I have been woefully remiss in a review of this awesome Doctor who I first started using back in…read more2018 when I was referred by my primary Ortho Virginia Doctor to help fix a Bakers Cyst and very recently for a PRP to my shoulder, hoping to avoid surgery. Dr Antonis describes himself as "registered diagnostic medical sonographer with a special interest in ultrasound point-of-care exams and ultrasound-guided procedures, including platelet-rich plasma and newer orthobiologic agents, to augment healing" and he has become my go to Doctor for issues that are out of the scope of my regular Orthopedic surgeon . Back in 2018 I could not run or walk and Dr Antonis fixed my issues taking care to show me the issue using ultrasound and then on the dates of procedure took great care using needles to get the fluid out. I am back jogging.
So, when my MRI recently came back with arthritis and a tear in my shoulder, it was a choice between surgery or visiting Dr Antonis who I immediately requested take a look and when I did, he thought (as my own primary care doctor did) that this procedure could help with pain relief.
Before the procedure, one of his staff Amy O'Masta ,a Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer and a critical resource to me, sat down and took the time to explain the process, procedure very patiently and once the procedure is agreed upon (remember Dr Antonis has to agree the procedure is beneficial) Amy is so very helpful with follow-up questions and procedures. As a certified trainer she was invaluable to coordinating with my PT folks providing both the necessary paperwork, prescriptions to take before and after and explaining what the patient should be doing. From week to days, you are left with clear instructions.
On the day of the procedure, I had also arranged for my wife to be checked for the opposite shoulder and we both showed up to their new really nice office around the corner from the old. Parking is provided and the office was easy to locate.
On check-in, it was easy and since I had to be hydrated, the front office staff provided water.
When we both were brought in, my wife wentt first and Dr Antonis was able to visually able to show her what was going on and gave her some alternatives (like me) to surgery. My wife, who hates medicine of any kind, felt very reassured by Dr Antonis and opted to take a cortisone shot for relief. She did not feel pressured in any way (to the contrary).
While this was going on, my blood was being drawn by a nurse (really nice)
Before my procedure Amy again explained in great detail and showed me visually what was about to happen.
On the procedure itself, while I was really nervous, Dr Antonis took great care and time (even turning on music from the 70s) explaining every step of the procedure in real time. Having him continually speaking, and letting me know what I was about to feel was really helpful finishing this procedure. He was assisted by Meghan who was great.
After the procedure Dr Antonis again ensured I was comfortable and started exercising my hand to keep blood flowing. He really is an outstanding Doctor.
Amy then took over and as a certified trainer, showed me the exercises I should be following both at home and at PT. She took her time and ensured we had all the information we needed before leaving.
I follow-up in 4 weeks and hope this procedure will help me avoid surgery.
A big thank you to Dr Antonis, Meghan and especially Amy (big kudos). If you have any sports issues or ones I mentioned above, I highly recommend seeing Dr Antonis for a second opinion and to perform the procedure if you qualify. He is outstanding and one of a very few Doctors who shows such empathy with his patients.