What to Expect When You Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon
How Orthopedic Consultations Work—and How to Prepare for the Best Outcome
If you’re dealing with joint pain, a sports injury, or a long-standing orthopedic issue, a visit to an orthopedic surgeon is often part of the process. This article is not a critique of orthopedic surgeons, far from it. Orthopedic surgeons do extraordinary work. Their training, experience, and use of advanced technology allow them to repair structures the body simply cannot heal on its own.
Instead, this guide is meant to help patients in Denver, Colorado area and beyond understand what an orthopedic appointment is designed to do, how to prepare for it, and how to make the most informed decision possible about surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery.
Why You’re Usually Referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon
Most patients arrive at an orthopedic appointment after being referred by a primary care provider, sports medicine physician, or urgent care clinic. In many cases, imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI is completed before the visit.
That’s intentional.
Orthopedic surgeons are trained to evaluate structural problems that may require surgical repair. Imaging helps determine whether the issue is something the body can recover from on its own or whether surgical intervention may be appropriate.
What Happens During an Orthopedic Consultation
An orthopedic visit is primarily focused on surgical decision-making. During the appointment, the surgeon typically:
- Reviews your imaging
- Confirms or rules out structural damage
- Explains whether surgery is recommended
- Discusses surgical options, from minimally invasive procedures to more complex operations
- Reviews risks, benefits, and recovery timelines
These visits are not usually designed to explore conservative care in depth, such as strength training or long-term movement strategies. That’s not a flaw—it reflects how surgeons are trained and how the healthcare system is structured.
Where Physical Therapy Fits In
If your goal is to understand all available options, including non-surgical ones, this is where physical therapy plays a critical role.
Physical therapists routinely work with patients:
- Before surgery
- After surgery
- And in many cases, instead of surgery
In physical therapy, patients can explore:
- Structured strength and mobility programs
- Activity modification strategies
- Pain management expectations
- Recovery timelines and lifestyle impact
- How treatment options align with personal goals (work, sports, family, daily life)
A physical therapist does not decide whether you should or shouldn’t have surgery—but they can help you understand how people typically respond to each option and what recovery realistically looks like.
What I Observed in a Typical Surgical Clinic Day
During a recent observation of orthopedic surgical consultations:
- 12 patients were evaluated
- 9 scheduled surgery
- 2 received injections
- 1 left without new recommendations
All patients had imaging completed beforehand. None were currently participating in a structured strengthening program, and none were seeing a physical therapist. Long-term goals—such as where patients wanted to be in one, three, or five years—were rarely discussed.
As a physical therapist, I believe most patients benefit from physical therapy, even when surgery is ultimately the right choice. A single pre-operative physical therapy visit can reduce uncertainty, improve outcomes, and better prepare both patients and their families for recovery.
Surgery Is a Big Life Decision
Choosing surgery affects far more than the joint being repaired. It can impact:
- Work and time off
- Sleep and mobility
- Transportation and driving
- Childcare and pets
- Home setup and equipment (crutches, braces, walkers)
Understanding these realities before surgery leads to better preparation, smoother recovery, and fewer surprises.
What to Ask Before You Decide on Surgery
Before moving forward, consider asking your provider these questions:
- What exactly do you see on my imaging, and how does it relate to my symptoms?
- Is surgery urgent, or can I safely try other options first?
- What conservative treatments have I tried—and what haven’t I tried yet?
- Physical therapy
- Structured strengthening
- Injections
- Activity modification
- What benefits should I realistically expect?
-
- Pain relief
- Strength
- Function
- Return to work or sport
- What are the risks and possible complications?
- What does recovery really look like?
- Time off work
- Driving
- Sleep
- Daily activities
- Help at home
- How long will I be in physical therapy, and what will be expected of me?
- What does success look like in one year? Five years?
- Would seeing a physical therapist before surgery help me decide or prepare?
The Goal: Informed Decisions, Better Outcomes
This message is shared the same way I would speak to a family member. It’s not about avoiding surgery—it’s about moving forward with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations.
When patients understand their options, recovery demands, and long-term outlook, they make better decisions, use their time and resources wisely, and achieve outcomes that truly support their goals.
Written by Dr. Jessica Day, PT, DPT
Looking for a Physical Therapist?
If you’re considering surgery, or want a second perspective before deciding; our team at Fox Physical Therapy is here to help you understand your options and prepare for what comes next.
Contact us today in Denver or South Florida.