October 15, 2025

Meet Elena Randazzo, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist 

Dr. Randazzo specializes in the nonoperative management of musculoskeletal and sports medicine conditions including tendon/ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, fractures, radiculopathy, back pain and SI joint dysfunction. She has special interests in treating injuries and conditions faced by female athletes and performing artists, including figure skaters and dancers. 

Where are you from? 

I grew up in St. Charles, Missouri, where our claim to fame is the charming historic Main Street. I loved wandering from shop to shop, sampling artisanal sweets, and admiring the local artistry and craftsmanship.

What made you choose physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) as a specialty? 

I was drawn to PM&R when I first learned about it in medical school because of its focus on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients. As a former figure skater who struggled with my own injuries, I felt a particular connection to sports medicine. I empathize with patients going through similar experiences, and I appreciate the ability to treat individuals of all ages and backgrounds, helping them stay as functional as possible.

What brought you to WashU Medicine Orthopedics? 

After 12 years away for undergraduate and medical training, I was excited to return home to St. Louis for my PM&R sports medicine fellowship at Washington University Orthopedics in 2024. During my fellowship, I was impressed by the department’s collegial environment and its commitment to training the next generation of physicians, which made it an easy decision to stay.

What aspect of your practice do you find most interesting or rewarding?

Nothing makes me happier than helping a patient return to doing what they love, whether that’s a weekend warrior running pain-free or an athlete getting back to their sport.

What's on the horizon for physical medicine & rehabilitation?

One of my personal interests is the care of female athlete across the lifespan, which I will be focusing on in our Female Athlete Program at the Living Well Center. This is a relatively new and much-needed branch of sports medicine that aims to close the gaps in research for female athletes as well as provide individualized care for the unique needs of women and girls who are active. Outside of female-athlete focused care, I am also excited to see new therapies for chronic musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis and overuse injuries like tendinopathies.

What's the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I received during my medical training was, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.” I’ve used this reminder throughout my career to stay active, eat well, get enough rest, and nurture my relationships with family and friends. Staying well allows me to be present for my patients.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s walking my dog, going for hikes, playing golf or pickleball, or just enjoying a nice day on our deck, I always enjoy fresh air and some vitamin D.

If you weren't a physician, what would you like to be doing? 

If I could do any job in the world, I’d be an international food critic. My husband and I love traveling and trying new food, so it would be the perfect way to combine my hobbies with work!

Anything else you'd like to share?

When I'm not working, I spend time with my family, who I'm fortunate to have with me here in St. Louis. My husband and I try to use any opportunity to explore the world—we’ve been to six countries this year and counting. I stay active through a variety of activities like cycling, Pilates, weightlifting, HIIT cardio, regular walks, golf, and pickleball. I also enjoy taking advantage of the cultural events happening in town, such as weekly farmers markets, festivals, concerts, and comedy shows. I'm an avid reader and love diving into a good book whenever I get the chance—I even ask my patients about their favorite books so I can add new titles to my reading list.

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.