Having spent several days with chiropractic neurologist Ted Carrick in Atlanta, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has traveled to California to meet with a physician slightly more respected in sports circles.
Sidney Crosby traveled to California Friday to visit with Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist, as part of his continuing treatment program. Crosby will undergo a series of tests with Dr. Bray. Crosby has not played since Dec. 5 because of concussion-like symptoms.
Dr. Bray is founding director and CEO of the D.I.S.C. Sports and Spine Center.
He worked with the U.S. Olympic team at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. "Sidney is meeting with some of the top specialists in the country as he continues his recovery," said Ray Shero, the Penguins' general manager.
So who is Dr. Robert S. Bray?
Here's his bio from the D.I.S.C. organization and here's his webpage.
He's probably best known for fixed up the back of "Dancing With the Stars" winner Jennifer Grey, who reported she was pain free after surgery removed a "huge fragment" from her back.
He was also part of the 47-member medical staff that supported the U.S. Olympic team during the Vancouver Games. From that announcement in 2010:
In addition to routine medical care, Dr. Bray's expertise in neurological spine surgery will make him an invaluable member of the medical team. Dr. Bray will serve as the head team doctor for luge, bobsled and skeleton and will provide support for the alpine sports. Dr. Robert S. Bray, Jr.
For nearly 30 years Dr. Robert S. Bray Jr. has been at the forefront of the innovations taking place in minimally invasive spine surgery. He has performed more than 10,000 procedures. Approximately 95% of his surgical cases are performed on an outpatient basis, while the national average is 5-10%.
Bray's organization also jointly owned a sailboat with the Los Angeles Kings. Not a schooner … a sailboat.
Meanwhile, expect more criticism about Carrick now that Crosby's getting another opinion on his concussion rehab.
His appearance at Sidney's "he's like a Ferrari" press conference last year raised eyebrows. The Science-Based Medicine blog has been sending shots his way for two years, like here and here, which mentions Crosby.