The Benefits of an Orthopedic Clinic Visit

While your primary care physician may be your go-to expert for many of your health problems, visiting an orthopedic clinic remains your best course of action if you have issues with your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues (musculoskeletal system), This is especially true if your condition or injury might need advanced or specialized care, or if you want to partner with a medical professional who can guide you along the path to optimal musculoskeletal health.

Whether you suffered an injury on the job or playing field, living with a chronic joint problem, or you just want to be proactive about your musculoskeletal health, here are the benefits that you can reap from visiting an orthopedic clinic.

The Best Possible Treatment Outcomes

An orthopedic clinic is what it sounds like. It is staffed with an orthopedic doctor and other medical professionals, such as a physician assistant and physical therapist, who are highly equipped to provide care for patients suffering from the entire range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

There are orthopedic clinics that specialize in specific areas of the body, such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. Below are some of the injuries and conditions treated at an orthopedic clinic:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Pelvic fractures
• Meniscus tears
• Ligament tears (ACL, LCL, PCL, and MCL tears)
• Patellar tendon tears
• Osteoporosis
• Osteonecrosis
• Dislocation and instability
• Impingement syndrome

To accurately diagnose your condition, your orthopedic doctor will carry out a thorough assessment, which likely includes a physical exam, review of your symptoms and medical history, and some diagnostic and medical imaging exams.

Based on their findings, your orthopedic specialist will determine the most suitable treatment for you. Orthopedic doctors typically first explore conservative interventions, as most of the time, these are enough to achieve excellent results. For chronic musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, your orthopedic doctor will leverage conservative treatment modalities to slow their progression and attempt to postpone surgery or even eliminate the need altogether.

Below are a few of the nonsurgical treatment modalities your orthopedic doctor may use to treat your condition:

• Cortisone shots
• Regenerative medicine- Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Physical therapy
• Viscosupplementation

If you have a severe musculoskeletal injury or if your symptoms persist even after an extensive course of nonoperative treatment, your doctor may consider surgery. They will discuss this option with you to set your expectations. They will also give you a detailed set of preoperative instructions to get you adequately prepared for it and to help minimize your risk for complications to ultimately ensure a successful outcome.

You’re in great hands if you’re under the care of an orthopedic doctor who is highly trained and experienced in minimally invasive procedures. This means you can recover and return to your routine faster.

Preventive Care

Orthopedic physicians are proponents of preventive care, which means they don’t only provide medical treatment; they also equip patients with useful information and strategies to help them minimize their risk for injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Orthopedic Clinic in Little Rock, AR

If you’re looking for a trusted orthopedic clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas, visit us here at Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. Dr. William Hefley, our highly credentialed board-certified orthopedic surgeon, works collaboratively with our entire team to deliver unmatched treatment outcomes for all types of musculoskeletal problems affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee. Just as we have helped countless of people in Little Rock, we can get you feeling, moving, and living better all the way into your golden years.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Hefley, give our staff a call at (800) 336-2412, or simply request an appointment right here on our website. We look forward to providing you with comprehensive, compassionate orthopedic care!