Pet Project: Animals available for adoption in Massachusetts, see masslive.com/living
Better Health D|
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: Best of 2021 holiday music, D9 SIX FLAGS: Holiday in the Park Lights promise holiday glow, D9 BOOK REVIEW: ‘Small Things Like These,’ D12
| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021
“When patients are faced with surgery, there’s often a misconception that the surgery itself is the only part of the process. However, most surgeries require some aftercare and collaboration with a physical therapist for the best possible out-come...”
When some people suffer an injury to a bone or ligament, they think that surgery alone will fix it.
something that is done ‘to you,’ but rather something that is done by the patient in partnership with the physical therapist or rehabilitation therapist.” Rehab helps patients get back to their desired level of function and provides them with a greater understanding of their injury and recovery. “Patients who are active participants in their rehabilBy Cori Urban itation care tend to have the Special To The Republican most positive outcomes,” she Not true, says Dr. Catherine adds. Spath, an orthopedic surgeon The orthopedic teams at who is division chief of ortho- Trinity Health Of New Enpedics and vice president of gland/Mercy Medical Center medical Staff at Mercy Medi- can help with sports injuries and chronic orthopedic cal Center in Springfield. conditions such as joint pain “When patients are faced with surgery, there’s often through innovative surgical a misconception that the and nonsurgical treatments and specialized orthopedic surgery itself is the only part of the process. However, care. most surgeries require some Orthopedic surgeons, many aftercare and collaboration of whom have board certificawith a physical therapist for tions and fellowship training, the best possible outcome, have years of experience such post-operative therapy treating thousands of patients and offer joint replacement is often a critical element of a patient’s full and complete and orthopedic spine, orthorecovery,” she says. “Rehabil- pedic, sports and physical itation gives a patient insight rehabilitation. Customized physical therainto the way their body is recovering and more confidence py plans and advanced surgical options are available. in their recovery.” She reminds patients that Trinity Health Of New Enrehabilitation therapy is gland offers 24/7/365 orthopedic trauma care at Mercy a two-way street: “It’s not
Medical Center, which has the resources and specialists to provide the highest level of care to critically ill or injured patients. The care team works closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans that help them heal and strengthen, taking a conservative approach whenever possible, beginning with nonsurgical treatment. Stephen Boyd, of West Stockbridge, tore his rotator cuff and had an arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon in his right shoulder. “Everything from my diagnosis and treatment decisions to the surgery itself as well as the follow-up and recovery have been top-notch,” he reports. Members of his care team took time to explain the details of the injury and the care plan, and “they’ve been right there, supporting (me) every step of the way.” Contributing to his positive experience were the facts that the hospital was clean and easy to manage, and the entire staff and practitioners were professional and attentive; the surgery was done exactly as planned and on time; and he was sent home carefully with no pain. “In short, I’d say quality, expertise and approach are the top reasons
to turn to Mercy Medical Center,” Boyd says. Spath is proud to be part of Mercy Medical Center which is nationally recognized for quality and patient safety. “Mercy is, at its core, a community hospital, and just as we have been doing for decades, we are bringing value in healthcare by providing care designed to offer the best outcomes with the best patient experience at the most reasonable cost,” she says. Among the most common injuries she treats are fractures of hand and wrist, cut tendons, flexor tendons, hand infections and post traumatic reconstruction. The most common types of non-injury conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis reconstruction, joint replacements and fusions. “We utilize appropriate advanced imaging in the evaluation of the patient in the diagnosis to be able to best discuss the treatment options, which may or may not include surgery,” Spath explains. “We have technological advances, such as arthroscopic surgery, but we also have a much better understanding today of the power of rehab and how it can support with providing optimal longSEE ORTHOPEDIC, PAGE D4
Top: Dr. Catherine Spath in the Operating Room at Mercy Medical Center. Bottom: Stephen Boyd has been able to return to work at his company, Boyd Technologies in Lee, just a week after surgery. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MERCY MEDICAL CENTER)