Winter 2026 | Issue 15

WELCOME TO OUR 

WINTER NEWSLETTER!

This season, we’re sharing a few updates designed to help you stay active, comfortable, and confident, even in the dark, icy months. Below, you’ll meet Dr. Gary Canner from our Sports Medicine team, learn about iovera˚ as a non-opioid option for knee pain relief, and gain simple winter safety tips for staying active. We'll give you a peak behind the scenes, into our ongoing provider education and an upgraded phone system. We’re also featuring a PRP success story from a Berks Ortho patient - enjoy!

Meet Dr. Gary Canner

Dr. Gary Canner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 40 years of experience serving patients in Berks County. A graduate of Brown University and Brown Medical School, Dr. Canner completed his surgical training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and has dedicated his career to restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Alongside Dr. Schumacher, Dr. Canner leads our Sports Medicine team, helping athletes of all ages recover from injuries and return to peak performance. Our team treats everything from knee and shoulder injuries to tears and fractures, working closely with physical therapists and athletic trainers to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.


Ready to get back to doing what you love? Check out our Sports Medicine page to meet our team, learn about our specialized services, and discover how we achieve our goal of helping you heal while providing you with tools to prevent future injuries.

Understanding iovera˚: A Non-Opioid Option for Knee Pain Relief 

At Berks Ortho, we are pleased to offer iovera˚, an FDA-cleared, non-opioid treatment that uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily “freeze” the nerves sending pain signals, helping reduce knee pain right at the source. The procedure is minimally invasive, typically performed in the office, and can provide immediate pain relief that may last for up to 90 days, improving comfort and aiding recovery for people with osteoarthritis or those preparing for knee surgery. If you are struggling with ongoing knee pain or have upcoming surgery, we encourage you to talk with your care team to see if iovera˚ might be a good fit for your treatment plan.

Learn more:
 https://www.berksortho.com/iovera

Winter Safety Tips for the Dark, Icy Months

From the team at Berks Ortho

Winter conditions can make everyday activities more challenging. Shorter days, icy surfaces, and cold temperatures increase the risk of slips, falls, and stiffness. Staying aware, prepared, and active throughout the year can help protect your health and mobility during the winter months.


Simple winter safety tips to keep in mind:


Be visible in low light: Shorter daylight hours can make it harder to see hazards. Use handrails, carry a small flashlight, and consider reflective clothing when outdoors.


Prevent slips and falls:
 Wear shoes with good traction, take slow and steady steps, and avoid icy areas when possible. Ask for help with errands during unsafe conditions.


Stay active year-round:
 Even in winter, regular movement helps maintain strength, balance, and joint health. Choose safe indoor exercises or gentle stretching to keep your body moving.


Keep joints warm and flexible:
 Cold weather can increase stiffness. Dress in layers and take time to warm up before activity.


At Berks Ortho, your safety and well-being are always our priority. By staying aware of winter hazards and making small adjustments to your routine, you can remain confident and active throughout the season. If you have concerns about balance, joint pain, or fall prevention, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Journal Club for Continued Provider Education


In the new year, the Berks Ortho and Freedom Therapies team is launching a Journal Club focused on continued provider education, with discussions on topics such as iovera°, PRP, sports medicine, and more. This collaborative initiative supports ongoing learning and the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Coming soon, we look forward to expanding these conversations to patient-centered, public discussions covering orthopedics, sports medicine, specialized physical therapy, and more. 


Stay in touch by following us on social media and look for more information on these events in an upcoming newsletter.

New Phone System



We’ve heard the call! Berks Ortho is upgrading our phone system to better support our patients. As part of this upgrade, a new AI assistant will be available to help when a team member is not immediately available. Our improved phone system is planned to be fully functional this month and we appreciate your patience as we work behind the scenes.

PRP Therapy Success Stories 



Berks Ortho patient Dawn had multiple falls, resulting in pain and problems in her right knee. She shares how she switched from cortisone shots to PRP, done right in the Berks Ortho office.


Learn more about Dawn's Story, Here and visit our PRP Therapy page to discover if PRP therapy is the right option for you.

Visit: BerksOrtho.com to learn more about our team + services, and check out what our patients are saying: Patient Reviews