Active Florida woman travels to Utah for Shoulder and Knee Treatments - 1 year later

Hi Dr. Davidson,

While you were located in Florida, I located you after researching doctors on the web. Since I was too young for knee replacement, other doctors told me there was nothing that they could do for my knee pain. It had become so painful, I could not walk a flight of stairs without serious pain. After my first visit with you in St. Petersburg, I felt that you had the education and experience to help me. After knee surgery under your care I have no more knee pain!! Then, I received a letter from you that you were going to Park City, Utah to Heiden Orthopaedics. Knowing what a fine doctor you are, I was extremely excited for you and your family. Within a month, I had a serious injury with my horse after moving him to a new barn. The injury involved my right shoulder. Obviously, I contacted you to diagnose the injury, since I knew your specialty was in knees and shoulders. You were transitioning between Florida and Park City when I visited you in St. Petersburg at that time. Since you suspected it was a SLAP lesion, you informed me that surgery would be necessary. Without hesitation, I was on board to follow your practice to Park City, Utah. For me, it was exciting to travel from Florida to Park City, even though my family's schedule would not allow anyone to travel with me. From past experiences, I knew that I would be in excellent hands. Your staff provided everything I needed to make my surgical trip go smoothly and comfortably. The driver, the hospital staff, your office staff, the after-care nurse and physical therapist were exceptional, friendly and professional. Of course the hotel, the food and the scenery were great as well. Thank you for helping to make my SLAP repair an exciting experience. Just to let you know, a year later, I have full use of my right arm!! Consequently, I am back riding and jumping "the horse", doing advanced pilates mat classes, and beginning a “new career” using my right arm. Last spring, I enrolled in acrylic painting classes and found a new talent. My second painting (digital scan is below) is called Summer Window. The medium is acrylic on water color paper. It has been so well received that I have produced giclee prints and notecards. Thank you, Dr. Davidson for giving me my "life" back. Wishing you, your family and staff a wonderfully snowy skiing season.

Sincerely,

Joan S.

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Osteochondral Allograft

Dear Dr. Davidson,

Its been exactly three weeks since you did my Osteochondral Allograft surgery on my left knee, and I'm feeling great! For so long I thought I would just have to live with the pain, but I honestly cant believe the immediate relief I felt after surgery, and am still amazed that I have not felt any of that pain since! Not only does my knee feel great, but my physical therapy is going so well, that I'm already walking without crutches.

I was really skeptical at first, to be traveling all the way from Southwest Florida to Utah, to have such a big surgery with a doctor that I had never even met. However, I am so happy and thankful that I did because it was the best decision I could have ever made! I couldn't have asked for a better team of people to have on my side. I have never had a doctor that made me feel like I was his only patient before you. I couldn't believe one of your first emails to me was on a Sunday night, and I remember thinking "Wow, I cant believe he took time out of his personal life to sit down and respond to all of my questions". It is really nice to know that you care about each and every one of your patients, and any concerns and questions that they have. Also, Jennifer Meyer, your scheduling coordinator was so incredibly friendly, helpful and caring throughout the whole process. She made everything so easy for me; from the first email I sent her with general questions, to her follow up email after I returned home from surgery, and everything in between. It was an absolute pleasure working with you both!

I'm really looking forward to regaining all of my strength and getting back to a healthy and active lifestyle. The next time I return to Utah it will be to go hiking or snowboarding, and to show you how well I am doing! Thank you again so much, I am forever grateful for your help and for the quality of life I will have because of you!

Sincerely,
Mikaela C

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Shoulder Resurfacing with the Arthrosurface HemiCAP

Dear Dr. Davidson & Staff:

I can't begin to express my deep gratitude and delight to be able to have new range of motion with virtually no pain since my hemi-cap surgery in November of last year. You and your staff have increased my quality of life tenfold.

It has been almost 40 years since my shooting accident and the debilitating effects created by it. I am moved deeply at what I am able to do now.

I am doing exceptionally well. I can't begin to express my gratitude of the results of the Arthrosurface Shoulder Surgery and the resulting range of motion and the quality of my life. It is truly a miracle I've gone back to competing in the Martial Arts and my performance has been increased tremendously. Thank you all again. I think my right knee will be next (Big Wink).

Again, thank you and your staff for my new life.
Sincerely,
JM

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Cartilage Transplantation

Hello Dr. Davidson

You may not remember me, but I had knee surgery under your care approximately 10 years ago. At the time I was a Largo Firefighter, referred to you by Dr. Wong. I had very bad damage to the surface of my knee. I had pain all the time and could not work. That was long ago!

I was recently talking to one of my friends about the procedure that I had done and I actually referred him to you for treatment. I had the surgery where you harvested my cartilage and then the cells were grown in the laboratory. Then, at another surgery a couple of months later you implanted them back into my left knee.

FYI my knee is still doing great! I have had very few, if any, residual problems. I have not had any restrictions since the surgery. I have had a successful career in Firefighting and can do all the required tasks. I am now the Asst. Chief in Hernando County. I have also been active in sports and maintain a very physically demanding lifestyle. I thought you would like to know that my surgery was very successful and brag about you whenever the topic comes up.

Frank D
Asst Chief
Hernando County Fire Rescue

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ACL Reconstruction

Dr Davidson

My wife was recently in need of your services and we looked to find you at TBO, only to find you have moved to Utah. You may recall that I received a full knee repair from you in 1999, including reconstruction of my ACL and meniscus. I am happy to tell you that these many years later I am going strong and have had no problems with it. I made a full recovery and complete return to sports and police work. I thank you for your good work and excellent care. Best wishes to you and your family in Utah. Thanks for the opportunity to have a pain free and normal knee.

Andy H

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Meniscal Allograft and an ACL Replacement

Hello Dr. Davidson

I don't know if you remember me, but I was a patient of yours back in St. Pete. You performed a meniscal allograft and an ACL replacement on me back around 2003. It's been awhile, but I wanted to thank you and your assistant Dennis for your help in getting me back up and active. I didn't know you moved to Utah until I Googled you a few minutes ago. Anyway, I thought I would pass along the results from my latest effort in the Gasparilla 15k.  It's not spectacular, but 8:12 miles for a 46 year old guy with four knee operations isn't too shabby either. I couldn't have done it without your help.

Best of luck out in Park City. It's a beautiful place. Warmest Regards,

John C.

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Torn Rotator Cuff and Biceps

Dr. Philip Davidson, physical therapy & staff,

It has been about 1-1/2 years since my first rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder and needless to say it has been some journey. Not only did you put my left shoulder and rotator back together as good as could be expected less than a year passed and you needed to perform yet another surgery on my right shoulder. Type A personalities just don’t seem to know when enough is enough!

I don’t know if other patients feel that the six month is a benchmark, but I do, and just wanted to sit down after this six month anniversary and tell everyone thank you so very much for all of your help through this past year and a half. Not knowing what was in store and now feeling that the worst is behind me, I can reflect not just on the wonderful job you did, Dr. Davidson, but on your wonderful staff. From the minute you walk into Tampa Bay Orthopedic Center everyone is so sincere and truly cares.

They were always encouraging and supportive which means so much when going through something like this. I truly feel that there is a bond still there even though, hopefully, I do not have to come back again!

I continue to improve and get stronger every day. My yoga practice continues to improve and I am literally “standing on my hands and head” once again!

It is definitely a painful surgery and slow in the healing process but I am back and looking forward to the future!

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Rotator Cuff Repair

I would like to take a moment of your time and express my most sincere thanks and appreciation which you and your staff have provided me during a time of a work related injury to my left shoulder. By profession, I am a police officer, which I have enjoyed during my 23 year tenure thus far. Prior to my injury, I was a K-9 handler for the past 15 years. My injury forced the retirement of my partner, and has left me with many decisions about the shoulder repair. A rotator cuff tear was my demise. This was my first ever surgery, 52 years young, and to say that I was a little apprehensive is an understatement.

The surgery was done in March. On this date in June, I feel wonderful! I have a full range of motion and reach. I am still working on rebuilding the strength of the shoulder, and am progressing well. You and your staff were more than I could have hoped for. I was comfortable and informed about the procedure. A fellow officer had the exact same surgery with another Doctor and was not nearly as happy as me. What a difference between he and I! No swelling, no black and blue for me. I was up and about in two days.

Thank you again for doing what you do! I am about to continue my law enforcement career as soon as I am released to full duty. I fully expect to be able to perform at full capacity and wish you and your staff the very best in the future.

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Revision ACL surgery, Osteochondral Allograft and Meniscal Transplant

Hello Dr. Davidson.

Hello Dr. Davidson. You may or may not remember me, but I am Cynthia S, a former work comp patient of yours whom you treated at T.B.O.S. center in St. Pete. Over the years I got to know you, Dennis and your staff very well. You literally took my knee apart and put it back together. You did a tremendous amount of work on my right knee, and an arthroscopic surgery on my left (other) knee, as well. While I faced some difficulties due to the severity of my injury, you and your staff were with me all the way and I am very grateful. Needless to say, when I called Tampa Bay Orthopedics to schedule my annual appointment, I was speechless to learn that you had relocated to Utah. The last time that I saw you, you had a USF student intern who was present when you examined me, and I wanted to tell her that no matter how much interning she completed, I hope that she will be the kind of doctor who is empathetic to ALL patients, as you have been with me. Your ability to do that was unlike any other doctor who had treated me in the past. I have been in the work comp system since 1998, so you know that I have seen my share of snobby, cold, and unsympathetic doctors, just because the patient is work comp. Dr. Davidson, thank you very much for caring for me as if I were Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen, even though I was just plain old "Cynthia"! I thank you, and my entire family does too. I couldn't figure out who was more upset with your relocation, my mom or me! Like I said, over the years, since 2002 or 2003, I think, we got to know your staff very well, and I spent some time at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital. I could go on longer, but I won't, I know that your time is quite valuable.  Although we did not reach all of the goals that we set, I am truly grateful for the fact that you tried and I was able to reach many of my goals. You probably thought that in some way you had failed to helped me, but the fact that your effort was ABOVE and BEYOND, we were both WINNERS! The citizens of Utah have been blessed with a true public servant!

Thank you Dr. Davidson, and may God bless you and your family,
Cynthia S

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Bilateral Knee Resurfacings

I just wanted to drop an email and let you know how I am progressing with my bilateral knee resurfacings. Actually, I am doing very well!! Since about Thanksgiving my right knee has been pretty much recovered and now I guess I can say I got the results as I am doing what I want to do, within limits of course. My day-to-day activities have minimal, if any pain, although I do get the usual stiffness after sitting but it is very short lived once I am moving! And I am able to train 5-6 days a week! For the last two weeks I have been doing Kickboxing - it is awesome and is exactly the challenge and activity that I need. Three days a week is the actual cardio kickboxing and the other three are strength training with bands. Once I get in better shape I hope to supplement a couple days a week with biking and rollerblading - and to be able to do those with minimal if any pain is a most joyous thing!! And I'm sure once I lose some weight and get stronger I will feel all-around even better!

I realized that sometime this month, three years ago, we started this process to get me on the road to health and heart health! While that seems like a long time I am happy to say that I am where I wanted to be and I will make the most of this recovery and process!! Thanks again for all your perseverance, patience and vision.

I am sure you are enjoying your new practice in Park City and I do hope all is going well.

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Knee Surgery

Dear Dr. Davidson:

Just wanted to update you.

I participated in the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk this past October. I walked ALL 60 MILES! It was an awesome experience. I had extensive knee surgery done by you, and I was not sure that I would ever be athletic again. Now I have been able to resume an active lifestyle, doing activities with the kids, playing tennis and enjoying life.

Thanks again for repairing my knee and supporting the Breast Cancer Walk.

Fondly,
Sally C

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Osteochondral Defects, both knees.

Hi Dr. Davidson,

This is Jennifer T. I am writing to tell others about my orthopedic story. I had Osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) in both knees. I was referred to you by my doctor for treatment and had both knees fixed. I was pleased with the treatment you gave me and your staff. Now I am pain free and doing lots of activities, whereas before the surgeries I really could not do much at all.

Thanks again!

Jennifer T.

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