James Chen, MD

James Chen, MD Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient and not just the injury. He places special emphasis

James Chen, MD is a general orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on sports-related injuries. His practice covers a broad range of orthopaedic treatments, from fracture care to joint replacements, anatomic ACL reconstruction, or ligament repair. Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient, not just the injury. He places special emphasis on the important face time before and after surgery, making sure he and his staff are present, available, and ready to answer any questions you might have.

The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in sports, especially in athletes who pivot, jump, and cut. While ...
06/12/2026

The ACL is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in sports, especially in athletes who pivot, jump, and cut. While not every tear can be avoided, the risk can be significantly reduced with the right strategies:

✅ Strengthening the hamstrings, quads, and hips
✅ Neuromuscular training for balance + landing mechanics
✅ Proper warm-ups before practices and games
✅ Sport-specific conditioning to handle quick changes in direction

Prevention isn’t just about avoiding surgery, it’s about protecting your stability, performance, and long-term joint health.

Did you know Dr. Chen offers Orthocare on Demand?Orthocare on Demand is a convenient service that brings orthopedic care...
06/10/2026

Did you know Dr. Chen offers Orthocare on Demand?

Orthocare on Demand is a convenient service that brings orthopedic care to your doorstep, providing patients with immediate access to expert evaluation and treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you're dealing with joint pain, sports injuries, fractures, or other orthopedic concerns, Orthocare on Demand allows you to receive professional care at home, work, or any location that is most convenient for you. This service typically includes virtual consultations, in-person home visits, or even mobile clinics, all designed to offer fast, efficient care without the need for a traditional office visit. It's an excellent option for those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or anyone looking for a more accessible and flexible orthopedic care experience.

Click the link in our bio to learn more!

Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat irreparable rotator cuff tears in...
06/08/2026

Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat irreparable rotator cuff tears in the shoulder. When the rotator cuff is too damaged to repair, SCR restores shoulder stability by using a graft (often from donor tissue or the patient’s own tissue) to bridge the gap between the shoulder socket (glenoid) and the upper arm bone (humerus). This graft prevents the humeral head from moving upward, improving shoulder function and reducing pain. SCR allows patients to regain strength and range of motion when traditional repairs aren’t possible. 💪🩺

How is ArthroCell Prepared and How It Aids HealingArthroCell is prepared by carefully thawing the cells and blending the...
06/05/2026

How is ArthroCell Prepared and How It Aids Healing

ArthroCell is prepared by carefully thawing the cells and blending them with both mineralized and demineralized bone particulates. This combination is then mixed with a specialized gel that binds all the components together. This preparation creates a supportive scaffold that mimics natural bone structure, promoting cell growth and bone regeneration. The living cells within ArthroCell help stimulate the body’s natural healing process, enhancing new bone formation and speeding up recovery in orthopedic procedures. 🦴✨

06/03/2026

Do’s and Don’ts During Recovery from a Sprain

✅ Do’s:

Rest the injured area to prevent further damage.
Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
Compress with a bandage to minimize swelling and provide support.
Elevate the injured limb above heart level to reduce swelling.
Use crutches or a brace if recommended to avoid putting weight on the injury.
Perform gentle stretches and strengthening exercises as advised by a healthcare professional.
🚫 Don’ts:

Don’t ignore the pain—it’s your body’s signal to rest.
Don’t apply heat in the first 48 hours, as it can increase swelling.
Don’t overuse or put weight on the injured area too soon.
Don’t skip follow-up care or physical therapy if recommended.
Don’t wrap the injury too tightly, which can cut off circulation.
Healing takes time—be patient and follow proper care for a full recovery! 💪

Shoulder resurfacing is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged or worn-out surface of the shoulder joi...
06/01/2026

Shoulder resurfacing is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged or worn-out surface of the shoulder joint with a metal prosthesis, rather than a full shoulder replacement. This technique is typically used for patients with severe arthritis or joint damage but still have a healthy bone structure. By resurfacing only the ball of the shoulder (the humeral head), this procedure helps reduce pain, improve joint function, and preserve the natural bone. Recovery includes physical therapy to restore movement and strength in the shoulder, allowing patients to return to their daily activities. 💪🦴

05/29/2026

The Importance of Physical Therapy After Surgery 💪

Physical therapy is a key part of recovery after surgery, helping to restore movement, strength, and function. It reduces pain, improves mobility, and prevents complications like stiffness or muscle weakness. With a personalized therapy plan, patients can recover faster and regain their independence.

The tibia, your shinbone, is the second-largest bone in the body and a key player in weight-bearing and movement. When i...
05/27/2026

The tibia, your shinbone, is the second-largest bone in the body and a key player in weight-bearing and movement. When it breaks, whether from sports, accidents, or trauma, it often requires surgical repair to restore stability and function.

🔧 Repair Options:
Internal fixation with rods, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place
External fixation for severe or complex fractures
Personalized rehab plans to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility

Recovery takes time, but with expert surgical techniques and guided physical therapy, most patients return to their daily activities and even sports with confidence.

A tibia fracture isn’t the end of your active lifestyle. With the right repair and rehab, it’s the start of your comeback.

When it comes to orthopedic pain, the answer is simple: don’t. Pain is your body’s warning sign, it’s not something to i...
05/25/2026

When it comes to orthopedic pain, the answer is simple: don’t. Pain is your body’s warning sign, it’s not something to ignore or push past. What feels like ‘just soreness’ could actually be an underlying injury that worsens without proper care.

Our advice: listen to your body and get evaluated by a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term performance.

When it comes to movement, muscles usually get all the attention, but it’s your ligaments that keep everything in place....
05/22/2026

When it comes to movement, muscles usually get all the attention, but it’s your ligaments that keep everything in place.

Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone, acting like natural stabilizers. They prevent excessive motion, protect your joints from injury, and allow smooth, controlled movement.

When a ligament is stretched or torn, like in an ACL injury, the joint loses stability, which can lead to pain, swelling, and long-term issues if untreated. Strong muscles support your ligaments, but healthy ligaments are essential for lasting stability. Protect them with proper warm-ups, strength training, and by avoiding overuse.

📲 Think you may have a ligament injury? Schedule a consultation today to get a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Address

450 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14159003000

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