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As a nationally recognized sports medicine physician and regenerative orthopedic specialist, Luga Podesta, MD helps to restore a better quality of life for patients of all ages at Bluetail Medical Group in the Naples, Florida office. For more than 25 years, Dr. Podesta has been treating patients from diverse backgrounds, including athletes, musicians, and weekend warriors, helping them safely heal and return to the activities they love. He specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries.

Rated as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly in 2017, Dr. Podesta offers his wealth of knowledge and experience for those with shoulder, elbow, knee, and spinal injuries. He is also considered a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine, an area of the medical field that holds the potential to repair damaged tissue fully without invasive surgical procedures.

Dr. Podesta earned his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and the New York Medical College. He went on to complete his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center of New York City. He finished his post-doctorate sports medicine fellowship at Staten Island Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Staten Island, New York, Thousand Oaks, and the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

With board certifications in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Podesta continues his work as a dedicated physician, educator, author, and lecturer around the world. He serves as a consultant for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Baseball umpires, and World Baseball Classic. He is also a sports performance consultant to Cirque Du Soleil-Iris.

In the past, Dr. Podesta served as a medical director, physician, and consultant for numerous Los Angeles semi-professional and professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a contributing writer for DRUM! Magazine regarding health-related topics for percussionists and performing artists.

As a doctor of osteopathic medicine, Chris Wolf, DO of Bluetail Medical Group in Chesterfield, Missouri believes in formulating a comprehensive plan to guide patients through rehabilitation and back to optimum health.

Dr. Wolf specializes in sports medicine and orthopedics, caring for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, including back pain, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related conditions. He practices regenerative medicine procedures, including ultrasound-guided injections.  

Dr. Wolf earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He went on to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he completed his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) with a subspecialty in brain injury medicine. He is board certified in both disciplines. Besides his medical degrees and certifications, Dr. Wolf also completed a teaching fellowship in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Before joining Bluetail Medical Group, Dr. Wolf was an associate professor at the University of Missouri, where he also directed the Brain Injury and Concussion program. He frequently speaks and teaches at continuing medical education programs across the country.

As part of his comprehensive treatment plans, Dr. Wolf is highly skilled in the osteopathic manipulative treatment and uses this hands-on therapy to help patients of all ages get relief from painful symptoms. When he’s not at the office, Dr. Wolf enjoys coaching and participating in Crossfit, watching local sports, reading, and spending time with his family.

Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine. 

He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.

After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts. 

Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices. 

Benjamin Kim, MD, is a highly sought-after pain management specialist and an outstanding team member at Interventional Pain Consultants in Parsippany, New Jersey. Dr. Kim finds his work deeply rewarding and enjoys helping those in his care find a path away from pain.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Kim began his educational journey at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg before completing a Bachelor of Arts in biology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He went on to earn his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Dr. Kim went on to complete a residency in anesthesiology at Stony Brook University in New York. He then completed fellowship training in pain medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

One of the things that makes Dr. Kim stand out is his compassionate and personable nature. Patients feel at ease when discussing their experience of pain with Dr. Kim and quickly feel comforted that they have a partner in finding lasting solutions.

Dr. Kim utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain. He continues to stay up to speed with the latest advances and innovative treatments in order to take care of his patients, who may be suffering pain from any part of their body. 

Kevin Elaahi, MD, is a fellowship-trained pain management specialist and an integral team member at Interventional Pain Consultants. Through his work with patients from in and around Parsippany, New Jersey, Dr. Elaahi improves lives.

Education has always been a guiding force in Dr. Elaahi's life. He began his studies at Stony Brook University in New York, earning a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He remained at Stony Brook to complete his medical degree.

A residency in anesthesiology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York City, New York, followed. Dr. Elhaai then refined his skills and knowledge through a fellowship in pain medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Patients enjoy working with Dr. Elaahi and especially appreciate his willingness to truly get to know their specific treatment needs and goals. His attention to detail allows those in his care to feel confident that they are in the best hands.

Dr. Elaahi is dedicated to keeping up to date with the newest and most innovative treatments for the benefit of his patients who may be suffering from pain anywhere from head to toe. He believes in utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain.

Bernadette Livewell is a certified Physician Assistant who joined Coastal Spine in 2012. She graduated from Ursinus College with degrees in both Biology and Spanish. She then attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned her Physician Assistant Master’s Degree in 2011. She is a member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North American Spine Society.

James Moran, DO, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Coastal Spine, with locations in Mount Laurel, Sewell, Galloway, and Wall Township, New Jersey. Dr. Moran specializes in the non-surgical treatment of adult spine disorders.

Emphasizing a non-invasive approach to the care of painful spinal disorders, he will formulate a comprehensive treatment plan to suit the needs of the individual patient utilizing a thorough history, physical exam and diagnostic studies. When indicated, Dr. Moran also has over twenty years of experience in interventional pain management techniques including diagnostic and therapeutic spinal injection procedures.

Dr. Moran earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware followed by a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Osteopathic Medicine, now part of Rowan University. He completed his residency training at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in interventional spine techniques and pain management at MidAtlantic Spine in Wilmington, Delaware.

Dr. Moran has served as a course instructor in the spine curriculum for the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. He has repeatedly been named a “Top Doc” by his peers in magazine polls. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Dr. Wiederholz is a leading expert in the field of minimally invasive spine treatments in Houston. Trained directly under Dr. Kevin Pauza, the inventor of the Discseel® Procedure, Dr. Wiederholz has been performing this innovative treatment since 2020, making him the first physician in Houston to do so.

His direct training under Dr. Pauza has provided him with a deep understanding and mastery of the Discseel® Procedure, allowing him to offer his patients a safe and effective alternative to surgery for chronic back and neck pain.

As a trailblazer in his field, Dr. Wiederholz is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest standard of care. His expertise and commitment to patient wellbeing have established him as the trusted choice for those seeking to avoid surgery and improve their quality of life. Choose Dr. Wiederholz, the Houston Discseel® Expert, for a successful return to a pain-free life.

Dr. Matthias Wiederholz is also the founder and visionary behind Performance Pain & Sports Medicine, also known as Performance. Performance is a boutique medical practice with a focus on the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dr. Wiederholz founded Performance in 2008 and officially opened for patient care in 2009. Dr. Wiederholz serves his patients in Houston, Texas; and Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Dr. Wiederholz received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management and Sports Medicine in Marietta, Georgia. He holds four board certifications: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is his primary specialty. This field focuses on the treatment of the entire person with special attention to functional recovery. He also holds a board certification in Sports Medicine and he is a leader in this field offering minimally-invasive options for healing of sports injuries. He also has a board certification in Pain Medicine through the American Board of Pain Medicine. His expertise in this field spans both nationally and internationally where he has provided education for physician colleagues throughout the US and Europe. Finally, he is board certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine and holds a Masters degree in Metabolic & Nutritional Medicine. Unlike other physicians that are dabbling in the field of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Wiederholz is board-certified in it. He is a leader in the use of autologous, bone marrow derived stem cell procedures and platelet rich plasma procedures using targeted image guidance with both ultrasound and fluoroscopy.  

The field of Pain Medicine has advanced over the years and Dr. Wiederholz prides himself on keeping up with all the most innovative advancements within the field. He performs all the basic pain management procedures, such as epidural injections, facet joint injections, rhizotomies, sacroiliac joint injections. But he is a leader in the advanced treatments within the field as well. He was the first physician in the entire state of Texas to perform the Superion procedure, a minimally invasive implant procedure for the treatment of spinal stenosis. He also implants spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pain pumps. He also has specialized training in endoscopic spine surgical procedures. 

Dr. Wiederholz is one of just a few physicians licensed and trained to perform the Discseel™ procedure. This amazing procedure often prevents spine surgery and treats the inflammation associated with leaky disc syndrome. Invented by Dr. Kevin Pauza, Dr. Wiederholz was trained on this advanced technique and offers this therapy in Texas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania!

In his personal time Dr. Wiederholz spends time with his wife and daughter and enjoys traveling, golf and yoga. Despite being a transplant from New Jersey, he truly enjoys making Texas-style barbeque in his kamado grill. He also enjoys baking fresh bread and making homemade pasta. 

Gautam Kothari, DO, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, with offices in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Kothari grew up in northern New Jersey, where his family still resides. He was accepted into an accelerated seven-year medical program directly from high school. He completed his undergraduate studies in three years at the New York Institute of Technology and then went on for his medical schooling at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

He completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York, where he served as chief resident in his final year. 

Dr. Kothari completed additional fellowship training in interventional spine care and sports medicine at Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists in York, Pennsylvania, under Michael Furman, MD, an international figure in the field. 

Before joining MBO, Dr. Kothari was a clinical instructor for the Department of PM&R at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his clinical duties, he was involved with training medical students and residents. Before his departure, Dr. Kothari was nominated for the title of associate clinical professor.

Dr. Kothari is a published author and has a variety of publications, including most recently a “Pocket Handbook of Spinal Injections,” which is used as a quick reference for doctors in training. 

He has a special interest in spinal disorders and musculoskeletal injuries and performs various fluoroscopically-guided procedures and ultrasound-guided procedures, including epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, joint injections, radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation. 

Dr. Kothari also performs regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma for acute or chronic tendon, joint, muscle, or spinal conditions.

Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine. 

He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.

After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts. 

Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices. 

About The Practice

Ajay Kumar MD, DABPM, DABPM, is an interventional spine and pain physician at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management, which has locations in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Matamoras, Pennsylvania, and Warwick New York

Dr. Kumar earned his Doctor of Medicine from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is fellowship-trained in interventional pain medicine, board certified in physical medicine, and a diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine.

In India, Dr. Kumar was an orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in doing fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided minimally invasive pain procedures. He is one of the few physicians who have extensive training in prolotherapy. At New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, Dr. Kumar works with the patient to offer them various solutions for their problem. He routinely treats patients affected by musculoskeletal injuries that cause back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. Dr. Kumar has extensive experience in NCV/EMG studies to diagnose the cause of the pain. He offers minimally invasive spine procedures and spinal cord stimulation trials as well as spinal cord stimulation permanent implants for various medical diagnoses. 

Dr. Kumar's strengths include diagnosing difficult cases and offering sensible treatments that are logical and safe. He understands the ability of the body to naturally heal itself as a basis for his treatment protocols. Dr. Kumar also embraces multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, to get well and stay healthy.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar and the team at New Jersey Advanced Pain Management Center, call the office or book an appointment online today.

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Peter C. Wenger, MD, is an orthopedic and non-operative sports injury specialist at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is board certified in both family medicine and sports medicine. 

Dr. Wenger graduated magna cum laude from Loyola College with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He attended and earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wenger then completed a surgical internship at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois, and was promoted with highest honors. 

Afterward, he completed his residency in family medicine with an emphasis in orthopedics at Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center. Finally, he completed his training at the University of Pittsburgh – Center for Sports Medicine, where he graduated from the Shadyside Hospital Sports Medicine Fellowship with distinguished honors.

Dr. Wenger brings a unique approach to sports medicine care with his comprehensive understanding of family medicine, sports medicine, and surgery. As a multisport athlete himself, he understands a patient’s desire to safely return to their sport.

Gautam Kothari, DO, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, with offices in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Kothari grew up in northern New Jersey, where his family still resides. He was accepted into an accelerated seven-year medical program directly from high school. He completed his undergraduate studies in three years at the New York Institute of Technology and then went on for his medical schooling at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

He completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York, where he served as chief resident in his final year. 

Dr. Kothari completed additional fellowship training in interventional spine care and sports medicine at Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists in York, Pennsylvania, under Michael Furman, MD, an international figure in the field. 

Before joining MBO, Dr. Kothari was a clinical instructor for the Department of PM&R at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his clinical duties, he was involved with training medical students and residents. Before his departure, Dr. Kothari was nominated for the title of associate clinical professor.

Dr. Kothari is a published author and has a variety of publications, including most recently a “Pocket Handbook of Spinal Injections,” which is used as a quick reference for doctors in training. 

He has a special interest in spinal disorders and musculoskeletal injuries and performs various fluoroscopically-guided procedures and ultrasound-guided procedures, including epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, joint injections, radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation. 

Dr. Kothari also performs regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma for acute or chronic tendon, joint, muscle, or spinal conditions.

Frank Colarusso, DO, is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Langhorne, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Colarusso maintains double-board certification, having recently recertified with both the American Medical Association, the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and the American Osteopathic Association. With an attention to detail and passion for continuing education, Dr. Colarusso is proud to provide comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal, spine, and sports medicine. 

He specializes in MSK neck and back pain, EMG services, acute and chronic pain syndromes with medication management, dry needling, Osteopathic Manual Manipulation treatments as well as ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, and biologics.

After receiving honors at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Dr. Colarusso remained in Pennsylvania to intern at St. Barnabas Health Care System. He later was the chief resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts. 

Previously serving as one of three attending physicians at the 15th largest rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, Dr. Colarusso is proud to serve new and returning patients from the Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics offices. 

Professional Experience

Emergency Medicine
Karen launched her clinical career in the fast-paced Emergency Rooms of Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center, where she spent a decade refining her skills in acute and emergency care. This experience honed her ability to make critical, life-saving decisions and adapt swiftly to high-pressure situations.

Primary Care & Urgent Care
In 2020, Karen transitioned to urgent care settings in Central Jersey, broadening her expertise in Primary Care. This shift allowed her to cultivate meaningful patient relationships, manage chronic conditions, and address acute illnesses. Her adaptability and holistic approach became pivotal in delivering effective, compassionate care.

Specialization in Endocrinology
Currently, Karen’s focus is on Endocrinology, a field she finds deeply rewarding. She specializes in managing intricate conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic challenges. Her patient-first approach ensures tailored, evidence-based solutions that empower individuals to achieve better health and well-being.

Commitment to Professional Growth
Karen actively engages in continuing education and professional development to remain at the forefront of advancements in medical science. She participates in seminars and workshops, ensuring her practice integrates the latest research and technologies.

Philosophy of Care

Karen’s approach to healthcare is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. She believes that every patient deserves a customized care plan, clear communication, and a trusted partnership to navigate their health journey. Her philosophy combines medical expertise with genuine compassion to ensure positive outcomes.

Achievements

• Clinical Excellence: Recognized for her exceptional diagnostic skills and patient rapport in both emergency and primary care settings.
• Community Engagement: Participates in health awareness programs and local health fairs, promoting preventive care and wellness education.
• Mentorship: Serves as a mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, sharing her insights and fostering a commitment to compassionate care.

Personal Life

Karen is a dedicated wife and mother of three young children who keep her energized and inspired. She is also the proud owner of a Yorkie who completes the family. In her downtime, she channels her creativity into crafting and baking and unwinds with her favorite Netflix series. She loves outdoor adventures with her family and is passionate about maintaining a balanced life, both personally and professionally.

Dr. Selorm Takyi joined Revive Spine and Pain Center in 2020. He completed his physiatry residency at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, offered through the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. With a passion for teaching, he served as an academic chief resident and graduated residency in 2019. He then completed his fellowship in regenerative orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine.

Dr. Takyi practices compassionate medicine and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2014 while attending Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Specializing in both ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopic-guided techniques to treat pain and sports medicine injuries, he is excited to share his goal of using non-surgical procedures to help restore function and quality of life to his patients. With his training in physiatry, Dr. Takyi enjoys creating comprehensive treatment plans for his patients. In addition to offering interventional spine injections such as epidurals and nerve blocks, he performs platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections to help treat a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. His clinical interests include regenerative medicine, rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, ACL injuries, and meniscus tears.

He has co-authored the physical modalities, therapeutic exercise, extended bedrest, and aging effects chapter in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Board Review 4th Edition and an upcoming publication, Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics Procedures chapter on autologous tissue harvesting techniques: bone marrow aspirate and adipose tissue. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Interventional Orthobiolgoics Foundation, Spine Intervention Society, and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. When not in the office, Dr. Takyi enjoys photography, exercising, and spending time with his family.