J. WINSLOW ALFORD, MD

Phone: 401-777-7000
Office Location(s): Warwick Campus |
Specialties: Shoulder and Sports Medicine

With a background in general orthopedics and orthopedic trauma, Dr. Alford has advanced training in shoulder and sports medicine injuries, specifically all-arthroscopic shoulder repairs, ligament reconstruction of the knee, and cartilage restoration / transplantation. He is also a clinical assistant professor at Brown University Medical School, and a faculty member at the Orthopedic Learning Center in Chicago, where he teaches other orthopedic surgeons new arthroscopic techniques. Previously, he served as team physician for the Chicago White Sox.

He emphasizes a highly personalized, empathetic approach to the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries, and takes the time to answer questions and understand a patient’s goals and concerns.

Born and raised in Philadephia, PA, He was a varsity squash player at Amherst. He conducted part of his research in Madrid, Spain which helped him become fluent in Spanish.

Education

Undergraduate – Amherst College, BA, magna cum laude, 1991
Medical – Brown University, MD, with honors, 1997
Residency – Brown University/ Rhode Island Hospital, Orthopedics, 1997-2002
Fellowship – Brown University, Orthopedic Trauma, 2002-2003
Fellowship – Rush University, Shoulder Reconstruction and Sports Medicine, 2003-2004

Honors

Haffenreffer Research Fellowship award for original research in Sports Medicine
Amherst College, Sigma Xi Research Honor Society

June 7, 2023 / Shoulder / Dr. J. Winslow Alford

Motion is Lotion! Immediate Mobilization After Stable Rotator Cuff Repairs

The videos below demonstrate a typical rotator cuff tear before (vid1) and after (vid2) a repair. The key features of these videos are that the repair takes advantage of the native bone’s ability to provide growth factors and other blood-born, glue-like properties to firmly cement the repair in place. In addition, the repair construct has strong fixation medially, which establishes the anatomy of the repair which is strengthened by lateral anchors which drape the sutures over the repair - like bungie cords on a roof rack. This produces a strong repair, with a large surface area for robust healing and early motion.

March 16, 2022 / Physical Therapy Shoulder / Dr. J. Winslow Alford

Shoulder GIRD: Mechanical Imbalance from Internal Rotation Loss

Over the years of helping people recover from shoulder surgery and injuries, I’ve noticed an under emphasis on regaining symmetric internal rotation of the shoulder joint, which is key to achieving healthy balanced shoulder mechanics. On a very basic level, this is measured by our ability to raise our thumb behind our back up to our shoulder blade (scapula). Most of what we do with....

April 17, 2018 / Exercise Health Joint Health Surgery / Dr. J. Winslow Alford

“Viscoelasticity” ?! It’s a stretch…

Proper flexibility of joints, muscle and tendons supporting the joints not only to make the joint more efficient in its performance, but also to produce more balanced joint mechanics which can help preserve the joint and prevent long term deterioration and wear. A key feature of successful stretching is not only when to stretch but how the stretching should occur.

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