Comprehensive joint care in Waco

Whether it's skipping your morning walk, sitting out during family activities or avoiding hobbies you once loved, chronic hip, knee or shoulder pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Fortunately, today's joint replacement procedures are more advanced than before. At Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco, Texas, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Nolan Malthesen, MD, Stephen Sierra, MD, and the rest of their colleagues at Ascension Medical Group Providence Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, combine advanced surgical care with nationally recognized quality outcomes to help patients return to the activities they enjoy. If you're considering treatment for chronic joint pain, learning your options is the first step—and our upcoming Joint Replacement Seminar is a great place to start.

When is it time to see an orthopedic specialist?

Not every ache requires surgery, but persistent joint pain shouldn't be ignored.

According to Drs. Malthesen and Sierra, it's time to schedule an orthopedic evaluation if joint pain:

• Causes stiffness, swelling or instability
• Doesn't improve with rest, medication or physical therapy
• Keeps you awake at night
• Limits your daily activities
• Makes walking, climbing stairs or standing from a chair difficult
• Prevents you from exercising or staying active

The good news? An evaluation doesn't automatically mean surgery.

"We'll discuss your symptoms, review imaging and explore all treatment options," detailed the doctors. "Whether the right treatment is physical therapy, injections, medication or joint replacement, the first step is getting the information you need to make the best decision for your health.”

Joint replacement has evolved

For many patients, the thought of joint replacement still brings old tales and memories of loved ones who had long hospital stays and months of recovery. But today's procedures are much different.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that joint replacement should be a last resort after years of suffering," the surgeons shared. "Many patients are surprised to learn they're often walking the day of surgery and may return home the same day or after one night in the hospital."

Advances in implant design, anesthesia, pain management and rehabilitation have transformed the patient experience. In appropriate cases, robotic-assisted surgery and computer navigation provide greater precision, helping optimize implant positioning and function.

For carefully selected patients, minimally invasive techniques can also reduce soft tissue disruption, decrease postoperative pain, shorten hospital stays and support a quicker return to everyday activities.

"The goal is always to achieve an excellent long-term result while minimizing recovery time," Drs. Malthesen and Sierra explained.

Specialized orthopedic/joint care 

At Ascension Providence, patients benefit from more than advanced surgical techniques—they receive care from a multidisciplinary team dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Drs. Malthesen and Sierra completed advanced fellowship training in joint replacement surgery, providing specialized care beyond orthopedic residency. This additional training allows them to care for complex cases while incorporating the latest surgical techniques and technologies into patient care.

"Our program combines experienced fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with a highly coordinated team that focuses on every aspect of the patient's journey—from education before surgery through rehabilitation afterward," they said. "We emphasize evidence-based care, patient safety and individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes."

That coordinated approach extends beyond the operating room. Physical therapists, nurses, anesthesiologists, case managers and pre-operative educators work together to optimize pain control, restore mobility, prevent complications and support patients throughout recovery.

Recognized for joint replacement care

Choosing where to have joint replacement surgery is an important decision. Patients want experienced surgeons, but they also want confidence they're receiving care from a team committed to safety and quality at every step.

At Ascension Providence, orthopedic care is built around consistently delivering outstanding patient outcomes. From pre-operative education through rehabilitation, the orthopedic team follows evidence-based protocols designed to reduce complications, support recovery and help patients return home safely.

That commitment has earned the orthopedic program The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, recognizing Ascension Providence’s dedication to high-quality, patient-centered orthopedic care.

Ascension Providence has also been recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross Blue Shield, a designation awarded to healthcare facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality specialty care while meeting rigorous standards for patient safety and outcomes.

Year after year, the orthopedic program continues to be recognized for:

• Consistently low surgical site infection rates
• Efficient recovery pathways that help many patients safely return home sooner
• Minimal mechanical complications following joint replacement
• Reliable, high-quality outcomes sustained over multiple years

"These recognitions reflect a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care and outstanding patient outcomes," Drs. Malthesen and Sierra said. "For patients, they provide reassurance that they're receiving care from a team dedicated to excellence throughout the entire surgical experience."

Register for a free joint replacement seminar

If you're wondering whether joint replacement is right for you, start with a conversation.

Join fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons Nolan Malthesen, MD, and Stephen Sierra, MD, along with physical therapist, Jessica Baima, for a free educational seminar about today's hip, knee and shoulder replacement options.

Attendees will learn about:

• Advances in minimally invasive joint replacement
• Common causes of joint pain
• Non-surgical and surgical treatment options
• The role of physical therapy and pre-operative education in recovery
• What to expect before, during and after surgery

"Our goal is for people to leave feeling informed and empowered," the surgeons said. "We want patients to understand they don't have to live with chronic joint pain and that effective treatment options are available."

Register today for Ascension Providence's free Joint Replacement Seminar in Waco and hear directly from our orthopedic specialists about how today's treatments can help you get back to living life on your terms.