Courtesy of Dr. Michael Denz, Orthopedics

I’ve always considered myself an athlete, someone who’s enjoyed exercise. I know that’s not for everyone, in fact, growing up I had friends and family who could think of plenty of things they’d rather do before activities requiring physical exertion. My love for being active, however, is why I chose to become an orthopedic specialist.

I can’t imagine living life without the ability to be fully independent or enjoy activities I love because of my physical limitations. There’s the joggers, cyclists, softball players, and pickleball fanatics; I can help them get that joy back again – pain free. And there’s also the lifelong gardeners who’ve lost their ability to bend and plant seedlings or weed a flower box. The retirees who can remember when they didn’t dread climbing stairs or walking their dog; I love telling everyone that I have solutions that can give all that back to them.

Yes, I’m a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, but that doesn’t mean the first solution begins in an operating room. My philosophy is to help patients understand all their available options to get back to living life pain free, what outcomes they should expect from a procedure, and allow them to make an informed decision. There are, in many cases, less invasive options before choosing surgery or joint replacement. My job is to let a person know what they can do to eliminate joint pain and treat them using the best of my training, skills, and experience. Their responsibility begins after that. This is a partnership. The patient must do what is prescribed, whether that’s initial rest or a dedicated exercise routine to regain strength and flexibility.

Orthopedics and technology have advanced significantly, and recovery is faster than ever, typically at home, without the need for hospitalization. In no time, many people I help exclaim, “Why didn’t I do this before now?!” We at Saint Mary of Nazareth care for a community with many aging residents who suffer with arthritic joints or damage to their cartilage or ligaments. It’s human nature to put off with dread what we imagine we may have to do to eliminate our discomfort or pain. But, even for the multitude of patients for whom I’ve replaced shoulder joints, knees and hips, the relatively brief recovery far outweighs living with suffering.

And for those who do their part – the physical therapy, the exercises to regain their strength and range of motion after a procedure – having their life back to live it as they choose and to do the things they love make it all worthwhile. We have a terrific team of nurses, technicians, and therapists at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital who find joy in seeing their patients smiling again.

Photo Credit: Prime Healthcare