Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans: What Patients Should Know Before Choosing

At The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., we’re committed to helping our patients make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage any how it affects their treatment here. Every year, more patients consider Medicare Advantage Plans because they’re marketed as convenient “all-in-one” options that combine hospital, medical, and drug coverage. While these plans can seem appealing, many patients […]
Setting the Standard: The Orthopaedic Group Leads the Way in Joint Replacement Expertise

At The Orthopaedic Group, we’re proud to offer something no other practice in the Mobile area can: three fellowship-trained joint replacement specialists. This level of expertise ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care for hip and knee replacements — from diagnosis to recovery. Recently, our very own Dr. Matt Barber was honored […]
Introducing OrthoASAP Walk-In Clinic: Fast, Convenient Care When You Need It Most

Now open 6 days a week – no appointment needed!
Physical Therapists – The Architects to Recovery

Physical therapists play an essential role in the recovery journey of athletes. As they design personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to each athlete’s unique needs, physical therapists not only facilitate healing from injuries but also focus on pain management, strength building, and injury prevention.
Athletic Trainers – The Swiss Army Knife of Sports Medicine

Athletic trainers play a vital role in the health and safety of athletes across all sports seasons in Alabama. Highlighting their extensive education, hands-on training, and commitment to injury prevention and recovery, we shed light on how these unsung heroes support athletes both on and off the field.
Dr. Conrad Discusses Shoulder Dislocation and Labral Tears with FOX10 News

Shoulder dislocations and labral tears are closely related injuries that significantly impact shoulder stability and function. A shoulder dislocation occurs when one of the three bones that make up the shoulder is forcibly removed from the glenoid cavity, often resulting in a labral tear. This type of injury can cause significant instability and pain in […]
Lower Back Pain: When To See An Orthopaedist

Back pain can be an incredibly disruptive force in people’s lives, dictating their capability, comfort, and demeanor. Lower back pain is so common that it is one of the leading reasons people find themselves in the emergency room. Dr. Drew Henderson was recently invited to FOX10 News to discuss this common ailment and how The […]
Talking orthopaedic hand surgery with Dr. Colin Swigler, M.D.

FOX10 News recently stopped by our Airport Boulevard location to talk to Dr. Swigler about orthopaedic hand conditions, symptoms, and surgery options.
Community Partner: The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. and Dr. Handwerger Support Bayside Academy Volleyball

The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., and Dr. Adam J. Handerwerger are proud to sponsor the Bayside Academy Volleyball team for the 2023-2024 season! With their 21st straight AHSAA State Championship on October 27, 2022, Bayside added to their national records for most consecutive state championships and most state championships (31). Visit Bayside Academy Volleyball to learn […]
Dr. Rachel Discusses Fingertip Injury Treatment at Workers’ Compensation Conference

The most common crush injury is to the fingertip, a sensitive area composed of several nerves. Dr. Rachel discusses the prompt treatment approach needed to preserve function following this injury.
Hand surgery returns quality of life for hobby artist

A fall on his hand and shoulder left Van Gignilliat with progressive pain and numbness in his right hand, keeping him from hobbies he loved. A comprehensive, compassionate approach with Dr. Barbour and Dr. Kidder returned his quality of life.
Scoliosis diagnosis doesn’t keep this active athlete off the field

Mia was an active student athlete, participating in cheer, softball, water sports, and more…until a routine physical revealed scoliosis. Hear her story, and how Dr. Adam Handwerger got Mia back to her active lifestyle.
Ankle reconstruction returns quality of life for avid outdoorsman

A compound ankle fracture and multiple surgeries left James Riis in pain and on crutches for two years. He didn’t know if he’d ever do what he loved again–until he saw Dr. Matt McKean.
Not all joints age equally

Read the original story in Fairhope Living Magazine here. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among adults in the U.S. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. In OA, the protective cartilage on the bones’ […]
We’re here to lend a hand – common conditions of the hand and elbow

Carrying groceries, wrapping a present, lifting an item off the ground – these are all tasks that require the use of your hands, wrists, or elbows. They are also tasks that most people take for granted if they aren’t experiencing pain in these areas. Those who do experience pain in the hand, wrist, or elbow […]
Is Back Pain Keeping You From Things You Love?

Back pain is something many of us experience, and it can be very frustrating when the pain keeps us from doing the things we love to do. Many of our day-to-day tasks can be painful – everything from bending over to lifting to taking a daily walk around the neighborhood. Nearly 65 million Americans experience […]
Three Common Orthopaedic Issues in Children

An orthopedic issue in a child often results in an unexpected ER visit and/or a trip to The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. Any childhood injury can be stressful for both parent and child – fortunately, our fellowship-trained physicians are ready to help get your young person back to their active lifestyle. Broken Bones: Broken bones happen […]
New Technology, More Options: Exploring Outpatient Knee Replacement

With technology on the rise and the patient’s overall experience in the forefront, outpatient knee replacement is just another example of how The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. physicians lead the way in the South Alabama area. The goal of outpatient knee replacement is to provide the equivalent–or better–outcome as an inpatient knee replacement. Advantages of outpatient […]
How a Knee Injury Set Dr. Busbee’s Course to Auburn and a Career in Orthopedics

We are so proud of Dr. Matt Busbee! His connection to our very own Dr. Cope as his treating physician for a high school knee injury set Dr. Busbee on a course toward a career in orthopedics and sports medicine. War Eagle! ‘THE TWO EDUCATIONS I GOT AT AUBURN’: SWIMMING AND SCIENCE EQUIPPED ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON […]
New Year, New You

The new year typically brings resolutions to lose weight, exercise more and get healthy. Gyms and fitness studios are overflowing with well-intentioned new members right now. Within a few weeks, those crowds will dwindle and resolutions will be forgotten—at least until next January. We want our patients to keep bone and joint health as a […]
How is Back Pain Treated?

Treatment for low back pain generally depends on whether the pain is acute or chronic. In general, surgery is recommended only if there is evidence of worsening nerve damage and when diagnostic tests indicate structural changes for which corrective surgical procedures have been developed. How is Back Pain Treated? Conventionally used treatments and their level […]
Can Back Pain Be Prevented?

Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics is often preventable by avoiding movements that jolt or strain the back, maintaining correct posture, and lifting objects properly. Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as heavy lifting, contact stress (repeated or constant contact between soft body tissue and a hard or sharp […]
What Causes Low Back Pain?

The vast majority of low back pain is mechanical in nature. In many cases, low back pain is associated with spondylosis, a term that refers to the general degeneration of the spine associated with normal wear and tear that occurs in the joints, discs, and bones of the spine as people get older. What Causes […]
Keeping Your Back Healthy

A regimen of low-impact exercises is important for keeping your back healthy. Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes daily can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Yoga also can help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Consult a physician for a list of low-impact, age-appropriate exercises that are specifically targeted to strengthening […]
Low Back Pain? You Are Not Alone

If you have low back pain, you are not alone. About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days. In a large survey, more than a quarter of adults reported experiencing low […]
Summertime Breaks and Pains

It’s summertime. Accidents happen. Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but the season for extra daylight and outdoor activity is also the season for breaks and pains. Many children are heading outdoors to participate in their favorite sport and water activity which can lead to more orthopedic injuries during the summer months. […]
Osteoporosis Awareness

Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that can occur as we age. It is responsible for over a million broken bones each year and is a major cause of fractures, back pain, spinal problems and loss of independence. Ten million Americans are living with osteoporosis today, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) […]
How You Can Have Summer Fun, Safely!

It’s almost time for outdoor sports and adventures. That’s right, it’s almost Summer time! As we gear up for some pool time, beach days, or even outdoor adventures, we need to take some precautions to protect our bones and bodies. After winter inactivity some people don’t realize how their bodies will react to the heat […]
5 Tips to Improve Your Overall Foot Health

Healthy feet are important to feel good and stay active. If you neglect your feet, that can lead to unnecessary pain and other foot problems. As we celebrate Foot Health Awareness in the month of April, here are some helpful tips to improve your overall foot health. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Use these […]
Is Regenerative Medicine Right For Me?

Regenerative Medicine heals injuries by growing new healthy tissue with the potential to fully repair damaged tissues. Advanced technologies are allowing physicians like Dr. J. Keith Spain of The Orthopaedic Group to use the body’s ability to naturally repair and regenerate its own damaged cells and tissues to promote and accelerate healing. Dr. Spain performs specialized procedures that […]
Dr. Spain explains non-operative treatment using patient’s bone marrow

Dr. J. Keith Spain discusses an innovative non-surgical procedure that uses stem cells in a patient’s own bone marrow to prolong surgeries such as knee replacements. “We’re not looking to replace surgery, but oftentimes this procedure can work in conjunction with surgery to help in the healing process, or to put off the surgical process […]
Dr. Spain explains unique new treatment using bone marrow

Dr. J. Keith Spain of The Orthopaedic Group and Lenise Ligon of Fox10TV discuss a new bone marrow procedure that is holding promise for healing pain. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BAMC) is made from fluid taken from bone marrow. The bone marrow aspirate contains stem cells that can help the healing of some bone and joint conditions. […]
Healthy Back To School Tips

Heading back to school is always an exciting time for students. It’s a new year for them to start fresh and begin new things. Parents want their students to be prepared for all the new adventures they might face. Whether they are starting a new classroom, a new after-school activity, or just continuing working […]
It Really Is Your Parents’ Fault

As a parent—or as a child—you know how easy it is to sometimes blame parents for everything that goes wrong. Curly hair, math deficiencies, car ran out of gas. It’s mom or dad’s fault. When it comes to some health issues, genetics may be to blame. Lifestyle or environmental factors may not be able to […]
Backpacks and Back Pain

As we send our children out the door for school, make sure their backpacks are the right fit. Otherwise, they may suffer back pain at an early age. Dr. James L. West, spine specialist, recommends that students not carry more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight on their backs daily. The best […]
Alternative treatment keeps local marathoner running

Dr. Jeffrey M. Conrad, sports medicine doctor at The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., is performing PRP therapy, an alternative treatment like that used to get professional athletes Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez back in the game, to help local patients suffering from tendon injuries. Click here to learn how PRP therapy helped one local marathon runner […]
Year-Round Sports Increase Risk of Teen Injuries

Preventing overuse injuries in young athletes is a hot topic among orthopaedists right now, including The Orthopaedic Group, P.C.’s sports medicine doctor, Stephen B. Cope, M.D. Injuries in young athletes are on the rise and can be attributed to year-round activity in sports. Read the full article by Dr. Cope — Download the PDF (610 […]