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.