TWINSBURG – Dr. Larry Miller knows his stuff about sports injuries.

Miller, 67, who worked as a dentist for over 30 years until 2019, competed as a Powerlifter and was ranked world number one in the bench press at the age of 48. He also enjoys playing tennis. However, both activities have led to wear and tear over the years.

After a tennis elbow seizure that sidelined him, Miller said he was introduced to shock wave therapy.

Shockwave therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a non-invasive treatment that involves delivering shock waves to injured soft tissues to reduce pain and promote healing. According to Jonathan T. Finnoff, DO, medical director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine in Minneapolis, this is a viable option to consider for many patients with chronic tendinopathy who have not responded to more conservative treatments.

“After treatment I was 70% better,” Miller said. “After two years, I could play tennis again, pain free.”

Following this experience, Miller announced that he would be opening Twinsburg Healthy Solutions. Through this business, which he will initially operate from his home, he will offer treatments, including shock wave therapy, among other treatments and therapies. Miller said he was an International Sports Sciences Association-certified personal tug, exercise therapist, and fitness trainer.

“I know what it’s like to have chronic injuries and not be able to do things,” Miller said. “I have always liked to exercise and I am very competitive.”

Miller said he is especially proud of the fact that he has not only achieved his successes “clean”, or without performance enhancing drugs, but as a type 1 diabetic.

So far, Miller said, it has helped family and friends with their physical health issues, but aims to officially open on July 12. However, Miller, who has been a licensed dentist in Ohio since 1980, added that he had no plans to make it a full-time job.

“When I was a dentist I saw 45 patients a day,” he said. “I don’t want to go back to work full time.”

If things go well, Miller has said he may move his business to space in the office building he owns.

Miller said he credits much of his powerlifting and bodybuilding knowledge to Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell in Columbus. Miller said Simmons had a broken back in the past and was told he would never lift weights again. With therapy, Simmons was able to continue.

“He’s been really nice to me,” Miller said of Simmons. “I took a lot of people to his gym.”

Miller said Simmons is a big advocate of building strength and power.

“What people don’t realize is that when you have back pain you will always have back pain unless you strengthen it,” he said.

Miller said shock wave therapy can be used to help treat a variety of ailments, such as tennis elbow, shoulder problems, knee problems, shin splints, and more.

“The possibilities are almost endless,” Miller said.

Another therapy Miller said he offers is to work with rubber bands.

“In any exercise, you can’t repeat the same exercises,” he said. “Your body will adapt. Rubber bands are a good way to shock the body and make it stronger. But you can’t use them every day because it’s hard on the body.”

One skill Miller said he is working on is the use of PNOĒ, a device that measures several factors related to metabolism. When using a treadmill, the system measures lung and heart function, VO2 Max, and the rate at which carbohydrates and fat are burned.

“I’m interested in the science of sports,” Miller said. “Not just for lifting weights, but how the body works when lifting weights. How machines can be used to maximize performance.”

Miller said he would offer clients a free initial consultation, which includes an analysis of body fat and lean muscle mass, as well as help with goal setting.

“Everyone needs to know their body fat versus their lean muscle mass,” Miller said. “The amount of body fat and muscle you have is a strong indicator of your health as you age.”

Miller said he grew up in Cleveland as one of six children.

“We have four doctors in the family,” he said. “I am the dentist.” He added that his three brothers also lift weights.

For more details on Twinsburg Healthy Solutions, visit www.twinsburghealthysolutions.com, email [email protected] or call 234-212-8576.

Journalist April Helms can be contacted at [email protected]