Accessibility Tools

Helping You Stay Active Without Surgery

active people walking

Expert Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Insights from Dr. Javier Rios, MD

Supporting active individuals throughout Houston with trusted information on knee pain, arthritis, sports injuries, fracture care, shockwave therapy, regenerative orthopedics, and non-surgical treatment options.

MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

Can You Avoid Knee Replacement?

Not everyone with knee arthritis needs surgery. In fact, many people can stay active for years by focusing on what we call knee preservation, a strategy designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you maintain your lifestyle while delaying or potentially avoiding knee replacement surgery. Read more

Common Cause of Heel Pain

Not everyone with knee arthritis needs surgery. In fact, many people can stay active for years by focusing on what we call knee preservation, a strategy designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you maintain your lifestyle while delaying or potentially avoiding knee replacement surgery. Read more

10 Signs of Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. It can affect the largest and strongest joints in your body. It’s common in knees. Arthritis of the knee can be a serious, debilitating disease. Read more

What is a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician?

Primary care sports medicine is the medical subspecialty that focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, management and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Sports medicine physicians are highly trained and capable of treating a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, whether they stem from an acute injury, chronic overuse, or normal wear and tear on the muscles and joints of the body. Read more

Houston Sports Injury Tracker

A dedicated sports medicine education hub featuring physician-reviewed injury analysis involving Houston's professional, collegiate, and youth athletes.

Each article focuses on understanding injuries, recovery timelines, rehabilitation strategies, return-to-play decisions, and the latest non-surgical treatment options. Designed for athletes, parents, coaches, and active individuals, this section leverages Dr. Javier Rios' expertise in sports medicine to explain the medical side of sports injuries in an easy-to-understand format.

Houston Astros Injury Updates

Baseball Injury Analysis & Recovery Insights

Explore sports medicine perspectives on shoulder injuries, elbow injuries, oblique strains, hamstring injuries, and other common baseball-related conditions. Articles explain injury mechanisms, rehabilitation protocols, expected recovery timelines, and factors that influence an athlete's return to competition.

Houston Texans Injury Updates

Football Injury Recovery & Return-to-Play Education

Learn about ACL tears, MCL injuries, high ankle sprains, hamstring strains, shoulder instability, and concussion management. Each article provides insight into diagnosis, treatment options, rehabilitation milestones, and return-to-play considerations commonly encountered in football.

Houston Rockets Injury Updates

Basketball Injury Rehabilitation & Performance Recovery

Educational content covering ankle sprains, knee injuries, stress fractures, muscle strains, and overuse injuries affecting basketball players. Readers gain a better understanding of injury recovery, rehabilitation progression, and strategies used to restore athletic performance.

Houston Dynamo Injury Updates

Soccer Injury Treatment & Recovery Timelines

Discover sports medicine explanations of ACL injuries, groin strains, hamstring injuries, ankle sprains, and other soccer-related conditions. Articles discuss rehabilitation programs, injury prevention, and the decision-making process behind safe return to play.

University of Houston Athletic Injuries

Collegiate Sports Medicine Education

Analysis of injuries affecting college athletes across multiple sports. Topics include overuse injuries, ligament tears, stress reactions, concussion protocols, rehabilitation strategies, and the unique physical demands placed on collegiate competitors.

Houston-Area High School Sports Injuries

Youth Athlete Injury Prevention & Recovery

Resources for parents, coaches, and student-athletes covering growth plate injuries, overuse syndromes, stress fractures, ACL tears, shoulder injuries, and concussion management. Articles focus on early recognition, proper treatment, safe recovery, and long-term athletic development.

MEET DR. JAVIER RIOS, MD

Dr. Javier Rios, MD is a Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician serving Houston-area patients since 2009.

Specializing in:

Click here to Read More

Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?

Dr. Javier Rios, MD

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Javier Rios, MD for expert non-surgical orthopedic and sports medicine care.

Helping You Stay Active Without Surgery

Latest Blogs

Josh Hader Injury Update: Biceps Tendinitis Setback, Rehab Progress, and Return Timeline
Josh Hader Injury Update: Biceps Tendinitis Setback, Rehab Progress, and Return Timeline

Houston Astros Injury Tracker

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader has faced a setback this spring with left biceps tendinitis, delaying his buildup and forcing him to start the 2026 season on the injured list.

What Caused the Setback?

Hader initially felt discomfort during a bullpen session while throwing a changeup.

The irritation persisted with repeated throwing, and imaging confirmed inflammation of the biceps tendon.

As symptoms increased with intensity, he was shut down for about 10 days to allow inflammation to settle before restarting his throwing program.

Current Rehab and Progression

His rehab has followed a typical pitcher progression:

  • Initial rest and anti-inflammatory recovery phase
  • Gradual return to flat-ground throwing
  • Progression to bullpen sessions (currently ~85–87 mph)
  • Next step: live hitters and game simulation

Encouragingly, Hader has reported no significant pain after recent bullpen sessions, and the Astros believe he is trending in the right direction.

Return-to-Play Timeline

Because he is behind schedule and not yet facing hitters, Hader will miss Opening Day.

A realistic timeline:

  • Early April: bullpen progression and live hitters
  • Mid-April: rehab appearances
  • Mid-to-late April return window

Medical Takeaway

Biceps tendinitis in pitchers often reflects shoulder workload imbalance, especially following a prior shoulder injury. The biggest risk is returning too quickly before full velocity and endurance are restored.

For Houston athletes, this highlights an important lesson: early shoulder and arm symptoms should be addressed before progressing into more significant injury.

Dr Javier Rios MD is Houston’s Nonsurgical Orthopedic and Sports MD.

Proudly Serving Patients ThroughoutHouston and Surrounding Communities

Conveniently located in Webster and serving active adults, athletes, and families across the Greater Houston area.

Location

905 W. Medical Center BlvdSuite 201
Webster, TX 77598