Expert Care in One Convenient Location
At the Women’s Orthopedic and Joint Disease Center, patients can receive information, diagnostic tests and a physician’s evaluation on the same day in the same location.
Our health care team consists of specialists in:
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
- Physical therapy
- Physiatry
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
Our diverse staff of physicians, nurses and physical therapists communicates closely with each other about every patient. We take a careful approach to ensure that every woman receives the care they need to remain active or to become more active.
Our rheumatologists not only evaluate each patient’s condition, but also are responsible for coordinating all diagnostic services, any necessary medical and surgical treatments, and physical therapy as part of an integrated care plan. When necessary, patients with sports injuries or stroke patients with particular nerve injuries work with a physiatrist, a physician who has training in both orthopedics and physical therapy. Our orthopedic surgeons – who specialize in disorders of the hip, knee, shoulder, and spine – also work closely with our team of caregivers.
Diagnostic Services
An essential component of the Women’s Orthopedic and Joint Disease Center is providing each patient with the information they need to make informed decisions and to be a full participant in their own care. The rheumatologist will order the necessary imaging and laboratory tests to determine what is causing the joint pain and the degree of severity of each patient’s condition. The rheumatologist will then work with the patient on a treatment plan that will meet the needs of the patient with respect to the stage of disease and impact on lifestyle. Advice on lifestyle measures, such as weight loss, exercise and mechanical aids, will also be provided.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical Treatments
We believe in evaluating the patient as a whole and in treating the root cause for pain. Non-surgical therapies include medications, such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other pain medications. Additional non-surgical options are nutritional supplementation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise and weight loss.
Surgical Options
A variety of surgical options are available to relieve pain and increase mobility. Research indicates that women tend to opt for surgery less frequently than men for a variety of reasons. One advantage of the Women’s Orthopedic and Joint Disease Center is that the orthopedic surgeon is an integral part of the team, so that surgical consultations and planning are timely and convenient for the patient.
Physical Therapy
On-site physical therapy is available as a treatment to reduce pain, increase flexibility and build strength, or as post-surgical rehabilitation.
Physiatry
A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in physical medicine (modalities for pain relief) and rehabilitation (return to function after injury). Women with non-operative sports injuries and women who need to become more active benefit from working with our physiatrist.