Patient Education and FAQ
Welcome to Matthewson Orthopedics! We’re here to make your experience as smooth and informative as possible. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions, tips for preparing for your appointment, and an overview of what to expect from your orthopedic care with Dr. Matthewson.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What Body Parts Does Dr. Matthewson Treat?
Dr. Matthewson treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, specializing in:
- Shoulders: Treating rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, labral tears, arthritis, fractures, and dislocations.
- Hips: Specializing in hip arthritis, labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and other hip injuries.
- Knees: Managing conditions such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, ligament damage, cartilage issues, and knee arthritis.
- Elbows and Upper Extremities: Addressing conditions like tennis elbow, fractures, ligament injuries, and nerve compression.
- Other Areas: Dr. Matthewson also manages fractures, overuse injuries, and musculoskeletal pain in other areas, depending on the patient’s needs.
2. What Conditions Does Dr. Matthewson Treat?
Dr. Matthewson treats conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Joint Pain and Arthritis: Treating arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and joint pain through non-surgical and surgical options.
- Sports Injuries: Managing sports-related injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus tears, sprains, fractures, and shoulder dislocations.
- Fractures and Bone Injuries: Treating simple and complex fractures, including those requiring surgical intervention, to ensure proper healing and function.
- Back and Neck Pain: Addressing issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
- Overuse Injuries: Conditions from repetitive strain, like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.
3. When Should I See Dr. Matthewson?
If you’re experiencing pain, instability, or loss of function in any joint or muscle, consider scheduling an evaluation. Indicators that it may be time to see Dr. Matthewson include:
- Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications, especially if it’s lasted over three months.
- Difficulty Performing Daily Activities: Joint or muscle pain that limits you from walking, climbing stairs, or performing other regular tasks.
- Injury from Sports or Physical Activity: Dr. Matthewson can assess and treat sports injuries, ensuring safe and effective recovery.
- Limited Range of Motion: If a joint or muscle isn’t moving as freely as it should, an orthopedic evaluation can identify the cause and treatment options.
4. What Are Common Treatment Options Dr. Matthewson Uses?
Dr. Matthewson offers a range of treatments, tailored to each patient’s unique condition:
- Physical Therapy: A crucial component of many treatment plans, focusing on strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and accelerating recovery.
- Medications: Including anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to manage pain and inflammation.
- Advanced Injection Therapies: Including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem cell therapy, Hyaluronic acid, and Corticosteroid injections. These minimally invasive treatments can be highly effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Arthroscopy and other minimally invasive techniques, effective for repairing damaged joints with smaller incisions and reduced recovery time.
- Joint Replacement Surgery: When necessary, Dr. Matthewson performs joint replacements, such as knee and hip replacements, to restore function and reduce pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adjustments to activity levels, exercises, or daily habits to support joint health and prevent further injury.
5. How Can I Prepare for My Appointment with Dr. Matthewson?
To make the most of your time with Dr. Matthewson, please bring the following items and arrive prepared:
- Arrive 10 Minutes Early: This allows time for check-in and completing any additional paperwork.
- Bring Your Identification and Insurance Card: A driver’s license or other ID, along with your insurance card, is needed to verify your information.
- List of Current Medications and Supplements: Include dosages and frequency to help Dr. Matthewson ensure any treatment plan considers your current regimen.
- Relevant Medical Records: Recent X-rays, MRIs, or previous records from other providers are very helpful for a comprehensive view of your condition. Please bring a disc if you have them.
- Describe Your Symptoms Clearly: Think about when symptoms began, their severity, and specific activities that aggravate or relieve them. This helps Dr. Matthewson make an accurate diagnosis.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: If Dr. Matthewson needs to examine your knee, shoulder, hip, or another area, loose clothing will allow for an easier assessment.
6. What Should I Expect During My First Appointment?
During your first visit, Dr. Matthewson will perform a thorough assessment, which includes:
- Reviewing Your Medical History: Dr. Matthewson will discuss your symptoms, medical background, and any prior injuries or conditions.
- Physical Examination: This may involve range of motion tests, joint stability checks, and pain evaluation to determine the problem area.
- Diagnostic Imaging (If Necessary): X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to get a clear view of the injury or condition affecting you.
- Developing a Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, Dr. Matthewson will discuss treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
7. Will I Need Surgery?
Surgery is only recommended when necessary, and Dr. Matthewson believes that most orthopedic conditions can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments. If surgery is recommended, he will discuss the procedure in detail, including risks, benefits, and the expected recovery process.
8. How Long Will It Take to Recover?
Recovery time varies widely depending on the condition, the treatment option selected, and the individual. Dr. Matthewson will provide a personalized recovery timeline and follow-up care plan to ensure a safe and successful healing process.
Additional Patient Resources
Dr. Matthewson and his team at Matthewson Orthopedics are committed to making sure you understand every step of your orthopedic care journey. Our priority is your recovery, comfort, and getting you back to your daily activities as efficiently and safely as possible.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to helping you achieve your health goals!