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Alan Nicotra, DO

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Alan Nicotra

DO
Non-Operative Sports Medicine
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About Alan Nicotra

Alan Nicotra is a non-operative sports medicine physician at University Orthopaedic Associates. He specializes in comprehensive musculoskeletal care for patients of all ages, from active individuals and athletes to older adults managing joint pain or mobility issues. Dr. Nicotra believes in a patient-centered approach that combines advanced techniques with open, supportive communication to help you feel your best. 

Dr. Nicotra completed his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, where he worked with the Carolina Panthers’ medical department and team physicians. He also provided sideline coverage for Charlotte FC, and collegiate teams at UNC Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte and Johnson C. Smith University. He previously completed his family medicine residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and earned his osteopathic medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL, where he served as class president.

Dr. Nicotra’s career also includes several years of service in the United States Navy as a flight surgeon. He led medical readiness for a large aviation squadron, advised commanders on crucial health decisions and helped guide his team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment and leadership earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. 

Clinical Interests

  • Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
  • Ultrasound-guided procedures: Corticosteroid, viscosupplementation, PRP, Tenex and TenJet
  • Regenerative medicine: Lipogems and bone marrow aspirate 
  • Sideline and sports team coverage 
  • Medical education and mentorship in musculoskeletal physical exams

Accomplishments

  • Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Senior flight surgeon for a 400+ member U.S. Navy aviation squadron
  • Presenter at AMSSM national conferences and MUSC Scholars Day
  • Published author in academic case studies, such as the AMSSM, and a military medical textbook
  • Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society member and recipient of LECOM’s Student Leadership Award
  • Volunteered with CARES Clinic and MUSC Street Medicine, delivering care to underserved populations

Additional Information:

Assistant: Prika Patel

Phone: 732-537-0909, ext. 1104

Email: PrikaP@uognj.com

Accepting New Patients:

No

Procedures:

Aspiration of Cysts, Effusions

Carpal Tunnel Injections

Casting and Splinting

Corticosteroid

Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Nerve Hydrodissection

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Prolotherapy

Trigger Finger Injections

Trigger Point Injections

Viscosupplementation/Hyaluronic Acid

Conditions:

Abnormal Preparticipation Sports Physical Examination Workup

Apophysitis

Chest Pain and/or EKG Changes in the Athlete Workup

Diabetes Management in Athletes

Exercise-Induced Asthma or Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (work-up, clearance)

Gluteal Tendinopathy

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Hamstring Tendinopathy

IT Band Syndrome

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Little League Elbow/Shoulder

Medial Epicondylitis (Pitcher's or Golfer's Elbow) Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)

Muscle Contusions and Hematomas

Osgood-Schlatter Disease Osteoarthritis

Overtraining Syndrome

Patellar Tendonitis (Knee Tendonitis, Jumper's Knee)

Plantar Fasciitis

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)

Return to Sport Management in Athletes with Infectious Disease

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome

Sport-Related Concussions

Sports Cardiology and Clearance Evaluation

Sports Hernia

Stress Reactions and Early Stress Fractures without Displacement

Publications:

Electronic Publication. Nicotra, A. Winton, E. The Man with Migratory Pains. Duerson, D. Fehr, S, ed. AMSSM/AOASM Case Study Teaching Tool. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. URL: https://www.amssm.org/the_man_with_migratory_pai-csa-1071.html?StartPos=20&Part=1. April 27, 2023.


Residency Research Project. Nicotra, A. Mazurek, K. (June 2024). “E-Cigarette Usage in Collegiate Athletes”. Researching collegiate athletes at the College of Charleston to provide insights into the prevalence of e-cigarette usage and its potential negative impact on athletic performance.


Textbook Chapter. Nicotra, A., Spooner, M., Demis, J., Liggett, J., & Frasier, S. (2019). "Upper Respiratory Tract Infection". In J.Demis (Ed.), STOMP GMO Manual: Clinical Reference for the Operational Medical Provider (pp. 40-41). Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA: US Navy


Undergraduate Research Intern. University of Florida Institute on Geriatrics and Aging. “The LIFE Study – Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders”. January – May, 2012.

Education:

Medical Degree, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton

Residency:

Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Fellowships:

Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Charlotte