Your First Orthopedic Visit

Overview — What This Guide Covers

Your first orthopedic appointment can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with shoulder pain, knee problems, or ongoing joint discomfort. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

You’ll learn how to:

• Get ready before you arrive
• Check in and share important medical information
• Understand what happens during your orthopedic exam
• Prepare for shoulder and knee evaluations
• Talk clearly about your pain and limitations
• Know what happens after your first visit

This helps create a smooth, stress-free experience and a more accurate diagnosis.

Why Preparing for Your Visit Matters

• Higher accuracy: Being prepared gives your specialist the details they need to make a more precise diagnosis.
• Less appointment time: Complete information reduces follow-up calls and duplicate testing.
• Better treatment from day one: Your doctor can customize your care plan immediately.
• Reduced stress: Knowing the process helps you feel calmer and more in control.
• Faster long-term improvement: Prepared patients generally see better outcomes.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Your First Visit

1. Before You Arrive

Spending a few minutes preparing at home can make your visit much more efficient.

• Gather any previous imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
• Make a list of your symptoms and when they started.
• Write down all medications and supplements you currently take.
• Bring any braces, supports, or orthotics you use.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Tip: Avoid lotions or oils around the shoulder or knee on the day of the exam, as they can affect physical testing.

2. Check-In and Forms

When you arrive at West Medical, you’ll be greeted by our front-desk team and asked to:

• Provide your photo ID and insurance card.
• Complete or confirm your medical history forms.
• Share any referral paperwork if your visit was requested by another provider.

This part of the visit typically takes about 5–10 minutes.

3. Conversation With Your Orthopedic Specialist

This is your chance to tell your story in your own words. Your provider may ask:

• When did your pain or problem first begin?
• Is the pain sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning?
• Does it come and go, or is it constant?
• What activities make it better or worse (walking, lifting, climbing stairs, sports)?
• Have you had any previous injuries or surgeries in this area?
• What kind of work or daily activity do you do?

Being as honest and detailed as possible helps shape a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

4. Physical Examination

Your specialist will perform a gentle physical exam to assess:

• Joint range of motion
• Muscle strength and flexibility
• Joint stability and alignment
• Areas of tenderness, swelling, or warmth

Shoulder Evaluation

During a shoulder exam, you may be asked to:

• Lift your arm in different directions.
• Rotate your arm inward and outward.
• Hold your arm in certain positions while the doctor applies gentle pressure.
• Report any pain, weakness, clicking, or catching sensations.

Knee Evaluation

For knee issues, your provider may:

• Bend and straighten the knee while you relax.
• Apply gentle pressure to test the ligaments.
• Check how your kneecap tracks as you move.
• Evaluate how your knee feels when you stand or walk.

Mild discomfort can be normal during testing. Your provider will always work within your comfort level and keep you safe.

5. Imaging (If Needed)

To better understand what is happening inside your joint, your doctor may order imaging such as:

• X-rays: To examine bone alignment and joint space.
• Ultrasound: To view soft tissue structures like tendons and ligaments.
• MRI: For detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, and other internal structures.

In many cases, imaging can be done the same day to avoid delays in your care.

6. Diagnosis and Discussion

Once your evaluation and any imaging are complete, your specialist will explain:

• What is causing your symptoms.
• How severe the issue is.
• Whether your condition is likely to improve with conservative care or needs advanced treatment.
• What your options are moving forward.

This is the perfect time to ask questions and make sure you fully understand your diagnosis.

7. Personalized Treatment Plan

Your care plan is built around your goals, lifestyle, and overall health. It may include:

• Physical therapy and guided exercise programs.
• Anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications.
• Bracing, supports, or activity modification.
• Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections.
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or other regenerative options.
• Minimally invasive procedures or surgical evaluation if needed.

You’ll also receive expectations for improvement, follow-up scheduling, and any lifestyle changes that can support your recovery.

8. After Your Appointment

When your visit is over, you may leave with:

• Written instructions and home care guidelines.
• A referral for physical therapy.
• Exercises to begin at home, if appropriate.
• Information about medications or injections.
• A scheduled follow-up visit to track your progress.

Remember: your healing continues after you leave the office. Our team is here to support you throughout your orthopedic care journey.

What to Bring — First Visit Checklist

Bringing the right information to your appointment helps your orthopedic team give you the best care from day one.

Identification & Insurance

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Referral paperwork (if required by your plan)

Medical Records

• Previous imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT scan)
• Any recent lab results related to your condition
• List of current medications and supplements
• Summary of past surgeries or major injuries

Clothing & Comfort

• Shorts or loose pants for knee evaluations
• Sleeveless or loose top for shoulder evaluations
• Any braces, supports, or orthotics you regularly use

Personal Notes

• A written timeline of when your symptoms started and how they changed.
• Activities that cause or relieve pain.
• A list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

Shoulder & Knee Evaluation Guidance

Because shoulder and knee problems are so common, we take extra care during these evaluations to fully understand how your joints are affecting your daily life.

Shoulder Evaluations

Your provider will look for signs of:

• Rotator cuff tears or weakness
• Shoulder impingement or pinching sensations
• Frozen shoulder or limited range of motion
• Joint instability or history of dislocation
• Arthritis or cartilage wear

Knee Evaluations

For knee concerns, your exam may include tests for:

• ACL, MCL, and other ligament stability
• Meniscus injury or joint line tenderness
• Patellar (kneecap) tracking problems
• Osteoarthritis and cartilage damage
• Swelling, stiffness, or loss of motion

Your comfort is always a priority. You’re encouraged to speak up if anything feels too painful or uncomfortable.