How I work – orthopaedics and sports medicine
What is limiting you, and what would you like to be able to do again? These are my starting questions. I combine your account with a careful examination and explain what the findings mean for your daily life or sport.
First, listening and understanding your goals
We discuss when your symptoms started, what brings them on and which treatments have helped. We consider demands at work, in daily life and in sport. A concrete goal, such as climbing stairs again or returning to training, helps us tailor treatment to your needs.
Examining you and interpreting findings
I assess movement, strength and function according to your symptoms, taking existing X-rays or MRI scans into account. Ultrasound or further tests are added when they can answer a specific question and influence treatment.
An imaging finding alone does not determine treatment: what matters is how it relates to your symptoms and examination.
Explaining clearly and deciding together
We discuss appropriate options, their expected benefits, possible risks and alternatives. Your expectations and what is practical in daily life also matter. For self-funded services, we discuss anticipated costs in advance.
Depending on the findings, options may include adjusting activity, physiotherapy, progressive training or additional treatments. See the individual procedures in our range of services.
Reviewing progress and adjusting the plan
We agree on how to recognise progress and when reassessment would be useful. If the expected improvement does not occur, we review the diagnosis and treatment. I recommend a surgical opinion when the findings warrant it, weighing benefits, alternatives and timing individually.
Appointment at Dr Aust’s practice
The information on this page is intended as general guidance and does not replace a personal examination.
Author: Dr Andreas Aust · Specialist in orthopaedics with an additional qualification in sports medicine
On shared decisions: NICE guideline NG197: Shared decision making (2021). This source addresses weighing treatment options together.