Orthopedic Surgery & Joint Care

Step 1 – Start with Your Primary Care Provider

Most patients begin by speaking with their primary care provider about joint pain, mobility limitations, or injury. Your provider evaluates your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and helps determine the most appropriate next step for relieving your pain.

Step 2 – Conservative Treatment

Some patients improve with non-surgical treatment such as joint injections, rehabilitation, medication management, or activity modification.

Step 3 – Orthopedic Consultation

If conservative treatments are not successful, your PCP may recommend an Orthopedic Consultation to evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine the cause of your joint pain or injury.

Step 4 – Imaging and Diagnosis

Diagnostic imaging such as MRI, X-rays or CT scans may be used to better understand the condition of the joint and determine appropriate treatment options.

Step 5 – Surgical Planning

If surgery is recommended, the care team will coordinate pre-operative testing, medical clearance, and preparation for your procedure.

Step 6 – Joint Camp Education

Joint replacement patients attend a pre-operative education class with their support person. This session introduces the care team, explains what to expect during surgery and recovery, and prepares patients for rehabilitation

Step 7 – Surgery and Hospital Recovery

Joint replacement procedures typically take about one to three hours depending on the patient’s condition. Early movement and therapy begin soon after surgery to promote recovery.

Step 8 – Rehabilitation and Follow-Up Care

Patients continue recovery through physical therapy, home health services when needed, and follow-up visits with their orthopedic provider. Many patients are ready for discharge within one to three days once recovery goals are met.