Whether you tweaked your shoulder playing pickleball in The Villages or your knees are finally protesting those long walks around Lake Eola, living with musculoskeletal pain stops you from enjoying the Florida lifestyle. It's natural to feel nervous about seeing a specialist, but knowing what happens during that first visit helps calm those nerves.
Our team sees hundreds of residents every month who are in the same boat. We’re here to help you understand the process, get accurate answers, and build a plan to get you moving again.
How Do I Find the Right Orthopedic Surgeon?
To find the right specialist, look for a board-certified doctor who listens to your specific goals and has a physical office near you for convenient follow-ups. You'll want to check their credentials and read reviews from other patients in Volusia and Seminole counties.
When you start looking for an orthopedic surgeon Deland Florida residents trust, proximity matters. Orthopedic care often requires physical therapy or follow-up imaging, so you don't want to be driving an hour on I-4 every time you need an appointment. Look for practices with roots in the community, like our offices in Orange City and Lake Mary, where the staff understands local needs.
What Should I Do Before My Appointment?
Gather your photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, and any previous X-rays or MRI discs related to your injury before you leave the house. Write down a timeline of your symptoms—when the pain started, what worsens it, and what improves it.
Being prepared saves time and ensures your doctor has the full picture. If your pain is severe and getting into a car is difficult, you don't always have to come in person immediately. We offer telemedicine appointments for initial evaluations. This is a safe, affordable option where we can review your history and decide the next steps from the comfort of your living room.
If you're coming to the office, arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. If you're a self-pay patient, be prepared for the consultation fee, which is typically $75 for new patients and $50 for established patients.
What Actually Happens During the Exam?
During the exam, your doctor will review your medical history, check your vitals, and physically manipulate the injured area to test range of motion and strength. This hands-on assessment helps the surgeon pinpoint exactly where the pain originates.
Don't worry; we aren't going to rush you into the operating room the moment you walk in. In fact, for a standard initial visit, you can expect about 15 to 30 minutes of face-to-face time with the provider. We might order fresh X-rays right here in the office to get a current look at your bones. If we need a more detailed look at soft tissues like ligaments or tendons, we may schedule an MRI for a later date.
What Questions Should I Ask My Surgeon?
Ask specific questions about your diagnosis, the timeline for recovery, and the risks and benefits of every proposed treatment. You should also ask if the condition will worsen without intervention and what lifestyle changes might help.
It helps to write these down beforehand so you don't forget them in the moment. Here are the top questions we hear:
- "Is surgery the only option, or can we try therapy first?"
- "How long will I be out of work or unable to drive?"
- "Are there specific exercises I should avoid?"
- "What is the success rate for this treatment?"
When you visit an orthopedic surgeon Deland Florida patients rely on, you should feel empowered to ask "why" and "how" until you fully understand your care plan.
What Are My Non-Surgical Treatment Options?
Most orthopedic issues are treated conservatively first using physical therapy, bracing, medication, or injections. Surgery is usually the last resort after we have exhausted other methods to relieve your pain and restore function.
We utilize a wide range of therapies. For example, some joint pain responds well to corticosteroid injections, which can reduce inflammation for months. For chronic tendon or ligament injuries that haven't healed with standard care, we might discuss therapies available at our Orthopedic Center for Regenerative Medicine. Treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy use your body's own healing factors to repair tissue.
Understanding the costs is also part of understanding your options. While insurance covers many standard treatments, regenerative procedures vary. We’ll always be transparent about what is covered and what isn't so there are no surprises on your bill.
What Happens After I Leave the Office?
Review your discharge summary immediately, schedule any prescribed physical therapy or follow-up imaging within 48 hours, and pick up medications from your pharmacy. Consistency is the key to recovery.
If we prescribe physical therapy, don't skip sessions. Rehab is often where the real healing happens. If we scheduled surgery, our surgical coordinator will contact you to explain the pre-op instructions, such as fasting times and what to bring to the surgery center.
Ready to Get Moving Again?
Living with pain doesn't have to be your new normal. Whether it's a rotator cuff issue or a knee that clicks with every step, getting an expert opinion is the first step toward relief.
If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon Deland Florida neighbors recommend for honest, expert care, we are here to help. We combine top-tier medical expertise with the convenience of local access.
Need Help With Your Joint Pain?
Don't wait until the pain keeps you from doing what you love. Contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today at (386) 775-2012 to schedule your evaluation.