Neil Shah, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty in hand surgery. Dr. Shah believes communication and education are key to caring for patients effectively. He listens to the concerns of his patients and, together, formulates a treatment plan. His practice is innovative, focusing on constantly improving and adapting new techniques to better patient care. He relies on patient-oriented problem-solving to elucidate medical mysteries and enhance perspective.Dr. Shah has a biomedical engineering background and has interest in the latest technological advances of the orthopedic field. He performs stitchless, minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release as well as complex hand and wrist surgeries. He also offers the latest shoulder and wrist arthroscopy techniques including rotator cuff repair, along with custom shoulder replacement with preoperative 3D CT planning.Away from work, he enjoys basketball, swimming, hiking and sightseeing. Dr. Shah is highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Rhizarthrosis, and Synovitis.

Wendy Heusch, DO, is a Pacific Northwest native, originally from Oregon. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound where she played volleyball on the 1993 NAIA Championship team. Her orthopedic training has taken her from West Coast to East Coast and although she enjoyed each area of the country, she believes there is no place quite like the Northwest.Her practice interests include treating all sports related injuries, with special interests in the shoulder and knee. She completed an Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship at Orthopedic Research of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia where she learned from some of the most respected arthroscopic surgeons in the country about the latest techniques in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. These include all arthroscopic surgery of the rotator cuff and other disorders of the shoulder including dislocations and instability, as well as ACL surgery of the knee. She is also experienced in treating work related injuries of the shoulder and knee. She understands the unique circumstances surrounding work related injuries and helps her patients navigate the L&I process.Dr. Heusch has pursued and obtained subspecialty board certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. This subspecialty certificate is for board certified orthopedic surgeons who have demonstrated qualifications in sports medicine beyond those expected of other orthopedic surgeons. This includes additional training, a practice characterized by a volume of cases in sports medicine, and by passing an exam administered nationally by the AOBOS.Being an athlete herself, she enjoys treating the needs and injuries of all types of athletes, from high school players to the recreational athlete. She has also spent a portion of her fellowship with the team physician for the Washington Redskins learning about the care of the professional athlete. Dr. Heusch enjoys being a part of the Rainier Orthopedic Institute team and serving the Puyallup community.In her free time, Dr. Heusch enjoys gardening and throwing pottery, and spending time outdoors. She is also an avid supporter of local animal rescues.“I believe in treating my patients as a whole person and that there is more to being healthy than just the absence of disease. By looking beyond just the symptoms and by considering all aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, I strive to work with my patients as part of a team so we can better understand and work towards accomplishing their goals.” – Dr. Wendy Heusch, DO. Dr. Heusch is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Frozen Shoulder, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

John Steedman, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement of the hip and knee, sports medicine and arthroscopy, and trauma reconstruction.His philosophy has always been to integrate a patient's orthopedic treatment into his or her overall health plan. He feels strongly that it is essential to maintain the highest level of physical activity possible regardless of one's age. Such activity benefits the whole person in numerous ways including improved balance, psychological well-being, and improved immune function. Intervention may be as simple as exercise modification or as complex as advanced joint reconstruction. Dr. Steedman will always choose the most conservative means available that also offers a high likelihood of success. He considers it a privilege and a blessing to be able to serve his patients and his community in the specialty of orthopedic surgery.Dr. Steedman has tried to live according to the same principles he advocates to his patients, by participating in a daily exercise routine. He enjoys golf, the outdoors, traveling, playing with his grandsons, and scuba diving. Dr. Steedman is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tenosynovitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Joseph Cove is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Cove is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

James Wyman is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Wyman is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Acute Pain, Baker Cyst, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Robert Tamurian is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Tamurian is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Desmoid Tumor, Hip Replacement, and Osteotomy.

Kenneth Nwosu is a Neurosurgery provider in Puyallup, Washington. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy. Dr. Nwosu is currently accepting new patients.

Alan B. Thomas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000, and he has a special interest in arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. He received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.He enjoys the challenges of restoring people to health through his practice. His doctorate work in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made him a more detailed clinician.Dr. Thomas is a former vice president of St. Clare Hospital and has served on the operating and surgical committees for St Clare Hospital and the medical executive committee for Franciscan Health at St. Josephs Medical Center. He is a chairman for an outreach committee at his church and a member of the board of directors for The Health Project – Cambodia, which delivers medical supplies and equipment to underserved people in Southeast Asia and he travels to Cambodia each year to provide surgical care to those in need.Outside of his medical practice and volunteer work, he tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wakeboarders, and surfers. Dr. Thomas is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.

Michael J. Martin, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced training in spinal medicine and surgical techniques for the treatment of degenerative conditions and fractures of the spine. He is professionally interested in spine treatment innovations with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.He has been a surgeon since 1992 and sees himself as a teacher and facilitator in helping people heal themselves. That’s why his high quality, compassionate care includes spending time educating patients about their condition and providing a personalized treatment plan that works for them.Dr. Martin was previously an investigator in a nationwide FDA clinical trial involving a less invasive lumbar spinal stenosis treatment that he helped develops. He is actively involved in developing other innovative treatments and devices for the treatment of diseases and conditions of the spine. He is a Peer Reviewer for the official journal of the NASS, The Spine Journal, and continues to publish articles in orthopedic journals and present community lectures on various lumbar and cervical spine topics.In addition to his community volunteer efforts at Bellarmine Preparatory School, he is an acting Board Member for Commencement Bay Rowing Club. He previously coached youth sports for local community baseball teams and basketball at Saint Patrick’s Catholic School in Tacoma. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and children, biking, skiing, and cooking. Dr. Martin is highly rated in 11 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.

Nathan Bowers, MD, is originally from Peoria, Illinois. He spent summers growing up working on his grandpa's farm and learned that he loves working with his hands. He has been going to the Rocky Mountain West for several weeks each year since he was five to ski, raft, and enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Bowers is so excited to be permanently located in the Northwest to enjoy all it has to offer. Dr. Bowers' philosophy as a doctor is that he wants to provide the highest quality, evidence-based care for his patients. He advises patients as he would a family member and helps guide them to the decision that fits them best. He wants to be able to care for all of his patient's upper extremity problems from shoulder to fingertip.His advice to patients regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle is that it is important to stay active and moving. The time to seek care is when the problem is interfering with work or recreation. Dr. Bowers loves his job because he gets to help people get back to their occupation, their hobbies, and the things that make life worth living.In his free time, Dr. Bowers loves spending time with his wife, a pediatrician, and son, exploring the outdoors, and trying new cuisines and foods. Dr. Bowers is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Dupuytren Contracture, and Trigger Thumb.

Lance L. Bear, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides expert surgical care for a variety of general orthopedic conditions, with particular interest in surgery of the hand. Whether he is treating a sports-related injury, a repetitive stress condition or an osteoporosis-related fracture, Dr. Bear partners with his patients to develop customized solutions that will get them back to actively living the life they love.A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Bear is committed to making a difference in his patients' lives through expert, compassionate care. Dr. Bear is highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Hip Replacement.

Joshua Johnston, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult joint reconstruction with a focus on total hip replacement and complex revisions.Dr. Johnston provides leading-edge robotic arm-assisted joint replacement, including total knee, partial knee and total hip, for appropriate patients. He is also board-certified in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and specializes arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder.Dr. Johnston utilizes the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty and instructs this less invasive, muscle-sparing technique to surgeons across the country. He enjoys caring for patients from all walks of life and strives to provide efficient, thorough and compassionate care.Dr. Johnston completed a fellowship at the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, a FIFA Centre of Medical Excellence, where he served as the team physician for the L.A. Galaxy and Chivas USA Major League Soccer teams, the U.S. Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams and the Pepperdine University and Santa Monica Community College athletic departments.Dr. Johnston is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine.WATCH A VIDEO:Dr. Johnston explains Robotic Arm-Assisted Joint Replacement. Dr. Johnston is highly rated in 7 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Heavy Metal Poisoning, Tendinitis, and Hip Replacement.

Jason Grassbaugh, MD, has dedicated himself professionally to understanding musculoskeletal injury and disease. He understands that no two injuries are exactly alike, and that really listening to the person is the key to deciphering both the nature of the problem and the nuance of their goals. Only then can treatment be crafted that may involve both surgical and non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, stretching, medications, injections, arthroscopy, surgical reconstruction and sometimes joint replacement - all toward the goal of enabling the patient to achieve their unique goals.Dr. Grassbaugh is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, and member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America and Washington State Orthopaedic Association.Away from work, he enjoys woodworking, hiking, board and role playing games, and raising chickens. Dr. Grassbaugh is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy.

Julian S. Arroyo, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder reconstruction, upper extremity orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine. He began practicing in 1996 and is the first fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon to practice in Pierce County. He is professionally interested in minimally invasive shoulder procedures and outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. He uses the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available to help his patients return to a normal lifestyle more quickly and with fewer complications.Dr. Arroyo is a frequent contributor to leading orthopedic journals and lectures and instructs physicians in advanced shoulder reconstruction techniques. He also has worked with major manufacturers, assisting in development and design of orthopedic implants and techniques. Dr. Arroyo is one of a select few surgeons in the state with membership in the distinguished American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Association and is also a reviewing editor for the association’s Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery. As a Pacific Northwest native, Dr. Arroyo is very active in the community. He enjoys snow skiing, water sports, fishing, hunting, and golf. Dr. Arroyo is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Frozen Shoulder, Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, and Bursitis.

Praveen Kanneganti, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon who provides high-quality orthopedic care with a patient-centered approach.Dr. Kanneganti provides patients with the tools and guidance they need to understand their diagnosis and works in partnership with them to develop a treatment plan - whether surgical or non-surgical - to help them return to the activities they enjoy and achieve the quality of life they desire.Dr. Kanneganti is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Association of North America.Request an orthopedic appointment. Dr. Kanneganti is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, and Hip Replacement.

Joanna Branstetter, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in state-of-the-art hand, wrist, shoulder and knee preservation care. Dr. Branstetter had a 20-year career in the United States Army and has been a practicing orthopedic surgeon locally at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for the past 14 years. She recognizes that every patient and injury is unique, and designing a treatment specific to the individual is key to successful outcomes. She works with the patient and their care team to develop the best comprehensive, mutually agreeable plan. This may involve both surgical and non-surgical options like physical therapy, stretching, bracing, medications, injections, arthroscopy, surgical reconstruction and joint replacement.Dr. Branstetter is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Society of  Military Orthopaedic Surgeons, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and the Washington State Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Branstetter is passionate about diversity and inclusion in medicine.Outside of medicine, she enjoys activities with her husband, two children and their Labrador retriever.Conditions and procedures in adolescents and beyond:Arthroscopy of the shoulder and kneeCarpal tunnelChronic exertional compartment syndromeCubital tunnelElbow, wrist and finger tendonitisKnee arthritisKnee ligament reconstructionRotator cuff repairShoulder instability. Dr. Branstetter is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, and Tenosynovitis.

Eric Puttler, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who performs anterior approach total hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy to include ACL reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy to include rotator cuff repair, and provides fracture care to include distal radius fractures, collarbone fractures, and proximal humerus fractures. After completing his residency in orthopedic surgery he had several duty assignment in the US Army, including a year in Iraq in command of a Forward Surgical Team. Dr. Puttler has three beautiful daughters who keep him and his wife busy. He enjoys snow skiing, waterskiing, and all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Dr. Puttler is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Eric Varley, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in complex conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Dr. Varley has comprehensive training in minimally invasive spine surgery, deformity reconstruction and revision surgery.Dr. Varley's philosophy is to serve the unique needs of each patient. He recognizes that the doctor-patient relationship is a very special one grounded in collaboration. He believes this collaboration is built on shared expectations, trust, and a clear understanding of non-operative and operative treatment outcomes. Individualized treatment is designed to honor and return the patient to the meaningful activities of their lives. Dr. Varley looks forward to bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to all patients.Away from work, Dr. Varley enjoys trail running, kayaking, cooking, zymurgy, and backcountry backpacking and skiing. He also has a love for learning new things, and is an avid reader and world traveler. He shares his passion for exploration with his adventurous wife and two active children. When not enjoying time outside with his family, he has a deep personal commitment to global spine outreach and lectures internationally on spine care.Patient Testimonial Video:Spine Surgery Success - Steven’s StoryIn the News:Dr. Varley delivers a baby on the Lopez Island ferry. Dr. Varley is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Lordosis, Spinal Stenosis, and Kyphosis.

David Kieras, MD, specializes in sports medicine, fractures, joint replacement and shoulder and knee surgery. Dr. Kieras is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Kieras is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Osteochondroma, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.

Benjamin Chen is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Chen is highly rated in 33 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Essential Thrombocythemia, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), Philadelphia-Negative Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).

Neal Shonnard is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Shonnard is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Disk, Vertebroplasty, and Bone Graft. Dr. Shonnard is currently accepting new patients.

Benjamin Chen is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Chen is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Laminectomy, and Bone Graft.

Paul Degenfelder is an Orthopedics provider in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Degenfelder is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Acute Pain, Bowlegs, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.

Hossein Pakzad is an Orthopedics provider in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Pakzad is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Osteoarthritis, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, Osteochondritis Dissecans, and Hip Replacement.

Rachel Wheeler is an Orthopedics provider in Bonney Lake, Washington. Her top areas of expertise are Scoliosis, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, and Spinal Stenosis.