Q&A with Giants Team Physicians on High-Altitude Playing Conditions

Giants.com—October 15, 2017

In a Q&A with Giants.com, HSS sports medicine surgeon Scott A. Rodeo, MD, and primary care sports medicine physician James J. Kinderknecht, MD, discussed the unique challenges of playing in high altitude locations such as Denver. 

Dr. Rodeo, also head team physician for the Giants, noted that hydration is key. "The air is essentially 'thinner' and players may feel it when they are out there running." It's important for players to report any symptoms, such as muscle fatigue or cramping, as soon as they occur.

According to Dr. Kinderknecht, the real issue with acclimating yourself to a different altitude is that it takes about a full week.

"We typically tell players to cut back on their training 10% or so early on," said Dr. Kinderknecht, also a team physician for the Giants. "If you don't stay a week, then your goal is to get in and get out. In that case, you really want to close that gap very close to the time of that event, which is ideally under 24 hours."

Read the full story at Giants.com.