- December 06, 2018 International Competitor Gets MOR Functional Sports Assessment before Returning to Sport
Brian Kachinsky, 31, a Wisconsin native who now resides in Chicago, is known for his fearless BMX riding style. He approaches bike tricks with calculated abandon, putting his body at risk daily. As a result, he is no stranger to injury.
In 2006, Kachinsky fell down a set of stairs while attempting a stunt. He tried to use his right leg for leverage, causing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) to tear from blunt impact.
Not interested in taking time off from competing, Kachinsky spent the next four years riding with a knee brace to support his torn ACL. As he explained, “it was like riding a car with no seatbelt.”
Finally in 2011, he sought help from Dr. Brian Cole, an orthopedic surgeon with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) and one of 2013 Orthopedics This Week?s top 19 sports medicine specialists in the U.S. The BMX rider was impressed with Dr. Cole’s reassuring bedside manner and his accommodating, yet realistic attitude.
Kachinsky sent Cole a few videos for the doctor to understand the technique of BMX riding and how it affects a rider’s body. Dr. Cole not only watched the links that Kachinsky shared, but studied the sport and the rider’s style.
When speaking about Dr. Cole, Kachinsky admits, “He genuinely wanted me to succeed. He took the time to listen and understand what I wanted and needed, and before I was put under, Dr. Cole came by to give his support and let me know that everything was going to be fine.”
In November of 2011, Dr. Cole performed a patellar tendon graft revision surgery on the Kachinsky’s right ACL. After four months of physical therapy at MOR, Kachinsky felt ready to ride again, but Dr. Cole recommended that he first undergo an assessment to determine if he was ready to compete. Kachinsky took the Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Functional Sports Assessment (MOR FSA).
The MOR FSA is a series of tests that use body movements common in a recovering athlete’s individual sport to determine whether the patient can return to competition. Endurance, resistance, control, strength, form, and stability are tested and evaluated. The FSA identifies the patient’s deficiencies and gives them a better understanding of where they are, where they want to be, and where they need improvement.
Kachinsky describes performing the assessment as, “a mental barrier being overcome when I passed the standard. It gave me confidence. It was challenging and had a lot of variety.?
In April of 2012, Brian Kachinsky competed in the Shanghai X Games. He placed fifth after being back on his bike for only two weeks.
When asked about his accomplishment, Kachinsky states, “My success was set up by Dr. Cole. I ride with ease and an assurance I didn’t have before. I’m no longer worried about my knee. My focus now is what’s in front of me.”