Overview
A personal injury is a physical or mental injury caused by another person’s negligence or physical harm. Car accidents are common, but slip-and-fall incidents and assault or battery can also injure the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms may not fully describe the extent of trauma, so a thorough evaluation matters. The clinical team reviews the incident and timing, examines the affected areas, and can document findings and required treatment for insurance or legal teams.
Common symptoms
- Whiplash
- Neck or back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Pain or limited movement after an accident
- Cuts, scrapes, or bruising
Conditions we evaluate
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Muscle tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Shoulder, hip, or knee injuries
Diagnosis
At an initial visit, the orthopedic team asks about the incident, when it occurred, and the symptoms you have noticed. A physical examination assesses range of motion, muscle function, nerve function, and visible cuts, scrapes, or bruises. Depending on the suspected injury, the team may order X-rays or an MRI to look for fractures, whiplash-related problems, or muscle tears. The findings are then explained along with available treatment options.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the injury, its severity, and how it responds over time. Conservative options may include hot or cold therapy, massage, physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, over-the-counter medicines, or prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medicines. Injection therapy, arthroscopy, or surgery may be considered for serious injuries or when conservative care does not resolve the problem; some fractures or muscle tears may need prompt surgery. Stem cell therapy is listed among the practice’s services, but eligibility, alternatives, uncertainties, and risks require an individual clinical discussion; it should not be described as a cure.