The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is tackling gamers’ health through a new partnership with Nerd Street Gamers, a national esports infrastructure company dedicated to improving access to competitive opportunities for gamers. Together they will promote healthy habits for gamers of all ages and skill levels.
“Similar to traditional sport athletes, esports competitors need to be mindful of their mental and physical wellbeing to perform at a high level,” John Fazio, founder and CEO of the Nerd Street Gamers said in a statement.
“By partnering with Rothman Orthopaedics, one of the most respected names in sports medicine, we are making significant steps to educate and promote healthy lifestyles for the esports community as whole.”
In an effort to educate parents, fans, and gamers about best practices for training and competing, Rothman Orthopaedics will sponsor Nerd Street Gamers Summer Camp Series. Rothman physicians will hold seminars on healthy gaming during the camps as well as at Nerd Street Gamers’ Localhost venues in the Philadelphia area.
They will be focusing on both physical and mental health issues associated with gaming. Too much time spent playing video games has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, and even overuse injuries like gamer’s thumb.
“We are excited to be one of the leaders in orthopaedics that recognizes the opportunity within the gaming industry such as delivering high-level musculoskeletal care to a newer audience,” said Alexander R. Vaccaro, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, president of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute and Richard H. Rothman Professor and chairman of the department of orthopaedics and professor of neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals.
“Contrary to belief, esport athletes should be afforded the same level of care that your typical athlete received—and that means providing amateur and professional esport athletes orthopaedic care from some of the world’s best orthopaedic physicians.”
“Rothman Orthopaedics has always focused on partnering with organizations like Nerd Street Gamers that give us a platform to educate communities on the latest health guidance,” Mike West, CEO of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute also added.
“Gaming is an emerging sector, one that many health professionals aren’t paying attention to. With the increase of participation among esport athletes, it’s important they receive clear information about ways they can stay healthy.”
Rothman Orthopaedics has also been named the official team doctor for Philadelphia Fusion, an American based professional Overwatch esports team based in Philadelphia.
