Dr. Daniel Romanelli, DHR Health Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon
5540 Raphael Drive Edinburg, TX 78539
1401 W. Expressway 83 San Benito, TX 78586
To schedule an appointment at either the Edinburg or San Benito location, call (956) 362-5870 To learn more about orthopedic and sports medicine services at DHR Health, visit https://dhr-rgv.com/services/orthopedics/ and https://dhr-rgv.com/services/sports-medicine/
Ask the Expert: How Your Core Protects You from Injury
When people think about sports performance, they often focus on speed, strength, or endurance. But one of the most important parts of staying healthy and avoiding injuries has to do with something less obvious—your trunk, hips, and core. Together, these muscles form the foundation for almost every movement you make on the field, court, or track.
Why Core and Hip Stability Matter
Your “core” isn’t just about six-pack abs. It includes deep muscles around your stomach, back, and hips that keep your body steady and balanced. These muscles work like the foundation of a house—if the base is weak, everything above it can shift or break down.
When your hips or core aren’t strong enough, your body finds ways to compensate. That can put extra stress on your knees, shoulders, or lower back. For example, weak hip muscles can increase the risk of knee injuries like ACL tears, while poor trunk control may lead to back pain or shoulder problems. On the other hand, when your core and hips are strong, your movements are smoother, your balance is better, and your risk of injury goes down.
Choosing the Right Specialist
If you do get hurt—or even if you’re trying to prevent injuries—it’s important to see the right kind of sports medicine specialist. Not every doctor or therapist approaches athletic injuries the same way. A sports medicine expert understands how your hips, trunk, and core all work together with the rest of your body. Instead of just treating pain, they look at the big picture to figure out what’s really causing the problem.
The right specialist can use movement testing and personalized exercises to strengthen weak areas and correct imbalances. Some also use advanced techniques to help with joint health and long-term performance, so you’re not just getting a quick fix—you’re building a stronger base for the future.
The Bottom Line
No matter your sport or level of play, focusing on your trunk, hips, and core can help you perform better and avoid injuries. And if you do need help, finding a sports medicine expert who
understands the importance of stability can make all the difference. With a strong foundation and the right care, athletes can play harder, recover faster, and stay in the game longer.
About Dr. Daniel Romanelli, DHR Health Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Romanelli’s journey to becoming a respected Orthopedic Surgeon has spanned decades, with a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a medical degree from New York Medical College. Proud to call South Texas his home, he has become an integral part of the local medical community, actively contributing in various capacities. This includes serving as a consultant for UTRGV Athletics and several area high schools. Dr. Romanelli served as a Travelling Team Physician for the U.S. National Soccer team and a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine.
Through a comprehensive range of treatment options, Dr. Romanelli offers lasting solutions for a wide spectrum of shoulder and knee issues, from minor discomfort to life-altering diagnoses and surgical procedures. He is well-equipped to address concerns such as Rotator Cuff Tears, Labral Tears, Slap Tears, Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Instability, and Impingement, as well as Knee injuries resulting from work or sports-related activities with current techniques in ACL reconstructions, meniscal repairs, tendon ruptures and cartilage restoration techniques such as MACI, Autograft and Allograft OAT procedures. Dr. Romanelli also performs “Tommy John” elbow surgery as well as Regenerative Medicine.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Romanelli at either the Edinburg or San Benito clinic location, call (956) 362-5870.
