Meet the OAM professionals who saved one important day—and made all the others just as pain-free

The joys of grandparenthood are many—and attending a grandchild’s wedding is certainly one of them. Which is why when Sara Paley began experiencing severe knee pain just weeks before the ceremony, the first (and only) name that popped into her head was Orthopedic Associates of Middletown.

Dr. Thomas Larson, an orthopedic specialist at OAM, gave Sara the ability to enjoy herself immensely at the glorious affair—though when she first arrived at OAM’s URGENTOrtho center in Middletown, she had no clue whether or not that would ultimately be the case.

 
Brian Beltrani PA-C was working at URGENTOrtho the day Sara arrived—and it became immediately evident that this seasoned physician assistant was the right guy for the job. Brian, one of URGENTOrtho’s highly-trained P.A.s, gave Sara confidence from the moment she walked through the door. “He has a great bedside manner,” she says. “His smile, expertise, and diligence put me entirely at ease.” Brian ordered x-rays, discussed treatment options, and gave her a cortisone shot to lessen the pain until Dr. Larson was able to see her.

That happened even quicker than she had anticipated. The OAM staff was able to schedule Sara’s appointment almost immediately. Dr. Larson, a specialist in joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder, partial knee replacement and arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, was not unfamiliar with Sara, having treated her for many years—but with the wedding right around the corner, there was a much greater degree of urgency than in the past.

Dr. Larson explained all of Sara’s options. A graduate of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Larson completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where his training included Pediatric Orthopedics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. His more than 30 years of experience treating orthopedic problems in patients of all ages assured Sara that whatever decision they reached together would be the right one. Physical therapy was the choice, with occasional injections to manage the lingering aches.

“Dr. Larson was clear and comprehensive when explaining my options,” Sara says. “And I can’t say enough about Brian Beltrani, too, and the entire staff at OAM. They are so knowledgeable and kind. I would recommend them to anyone.“

The treatment plan worked, and Sara enjoyed her granddaughter’s wedding even more than she thought possible.

A Connecticut resident since 2004, Dr. Larson is dedicated to building close connections with each of his patients. “It’s important that I get to know them, to find out what’s important to them and how their conditions affect their lives,” he notes. “One of the more rewarding aspects of my job is working on aplan that helps them quickly get back to the activities and lifestyles they adore.” Which in the case of Sara Paley is continuing to enjoy a lifetime of family love and devotion.

Click here for more about Dr. Larson | View Dr. Larson’s video.

To make an appointment with Dr. Larson please call 860-347-7636.