You have questions. We have the answers.

What types of conditions do the orthopedic providers at Bone & Joint treat?

We treat a wide variety of disorders involving all areas of the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, and connective tissues. We provide care for degenerative diseases like arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, sprains, ligament tears, structural abnormalities, sciatica, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and many other types of orthopedic conditions.

Do you always recommend surgery?

No. Many conditions we see can be treated without surgery. After we make a diagnosis, we will discuss your condition and the treatment options with you. We will recommend the least invasive non-surgical treatment that puts you on the path to healing.

What non-surgical treatments might be available for my specific problem?

We have several non-surgical treatments available in our clinic. Depending on your condition, we may be able to treat you with different medications, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, or pain relievers. We may be able to relieve your symptoms through physical therapy, activity modification, or joint injections. If you are still experiencing pain, we may refer you to one of our pain management specialists for care.

What is the difference between fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and those without fellowship training?

Orthopedic surgeons can successfully perform general orthopedic surgery with the training they receive during their internship and residency training programs. Fellowship training helps surgeons gain additional training, experience, and advanced skills in their specific area of orthopedic interest.

What does it mean to be board-certified?

Surgeons and other healthcare providers earn board certification by successfully completing training from an accredited program and completing a series of rigid written and oral examinations. However, a physician cannot take these examinations until he or she has been in practice for two full years. Doctors who choose to become board-certified have mastered the skills they learned during their residency training programs.

Do all surgeons have to be board-certified to perform surgery?

No. Board certification is optional. Not all surgeons are able or interested in becoming board-certified.

How do the sports medicine physicians at Bone & Joint differ from primary care or non-surgical orthopedic doctors?

Sports medicine and orthopedic doctors typically received their medical degrees in the disciplines of family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine. They are often primary care physicians who have a special interest in caring for active people and athletes of all ages. The sports medicine providers at Bone & Joint have advanced training that allows them to diagnose and treat injuries and other orthopedic health issues. Sports medicine specialists care for people who have limited mobility due to injury or illness. They also care for athletes who have been injured during sporting events or other activities.

Our primary care orthopedic physician, Dr. Messerly, is not an orthopedic surgeon; rather, he specializes in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. He refers people to orthopedic surgeons and other specialists when surgery is needed. Dr. Messerly has completed a sports medicine fellowship and a certificate of added qualifications in sports medicine. He is one of eight sports medicine specialists on our team.

What if I’m an injured athlete?

Our doctors specialize in sports-related injuries and in working with athletes of any age. And because they enjoy being active, they realize how important it is to get you back to your sport. They understand return-to-play requirements and work with athletes, team physicians, trainers, coaches, and others to get athletes back in the game as quickly and as safely as possible.

How is Bone & Joint different?

Bone & Joint is a multi-specialty clinic that offers specialists in orthopedics, sports medicine, pain management, podiatry and spine. Together, we have a team of over 28 providers from many specialty areas working together in one place.

Your diagnosis and treatment take place in one convenient location with the collaboration of an entire team of experts. You receive high-quality, continuous care—from your initial diagnostic appointment through your final physical therapy session—in a timely manner. And because we understand some muscle and joint concerns just can’t wait, we have expanded our Walk-in Care department.

Which insurance plans does Bone & Joint accept?

Bone & Joint accepts many types of insurance plans. Please review the list to see if your insurance carrier is listed.