What are the opening hours?

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

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.

07/29/2026

Is your knee injury keeping you from being active? A torn meniscus might be the culprit. While many tears heal with rest and therapy, some may require surgery, especially if they cause pain, instability, or difficulty moving. The key is finding out whether conservative treatments work or if surgical intervention will bring you back to your active lifestyle. Always consult with an expert to figure out the best path for you! 🏃‍♂️💪

07/27/2026

If you're experiencing ongoing knee pain, stiffness, or swelling that affects your daily activities, it could be time to consider a knee replacement. Common signs include:

Chronic pain that doesn't improve with rest or medications.
Limited mobility – difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bending your knee.
Swelling and inflammation that doesn't go away with rest.
Knee instability – feeling like your knee might give out.
Decreased quality of life – pain affecting work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

If these symptoms sound familiar, click the link in our bio to see how the can help you. 🏃‍♀️

07/24/2026

The shoulder labrum is a cartilage ring that helps stabilize the ball-and-socket joint in your shoulder. A tear in the labrum, often caused by injury or repetitive overhead motions, can lead to pain, instability, and limited range of motion. Shoulder labrum repair surgery involves reattaching or repairing the torn labrum to restore stability and function to the shoulder joint. The procedure is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery for a quicker recovery and less scarring. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or instability, Dr. James Chen can help determine if labrum repair surgery is the right solution for you! 🏆

07/22/2026

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of your ankle, is crucial for walking, running, and jumping. An Achilles tendon injury, such as a tear or rupture, can significantly impact movement and cause intense pain. Achilles tendon repair is a surgical procedure to reconnect the torn tendon, allowing it to heal properly. Surgery is often necessary when the tear is severe, or conservative treatments like rest, ice, and physical therapy don’t lead to sufficient recovery. In cases of complete rupture, surgery is typically the best option for restoring full functionality. If you're dealing with Achilles pain or injury, Dr. James Chen can help determine the best course of action to get you back on your feet! 👣

07/20/2026

Tommy John surgery is a procedure used to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow, commonly seen in athletes who experience repetitive stress, especially in throwing sports like baseball. The surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from another part of the body. Recovery time can vary, but with proper rehabilitation, many patients return to their sports or activities stronger than before. If you’re dealing with elbow pain or an injury that’s affecting your performance, Dr. James Chen is here to help you understand your options and guide you through the recovery process. 🏥👨‍⚕️

07/17/2026

A meniscus tear, common in active individuals and athletes, can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize and repair the damaged meniscus. Depending on the tear, the surgeon may trim the damaged portion or, in some cases, stitch it back together to promote healing. This procedure allows for a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery, often with less pain and scarring. If you’re experiencing knee pain from a meniscus tear, Dr. James Chen can help guide you toward the right treatment for your recovery! 🏃‍♂️

07/15/2026

When a rotator cuff tear can’t be repaired, there’s still hope.
For patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) is an advanced surgical option designed to restore stability and function in the shoulder. By using a graft to reconstruct the capsule, this procedure helps prevent upward migration of the humeral head, reduces pain, and improves range of motion.

This technique is especially valuable for active patients who want to avoid a reverse shoulder replacement and get back to sports, work, and everyday activities.

👉 If you’ve been told your rotator cuff tear is “irreparable,” know that innovative options like SCR may help you regain function. Schedule a consultation to explore whether this is the right solution for you.

07/13/2026

🧠 How Stress Impacts Recovery
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind, it slows down your body’s ability to heal. Elevated stress hormones like cortisol can:

✔️ Delay tissue repair and wound healing
✔️ Increase inflammation in the body
✔️ Disrupt sleep, which is essential for recovery
✔️ Lower your immune system’s defenses

Recovery isn’t only about physical rest, it’s also about creating an environment where your body can repair itself. Managing stress through breathing exercises, movement, mindfulness, and proper sleep can make all the difference in how quickly you bounce back.

💡 Healing happens best when stress is under control.

07/10/2026

Rest is important, but movement is essential for recovery. 🏃‍♂️💥

After an injury or surgery, safe, guided movement helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, rebuild strength, and prevent complications like joint immobility or muscle loss. Whether it’s gentle stretching, physical therapy, or structured exercise, getting your body moving (at the right pace!) is a major part of healing well.

07/08/2026

Dealing with joint pain or a stubborn injury? 🦴💥 Orthobiologics might be the game-changer you've been looking for.

Orthobiologics use your body’s natural healing cells, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells, to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery from orthopedic injuries. They're often used for arthritis, tendonitis, ligament sprains, and overuse injuries, especially when conservative treatments aren’t enough but surgery isn’t the first choice.

Curious if orthobiologics are right for you? Schedule a consultation today and let’s explore non-surgical options to get you back to what you love.

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

Website

http://www.jameschenmd.com/

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