About

Sacramento Orthopedic Sports & Shoulder

Dr. Greg Takenishi serves as the head team physician for the Sacramento River Cats and is also a team physician for the San Francisco Giants. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty in Sports Medicine, he brings over 15 years of experience treating complex orthopedic and sports injuries. His patients range from professional athletes to active individuals looking to stay healthy and mobile.

He is one of only three specialists in Northern California who perform the arthroscopic MACI (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure. This cutting-edge technique helps regenerate knee cartilage and restore joint function, offering a powerful option for patients with cartilage damage.

Always focused on innovation, Dr. Takenishi integrates advanced biologic therapies to speed recovery and improve long-term outcomes. His work is guided by a commitment to personalized, high-performance care, whether helping a pitcher return to the mound or supporting someone eager to get back to weekend hiking.

Originally from San Jose, he graduated cum laude from the University of California, San Diego, and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. His early training included a general surgery internship at the University of Florida and an orthopedic surgery internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan. He then completed a four-year orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Arizona, followed by a sports medicine fellowship at S.O.A.R. in Redwood City. During this fellowship, he trained alongside the team physicians for the San Francisco Giants and Forty-Niners. This experience laid the foundation for his work in arthroscopy and shoulder replacements, which began at Kaiser in 2011.

Outside of his professional career, Dr. Takenishi enjoys living an active lifestyle. He has played basketball, tennis, and golf, and even competed in semi-professional baseball. Skiing is another favorite pursuit.

In the Central Valley, he has served as a team physician for the Sacramento Kings G League affiliate in Stockton and for the University of the Pacific. His fellowship provided hands-on experience with athletes from the San Francisco Giants, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, and many local colleges and high schools including Delta College, West Valley College, Skyline College, and DeAnza College. During his residency, he also worked with student-athletes at the University of Arizona and Amphi High School in Tucson.

Dr. Takenishi specializes in advanced care for the shoulder, knee, and elbow, with expertise in:

Complex knee ligament reconstructions
Meniscus tears and meniscus transplants
Arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery
Cartilage restoration
Patellofemoral instability
Corrective osteotomies around the knee for unicompartment arthritis
Tommy John surgery and acute elbow tendon injuries
Primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty (both anatomic and reverse)
PRP and Stem Cell treatments

Testimonials

Dr. Takenishi is also one of only three specialists in Northern California who perform the revolutionary arthroscopic MACI (Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) procedure—a cutting-edge technique for regenerating knee cartilage and restoring joint function.

He remains at the forefront of regenerative medicine, integrating advanced biologic therapies to accelerate recovery and improve long-term outcomes. Whether it’s returning a pitcher to the mound or helping someone get back to their weekend hike, Dr. Takenishi is committed to delivering personalized, high-performance care.

Why Choose Us?

At Sacramento Orthopedic Sports and Shoulder, we understand the unique demands placed on athletes’ bodies and the impact of sports-related injuries. Dr. Takenishi’s expertise spans across various areas, including:

1. Comprehensive Sports Medicine Care:
  - Dr. Takenishi has over 12 years of experience working with athletes, trainers, athletic directors, coaches and physical therapists. He understands the team dynamics and what is necessary to reach the highest level of sport. This enables him to effectively prevent and manage athletic injuries, guiding you through a successful recovery.
2. Expert Shoulder Care:
  - Our practice specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability, arthritic shoulders and shoulder impingement. Dr. Takenishi’s expertise ensures that your shoulder receives the utmost care and attention it deserves.
3. Performance Enhancement:
  - Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, Dr. Takenishi is well-versed in enhancing athletic performance through conditioning, training, fitness, and nutrition guidance. He considers a holistic approach to helping athletes achieve their full potential by relying upon a team approach through any sporting injuries. He incorporates a multifaceted approach to maximize performance and health, ensuring you are at the top of your game. This is even more important when dealing with sporting injuries that require surgical management and a stepwise approach to getting you back on the field when you are ready.
4. Team Approach to Care:
  - We believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. Dr. Takenishi coordinates care with other healthcare professionals, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive treatment plan for your specific needs.
5. State-of-the-Art Facilities:
  - Our clinic is equipped with advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities, providing you with the highest standard of care in a comfortable environment.
6. Compassionate Care:
  - At Sacramento Orthopedic Sports and Shoulder, we value your well-being above all else. Dr. Takenishi and our team are dedicated to providing compassionate care and personalized attention throughout your treatment journey.