE Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine