Shoulder pain has a way of taking over your life. It wakes you at night and makes simple tasks feel hard. Reaching a shelf, carrying groceries, or turning the steering wheel can hurt. When that pain lingers for months, many people start looking for a specialist.
For patients in the Niagara Region, Hamilton, and the Greater Toronto Area, that search often leads across the border. Dr. Matthew DiPaola is a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon in Western New York. His Niagara Falls office sits a short drive from the Niagara River crossings.
Why Southern Ontario Patients Choose Dr. DiPaola
Some patients come for a second opinion. Others were told their case is complex, or that an earlier surgery did not work. Many simply want a surgeon who focuses only on the shoulder and elbow.
Dr. DiPaola completed his fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. In 2021, he received the Charles S. Neer Award from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. It is one of the most respected research honors in the field. He also teaches as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo.
Credentials are only part of the picture, though. Patients often mention how clearly he explains their condition and answers every question. He also starts with the least invasive option that makes sense for you. Surgery is never the automatic answer.
You can learn more about Dr. DiPaola and why seeing a shoulder and elbow specialist matters. Our patient testimonials page shares experiences in patients’ own words.
Conditions Dr. DiPaola Treats
Most patients who travel from Ontario come to us for one of these problems:
- Rotator cuff tears, including large or previously repaired tears
- Shoulder arthritis and shoulder replacement, including reverse total shoulder replacement
- Labral and SLAP tears
- Shoulder instability and dislocations
- Frozen shoulder and impingement
- Shoulder fractures and elbow fractures
- Tennis elbow, elbow arthritis, and elbow replacement
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
You can find more in our shoulder problems and treatments and elbow problems and treatments sections.
Which Office Is Most Convenient for You
Dr. DiPaola sees patients at three offices. The best choice often depends on which bridge you use.
Niagara Falls, New York
Our Niagara Falls office is inside the Summit Healthplex at 6934 Williams Road, Suite 600. For many Niagara Region patients, it is the closest option. The Rainbow Bridge and the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge both put you a short drive away. Parking is free.
Williamsville and Orchard Park
Patients from Fort Erie often cross at the Peace Bridge into Buffalo. From there, our Williamsville office and Orchard Park office are easy to reach. Our staff can help you pick the location that fits your trip.
Crossing the Border for Your Appointment
A little planning makes the day easier. Before you leave home, gather the following:
- A valid passport or NEXUS card
- Your appointment date, time, and office address
- Online access details for your X-rays or MRI
- A list of your current medications
- Your private insurance information, if you have coverage
Border wait times change through the day. Check current wait times before you go, and leave extra time. Entry rules can also change. Confirm the latest requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before each trip.
Costs, OHIP, and Insurance
Cost is often the first question Canadian patients ask. The honest answer is that OHIP rarely covers this type of care.
OHIP pays for out-of-country treatment only in limited cases. The Ministry of Health must approve it in writing before treatment begins. Generally, the service must be unavailable in Ontario, or a delay must risk serious, lasting harm. Your Ontario doctor submits that request, not our office. Most shoulder and elbow surgery does not meet these rules. The Ontario government’s out-of-country page explains the details.
As a result, most of our Canadian patients pay for their care directly. Our office provides cost estimates, so you know what to expect before you decide. We also work with a surgery center that can give you a price quote for your procedure. If you have private or workplace insurance, ask your provider what it covers outside Canada.
Sharing Your X-Rays and MRI
Getting your imaging to us is usually simple. Most Canadian patients have online access to their X-rays and MRI results. You give our office permission to view them, and we review them before or during your visit. Have your portal details ready when you call to book.
Your Visits, Surgery, and Recovery
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call our office directly to book a consultation.
How many trips will I need to make?
Typically, one in-person visit is enough to plan and book surgery. Dr. DiPaola prefers to examine you in person, because a hands-on exam guides the right treatment. Virtual visits are also available when an in-person visit is not practical.
Can I do physiotherapy in Ontario?
Yes. Your physiotherapy can take place in Canada, close to home. That means fewer trips across the border while you recover.
How do I get home after shoulder surgery?
Plan for someone else to drive you. After most shoulder procedures, your arm will rest in a sling for a while. Learn more about wearing a sling after shoulder surgery and when you can drive again.
What if my injury is an emergency?
A dislocation, deformity, or severe injury needs urgent care. Go to the nearest emergency department first. You can see Dr. DiPaola for specialist care once you are stable.
Shoulder and Elbow Care for Western New York and Southern Ontario
Dr. DiPaola welcomes patients from Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. He also sees patients who travel from Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. No referral is needed, and our office will walk you through costs before you decide.
Still sorting out what is causing your pain? Download our free report, Four Shoulder Treatment Myths, before your visit. When you are ready, call 716-204-3200 or request a consultation online.