SVMC ORTHOPEDICS


Restoring Active Lifestyles

Don’t let pain or injury keep you on the sidelines of your own life.

If pain or injury is holding you back from living the life you want, SVMC Orthopedics can help. The team of board-certified providers is here to provide the individualized treatment and compassionate care you need to get back to leading the life you love. SVMC Orthopedics offers state of the art diagnostic and treatment services, including non-surgical options and same-day joint replacement. 

If you suffer from severe or chronic hip, knee, or ankle pain, total joint replacement may be the best solution. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you understand your options and how joint replacement surgery can help to not just relieve your pain, but get you back to leading a full and active life.

Whether you need a hip replacement or knee replacement, surgeries are performed at SVMC with a rehabilitation program developed in conjunction with our Sports and Therapy department. We offer both in- patient and out-patient therapy options. Some patients are able to return home from a joint replacement surgery on the same day. For patients requiring additional recovery time, the Centers for Living & Rehabilitation (CLR) located on our campus can provide additional extra nursing care and therapy before returning home to fully independent care.

Because getting back to living is the ultimate goal of spinal surgery, the reduced recovery time required by minimally invasive surgery makes it an ideal option for many. 

At SVMC, you’ll be treated by a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon extensively trained in performing minimally invasive spine procedures and creating customized treatment plans. In some cases, you’ll be up and about in a few hours and back to work in a matter of days or weeks, not months.

Injuries to the rotator cuff are not only painful, they can be life limiting. When possible, the fellowship-trained surgeons at SVMC will attempt to treat your injury through non-surgical means, which may include physical therapy, medication, or injections. If those efforts are unsuccessful, your physician may recommend surgery here at SVMC. Utilizing the latest in arthroscopic technology, your repair can be made with only a slight incision, reducing your recovery time and chance of infection.  For more complicated injuries, a more involved surgery or even joint replacement may be necessary.

Regardless of your procedure, your care will continue post-surgery with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan developed in conjunction with our Physical Therapy department.

In addition to being delicate and complex, your hands and wrists are essential to your daily life. At SVMC, we appreciate that an injury or problem can limit your ability to work, play, and generally enjoy life. From fractures and arthritis to deformities and carpal tunnel syndrome, our providers can care for you. They can create a custom treatment plan using the most advanced surgical techniques, devices, and rehabilitation programs to help you maximize function and minimize pain for the best results possible.

The average person experiences two bone fractures in their lifetime. But as common as they are, every fracture is unique. From complex and stress to oblique and greenstick, at SVMC we diagnose and treat fractures with the specific cause and needs of the patient in mind. On-site imaging technology allows us to quickly assess your need and move quickly to begin the mending process. Depending upon the nature and cause of your injury, we may develop a continuing care plan to reduce or eliminate the chance of future injury.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, our board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists can help relieve your pain and get you back in the game or back to your everyday routine.

Our first approach is always conservative, meaning you won’t endure unnecessary treatments or care for your injury. We use the latest techniques and methods to resolve your issue in a manner that’s appropriate for you and your lifestyle.

If your injury does require surgery, it can be performed here, close to home where you can rest and recover in comfort. As part of your care, we’ll develop a personalized recovery plan utilizing the talents and facilities of our on-site Physical Therapy department. Together, we’ll help you recover faster, improve your strength and performance, and reduce the potential for future re-injury.

SVMC Physical Therapy

SVMC Occupational Therapy

Arthritis Today www.arthritistoday.org

National Osteoporosis Foundation nof.org

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons orthoinfo.aaos.org

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine www.amssm.org

Yoga instructor Jane Jezouit had increasing pain in her hip to the point that she had difficulty teaching her yoga classes. In this video, she describes the care she received from SVMC Orthopedics and Dr. Michaela Schneiderbauer to get back to her active self.

Les Jorgensen's hip pain made it difficult for him to walk from his living room to his kitchen; never mind enjoy the activities he loves. After a hip replacement with Dr. Michaela Schneiderbauer, MD, of SVMC Orthopedics, he walks 18-holes of golf three times a week, pain free.

Celia Bahny and her family are very active. Unfortunately, Celia suffered a broken arm (in the same spot twice!) which slowed her down for a spell. Today, she is fully recovered with help from Dr. Matthew Nofziger of SVMC Orthopedics. In this video, Celia and her mother, Holly, discuss her care with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and how we helped get her back to their active lifestyle.

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Avid hiker and guide Keld Alstrup relied on Dr. Matthew Nofziger and the expert team at SVMC Orthopedics to relieve his knee pain and restore his active lifestyle. Now he's back to "peak performance."

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Deborah Slaner Larkin talks about the care she received from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Dr. Suk Namkoong.

 

332 Dewey Street, Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: (802) 442-6314
Fax: (844) 526-1901

Hours:
Monday – Friday:  8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Directions: 
For directions to SVMC Orthopedics, click here.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Tips for Tackling Snow Shoveling Safely
    Courtney Carter
    / Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

    Tips for Tackling Snow Shoveling Safely

    Essential Tips to Protect Your Back and Heart

    Every year, over 11,000 people end up in the emergency department with injuries related to shoveling snow. The combination of cold temperatures and intense physical exertion is the perfect combination for injuries ranging from strained backs and shoulders to broken wrists and cardiac events.  

    The key to avoiding injuries and events is preparation, knowledge, and common sense.

    Preparation

    Shoveling is hard work that can leave you hot and sweaty even in the coldest temperatures. The right clothes will keep you from overheating while protecting you from wind, snow, and ice. Start with a base layer (thermals), then an insulating layer (wool sweater), and finish with a waterproof coat.

    As your hands will no doubt come into contact with snow, be sure to wear waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens. A snug-fitting hat will provide the same protection for your ears and head,

    And because snow and ice go hand in hand, be sure to wear boots or shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.

    The next step is to take 5-10 minutes to ready your body for the exertion that awaits. Take a brisk walk to raise your heart rate and warm your muscles.

    Be sure to stretch the major muscle groups you’ll be using to push and lift snow. This includes your back, shoulders, hamstrings, and calves.

    Knowledge

    Many shoveling injuries are the result of poor technique that puts unnecessary strain on muscles. When shoveling, keep these muscle-saving pointers in mind:

    Push, don’t lift snow: Snow, especially wet snow, can be deceptively heavy. Wherever possible, opt to push snow rather than lift it to put less strain on your back, shoulders, and arms. In instances where you have to lift, try to keep the load light and try to turn rather than twist your body to offload the snow. 

    Lift with your legs, not your back: When lifting snow, engage your leg muscles rather than your back to hoist the load. Bending at your knees and not at your waist will help keep the weight and hard work in your legs as opposed to your back.

    Work in small, manageable sections: Slow and steady is the key to reducing the risk of overexertion when shoveling. Be sure to take small breaks to catch your breath and allow your body to recover.

    Know the signs of a heart attack: According to the American Heart Association, some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. If you’re not familiar with all the ways a heart attack might be experienced, you could lose valuable time and heart muscle by not seeking care as soon as symptoms appear. Click here to familiarize yourself with common signs.

    Common Sense

    Talk to your doctor: If you have a history of heart disease or other risk factors, talk to your doctor to determine if shoveling is safe for you.

    Remember to breathe: People often unconsciously hold their breath while lifting heavy loads of snow, further increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

    Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately before or after shoveling: Eating a large meal may increase the risk of heart attack by about four times within two hours after eating. Pairing that with the exertion of shoveling snow has the potential to be a deadly combination.

    Stay hydrated: Keeping hydrated in the winter is just as important as it is in the summer. Be sure to drink water before, during, and after the shoveling session, even if you're not thirsty.

    Choose the right shovel:  A shovel that’s too short or too long, has a large blade, or is unnecessarily heavy can strain the muscles of your back and shoulders. Look for a shovel that’s at least chest height on you to minimize how much bending over you must do. Shovels with curved handles or adjustable lengths can also work to prevent you from taking on too much at once.

    Keep your phone on you: If you injure yourself, fall, or experience the signs of a heart attack, use your phone to call for help, or, in the case of a suspected heart attack, call 9-1-1.

    If you experience any signs of a heart attack, stop immediately and call 911. 

     

    Sean Burns, MD, is the SVMC EMS Medical Director/District 12 Medical Advisor. 

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