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Thomas Obermeyer, headshot

Thomas Obermeyer, MD

ROLE:
Orthopedic Surgeon
SPECIALTIES:
Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder
LANGUAGES:
English
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Thomas Obermeyer, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon
SPECIALTIES:
Sports Medicine, Knee, Shoulder
LANGUAGES:
English
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Introducing Dr. Thomas Obermeyer

Dr. Obermeyer practices in the following locations:

Dr. Obermeyer In the News:

Dr. Obermeyer's Clinical Staff:

 
 

Dr. Obermeyer's Patient Story:

In the interview below, one of Dr. Obermeyer's patients discusses his total shoulder replacement procedure, his experience with Dr. Obermeyer, and how his recovery has gone so far:

“I AM BACK!”: Mike’s Successful Shoulder Replacement Helps Him Return to the Life He Loves

Describe how chronic pain affected your life prior to your surgery. What were your symptoms? How did shoulder pain change the way you lived? 

Before the surgery, I could not lift my right arm up above my shoulder. I had pain just putting on a shirt, and a coat was even more difficult to put on. I had a hard time washing my hair. Weeks before the surgery I could barely get to my keyboard on my desk. I have been bowling in leagues since I was a kid and could no longer throw a ball. Basically anything that involved using my right arm above my shoulder wasn't happening. 

What made you choose Dr. Obermeyer at BOS as your orthopedic specialist? 

Actually, Dr. Obermeyer was my second opinion. I had gone to another specialist first and went through everything with him. My family suggested I should get a second opinion. So, I did some research and saw that Dr. Obermeyer was really up on all the new shoulder replacement issues and felt that maybe I would go see him to see what he was all about. 

I can't say enough about how he took the time to explain everything and made me feel very comfortable about choosing to do the surgery. The other doctor I saw said | needed the surgery but was not as informative, nor did he take the time with me like Dr. Obermeyer did. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Obermeyer didn't sugarcoat the surgery. He laid out everything for me [including] the risks and the rewards. This was another reason why I was extremely confident in my choice. 


How did you and Dr. Obermeyer reach the decision that total shoulder replacement was the best option for you? 

Dr. Obermeyer went through my situation with me and laid out what was going on with my shoulder. He went through options and expectations. I could have dragged this out with other options that might have gotten me some pain relief but those options were not going to fix my shoulder. I wanted my shoulder fixed to get back to life and not have to worry day to day if it was going to hurt or inhibit me from doing things I needed and wanted to do. Replacement surgery was the right thing to do. 

Describe your experience with Dr. Obermeyer and the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists. How did they help you before and after your procedure? 

They didn't mess around. After I decided to do the surgery they set everything into motion. Everything that I needed to get done was laid out for me. If I had any questions before and after the surgery, I just called and got answers. The office personnel were extremely nice. After the surgery they did a lot of checking up on me [and] took care of setting up the physical therapy for me, which is right next door to the office. The follow-up appointments went well and the X-rays after the surgery were explained very well to me. 

Tell us about your recovery process from total shoulder replacement. How long was your recovery? What was the most difficult part? What was the easiest part? 

It took about 6 months for me to get back to activities. I was actually back bowling in 6 months. It has been years since I was able to throw the ball like I am now. I fortunately did not have hardly any pain after the surgery. Of course, I couldn't move my arm on my own for a couple [of] months, but in physical therapy – which started 3 days after my surgery – they moved it around. I was back to work using only my left arm in 3 weeks. 

The hardest parts were sleeping sitting up for 3 weeks and using my left hand for things that I always used my right hand for. If you are a right-hand or left-hand person, I would strongly suggest practicing your personal grooming and bathroom issues for at least a week or two before the surgery with your non-dominant hand. You will need help with a shower because you can basically only wash one side of yourself. You cannot use the surgery arm. I am lucky I had my wife home to help me out. You must do the physical therapy. This is one thing I did not slack on. I did it at physical therapy and at home. I firmly believe this got me back to functioning a lot faster. 

I don't think I can say anything was easy. It's difficult for the first 3 months, then at least you can start to use the surgery side a little more each week. I would suggest you get yourself some nice sweatpants and oversized tee shirts. I can say that this was absolutely worth everything I had to go through to get to where I am now. 61 years old and going strong. I started about 4 months ago lifting light weights (15lbs) and I continue stretching. 

How do you feel with your new shoulder? How has it improved your life? 

I feel extremely happy that I can get back to doing the things I love to do without any pain. I am back to normal, and maybe even a little better. It is very freeing to be able to reach and use my arm without any pain at all. How has it improved my life? "I AM BACK!" A little corny but true. 

If you could say anything to someone considering total shoulder replacement, what would it be? 

Don't wait and be miserable because of what you hear from other people. I waited and I could have had this taken care of at least a year sooner. That's one year without the pain and not being able to do things I could have avoided. I can't speak on anyone else's experience except mine, and thanks to Dr. Obermeyer, this has worked out wonderfully. 

 

Testimonials

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    Jim
    Posted OnAugust 1, 2023
    Dr Obermeyer and his staff are fantastic!! From pre op through surgery and post op the team demonstrates their great skills and patient concerns! The physical therapy team is great and keeps the recovery process and exercises controlled and measured to the ability of the patient!! All adds up to a successful surgical experience!!
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    Anonymous
    Posted OnJune 30, 2023
    Dr.Obermeyer showed genuine concern and compassion for me and my condition. He explained things In a way easy to understand and provided information as to what treatment options are available and suggested more testing to get a better idea of the root cause of my condition.
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnJune 29, 2023
    I feel very comfortable with Dr. Obermyer he explains everything thoroughly and direct
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    Anonymous
    Posted OnMay 23, 2023
    From the moment I made my first appointment, through shoulder surgery, physical therapy and other post-op care, Dr Obermeyer and the team not delivered on the expectations, but made me feel like we were in it together. The outcome I have had was even better than I imagined and am back to playing golf regularly and all other normal day to day activities. I certainly appreciate all the care and expertise delivered to give me this outcome.
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    Louis
    Posted OnMay 13, 2023
    No reason to go anywhere else. Everything you need under one roof. Including very professional people.
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    Tracy
    Posted OnApril 4, 2023
    This was my first visit to Dr. Obermeyer. I like how he wants to start working on my issue with smaller treatments and work our way up if or as needed. He was polite, explained himself well, and answered my questions completely.
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    Rick
    Posted OnMarch 15, 2023
    Dr. Obermeyer was thorough and informative. He gave me my options in a clear and concise way and made sure I fully understood his evaluation and suggestions.
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    Malcolm
    Posted OnFebruary 27, 2023
    Dr Obermeyer is the best doctor I have ever met. I had a shoulder injury for 16+ months. I tried multiple things to fix the problem and was hesitant to get a surgery. This was especially after hearing multiple doctors. What I emphasized the most was that I did not care about solving the pain, I cared about solving the problem. Dr Obermeyer listened fully, evaluated the injury professionally, and answered all my questions candidly. I trusted him to do the surgery after seeing his character. Throughout the process, from day 1 evaluation to surgery to post op recovery, Dr Obermeyer and his teams at Barrington Ortho were phenomenal. You can tell they really care about their patients' health. I also want to include that the cost of the surgery and recovery was very fair, especially since you get such a high quality service. Doctor, you changed my life and I cannot thank you enough. I will come only to you for any future jiu jitsu injuries ;) Sincerely, Malcolm
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnFebruary 24, 2023
    Dr Obermeyer has given me 4 replacements-2 shoulder & 2 knee! I greatly appreciate his professionalism & medical skills to give me a better, healthier quality of life.
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnFebruary 17, 2023
    Dr Obermeyer was very polite and pleasant He made me feel relaxed and explained in detail what my problem was and what the treatment would be
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnJanuary 19, 2023
    Dr.Obermeyer was very nice and explained things very well, made me feel comfortable and confident about my medical care
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnJanuary 8, 2023
    Dr. Obermeyer did an excellent job of explaining my x-rays, evaluating my problem, and answering my questions. I'm very glad to have him as my doctor.
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    Karen
    Posted OnDecember 1, 2022
    Dr Obermeyer and his staff were very efficient and took the time to explain the surgery and recovery expectations.
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    Roni
    Posted OnNovember 10, 2022
    Dr. Thomas Obermeyer was great at explaining the process and what I would have to do to get back to normal after my ACL surgery. After 4 months of surgery I am almost at full strength. Thank you doctor for all you've done.
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    Katherine
    Posted OnOctober 17, 2022
    As a new patient, I felt that all my concerns were addressed and I am pleased with the treatment plan that was developed with my input.
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    Lynn
    Posted OnOctober 13, 2022
    Very polite and thorough. Offered treatment options clearly.
  • MEDSTATIX Logo
    Anonymous
    Posted OnOctober 6, 2022
    I liked that Dr. Obermeyer allowed me and respected my decision in course of care. He was supportive and challenged me when appropriate to make sure it was the right action plan.
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    Anonymous
    Posted OnOctober 3, 2022
    Very pleasant, knowledgeable md and great bedside manners
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    Liz
    Posted OnSeptember 23, 2022
    First time visit with Dr. Obermeyer. He was very attentive and answered all my questions!
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    Anonymous
    Posted OnSeptember 23, 2022
    Dr. Obermeyer is a very good doctor & excellent in interacting with patients . I would highly recommend him to all my friends & relatives
  • Posted On