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Elisa Schneider had been running for most of her adult life. She first saw Dr. Alfandre due to hip pain, then again while training for the Philadelphia Marathon for severe muscle strain two weeks out from the race. Each time, Dr. Alfandre helped ensure she could continue running.

Then in the fall of 2022, her calf began to hurt. She went to physical therapy and even the chiropractor because her mechanics seemed off. Thinking she didn’t need surgery, she went to another local provider and the unthinkable happened.

That doctor said, “You will never run again.”

She immediately called OrthoNY and went back to Dr. Alfandre now knowing that surgery was potentially on the table. And Dr. Alfandre’s words put her at ease, “we’re going to get you back running.”

In December of 2022, Dr. Alfandre performed a Medial Meniscal Repair on Elisa’s left knee. With time, her knee began to get stronger. “Injuries like Elisa's do not mean the end of the road. With current advanced surgical techniques, patients like Elisa can not only safely get back to running and sports, but the surgery also supports long term preservation of the knee joint, oftentimes preventing the need for knee replacement in future," Dr. Alfandre shared.

After giving her knee time to recover and completing a home exercise program provided by Dr. Alfandre, she felt she was ready and laced up her running shoes. She soon began training for her first race. Since then, she has run three races with her most recent begin the Delightful (formerly Freihofer’s) Run for Women on June 1, 2024.

“I am so thankful to Dr. Alfandre. He gave me hope. I went to that first appointment with him holding so much fear. I had been told by the other doctor I would never run again and that was crushing. Dr. Alfandre was confident and calm. And when he said, I’m going to get you running again – I believed I would. I knew I was in the right hands.”

Elisa SchneiderElisa Schneider

The comprehensive orthopedic & sports medicine care at OrthoNY covers everything from sprains and complex fractures to sports injuries and total joint replacement. If you are suffering from chronic pain or if a recent injury is keeping you from doing the things you love, learn more about how OrthoNY can help you by visiting.us at orthony.com or by calling (518) 489-2663.

  • Melanie B

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    I saw Dr. Scordino today for shoulder pain after a bad fall this winter. She and her team, from the front desk to the nurse and xray tech, were so friendly and professional! I received x-rays right aw...
  • Angelika H

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    The staff was friendly and very supportive.
  • Kevin B

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    My name is Kevin I am a patient of dr. Polacek I have to give a review on such a tremendous doctor Surgeon with an amazing bedside manner! The staff at Ortho New York in Schenectady is amazing they ar...
  • Erin L

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    When my son fractured his wrist less than two weeks before starting kindergarten we were very distraught. We were so happy to be referred to ortho NY and to be able to see Dr. Scordino
    . She di...
  • Allana S

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    Went here on a whim for knee pain. The waiting area was pretty busy and so were the receptionists. The line moved quick and the ladies were pleasant.

    The back area does need at least a ...
  • Billy B

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    This is the wife of the man listed as writing the review, I needed an immediate no hassle appointment due to chronic back issues that are affecting everyday life and taking care of my child, and I hav...
  • Laurie D

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    Great Dr would tell everyone about him
  • Erika H

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    Dr Gainor is Excellent. Communicative!!!
    Down to earth. Confident.
    Solution oriented. Takes action, gets things done . And personable to boot!
    So glad I made the 1.5 hour drive!
  • Paul M

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    Dr. Gainor has an exceptional rapport with his patients. I always feel he is giving his full attention to me and my concerns. His surgical expertise is well known and I have a few close friends...
  • Carolyn T

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    Dr LaRosa is a wonderful orthopedic surgeon. My full knee replacement surgery was a success thanks to Dr LaRosa and his team. I was well cared for, and happy with the results. Would not hesitate to r...
  • Joe B

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    Doctor listened to me, asked pertinent questions and provided sensible advice
  • Eileen G

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    Dr. LaRosa is the BEST! Very caring.