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Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) is pleased to announce that orthopedic spine surgery resumed October 1, 2026, at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics (CAO), with Dr. Alex Sielatycki. With spine clinic appointments continuing throughout the surgical pause, the return of surgery allows patients to access both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options close to home. “Access to specialized care…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition caused by cartilage breakdown, leading to bone-on-bone friction that produces pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, lower back, hands, ankles and neck. Unlike general age-related joint soreness — which tends to be short-lived and triggered by overuse…
Read MoreAt PMC, delivering safe, patient-centered care means continuously evaluating our programs against the highest clinical standards. At PMC, delivering exceptional care means taking decisive action when our programs evolve. Due to rapid growth and an increase in advanced surgical cases, we are proactively, temporarily pausing our surgical spine program to review our workflows and clinical…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Many shoulder conditions can improve with nonsurgical care, but certain injuries often require surgery to restore stability, strength and pain-free movement. Persistent symptoms such as chronic pain, loss of function, weakness, stiffness or recurrent instability are common indicators that surgical treatment may be necessary. Injuries frequently requiring surgery include rotator cuff tears, labral…
Read MoreFrom his first consultation to the final post-operative check-in, Dr. Joshua Mares, MD, is redefining what patients can expect from orthopedic care in rural Colorado. Known for his precise surgical technique and whole-patient approach, Dr. Mares has quickly become an integral part of the nationally recognized team at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Most foot and ankle pain can be effectively treated without surgery using well-established conservative methods. Approaches such as the R.I.C.E. protocol, structured physical therapy, shoe or orthotic modifications, short-term immobilization, and targeted injections (including cortisone or PRP) can reduce inflammation, support tissue healing and restore mobility. These nonsurgical strategies address common issues such…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Staying active after total knee replacement is essential for maintaining strength, flexibility and the longevity of your implant. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, dancing and golf promote joint health without overstressing the knee. Sports like tennis, bowling and skiing can often be resumed with proper precautions and modifications. To protect…
Read MoreMEEKER, CO – November 4, 2025 – Pioneers Medical Center is proud to announce that it has received four 2026 awards from Healthgrades, the #1 site used by Americans to search for doctors and hospitals. Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) was recognized with awards for America’s 100 Best Joint Replacement Hospitals and Joint Replacement Excellence. The…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Shoulder replacement surgery can be an effective solution for chronic shoulder pain caused by arthritis, rotator cuff tears or traumatic injury when nonsurgical treatments fail. Candidates typically experience persistent pain, limited range of motion and loss of strength that interfere with daily activities. Depending on the extent of joint damage, your surgeon may…
Read MoreKey Takeaways: Many foot and ankle problems can be treated without surgery, but conditions involving structural deformities, tendon ruptures, severe fractures, ligament damage, or advanced arthritis often require surgical intervention. Surgical procedures such as Achilles tendon repair, bunion correction, ankle replacement, and ligament reconstruction can restore stability, reduce pain, and improve long-term mobility when conservative…
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