Nothing could have prepared me for the moment I fractured my elbow. From the initial shock of the pain to the fear of, “Will I need surgery?”, and most concerning, “How will I be able to mother my child?”. It was all very overwhelming — that is until I walked into Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.

My injury happened on a weekend. I was beyond grateful that the scheduling team at Forté was able to get me in to see Dr. Lance Rettig first thing that Monday. I didn’t know what to expect regarding my diagnosis, but I felt tremendous relief knowing Dr. Rettig specializes in hand, wrist and elbow injuries like mine. While I waited in my patient room, it was incredible to see many photos of athletes and their messages of gratitude hanging on the walls. I remember thinking in that moment, “I’m going to be okay, and I will get back to doing the things I love.”

That relief only grew stronger when Dr. Rettig walked into the room. He was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to my concerns and understand the source of my pain. After a thorough physical exam and review of my X-rays, he had an immediate diagnosis and the most excellent news an orthopedic surgeon can deliver — this injury will heal on its own with no surgery required.

Temporarily losing my dominant arm and ability to perform everyday tasks was a challenge. But, with each follow-up visit with Dr. Rettig and my occupational therapists, I started to feel less pain and gain more range of motion in my arm.

Forté’s model of care with every orthopedic service under one roof including the doctors’ clinic, rehab, x-rays and medical equipment meant fewer appointments, less time off work, less travel and I’m convinced — a faster recovery time. As a working mom with dogs, a home and farm to manage, I couldn’t be more grateful to have mobility and function of my arm again. It’s all thanks to the caring and highly skilled staff at Forté including the scheduling team, X-ray techs, Dr. Rettig, his clinical assistants, Shanna, Bradley and Whitney, and my occupational therapists, Todd and Sue.

15-year hip and knee specialist Dr. Peter Maiers to serve Colts players, lead medical team

CARMEL, Ind. – The Indianapolis Colts are once again turning to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, formerly known as Methodist Sports Medicine, to lead the team’s sports medicine roster. The Colts have named Forté’s Dr. Peter Maiers as the new head team physician. Maiers replaces Forte’s Dr. Thomas Klootwyk, who stepped down after 23 years with the team, including five as head team physician.

A fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon who specializes in the treatment of the hip and knee, Maiers was elevated to the role of head team physician after serving the Colts for twelve years – eight years as a team consultant and four years as a team physician. Maiers also has experience as a team physician for Indiana University football.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Jim Irsay and the entire Irsay family for the opportunity to serve this great franchise by caring for the athletes,” said Maiers. “My goal as head team physician is to work with the team of sports medicine and medical specialists to maintain the respect of the players as Dr. Klootwyk has done so well over the years. We want the athletes to know we have their best interests at heart. Keeping them safe and healthy is our priority – now and for the benefit of their long-term health.”

Following the promotion of Maiers to head team physician, Dr. Dale Snead joins Dr. Mark Ritter as assistant team physicians. Ritter, who has served the Colts since 2020, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, trauma, and knee and shoulder injuries. Snead, also a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, specializes in the treatment of shoulders, elbows, forearms and hands. Both surgeons have served athletes for many years at various area high schools and colleges/universities.

Klootwyk will continue to serve the Colts as a team consultant. Also continuing as team consultants are Forté physicians: Dr. Thurman Alvey III, a primary care sports medicine specialist focusing on concussions; Dr. David Porter, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries; Dr. Lance Rettig, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in elbow, wrist and hand injuries; and Dr. Stephen Ritter, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in back and neck injuries.

“Our top priority always is to provide exceptional care for our players, and in Forté, we’ve found that same level of commitment from our physicians,” said Jim Irsay, Colts owner and CEO. “We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Maiers and the Forté team as they use their world-class skill and experience to enhance the physical and mental health of our athletes.”

Fans who are interested in seeing the Colts in action this season can still purchase single-game tickets for regular season games at Lucas Oil Stadium at Colts.com/Tickets or Ticketmaster.com.

More information about Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is available at forteortho.com.

About Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, previously known as Methodist Sports Medicine, is an independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice recognized as one of the region’s most respected orthopedic groups. Founded in 1983 as one of the country’s original sports medicine practices, Forté’s physicians and staff provide comprehensive, specialized sports medicine and orthopedic care to patients of all ages.

Clinical evaluations performed by highly skilled fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, combined with advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive non-surgical treatment options, provide patients with exceptional treatment outcomes and a return to active living. Forté provides patients with expert orthopedic care in several sub-specialties, including hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder; foot and ankle; hip and knee; joint replacement and revision; spine care and sports medicine. Forté has been trusted by the Indianapolis Colts as their official team physicians since 1984 and serve as the orthopedic provider for Purdue University, Butler University, Indiana State University and numerous high schools and public safety departments throughout central Indiana.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics also innovates daily through a separate 501(c)(3), Forté Orthopedic Research Institute, that improves the lives of patients everywhere through advanced clinical research and education.