Luga Podesta, M.D. Joins Bluetail Medical Group

Chesterfield, Missouri-based Bluetail Medical Group has announced that Luga Podesta, M.D., sports medicine and regenerative orthopedic specialist, has joined its team and will spearhead its new office in Naples, Florida.

Dr. Podesta is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences.

As Bluetail wrote in its October 16, 2017 news release, “Dr. Podesta is a nationally recognized sports medicine physician specializing in the non-surgical treatment of orthopedic, musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, and spine. He brings with him nearly 30 years of experience and is a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine. Prior to joining Bluetail Medical Group, Dr. Podesta served as the director of sports medicine at St. Charles Orthopedics in Port Jefferson, New York.”

“Dr. Podesta served as the medical director and head team physician for the Los Angeles Kiss (Arena Football League) and as team physician for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also served as head team physician for the World Champion LA Xtreme (XFL), the Los Angeles Avengers (Arena Football League), the Los Angeles Riptide Major League Lacrosse, Oxnard College, Suffolk College and as team physician for Loyola Marymount University. Past medical consultant roles have included the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Baseball Umpires and World Baseball Classic, as a sports performance consultant to Cirque Du Soleil-Iris, the Los Angeles Lakers and as a training camp consultant to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.

Dr. Podesta received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wagner College and earned his Medical Degree from Autonomous University of Guadalajara and New York Medical College. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at St. Vincent’s Medical Center of NYC and post doctorate Sports Medicine fellowships at the Staten Island Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Staten Island, NY [New York], and at the world renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, CA .He is board certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.”

Dr. Podesta lectures nationally and internationally on topics specific to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries in the throwing athlete; on-field management of sports-related spine injuries, biologic cell based therapies and regenerative medicine. He has authored numerous textbook chapters, research journal articles and instructional videos.

Dr. Podesta told OTW, “I consider partnering with Bluetail Medical Group an outstanding opportunity to create and spearhead a new state-of-the art orthopedic/musculoskeletal practice in Naples, Florida that focuses on non-surgical, regenerative orthopedic and musculoskeletal medicine. I will rely on my nearly 30 years of experience treating professional athletes, musicians, performing artists, as well as weekend warriors, high school, college, recreational and youth athletes with advanced non-surgical treatment options for shoulder, elbow, knee, and spine injuries.”

“Over the next several months I look forward to introducing myself and educating other medical practitioners in Naples and its surrounding communities here in southwest Florida on how I can enhance the care of their patients with the most advanced and clinically proven regenerative therapies.”