By Joseph Treanor, PA-C, Express Team Lead for Excelsior Orthopaedics

When a sudden fall, twisted ankle, or painful shoulder injury happens, knowing where to seek care is crucial. In Western New York, Excelsior Orthopaedics Express Care provides a faster, more affordable, and specialized alternative to the emergency room for treating bone, joint, and muscle injuries. Below are answers to some common questions about the types of injuries treated at Express Care.

Q: What is Excelsior Orthopaedics Express Care?

Express Care is a walk-in orthopedic urgent care service with convenient locations in East Amherst, Amherst, Niagara Falls, and Orchard Park. Staffed by orthopedic specialists, physician assistants, nursing staff, and X-ray technicians, the clinic focuses exclusively on musculoskeletal injuries—such as bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Unlike a traditional ER, where you may wait hours to see a general physician, Express Care offers immediate access to orthopedic experts who diagnose and treat injuries right on the spot.

Q: Why choose Express Care instead of the ER?

For most non-life-threatening orthopedic injuries, Express Care is both quicker and more affordable. Emergency rooms must prioritize treating life-threatening cases, which can cause patients with sprains or fractures to wait. At Express Care, patients are seen promptly and treated by specialists in orthopedic conditions. There’s also a notable cost benefit. ER visits usually cost more, while Express Care charges are similar to those of a specialist visit. Plus, you’ll have access to Excelsior’s entire network of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, dietitians, and sports medicine providers, ensuring smooth follow-up care.

Q: What injuries and conditions can be treated at Express Care?

Excelsior Orthopaedics Express Care offers on-site X-rays, casting, splinting, and bracing services. Patients as young as two years old can be seen for many common injuries. Painful injuries and conditions treated include sprains, strains, muscle injuries, fractures, broken bones, dislocations, tendon and ligament tears, sports-related injuries, and injuries to the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, shoulders, and knees.

Q: When should someone go to the ER instead?

While Express Care is suitable for most bone and joint injuries, you should go to the emergency room for head, neck, or spinal trauma; open wounds or bleeding; major hip fractures; signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever; or severe trauma or loss of consciousness.

Q: What makes Express Care unique?

Beyond expert treatment, patients value a comfortable, patient-focused environment—free from the chaos or delays typical of the ER. Care is coordinated from diagnosis to rehab, leading to quicker recovery and fewer visits. As Excelsior’s motto states, “You’re in the right place” for orthopedic injuries.

Skip the ER for sprains, fractures, and sports injuries—see a specialist today! Excelsior Orthopaedics Express Care has locations in East Amherst, Amherst, Niagara Falls, and Orchard Park. Evening and weekend hours are available, and most major insurances are accepted. Learn more at www.excelsiorortho.com.