Arthritis and Joint Replacement

Personalized Care for Joint Pain 

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and joint pain affects everyone differently. That’s why the team at UMass Memorial Health delivers customized arthritis care. We take the time to learn about your health, symptoms, lifestyle and preferences so we can create a treatment plan that works for you. 

Our team includes several experts who specialize in arthritis treatment. You may need care from:

• Orthopedic surgeons: Our orthopedic surgeons perform joint replacement surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures. We also provide nonsurgical care, such as pain relief injections.
• Rheumatologists: These doctors specialize in autoimmune diseases (when your immune system attacks healthy tissue) and rheumatic (inflammatory) diseases. A rheumatologist can help if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about our Rheumatology program.
• Physiatrists: These doctors have specialized training in physiatry, sometimes called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Physiatrists provide nonsurgical treatment, such as pain relief injections, therapeutic exercise and medications. Find out more about Physiatry care.
• Physical and occupational therapists: These providers work closely with your physicians and teach you exercises, stretches and other techniques that reduce pain and improve your ability to move. Learn more about Rehabilitation Therapy.

Joint Replacement Surgery at UMass Memorial

In the hands of a trained surgeon, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective treatment for many types of arthritis. If you and your provider decide to explore surgery, you can trust our team to provide exceptional care. We offer the latest technology, including minimally invasive and robotic joint replacement surgery. These techniques use smaller incisions, typically resulting in less pain and a faster recovery.

You have access to experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeons at all our UMass Memorial locations throughout Central Massachusetts. We provide the latest surgical options for:

• Total hip replacement
• Total knee replacement
• Total shoulder replacement

It's normal to have questions as you prepare for surgery, so we offer free joint replacement classes at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. This class teaches you what to expect before, during and after surgery. You also receive educational materials and free aids to assist with your recovery. Please call 855-UMASS-MD for more information about class dates and times.

Nationally Recognized Care for Joint Pain

Our program has received numerous accolades for our quality of care with joint replacement surgery. UMass Memorial Medical Center earned the U.S. News & World Report High-Performing ranking for hip replacement and knee replacement and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center+ for hip and knee replacement. These awards recognize our commitment to providing the highest quality care with consistently positive results.

Our academic researchers from UMass Memorial Medical Center are also studying quality of life after joint replacement. Our nationally recognized clinical research focuses on real-world outcomes of thousands of joint replacement patients. This research will help establish national guidelines for joint replacement surgery and recovery.

Marc Saucier Wants to Compete in a 16th Ironman Triathlon

Marc Saucier has competed in hundreds of triathlons, ski races and other events over the last three decades – including 15 Iron Man triathlons. Chronic pain in his hip and knee tried to bring that to an end. Thanks to UMass Memorial Health, Marc is getting back on course.