Introducing New Provider Kelly Pandolfo, PA-C

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to welcome the newest member of our team, Kelly Pandolfo, PA-C. Kelly brings both advanced clinical training and a deep connection to the practice and community she now serves. As a Physician Assistant specializing in spine care, she enjoys the opportunity to work closely with patients in the clinic as well as assisting surgeons in the operating room.

A Seacoast native, Kelly was a patient at Atlantic Orthopaedics on many occasions, and the care she received had a lasting impact on her. She said,

“Being able to return to the Seacoast and now work at such an exceptional practice feels like a full-circle moment and a dream come true.”

Her path to orthopedics began when Kelly was a young athlete recovering from injuries, and saw firsthand the difference that attentive, empathetic providers can make. Those experiences helped inspire her to pursue a career in orthopedics where she could help others return to the activities that bring them joy.

Kelly’s approach to care is centered on understanding each patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. She prioritizes listening, ensuring that every person feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their treatment. Whether their hope is to return to sports, resume their normal daily activities, or simply live without persistent pain, Kelly is committed to helping patients move past limitations and achieve their goals.

Outside the office, Kelly enjoys spending time reading, and staying active through hiking, skiing, and kayaking.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is proud to have Kelly Pandolfo on our team, and we know her skill, empathy, and patient-first perspective will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she treats.

If back or spine-related issues are holding you back, we invite you to schedule a visit with Kelly and take the first step toward restoring your quality of life.

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Named to Financial Times’ “The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2026” List

Portsmouth, NH – Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Americas’ Fastest-Growing Companies for 2026, earning a spot among 300 organizations that demonstrated strong, sustained growth.

The annual ranking highlights companies with the highest compound annual growth rates between 2021 and 2024. To be included, companies must meet strict criteria, including operating independently and achieving primarily organic revenue growth. All submitted financial data is certified by company leadership and verified through independent research.

Since its founding in 1987, AOSM has built a reputation for comprehensive orthopedic services, continuing to expand to support more patients across the Seacoast region. As the practice has grown over the past three years, the employee count has also increased from 76 to 81.

This growth reflects the trust patients place in Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and the dedication of the entire team. They are honored to have been recognized for their achievement and remain focused on what matters most–delivering the highest standard of care within the communities they serve.

Dr. Meyer Appointed Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital

We’re pleased to announce that Dr. Maximilian Meyer has been appointed Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, strengthening a long-standing partnership focused on delivering high-level orthopedic care to patients across the Seacoast. In addition to his new leadership role, Dr. Meyer will continue his clinical practice as a hand, wrist, and elbow surgeon with Atlantic Orthopaedics, where he cares for patients with both acute injuries and chronic upper extremity conditions.

For Dr. Meyer, this role is an honor and a natural next step after years of collaboration. Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the only certified Level II trauma center in the Seacoast region, providing a critical resource for complex inpatient and outpatient orthopedic care, including total joint replacement, spine surgery, and trauma care. Dr. Meyer has worked closely with the Emergency Department, perioperative staff, anesthesia providers, nurses, and physical therapists at PRH, describing the culture there as one of strong teamwork and commitment to excellent medical care.

As Chair, one of his key goals is to improve the patient experience and access to specialty orthopedic services, especially after Emergency Department visits. When a patient arrives with an injury that requires surgery, timely follow-up with the appropriate orthopedic specialist is essential, and Dr. Meyer aims to streamline that transition so patients can move quickly from diagnosis to definitive care. He also plans to actively seek feedback from patients, nurses, therapists, and physicians to keep refining the orthopedic service line and maintain the program’s position as the region’s leading orthopedic provider. Looking ahead, Dr. Meyer is excited to collaborate with hospital leadership to expand the hospital’s growing orthopedic subspecialties, with a particular focus on advancing spine surgery and foot and ankle surgery services.

At the heart of Dr. Meyer’s work is a deeply patient-centered philosophy. He prioritizes listening and developing individualized care plans that reflect his patients’ goals and daily lives, combining evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, relationship-driven approach. As Chair of Orthopedic Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Dr. Meyer brings that same blend of clinical excellence and human connection to the program level, ensuring that patients across the Seacoast have access to the most advanced orthopedic care.

Compassionate Care, Real Relief with Dr. Lehn

Many patients see a pain management specialist only after months, or years, of trying to “live with it.” For Gordon Heins, that meant sleeping in a recliner for almost a year because of severe neck pain. Then he met Dr. R. Andrew Lehn.

Gordon shared his experience in a letter that captures exactly why so many patients trust Dr. Lehn with their care.

“He cured me of an absolutely horrific neck injury two years ago,” he said. More recently, Gordon returned with chronic low back pain that responded to injections but always came back after a few months. He had already been told by a spine surgeon that the pain couldn’t be treated because it was a complex degenerative issue.

When Gordon then injured the other side of his lower lumbar spine, Dr. Lehn convinced his patient to get another MRI of the full lumbar area. “This was number four in a two-year window, so clearly I was not thrilled at doing another so soon,” Gordon says.

But Dr. Lehn suspected there might be more going on. Gordon says that after reviewing the images, “Dr Lehn found a fragment of something and subsequent irritation on a nerve near my spine that was MISSED by the radiologist and that appeared to him as the cause of the pain which he thought to be treatable.”

With a clear target, Dr. Lehn recommended an epidural injection. Gordon arrived for the shot barely able to stand upright. “I hobbled into the room hunched over, which has been my state for weeks now,” he recalls. When he got off the table, Dr. Lehn asked how he felt.

“I kind of laughed thinking, ‘how could it possibly help this quickly;’ but it did!” Gordon says, “I cannot say enough about how thrilled I am to be in relatively little residual pain, and it has not even been 24 hours!”

When you’ve been told “there’s nothing more we can do,” it’s easy to assume living in pain is your only option. Stories like Gordon’s highlight what sets Dr. Lehn apart: careful listening, compassion, and a genuine commitment to finding answers, even when they aren’t obvious.

Gordon’s letter concludes: “I am so grateful to have him on my ever-growing medical team. He is clearly brilliant and such a caring person.”

When patients talk about great doctors, they often mention technical skill or bedside manner. With Dr. Lehn, they talk about both, and how important the combination is when it comes to treating chronic pain.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to settle for unexplained symptoms and unanswered questions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lehn and take the next step toward relief.

FREE Lunch & Learn on Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction

Join Dr. Theodore Guild for lunch on Wednesday, January 21st from 12pm – 1pm at York Library.

This FREE informative event will explore Minimally Invasive Bunion Correction and the latest advances in foot surgery. Whether you’re active on your feet, dealing with bunion pain, or caring for a loved one who is, this is a great opportunity to learn about minimally invasive bunion correction from Dr. Guild and ask questions. Don’t miss out — register today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

FREE Lunch will be provided by our friends at York Hospital.

Welcoming Dr. Philip Zakko

Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is proud to welcome the newest member of our team, Dr. Philip Zakko, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in both minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery and comprehensive care for degenerative and traumatic spine conditions.

A New England native, Dr. Zakko brings advanced training, a listen-first philosophy, and a passion for helping patients regain their mobility and quality of life. He treats a full range of spine conditions—from herniated discs and spinal stenosis to complex cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disorders—using innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Zakko has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has presented his research at national and international spine society meetings.

Dr. Zakko said he chose to pursue orthopedics because it’s a hands-on specialty that allows him to help restore patients’ function and quality of life. He finds his work particularly rewarding because it blends innovation, problem-solving, and the chance to help patients regain independence. While he does perform surgery, Dr. Zakko emphasizes non-operative and non-invasive solutions whenever possible, turning to surgery only when it’s truly necessary.

Asked what drew him to Atlantic Orthopaedics, he said, “It’s an interdisciplinary group of skilled, compassionate providers who work as a team to deliver the best possible care and I knew this was the kind of environment where I could make the greatest impact on patients.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zakko is a classically trained violinist and a member of the World Doctors Orchestra, where he combines his passion for music with medicine to support charitable causes worldwide. He also enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family.

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zakko and take the first step toward restoring your mobility and quality of life.

Reduce Pain and Restore Mobility – Meet Our Partners, ProCare Physical Therapy

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we’re committed to helping you move, heal, and thrive–whether you’re recovering from surgery, suffering from an injury, or managing a chronic condition. That’s why we partnered with ProCare Physical Therapy in Portsmouth, providing our patients easy access to excellent rehabilitation services here on the Seacoast. Together with our orthopedic treatments, ProCare’s hands-on therapy can help get you back to doing what you love–stronger and healthier than ever.

Why Physical Therapy Matters

Physical therapy is more than just exercises and stretches. It’s a personalized, evidence-based treatment that:

Restores Mobility
After an injury or procedure, joints and muscles can stiffen. PT techniques gently coax your body back into its full range of motion.

Builds Strength & Stability
Targeted strengthening exercises help protect vulnerable joints and tissues, reducing the chance of re‑injury.

Reduces Pain
Hands‑on therapy, manual techniques, and therapeutic modalities can calm inflammation and reduce chronic pain.

Promotes Faster Recovery
Studies show that physical therapy after orthopedic interventions leads to better outcomes and fewer setbacks down the road.

Fosters Long-Term Health
PT equips you with the tools–exercise programs, body mechanics education, and self-care strategies–to continue to stay active, both on the playing field and in everyday life.

How Do I Know if Physical Therapy Is Right for Me?
You may be a good candidate for PT if any of the following apply:

Post‑operative rehab (joint replacements, tendon repairs, fracture fixations)

Chronic conditions (osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, nerve entrapments)

Sports‑related injuries (sprains, strains, rotator cuff tears)

Work‑related or repetitive‑stress injuries (carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)

Balance training and fall prevention

The Seacoast’s Physical Therapy Experts

ProCare is recognized for their cutting-edge orthopedic knowledge, as well as their expertise in upper-extremity issues. All of their occupational therapists are Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) with extensive experience treating a range of conditions, from tendonitis and arthritis to post-surgical recovery.

By collaborating with ProCare, our surgeons and sports medicine specialists provide integrated care for optimum health outcomes. Regular communication between our teams ensures that your PT and orthopedic goals are aligned, with a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics, we believe in a team-based approach to your health. Our partnership means you have access to the best in both surgical and rehabilitative care in one convenient Portsmouth location. No matter your age or activity level, a personalized PT program can speed healing, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life, getting you back to what matters most.

Reach out to schedule an evaluation today.

What You Should Know About Your Bones and Joints

From October 12 – 20, 2024, Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of maintaining healthy bones and joints. The week serves as a reminder about how essential it is to prioritize musculoskeletal health, given the widespread impact of bone and joint disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide.

From osteoporosis to arthritis, bone fractures to tendonitis, bone and joint issues affect well-being, mobility, independence, and can significantly reduce overall quality of life. The team at Atlantic Orthopaedics is here to help individuals suffering from these conditions with comprehensive care, advanced treatments, and patient education focused on prevention.

Why Bone and Joint Health Matters

It goes without saying that bones and joints play a fundamental role in daily life, supporting your body, protecting vital organs, and allowing you to move freely. But over time the wear and tear on joints or weakening of bones can lead to serious conditions that make even simple activities like walking, bending, and lifting painful and difficult.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bone and Joint Pain?

Arthritis: a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.

There are many types of arthritis, and the condition can affect the hands and wrists, knees, hips, feet and ankles, shoulders, or spine. Depending on the type of arthritis, causes can range from normal wear and tear due to aging (osteoarthritis), immune system disorder (rheumatoid arthritis), or too much uric acid in the blood (gout), among others. Risk factors for developing arthritis also vary, and may include smoking, family history, lack of exercise, obesity, and autoimmune disease.

Osteoporosis: a condition that causes the bones to become brittle and fragile, due to loss of tissue, increasing the risk of fractures and broken bones. Osteoporosis occurs when the body doesn’t create enough new bone to keep up with bone loss.

In addition to bones that easily fracture, signs of osteoporosis can include back pain, reduced height, and stooped or hunched posture. Risk factors are varied, and include both lifestyle choices–alcohol consumption, smoking, and sitting for long periods of time–and factors over which you have no control–age, race, gender, family history, and body frame. The likelihood of developing osteoporosis increases with age, and the condition is more common in women, people of Caucasian or Asian descent, and individuals with small body frames (less bone mass). Osteoporosis is more likely to develop in people who are underweight, have decreased sex hormones, don’t get enough calcium, or have medical issues like overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, or celiac disease.

Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae are conditions that lead to the breakdown of the soft tissue that connects bones to muscles. Tendons are bands of tissue, and bursae are sacs of fluid that cushion the joints.

Tendonitis and bursitis are most often the result of repetitive motion or overuse. Tennis elbow and swimmer’s shoulder are types of tendonitis, and people who work in professions that involve repeated motions, like house painting and carpentry, are also susceptible to the condition. Tendonitis and bursitis can also be caused by injury, and may affect the shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, or elbow.

Injuries: Traumatic injuries, like those caused by sports or accidents, can damage bones and joints, requiring immediate and ongoing care.

Atlantic Orthopaedics understands the profound impact that bone and joint issues can have on your life. Our team of expert orthopedic surgeons and medical professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you manage pain, restore function, and get back to doing the activities you love. We offer a range of services, from preventative care to advanced surgical techniques to address the unique needs of each patient.

What Is Involved in Treating Bone and Joint Issues?

Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis: We begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition, using advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your bone or joint issues. Then we work with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.

Non-Surgical Treatments: For many patients, non-surgical options are the first line of defense for bone and joint problems. These treatments may include physical therapy, medication management, and injections, with a focus on relieving pain, improving mobility, and preventing further damage.

Surgical Solutions: When surgery is necessary, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons use cutting-edge technology and techniques, like robotic-assisted joint replacement, to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our team of specialists have expertise performing a range of advanced surgical procedures, from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to total joint replacement.

Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week is a perfect time to take proactive steps toward improving your long-term bone and joint health. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, or recovering from a sports injury, don’t let pain hold you back. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you live an active, pain-free life.