Musculoskeletal conditions include injuries to the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments or tendons and include degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. These conditions accounted for 62% or 56 million visits to physicians' offices in 2000 (most recent data) — more than any other reason according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This means that one in seven Americans has a musculoskeletal impairment each year.
Even more staggering is how this affects education and business. It is estimated that each year musculoskeletal injuries cause children to miss 21 million days of school and American workers to miss more than 147 million days. Musculoskeletal disorders cost the United States $215 billion each year.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment of musculoskeletal disorders is critical to reducing pain, eliminating instability and getting people return to active lives.
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus
At Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center
Bone, Muscle and Joint Care For People Of All Ages
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus was formed to help people of all ages to get moving or stay moving through a variety of treatment options for their bones, muscles and joints. These treatment areas are orthopedics, sports medicine and rehabilitation. And while these services have been available in the Fox Valley for many years, ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus brings them together in a comprehensive program that maximizes care and communication at every step in a patient's treatment. We've partnered with top orthopedic specialists and brought together staff from both Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center, two the nation's 100 Top Hospitals®, to develop the region's most comprehensive team of clinical experts.
Whether the main concern is pain, limited movement, weakness or instability, the ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus team of highly skilled physicians, nurses, sports medicine professionals, physician assistants and rehabilitation experts are dedicated to helping people improve, maintain or regain their active lifestyle. This team works with each patient and their family physician to develop a treatment plan for them. It is our high quality standards, compassionate and caring treatment, and attention to communication that makes the ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus the leader for the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of bones, muscle and joint injuries.
Orthopedics
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus partners with several independent, board certified orthopedic physicians. Orthopedic physicians focus on the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with disorders of the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin or the musculoskeletal system. Treatments include both surgical and non-surgical options. Orthopedic specialists treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions including:
• Fractures and dislocations
• Torn ligaments, sprains and strains
• Ruptured disks, sciatica, low back pain, and scoliosis
• Tendon injuries, pulled muscles and bursitis
• Knock knees, bow legs, bunions and hammer toes
• Arthritis and osteoporosis
• Joint replacement and reconstruction
• Bone tumors, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy
• Club foot and unequal leg length
• Abnormalities of the fingers and toes as well as growth abnormalities
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus specialty partners include:
- Lindstrom Orthopedic Clinic
- Orthopaedic Specialists
- Orthopedic Clinic of Appleton
- Valley Orthopedic Clinic
Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine
Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to treat and prevent bone, muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) problems and injuries. The kind of rehabilitation needed to achieve the goal of restoring normal activity and the time and effort it will take changes with the nature and severity of each patient's specific injury.
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus uses a variety of advanced techniques designed to restore normal strength, motion, flexibility and reduce pain as quickly and safely as possible. We specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders including pre-and post-operative care programs.
ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus has physicians, call "physiatrists" who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. These physicians are trained to diagnose, treat, and direct rehabilitation plans for people of all ages. Physiatrists use the usual tools of medicine in conjunction with physical manipulation and therapeutic exercise to treat disorders that produce pain, impairment and disability. Our rehabilitation staff specializes in:
• Assessment and treatment of injuries of the foot and ankle, shoulder, knee, spine, hip, wrist, hand and elbow
•Advanced evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, such as sports-related injuries, occupational injuries, and injury prevention on the playing field as well as in the workplace
• Evaluation and treatment of spinal injuries and educational programs on spine care
• Development of biomechanical braces and supports for the foot, and custom sports braces and athletic pads
• Advanced manual therapy/mobilization of the spine and extremities
• Computerized assessments of strength, power, and endurance of the extremity joints
• Specialized work reconditioning programs
Sports Medicine
Sports Medicine is a special area that focuses on preventing and treating injuries in athletes of all ages and abilities. ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus sports Medicine program is highly specialized and encompasses a number of areas including:
• Athletic training
• Exercise physiology
• Sports nutrition
• Strength conditioning
• ImPACT© concussion management program
For more information about our sports medicine program click here.
New London Family Medical Center
Total joint replacement surgery is conveniently located at New London Family Medical Center. Experienced orthopedic surgeons and a compassionate support staff combine to allow residents of New London and the surrounding communities to complete their surgery and rehabilitation locally. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients by eliminating pain and increasing mobility, while providing access to the necessary services all under one roof.