FAQs
General
Appointments can be made by calling 540-667-8975 or emailing appointments@woaltd.com. Same day appointments or visits within 24 hours can be made instead of visiting the ER or an urgent care facility.
How do I make an appointment?
Our practice hours are from 8:00am to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
What are your practice hours?
Most medical specialties will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
- Drivers license or valid ID
- Insurance information
- Referral letter (if required)
- List of medications
- New patient visit form (will include link)
- Any previous X-rays/MRI scans/CT scans (actual CDs and reports), operative reports or any relevant information in regards to the condition being treated
- It is encouraged to bring a list of written questions to ensure you do not forget to ask during your appointment
What Should I bring to the initial appointment?
Depending on your condition the non-surgical treatment options include, rest, medications such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, injections (steroids or biological), and physical therapy.
What are the non-surgical options?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure during which small incisions are made and the joint is examined with a small camera and instruments for diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic conditions.
What is arthroscopy?
FAQs before surgery:
Often times, we are unable to provide the exact time for surgery more than one week before your date. You are welcome to check in with WOA, the hospital, or the surgery center to get a rough estimate of the time of surgery and your expected arrival time. The hospital or surgery center has the final say in your time of surgery on the day of your operation
What time is my surgery?
Pre-operative clearance is only required if you have an adverse health history of if you are above a certain age. Please make sure to tell us if you have a history of bleeding/clotting disorders, heart or lung issues, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, HIV, or liver disease, etc.
Do I need pre-operative clearance?
The questionnaire is an important part of tracking your outcomes and assuring we do the best possible treatment for all of our patients. It should take less than ten minutes and is critical for further research.
Do I need to fill out a pre-operative questionnaire?
Where can I find information for further pre-operative instructions?
FAQs after surgery:
Most of the time physical therapy will be required after surgery. It is important to get full range of motion, strength, and flexibility after a surgical procedure. Often times the help and accountability of a trusted physical therapist is critical in achieving the best outcome after surgery.
Will physical therapy be required after surgery?
The amount of pain after surgery is usually dependent on the actual procedure. We try to ensure the least amount of pain possible after surgery. Some measures we take to decrease post-operative pain include weaning off of pain medications prior to surgery, pre-operative nerve blocks by the anesthesia staff, pre-operative long-acting pain medications give before surgery, local anesthetic medication given during surgery, and strict icing and elevation of the extremity following surgery.
How much pain will I be in after surgery?
Every surgery has risks associated with it. The most common risks include reactions to anesthesia (nausea and vomiting), bleeding, infection, stiffness, continued pain, nerve damage and blood clots. Dr. Mantell will discuss the risk associated with your specific procedure.
What are the risks associated with surgery?
This varies dependent on your specific surgery. This may range from a few days to months. Full return to sports and all activities may take as long as 6 months and depends on a number of different factors. Dr. Mantell will advise you based on your specific condition.
When can I return to daily activities?
When can I return to work?
The post-operative recovery period varies based on a particular surgery as well as the specific job that you are returning to. Generally it is recommended that you plan to take 1-2 weeks off of work to recover from any surgery. Please ask Dr. Mantell for specifics regarding your exact surgery.
Please refer to specific post-operative instructions for the given procedure. In general, please refrain from driving for around 5-7 days. You will need to be off narcotic pain medications and be able to safely control your leg to be able to drive.
When can I drive after surgery?
If you have stitches that need to be removed they will generally be taken out at your first post-operative visit, which is around 2 weeks after surgery.
When do I get my stitches out?
Where do I go for physical therapy?
The most important part about therapy to is to use a therapist who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. It is also important that therapy is convenient for you so that you will be able to easily and regularly attend sessions. Make sure to find a therapist that will follow Dr. Mantell’s protocols (both for non-operative treatment and post-operative therapy). Dr. Mantell is always available to speak with a therapist if there are any issues that arise. Please contact the office in order to coordinate a conversation.
You will want to cover the surgical area as much as possible with either ice packs or an ice machine. Please make sure that the ice does not contact the skin directly as this may cause skin issues. During the first few days after surgery ice as much as possible (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off). This may be weaned down as your pain and swelling decrease.
