Bad to the Bones

In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie sits down with Kaitlin Connelly, PA-C at Premier Orthopaedic Associates to discuss how clinicians evaluate and treat patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. Kaitlin explains the process of assessing pain, identifying its underlying causes, and creating individualized treatment plans that help patients reduce pain and regain function. You’ll gain in...

A successful surgery doesn’t begin in the operating room—it begins months before. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie Rody sits down with Dr. Adam Zucconi of Premier Orthopaedic Associates to explore the often-overlooked factors that influence surgical outcomes. From physical conditioning and nutrition to sleep, inflammation, and mindset, this conversation highlights how patients can take...

Pain is real—but what if you had more control over it than you think?  In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie Rody sits down with Chiara Mariani, MD, FAAPMR from Premier Orthopaedic Associates to discuss Empowered Relief™ an evidence-based Stanford-owned innovation created by Beth Darnall, PhD.  This conversation explores how pain is processed in the brain, how stress and mindset influence pa...

In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie Rody speaks with Dr. Rahul Shah of Premier Orthopaedic Associates about what it takes to deliver world-class spine care. The conversation explores the balance of technical skill, clinical judgment, and patient-centered decision-making that defines excellence in spine surgery. Listeners will gain insight into how experienced spine surgeons evaluate patien...

In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie talks with Dr. Eddie Wu of Premier Orthopaedic Associates about how physical activity supports bone strength and joint health throughout adulthood. The conversation explores how bone mineral density changes as we age and the role exercise plays in maintaining skeletal health. Dr. Wu explains the science behind bone adaptation, resistance training, and me...

Fitness and sports health are evolving — and smarter training is being paired with advanced recovery tools and biologic therapies. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, host Debbie Rody sits down with Dr. Adam Zucconi, Sports Medicine specialist and Occupational Medicine Medical Director, to discuss the fitness trends shaping 2026 and the growing role of biologic treatments in injury recovery and j...

Hand and wrist pain can stop life in its tracks — from typing and gripping to cooking and sleeping. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, orthopedic hand specialist Dr. Bruce Monaghan joins host Debbie Rody to explain two of the most common causes: trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. You’ll learn: What causes trigger finger & how it’s diagnosed The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syn...

On this episode of Bad to the Bones, host Debbie Rody sits down with Dr. Chiara Mariani, licensed acupuncture specialist at Premier Orthopaedic Associates, to demystify the ancient (yet scientifically backed) world of acupuncture and auriculotherapy. They explore how these holistic therapies work, the conditions they treat, and why they’re a game-changing part of integrated care. From back pain an...

Pain is personal—but relief can be too. In this episode of Bad to the Bones, Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry, pain management specialist at Premier Orthopaedic Associates, joins host Debbie Rody to explain how he helps patients move from frustration to freedom. Discover: Conditions treated: back & neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain Why patient history + exam are key before imaging How imaging s...

What happens after your total knee replacement? In Part 2 of this special Bad to the Bones series, host Debbie Rody is joined again by Dr. John Catalano & Danielle Francis, PA-C to walk through the entire recovery journey—from day one, through long-term healing. 🎯 In this episode: What to expect in the hospital (the "Three Ps": Position, Pain, Potty) The 3 stages of recovery When to expect to...

Thinking about total knee replacement? In Part 1 of this special Bad to the Bones series, Dr. John Catalano & Danielle Francis, PA-C joins host Debbie Rody to walk you through the entire preparation process — from diagnosis to the day of surgery. 🎯 You’ll learn: What TKA (Total Knee Arthroplasty) really is How to prepare your body and your home What pre-op tests and clearances are needed When...

Foot pain affects millions — but getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. On this episode of Bad to the Bones, Debbie Rody is joined by Dr. Benjamin Marder, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, to dive into two of the most common (and commonly misunderstood) conditions: bunions and flat feet. 🎯 Inside this episode: What bunions really are — and why they’re not j...

Back pain is one of the most common — and most frustrating — issues people face. But what if the real problem isn’t where the pain is? On this episode of Bad to the Bones Podcast, Dr. Joseph Zerbo breaks down how to truly get to the root cause of back pain. In this conversation, we explore: Why starting with the patient’s story is the key to proper diagnosis The truth about MRIs and why they may n...

Why are young athletes—who seem strong, flexible, and full of energy—more prone to injuries, especially during growth spurts? In this episode with Dr. Ravin Patel, double board certified family medicine and sports medicine with Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we dive into the biomechanics and psychology behind youth sports injuries. Learn why rapid bone growth outpaces tendon and ligament developm...

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Eddie Wu, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship Trained Adult Total Joint Reconstruction. In this episode, Dr. Wu dives into hip and knee replacements while explaining his experience in the field.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Mohamed F. Albana, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship Trained Total Joint Reconstruction . In this episode, Dr. Albana explains the benefits of robotic total joint replacement and his approach to treating arthritis.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Rahul V. Shah, a Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Spine Surgery. In this episode, Dr. Shah helps you understand common back issues and the importance of spine health.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Andrew J Mostello, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Mostello dives deep into rotator cuffs and how they play a roll in everyday activities.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Peter Sarkos, a Board Certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Hand Wrist and Microvascular Surgery as well as Emily Morales, an Occupational Therapy Doctor. In this episode, our guests explore questions you might have about orthopedic hand surgery and the therapy that follows.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Andrew J Mostello, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Mostello dives deep into meniscal tears.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Our host Debra is accompanied by Dr. Fred McAlpin, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine. In this episode, Dr. McAlpin talks all things Orthopedic Sports Medicine.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.

Debra and Rita kick off the Bad to the Bones series with an introduction to Premier Orthopaedic Associates.   Visit https://www.poasnj.com/ to learn more about our services.