Our Orthopedic Doctors & Surgeons

New York Bone & Joint Specialists is proud to be an authority in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. We are full-service centers that specialize in everything from the most conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, to regenerative medical injections to the most complex orthopedic surgery. Our doctors and staff are experts in Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Regenerative Orthopedics, and Rehabilitation. Learn more about our specialists and other supporting staff below.

Something’s not quite right. Maybe your balance is off. Perhaps your mobility is limited—and has been for weeks. You might have joint pain that worsens with movement. Any one of these symptoms could be a sign that it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor.

Many people think the best orthopedic doctors in New York only treat sports injuries, but that’s just part of the story. New York Bone and Joint’s orthopedic doctors in New York are here to help you with any concerns like instability, limited mobility, or joint and/or muscle pain. Our orthopedic doctors in New York are qualified to help you understand your concerns and then work with you to determine a plan of care, from physical therapy all the way to surgery, if necessary. 

If you’re thinking it’s time to talk to an orthopedic doctor in New York, here’s what you need to know.

What is an orthopedic doctor?

Orthopedics is a type of medicine that focuses on issues with the musculoskeletal system. In layman’s terms, your bones, joints, and the tissues that connect them (ligaments and tendons). Orthopedics covers everything from your wrists and ankles to your neck and spine—and everything between.

An orthopedic doctor specializes in helping you understand injuries, disorders, and conditions associated with your musculoskeletal system. They’re capable of diagnosing and treating these injuries, disorders, and conditions to help you regain mobility and/or instability, and minimize pain. 

Some people may associate orthopedic care with surgery, that’s not always the case. Many orthopedic doctors prioritize non-surgical treatments such as: 

• Physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Medications
• Injections
• Bracing or support devices

Surgery is typically recommended only when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

The goal of orthopedic care is to help you reduce pain, restore function, and return to your daily activities with confidence.

What conditions do orthopedic doctors treat? 

Orthopedic doctors treat a variety of conditions across the body.

If you have any of the following concerns, an orthopedic doctor in New York may be able to help you:

• Back or neck pain
• Bone fracture
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dislocations
• Injury treatment
• Joint pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Numbness or tingling
• Plantar fasciitis
• Reduced range of motion
• Sports medicine
• Tendon injury

When should you see an orthopedic doctor?

Knowing when to see a doctor can be difficult. It’s easy to dismiss minor bumps and scrapes or to ignore a little pain. But pain is the body’s way of telling us something’s wrong, and it’s important to listen to these messages.

Consider the following when deciding if it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor in New York:

• Duration: If your pain is minimal and fades within a day or two, you may not need to see an orthopedic doctor. But pain that lasts weeks isn’t normal. If your pain persists for two or more weeks, it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor so they can help diagnose your pain and start working with you to resolve it.
• Location: Neck and back pain can be signs of underlying issues and shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you’ve recently suffered a blow to the back of your head or neck. Make sure you talk to an orthopedic doctor sooner rather than later in this situation.
• Swelling at the joint: Pain combined with swelling is never a good sign. Swelling at the joint may be a sign of gout, osteoarthritis, or even a fracture. Take swelling seriously when you notice it and schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor quickly.
• Mobility: Even gradual loss of mobility should be taken seriously, especially if the loss of mobility persists or gets worse. Load-bearing joints like your knees, hips, and ankles are prone to conditions like arthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
• Visible deformities: Some conditions, like arthritis, cause the joint to deform over time. This is usually a sign of an advanced condition. If your joints are twisted or misshapen, it’s definitely time to talk to an orthopedic doctor.
• Numbness or tingling: These symptoms often point to nerve-related issues, such as a pinched nerve or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pay close attention to what your body is telling you. Many orthopedic conditions may be easily treatable when they’re caught early. Prevention matters. 

Why early treatment matters

One of the most important reasons to see an orthopedic doctor is early intervention.

Ignoring pain or delaying treatment can lead to:

• Worsening symptoms
• Increased risk of injury
• Chronic pain
• Reduced mobility
• More complex treatment later

For example, a small tendon injury can develop into a more serious tear if left untreated. Similarly, early-stage arthritis can often be managed effectively, while advanced arthritis may require surgery.

Seeking care early can help:

• Prevent further damage
• Speed up recovery
• Improve long-term outcomes

How can you see an orthopedic doctor?

If you need to see an orthopedic doctor in New York, you have several options available to you, depending on your insurance. 

• Referral from a primary care physician: Your primary care physician is a great place to start. They’ll likely have a network of doctors who they know and trust, and they can refer you to the best orthopedic doctors in New York.
• Referral from friends and family: Friends and family who have experienced similar concerns may have an orthopedic doctor in New York that they already love. Check in with them, too.

Even if your insurance doesn’t require you to speak with your primary care physician to get a referral, it’s probably a good idea to start there. Your primary care physician’s knowledge of your overall health will help you form a better picture of what’s going on so you can communicate more effectively with your orthopedic doctor.

What should you look for in an orthopedic doctor?

Just because you have a referral doesn’t mean you should see the referred doctor. Be sure to do your research before you book an appointment. 

If you’re not sure what to look for, here are some pointers:

• Good reviews: See what other people think of the orthopedic doctor you’re considering. Reviews are a great way to find out about bedside manner and patient recovery.
• Board certification: Accreditation is very important for doctors—especially if you’re concerned you might need surgery. A board-certified doctor has the knowledge, training, and skills needed to help you on your recovery journey. 
• Hospital affiliation: Many orthopedic doctors are associated with nearby hospitals or surgery centers. Read up on those, too, to ensure they’re centers of excellence.
• Insurance: Be sure the orthopedic doctor you want to see accepts your insurance. For example, some may not accept ACA or Medicare plans. Doing your research in advance means you won’t be surprised by the cost of your visit.

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to schedule your first appointment.

What will your first visit to an orthopedic doctor be like?

The best orthopedic doctors in New York start a visit just like a primary care physician: with a detailed medical history. They’ll ask you questions about your overall health, as well as the health of close family members, and then dive into questions about your specific complaint. If you injured yourself, they’ll want to know about that experience, too. 

After your orthopedic doctor has done a detailed medical history, they’ll probably do a physical exam. They’ll gently test your reflexes and range of motion. Be sure to speak up if anything is uncomfortable or painful: that’s valuable information to your orthopedic doctor. 

Depending on the situation, your orthopedic doctor may want to do tests. Most tests for orthopedic conditions, such as MRIs or CTs, are pain-free. In some cases, your orthopedic doctor may order blood tests, too. Once the results are in, your orthopedic doctor will work with you to develop a care plan.

What tests do orthopedic doctors use?

Orthopedic doctors in New York use a variety of diagnostic tests to assess your complaint and determine what’s wrong. 

• Range of motion tests: These tests help orthopedic doctors see how well you can move your hip, ankle, wrist, shoulders, elbows, and fingers. Your orthopedic doctor will gently guide your movements. Then, they’ll ask you to repeat the movement on your own. You might do these tests more than once as you return to your orthopedic doctor. This helps measure your progress.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests take pictures of your body so your orthopedic doctor can see what’s going on under your skin. Your orthopedic doctor might suggest x-rays (to see your bones), fluoroscopy (to see how your bones move), MRIs (to see soft tissue—like muscles), CT scans (similar to MRI), or an ultrasound (sometimes called a sonogram).
• Blood tests: If your orthopedic doctor suspects a condition like arthritis, a blood test will help them determine if that’s the case. 

Orthopedic care at New York Bone and Joint

Some of the best orthopedic doctors in New York are at New York Bone and Joint, and they’re here to help you feel better and get back on your feet.

At New York Bone and Joint, our orthopedic doctors believe that prevention is the key to success. As a result, we now solve more than 90% of our orthopedics cases without surgery. Many of our orthopedic doctors are qualified surgeons, but our approach is to work with you through physical therapy and other non-surgical options first. 

If surgery is warranted, then our philosophy is the same: we preserve and save your body’s structures.

What non-surgical treatments does New York Bone and Joint offer?

Our goal is to get you back on your feet without ever performing surgery. We strongly believe in the efficacy of physical therapy and other non-surgical options to reduce pain, restore function, and return you to your daily activities.

Our non-surgical treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Traditional joint injections
• Visco-supplementation injections
• Regenerative medicine injections
• Botox
• Braces and supports
• Vitamins and supplements

If our orthopedic doctors in New York think surgery is the next best course of action for your care, we believe in being as minimally invasive as possible. Our surgeons can provide you with top-notch care and state-of-the-art surgical solutions, from arthroscopic joint repair to total joint replacements.

The best orthopedic doctors help you listen to your body

Your body is always communicating with you—and when something feels off, it’s worth paying attention. Whether you’re dealing with persistent pain, reduced mobility, or an injury that just won’t heal, seeing an orthopedic doctor can help you get answers and start moving forward.

At New York Bone and Joint, our orthopedic doctors in New York are committed to helping you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. With a focus on personalized care and minimally invasive solutions, you don’t have to navigate your recovery alone. The sooner you take the first step, the sooner you can get back on your feet with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic doctor in New York?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow you to book directly with an orthopedic doctor. It’s best to check with your provider before scheduling.

2. Can an orthopedic doctor treat pain without surgery?

Yes. Most orthopedic doctors prioritize non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is typically only recommended when conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief.

3. How do I know if my pain is serious enough to see an orthopedic doctor?

If your pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with your daily activities, it’s a good idea to seek evaluation. Symptoms like swelling, numbness, or limited mobility should also be checked.

4. What should I bring to my first orthopedic appointment?

Bring your insurance information, a list of current medications, any previous imaging or test results, and details about your symptoms. Comfortable clothing that allows movement may also be helpful for your physical exam.

5. How long does it take to recover from an orthopedic condition?

Recovery time varies depending on your condition and treatment plan. Some patients improve within weeks with physical therapy, while others—especially those needing surgery—may require several months for full recovery.