The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine at Hope College will focus on the shoulder joint on Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. at Mary Free Bed Hospital, located at 235 Wealthy, S.E., in Grand Rapids.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Dr. Thomas Matelic of Orthopaedic Associates of Grand Rapids will present "Advances in the Management of the Unstable Glenohumeral Joint: Implications for Rehabilitation."

Matelic will discuss the anatomy of the shoulder joint, the way that injuries can occur and methods of rehabilitation. The shoulder, he noted, functions through a complex interaction between ligaments, muscles and bony articulations. Injuries happen if the delicate balance in the system is broken, resulting in pain, weakness, instability and decreased athletic performance. Understanding how such injuries can happen, he believes, is of key importance in treating them.

Matelic is a graduate of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. He has been in private practice in Grand Rapids since 1995. He serves as the team physician and orthopaedic consultant for Cornerstone University, and the Grand Rapids Hoops, Griffins and Rampage. He has made more then 30 presentations to professional medical societies.

The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine is designed for health care professionals with an interest in physically active patients, and is intended for students, educators and clinicians alike. It is co-sponsored by Holland Community Hospital, GRSportsCenter and the college.