Dr. Aalok Shah, DO

Dr. Aalok Shah, DO is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. He practices at St. Petersburg General Hospital - Family Medicine GME Program in St Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your Sports Medicine physician is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating preventative screenings, and managing your overall wellness to keep you active and injury-free. He serves individuals of all ages, from youth to senior athletes, and active people, committed to helping each patient achieve their optimal physical performance and well-being. Please call (727) 384-1414 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Aalok Shah, DO is a sports medicine specialist in St Petersburg, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Saint Petersburg Hospital. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College Of Allopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, and Board Certified in Sports Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. His approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Shah primarily provides consultations in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Aalok Shah is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Aalok Shah can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Aalok Shah provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Tenosynovitis: Early detection of tenosynovitis, characterized by pain and swelling around a tendon, is crucial to prevent it from becoming a chronic condition limiting your activity.
• Tibial Fracture: Understanding the symptoms of a tibial fracture, such as sharp pain and swelling, is essential for early intervention, potentially reducing recovery time and preventing secondary injuries.
• Arthritis of the Midfoot: Regular check-ups with your doctor and attention to any midfoot pain can aid in early detection of arthritis, enabling proactive management and preventing more serious complications.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear: Understanding and addressing risk factors like muscle imbalances, poor conditioning, and improper technique can drastically reduce your chances of an ACL or PCL tear, safeguarding your joint health and your active lifestyle.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Patellar tendonitis, or jumper's knee, is an overuse injury that can be prevented with proper warm-up routines and gradual increases in training intensity, protecting you from chronic knee pain.
• Morton's Neuroma: Managing Morton's neuroma through conservative measures like orthotics and changes in footwear can prevent further nerve irritation and the development of severe pain that might sideline your activity.
• Upper Extremity Trauma: Preventing upper extremity trauma starts with understanding your risk factors and taking steps to protect yourself from injury, ensuring swift recovery and avoiding long-term complications.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Aalok Shah offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Soft Tissue Procedure: Don't let persistent pain sideline you. A soft tissue procedure helps diagnose and treat conditions affecting your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, ensuring you get back to doing what you love.
• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Wrist Fracture: To ensure your broken wrist heals properly and regains full function, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery might be recommended, which involves setting the broken bones and using plates or screws for stabilization.
• Knee Resurfacing: Take a proactive step to preserve your knee's cartilage; knee resurfacing is a surgical option to address moderate arthritis and reduce long-term joint damage.
• Lumbar Decompression Therapy: Protect your spine's long-term health with lumbar decompression therapy; it can provide early detection of spinal problems and facilitate timely interventions.
• Shoulder Fracture Treatment: Invest in your shoulder's future; our shoulder fracture treatment helps you get back to your active life with reduced risk of re-injury.
• Kyphoplasty: Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore the height and stability of fractured vertebrae, reducing pain and improving mobility.
• Labrum Repair: Investing in your long-term joint health, a labrum repair can address underlying issues, alleviating pain and enhancing athletic performance.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sports Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Aalok Shah is dedicated to partnering with Coaches and Athletic Trainers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Athlete's life:

• By proactively addressing potential tenosynovitis through regular checkups and targeted exercises, a young athlete avoided a painful, long-term injury and maintained a full range of motion.
• By understanding the potential signs of a tibial fracture, like sharp pain and swelling, a young athlete proactively addressed potential injury, ensuring they could continue their favorite activities without interruption.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sports Medicine care with Dr. Aalok Shah:

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Sports Medicine Physicians, like Dr. Shah, are often the first point of contact for diagnosing and treating sports injuries, focusing on non-surgical approaches. If surgery is needed, they work closely with orthopedic surgeons to ensure the best possible care. They are partners in the care process.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, often from repetitive use or overuse. It differs from an acute fracture, which is caused by a single impact. Proper diagnosis and rest are crucial to prevent the stress fracture from worsening.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, often resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early intervention with bracing and therapy is key to prevent the need for surgery.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly impair daily activities, and other treatments have proven ineffective. This decision is made collaboratively with your orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent a life limited by pain.

What is the goal of physical therapy after an injury or surgery?

Physical therapy is a crucial part of your recovery, aiming to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve strength and stability, and retrain your body for safe movement. This is essential to prevent re-injury and ensure a successful, long-lasting return to activity.

Do I need an MRI for my joint pain?

An MRI isn't always necessary. A thorough physical exam and X-rays are often sufficient to diagnose joint pain. An MRI is typically reserved for cases where a diagnosis remains unclear or a soft tissue injury is suspected.

How do custom orthotics help prevent foot and ankle problems?

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts tailored to support and align the foot and ankle. By correcting biomechanical issues like flat feet, they reduce stress on the feet, ankles, and knees, helping prevent problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative medicine technique where a concentrated amount of your own platelets is injected into the injured area. The goal is to use your body's natural growth factors to accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, and joints, offering a modern, non-surgical option to potentially prevent the progression of chronic injuries.

St. Petersburg General Hospital - Family Medicine GME Program
6500 38th Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 384-1414

Dr. Aalok Shah, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1225667280

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sports Medicine like Dr. Aalok Shah are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sports medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.