Real information about orthopaedic surgery. From the practice of Matt Barber MD.
09/24/2025
Physical therapy is having a moment in arthritis care đź‘€
More people are realizing PT isn’t just for recovery—it’s a game-changer before and after joint surgery. By improving mobility and strength ahead of time, patients set themselves up for smoother healing and better long-term results. And for those who don’t need surgery, PT alone can ease pain and restore movement.
Would you try PT first before considering surgery? Let’s hear your take 👇
09/17/2025
Are your joints stiff, sore, or not moving like they used to?
That loss of motion isn’t just discomfort—it could be arthritis. Physical therapy helps restore mobility, ease pain, and strengthen joints. And if surgery becomes necessary, PT before and after the procedure leads to smoother recovery and better long-term results. Backed by years of orthopedic expertise, it’s one of the best steps toward lasting relief.
Don’t ignore the signs. If these joints are hurting, it’s time to get them checked.
09/12/2025
Knee pain can sneak up on anyone—but small, consistent steps can make a big difference.
Simple stretches and exercises often bring relief, helping restore strength and mobility. The key takeaway? You don’t have to live with constant discomfort.
Tag someone who could use a little encouragement for their knee health today. ✨
09/09/2025
Arthritis pain isn’t just about the joints—it’s about movement, strength, and quality of life. 💪
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of arthritis care. Even without surgery, it helps improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore daily function. When surgery is needed, therapy before the procedure strengthens joints for better outcomes, while therapy afterward supports healing and gets patients back to their best. Backed by years of orthopedic expertise, we’ve seen how PT can truly change recovery paths.
Ever wondered why medical device reps are in the operating room?
Their role goes beyond just bringing equipment. They provide critical knowledge about specific devices, guide the team on instrumentation, and even support surgeons with reminders on less frequently used systems. It’s all about ensuring accuracy, safety, and the best outcomes for patients.
Want the full breakdown? Watch the video for a clear explanation of their role. 🎥
09/02/2025
Some days arthritis feels like it takes more than it gives, but movement can be the key to getting your life back. đź’š
We’ve seen patients walk in with pain and stiffness, worried they’ll never move the same again. With consistent physical therapy, sometimes before surgery and sometimes after, they find strength, mobility, and freedom they didn’t think possible. The biggest lesson? Small steps add up to big change, and you don’t have to face arthritis alone.
I often meet patients who tell me they have been managing their pain on their own for years. They’ve adjusted their pace, stopped doing certain activities, and avoided care because they didn’t think their pain was serious enough.
Somewhere along the way, we have normalized pushing through joint pain. We treat it as something we just live with, rather than something we can treat. But living in pain isn’t a sign of strength—it’s a sign that something in the body needs attention.
You don’t have to wait until you can’t move comfortably to begin asking questions. The earlier we understand what’s causing your symptoms, the more options we usually have.
When people come in, my goal isn’t to rush into treatment. It is to listen, assess, and offer a clear explanation of what can help them move forward.
➡️ Are you ready to get ahead of the joint pain? Visit my website today to request your appointment.
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08/21/2025
For many families, back-to-school season brings a shift in routine. The days start earlier, schedules fill quickly, and movement tends to change—especially for parents, grandparents, and teachers.
It’s often around this time that I hear from people who have been managing joint pain quietly for months. The increased walking, driving, or classroom time makes the discomfort harder to ignore.
If that sounds familiar, it might be a good moment to pause and evaluate what your body is telling you. In many cases, small adjustments or conservative treatments can help relieve strain before it escalates.
Staying active through a busy season is possible, but it starts with paying attention early.
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08/13/2025
When a patient chooses to return for additional treatment, it says something important about their first experience. It tells me they felt respected, informed, and cared for from beginning to end.
Surgical results matter, but the way a patient is treated throughout the process matters just as much. That includes every conversation, every follow-up, and every opportunity to listen.
When people come back, it’s not just about needing further care. It reflects a level of trust that was earned over time.
My goal has never been to treat as many patients as possible. My goal is to provide the kind of care that earns confidence—both the first time and the next time.
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08/07/2025
➡️ The most effective care starts with a conversation. ⬅️
I’ve seen the difference it makes when patients feel safe, heard, and respected. That kind of trust isn’t built in a single visit, but it begins when we treat people like individuals, not cases.
My role isn’t just to recommend treatment. It’s to help patients understand their options, think through the benefits and risks, and decide on a plan that reflects their goals. That process only works when trust is the foundation.
The tools of orthopedic care—whether injections, physical therapy, or surgery—are only effective when they’re matched with insight, honesty, and a mutual sense of direction.
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Dr. Matthew D. Barber is a Board-Certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement for hips and knees. Serving residents of Mobile, Alabama and surrounding areas, Dr. Barber always considers non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery for his patients. When surgery is required, Dr. Barber employs the latest surgical techniques and technology.
For patients in need of a knee replacement, Dr. Barber offers Conformis Customized Knee Implants, to better match the patient’s knee replacement to their own unique anatomy. Dr. Barber is the only surgeon in the area offering this option for knee replacement surgery. Dr. Barber is a member of the Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic’s joint replacement team. He sees patients in his office at 3610 Springhill Memorial Dr. N, in Mobile Alabama.
Our staff educates patients, and provides detailed information about their diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Barber believes that an informed patient will be more comfortable with whatever procedures they undertake.
