What to Expect During Your First Orthopedic Consultation

Taking the first step toward addressing pain or mobility issues can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re coming in for a knee injury, shoulder pain, or joint discomfort that just won’t go away, your first orthopedic consultation is an important opportunity to get answers, clarity, and a plan that’s personalized to you.

Here’s what you can expect during your visit.

When you walk through our doors, our team’s first priority is making you feel comfortable. You’ll check in with our front desk staff, complete any remaining paperwork, and settle in for your appointment.

When you meet your orthopedic specialist, the first thing we’ll do is listen. We’ll ask about your symptoms, when they started, what activities make them better—or worse—and how they’re affecting your daily life. Every patient’s story is different, and understanding yours helps us deliver the best possible care.

Next, your provider will perform a physical examination focused on the area of concern. This may include testing your range of motion, strength, and stability. These simple assessments help us understand how your body is functioning and where the issue may be coming from.

Depending on your symptoms, imaging such as X-rays or an MRI may also be recommended to get a clearer look at what’s happening beneath the surface. If these tests are needed, we’ll explain why and what to expect—no surprises, just straightforward communication.

Once we have the information we need, we’ll walk you through what we see, what it means, and what your options are. We know orthopedic terms can sound complex, so we take time to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.

You’ll leave your appointment with a clearer picture of what’s going on—and confidence that you’re being heard and supported every step of the way.

Your treatment plan will be built around your goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Sometimes, that means starting with conservative options like physical therapy, medication, or bracing. In other cases, surgery may be the best route for long-term recovery.

Whatever the path, we’ll outline your options, discuss the pros and cons, and make recommendations tailored to your needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Before you leave, we’ll make sure you know exactly what comes next. Whether that’s scheduling a follow-up, arranging imaging, or beginning therapy, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.

We’ll also answer any questions you have about recovery, activity modifications, or pain management. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and supported—both in and out of the office.

Your first orthopedic consultation is more than just a medical appointment—it’s the start of a partnership built on trust, communication, and compassionate care.

At every stage, our focus is simple: to help you move better, feel better, and live better.