Dr. Paul Rucinski, MD

Dr. Paul Rucinski, MD is a Sports Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Gainesville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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, recognizing that preventative care is crucial at every stage of life. Dr. Rucinski is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 620-1900 to schedule.

Dr. Paul Rucinski, MD is a sports medicine specialist in Gainesville, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Ross University in 1984 and is affiliated with AdventHealth Ocala. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Sports Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His commitment to preventative care is deeply rooted in his understanding of the musculoskeletal system, honed through years of practice. He is dedicated to helping patients achieve their personal wellness goals by providing comprehensive musculoskeletal care that is unsurpassed in quality, accessibility and compassion. Dr. Rucinski's practice is aligned with the mission of the Orthopaedic Institute, a private practice group committed to improving lives everyday. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Paul Rucinski 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. Paul Rucinski 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. Paul Rucinski 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:

• Glenoid Labrum Tear: Managing a glenoid labrum tear effectively, through physical therapy and other treatments, can prevent further damage to the shoulder joint and maintain your mobility.
• Pelvic Fracture: A pelvic fracture, a break in one or more of the bones in your pelvis, can be prevented by understanding and avoiding high-impact activities or falls, thus safeguarding your musculoskeletal health.
• Knee Dislocation: Addressing underlying joint laxity and muscle imbalances reduces your susceptibility to knee dislocation, protecting you from the pain and disability it causes.
• Wrist Sprain or Strain: Preventing repetitive strain injuries to the wrist involves using proper techniques and ergonomics in activities such as typing or sports, safeguarding your wrist's health.
• Osteoarthritis: Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis is crucial because it allows you to implement preventative strategies, like physical therapy, to minimize pain and improve quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a degenerative joint disease that can be managed with early detection and proactive lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and pain.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Early intervention for Achilles tendinitis is crucial; addressing symptoms quickly can stop minor inflammation from turning into a major injury requiring extensive treatment.
• Shoulder Disorders: Understanding and managing risk factors for shoulder disorders is key to protecting your shoulder joint health.
• Joint Pain: Understanding the causes of your joint pain is key to managing risk factors and preventing further damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regular checkups and monitoring for early signs of rheumatoid arthritis are crucial to ensure prompt treatment and prevent severe joint pain and limitations.
• Leg Fracture Below Knee (incl. Ankle): Understanding your risk factors and taking preventative measures can help avoid leg fractures below the knee and ankle fractures and keep you active and healthy.
• Herniated Disc: Managing a herniated disc effectively involves early diagnosis and treatment, minimizing further damage and preventing chronic pain or disability.

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. Paul Rucinski offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Prolotherapy Injections: Prolotherapy injections strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons, helping you proactively avoid future injuries and stay active.
• Hand and Wrist Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Ensure your hand and wrist function optimally: we offer comprehensive treatment for fractures and dislocations to help you regain full use and prevent future problems.
• Joint Fluid Test: Protecting your active lifestyle starts with a joint fluid test, which can reveal underlying issues and guide personalized treatment plans.
• Vertebroplasty: To proactively manage severe back pain caused by compression fractures, consider vertebroplasty, a procedure that stabilizes the spine and reduces discomfort.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Ensure your body is working optimally with a screening that checks your spine and posture, helping you avoid pain and improve performance.
• Joint Drainage: To ensure your joints remain healthy and mobile, consider joint drainage—it can help pinpoint the cause of your joint discomfort.
• Trigger Point Injection: Proactively address persistent muscle pain and stiffness with a trigger point injection, a targeted treatment that can help restore mobility and function.
• Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: Myofascial trigger point injections are a proactive step to relieve persistent muscle pain and stiffness, helping you get back to your active lifestyle.
• Bone Scan: Ensure you're staying ahead of potential bone issues: a bone scan offers a comprehensive look at your bone health, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions.
• Peripheral Nerve Block: As a proactive approach to managing chronic pain, a peripheral nerve block helps reduce discomfort and improve mobility, allowing you to stay active and participate in sports.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection (PRP): Take a proactive step toward healing damaged joints and tendons with a PRP injection; this treatment uses your own blood to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain.
• Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle fractures and dislocations are key to minimizing long-term damage and getting you back on your feet faster.

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. Paul Rucinski 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 shoulder issues through targeted physical therapy, a patient successfully reduced the risk of a glenoid labrum tear, ensuring continued participation in their favorite sports.
• By understanding the risks of high-impact activities and implementing a tailored prevention plan, a young athlete significantly reduced their chance of a pelvic fracture, ensuring they could continue their favorite sports without worry.

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. Paul Rucinski:

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

Sports Medicine Physicians, like Dr. Rucinski, are often the first point of contact for sports injuries, focusing on non-surgical treatment. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists for the musculoskeletal system, and are consulted when necessary. They work together as partners in providing the best possible care for athletes.

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

Physical therapy is a critical part of your recovery, aiming to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve strength and stability, and retrain your body for safe movement. This essential step prevents re-injury and ensures 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 considered when a diagnosis is unclear or a soft tissue injury is suspected.

How can I prevent common sports injuries like an ACL tear?

Preventing ACL tears and other sports injuries involves a dedicated program of neuromuscular training. Proper warm-ups, strength training focused on hamstrings and glutes, and practicing correct landing and pivoting techniques are crucial. This proactive approach strengthens the supporting structures, protecting your joints during activity.

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain involves ligaments (bone to bone), while a strain involves muscles or tendons (muscle to bone).

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is damage to one or more of the four tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder. This damage often results from overuse or a sudden injury. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring function to prevent long-term shoulder weakness and arthritis.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions to repair joint damage. It offers less pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to activity compared to traditional open surgery.

When is a joint replacement surgery recommended?

Joint replacement surgery is considered when arthritis pain and stiffness significantly limit daily activities, and non-surgical treatments are no longer helpful. This decision is made in partnership with your orthopedic surgeon to restore function and prevent a life limited by pain.

4500 Newberry Rd
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 620-1900

Dr. Paul Rucinski, MD 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): 1164483376

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. Paul Rucinski 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.