Brady G. Giesler was introduced to Orthopedic Associates in 1979 when one of the group's founders, Richard Williamson, took care of his father's leg injury. The following year, Dr. Giesler applied for a job with Dr. Williamson to get experience in medicine for his pre-med studies at Baylor. Giesler was immediately fascinated with orthopedic surgery and the thought of pursuing it as a career. He worked in various areas, including the emergency room and operating room, with Dr. Williamson and later Dr. Bill Anderson. Ultimately he returned to the group after finishing residency in 1992.
"The Lord has provided a wonderful place to practice, skilled and supportive partners, and a terrific staff for nearly three decades," said Giesler, who now specializes in spine disorders. "I could not have asked for anything better or imagined how gratifying it would be. I am thankful."
Each of the 10 board-certified surgeons shares a similar story of commitment to the community's well-being. Their professional ethics are linked to social responsibility, which is one reason they chose OA. Each doctor provides years of experience in their field and a commitment to offering the absolute best care to their patients.
"Having been a patient of OA, then summer volunteering as a college student and returning as a physician in the group, I can say it is truly an honor to work for such a high-class organization," Dr. Aaron Schrayer said. "Seeing our group from multiple perspectives has given me an appreciation for the whole practice. I am grateful to serve the community that I was raised in."
With a history of providing orthopedic care, Orthopedic Associates has advanced the care of amateur and recreational athletes in Denton County for the last 45 years. "Most important is simply our availability. Ease of access for patients, parents, coaches, therapists, and athletic trainers improves diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of athletes of all ages," Dr. Jeff Cantrell mentioned. Dr. Cantrell specializes in shoulder surgery, arthroscopy, and sports medicine.
Orthopedic Associates also serves as team physicians for the local high schools. Many of the physicians serve on hospital and community boards and committees. The team continues to be involved competitively and recreationally and enjoys an active personal health maintenance regimen. "Therefore, we understand the questions, demands, requirements, frustrations, gratifications, and benefits of sports and exercise," Dr. Cantrell added. Undoubtedly, Orthopedic Associates is the go-to practice for patients who need assistance with acute injury treatments and chronic pain management.
There has been significant progress seen in the field of sports medicine over the last two decades. "We have a better understanding of the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions. Operative and non-operative treatment strategies have improved as a result of peer-reviewed research and studies," Dr. Cantrell mentioned. "Exponential strides have been made in the fields of nutrition, hydration, conditioning, coaching, and protective equipment. Also, the discipline of athletic training now takes care of athletes in a scientific and research-based fashion."
As technology continues to revolutionize the medical industry, Orthopedic Associates has kept its services updated to serve its patients best. Sports Medicine expert Dr. Manuj Singhal says joint replacement tops the chart in advanced technology. "We are able to discharge total knee, hip, and shoulder patients the same day after surgery. A few years ago, they would be in the hospital for two or three days," he shared. "Patients rehab and recover quicker since they can mobilize and function much sooner. Also, the field of biologics, including stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, continues to be a large area of interest and research in terms of pain relief and healing potential."
There are certain things everyone should know about their bone health. Bones in kids tend to heal much more quickly due to their continued growth. Meanwhile, poor healing and increased fracture potential occur in patients over 65 who are at risk for osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of fractures due to bone loss arising at a higher rate. Older patients need to make sure they are getting enough calcium. Also, patients at higher risk for osteoporosis need to get bone density testing. "As patients get older, muscles get stiffer and are less resilient. It is important to do lots of stretching to avoid muscle injury," Dr. Singhal suggested.
Foot and Ankle Surgery expert Dr. Michael J. Willenborg stressed the importance of exercise to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones. A moderate exercise program can help one maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise helps the bones and muscles stay strong.
"It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium. Women need to be particularly careful to get enough calcium and Vitamin D as they age. Postmenopausal women and men over 70 should take 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Women and men over 70 should get 800 international units (IU) of Vitamin D daily," Dr. Willenborg stated.
In its ongoing attempt to serve the best orthopedic services to North Texas, the team has proudly opened its clinic in Northlake. Locals now have access to world-class orthopedic care right in their neighborhood. This is OA's eighth location. They started in Lewisville in 1976, then migrated into Flower Mound, and are now in the Northlake/Argyle community. "We are honored to be an integral part of the medical community in Denton County and beyond," CEO Jenny Bloebaum said.
Orthopedic Associates has proudly supported many local charities and sports programs over the years. It will help a local food bank again this November. In December, OA will sponsor a shoe drive in partnership with Soles 4 Souls, a charity that provides shoes and clothing to local homeless children. Naomi's Village and One World Surgery are also two international charities near and dear to the practice.
Photo courtesy: Orthopedic Associates team
