Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi

Raelee Bell | Softball Player

In February, the first baseman and I collided (I play second) and I flipped over her and hit the ground with my left shoulder catching my fall. We immediately left and went to the ER and got an x-ray which came back negative. The following day, I was sent to get an MRI and it showed a posterior shoulder separation. The ball in my shoulder had popped out and tore the labrum and cartilage on the back side of my shoulder. When I hit the first baseman, my shoulder popped out; and when I hit the ground, it popped it back in. I saw Dr. Rulewicz, and we tried physical therapy for two weeks. When those two weeks were up, I had not built up enough strength and movement back in my arm to start playing ball again. On March 29th, Dr. Rulewicz performed my shoulder surgery. He went in and corrected my slightly dislocated shoulder, stitched my cartilage back down, and put two plastic screws in my labrum. Since surgery I have had great success in physical therapy and plan to be back on the field soon.

Daisy Johnson | Gymnast

I first saw Dr. Thorderson in the fall of 2017 because of an injury to my foot. At the time, I was a 9 year, competitive gymnast training 25 hours a week. Dr. Thorderson said I had multiple stress fractures in my foot and an additional fracture to one of my toes. I was devastated, but Dr. Thorderson assured me that if I stuck to the plan I would be back stronger. I had to wear a boot for a few weeks, and endure a lot of physical therapy. Dr. Thorderson said it was important to get the muscles in my foot strong and allow the multiple fractures to heal.

I had to miss the entire competition season, but it was worth it. This past season, I was stronger and finished as the state of Mississippi's Level 8, 2nd place champion on beam, which happens to be my favorite event. I can not thank Dr. Thorderson and his staff enough for helping me get back to the sport I love.

Rafael Reyes | Tennis Pro

I just moved to Tupelo for a new job. I was to start working a week later. I am a tennis pro so I was playing and fell and landed on my right wrist. I did not think it was injured until a couple days later. It was sore and swollen. A friend of mine that is a doctor recommended that I go see Dr. Lewis. Dr. Lewis discovered that I did in fact fracture my wrist. Two days later after surgery I started my new job using my left hand. My wrist is healed and I have full range of motion, which is important for a tennis player. Thank you Orthopaedic Institute.

Wesley Webb | Realtor

I have been riding horses my whole life. I did not realize how much that took a toll on my body until one day Dr. Fagan and I were playing golf and he noticed that I had a limp in my step. I made an appointment with Dr. Clark and he performed a total hip surgery on me and I was back to work in four days. I can do more than I could before surgery and now I can ride my horse without any pain. That is why I chose Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi.

Tom Kimmel | Singer-Songwriter

My name is Tom Kimmel. Last year, I had a horrible bicycle accident. Immediately, I knew something was terribly wrong with my shoulder. With AC joint reconstruction, Dr. Gabe Rulewicz was able to put me back together. As a professional musician, and devotee of personal fitness, I was afraid I’d be permanently limited by my injury. But, with rigorous physical therapy, I recovered completely. Now I’m back to doing what I love. Thank you Orthopaedic Institute of North Mississippi.

Lucas Smith | Swimming Coach

Years of working out and not listening to my body left me with a should injury that needed attention. Shoulder pain was waking me up every night and I eventually got to a point where I could not lift my hand higher than my chest. For what I do, range of motion is pretty important. I made an appointment to see Dr. Pillow and he quickly got me on the road to recovery. I am back to sleeping through the night and I credit that to Dr. Pillow. He helped bring back my quality of life!

Lisa Hawkins | Business Owner

Dr. Southworth has been my doctor for a long time. I can honestly say he has been there for me when I needed him the most. My first procedure was two total hip replacements. After that, I broke my foot at a United Way event where I was the campaign chairperson! Knowing how important the event was to me, Dr. Southworth put me in a boot and kept me moving. When I was in High Point, North Carolina at the Furniture Market, I broke my shoulder. I immediately flew home to Dr. Southworth and he repaired it with a plate and nine screws. I am an Orthopaedic Institute poster child. So far, I have one appendage remaining (right arm) that doesn’t have a nut, screw, or plate in place. But if I ever need help, I know who to call. Dr. Southworth is the best!

WALK-IN CLINIC

Located next to the Orthopaedic Institute at 499 Gloster Creek Village, Suite G1.

From strains and sprains, to tears and breaks…we’ve got you covered! If you would like to see someone today without an appointment our Walk-In-Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM. Located next to the Orthopaedic Institute at 499 Gloster Creek Village, Suite G1.

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