Patient Reviews

At Carolina Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, we are privileged to serve the bone, joint, and muscle needs of our community in Gastonia and the surrounding areas.

We invite you to explore the stories of our past and present patients to learn more about the expert, compassionate care we have to offer you and your loved ones.

“My wife, Vicki, and I were in the middle of the Sea of Japan this summer when I fell and broke my leg in three places. I was told I would be leaving the ship the next day and sent to a Japanese hospital for examination and possible treatment. During the day I called Dr. Thomason which was night time in Gastonia. I could not reach him, but he called us in a few minutes and advised us to the take a picture of the X-ray taken on the ship with an iPhone and send the picture to him. Dr. Thomason did not push me to come home but said he believed it would be ok to travel back home for the needed operation on my leg. A Japanese doctor agreed and consulted with Dr. Thomason during the night in the states and the Japanese doctor was able to give me a "Fit to Fly" certification that would allow me to come home for the surgery. When I returned home two days later, I had been scheduled for the operation. I appreciate Dr. Thomason talking to a doctor in Japan late at night to help me be able to have surgery and follow-up at home. I feel I received the best care from Dr. Thomason, his staff, the hospital and the rehab unit. The Best!”
– Fred C.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“Dr. Thomason has operated on me four times all for different reasons and I recovered well and was back to normal in a very reasonable amount of time. He is a great surgeon.”
– Ronald J.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“Dr. Parikh becomes sure he is treating the correct problem. He recommends treatment with good details of what will be done and how that will happen. I am well pleased with Carolina Orthopaedic.”
– Cy R.
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Treating Doctor:
Tejas N. Parikh, MD
“I was seen for hip pain and received injections. The staff was pleasant and professional. Dr. T was wonderful.”
– Martha O.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“Dr. Johnson is more than just a doctor. He takes the time to get to know his patients and always goes the extra mile to make sure that an athlete's long-term health is first priority. He is never in a hurry and takes time to stress the importance of proper exercising and stretching. Dr. Johnson has helped me with my arm-care program since I was 10 years old and I definitely recommend him to anyone, whether they are an athlete or not.”
– Garrett S.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“Hopefully I'll never need any more surgeries but if I did I would certainly go back to Dr. Clay Thomaon. His dad was my cardiologist and I can't say enough good things about either one of them. I have referred many people to Dr Clay who needed an orthopedist. His staff was also to notch, which can't be said about many practices anymore.”
– Joanne H.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“I feel Dr. Erik Johnson is probably the best doctor that has ever treated me. I have suffered a few years with my shoulder being told that all I had was arthritis. Dr. JOHNSON OPERATED AND I CAN LAY IN A BED AND SLEEP AGAIN. He never prejudiced me like some doctors like all I wanted was something for pain. Of which I have no need now, that my pain is almost totally gone. I believe in another month or so and I'll be totally pain-free. Thanks for repairing my shoulder. You and your staff are the BEST EVER.”
– Robert R.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“I have had both knees replaced (not at the same time). Dr. Thomason was terrific. After one of my surgeries, I had a problem with scar tissue. He corrected it and I have no problems since.”
– Dorothy M.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“I'm a patient of Dr. Erik Johnson at Carolina Orthopaedic. He's treated me for my left shoulder injury that happened when I fell down a flight of stairs and the stairs won! He performed my surgery and has been THE best Orthopaedic specialist I have ever been to. He's very thorough, is always cordial and friendly as well as understanding of my situation whether it was a money issue when I was unemployed or a time constraint involving raising a family. I've recommended him to 2 others who have had Dr. Johnson perform their shoulder surgeries as well, both of which were very happy with him as I am. Dr. Erik Johnson is THE VERY BEST in his field and the staff at Carolina Orthopaedic are superb!!”
– Jennifer C.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“"I messed up my shoulder and needed a reverse replacement done. Dr. Johnson and his PA both did all they could to help with my pain. Dr. Johnson gave me my options and let me decide which way I wanted to go. I was totally pleased with the care I was given by everyone at Carolina Orthopaedic and at the hospital. The surgery was done so well , that I even had a shorter recovery time than I expected. I would refer Carolina Orthopaedic and Dr. Johnson, to anyone who needs a good orthopaedic."”
– Richard D.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“"I was so afraid of the simple procedure, Dr. Thomason's manner, courtesy, and spirit made the event so pleasant I would recommend everyone I know to this practice. The procedure has lasted almost two years. Thank you again, Dr. Thomason"”
– Gwendolyn F.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“"Very skilled surgeon with great bedside manner."”
– Marilyn C.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“"I have never had a doctor treat me with more care and compassion than Dr. Johnson! But truly everyone there has been a great support to me with any question or problem. Any time I am asked about an orthopaedic doctor, I always refer them to Carolina Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center!!! Thank you for being the best!!"”
– Catherine S.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“"Knee replacement July 2015, everything went excellent, best doctor and staff I could ask for!"”
– Douglas H.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“"He is good doctor he knows what to do to help you I would go to him again if I need to" ”
– Christine W.
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Treating Doctor:
Tejas N. Parikh, MD
“"Dr.Thomason has been my orthopaedic doctor for approx. ten yrs. I went to other orthopaedics before I was sent to him by my family doctor I am pleased with every treatment I have received. What I like most about him is that I can ask questions, knowing that he has others waiting, and he will make sure I understand all instructions he has given."”
– Lloyd H.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“"Dr Prato treated me like a friend not like some patient. I had both knees replaced and good not be happier. THANKS, Dr. PRATO"”
– Hal M.
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Treating Doctor:
Christopher A. Prato, MD
“Dr. Johnson was very patient and personable during my surgery process. He listened to my concerns and addressed all of them. I haven't had any problems since my surgery. He was magnificent!”
– Jada C.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“I appreciate the entire Carolina Orthopaedic staff and doctors who have treated me. Everyone has been very professional and courteous.”
– David F.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“I can walk again without pain and am so grateful that I have Dr. Thomason as my orthopaedic physician. The hip replacement has changed my lifestyle to one I can enjoy again, I'm walking more and can even exercise again, something I haven't done in a long time.”
– Betty E.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
“I had rotator cuff surgery from a motorcycle accident and Dr. Johnson has the best patient manners I have ever had! He seems caring and understanding and never once looked down at me.”
– Lori T.
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Treating Doctor:
Erik C. Johnson, MD
“The care I am currently receiving from Carolina Orthopaedic is excellent. I would highly recommend this medical group to anyone who has need for orthopaedic healthcare.”
– Michael H.
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Treating Doctor:
Tejas N. Parikh, MD
“Dr. Parikh takes time to listen to my problems and comes up with a solution to fix them.”
– William C.
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Treating Doctor:
Tejas N. Parikh, MD
“He has performed all of my hip injections – He is very informative with what he is doing and makes sure you know what is happening next. He is gentle and kind. I would recommend his services to everyone that may need the same treatment.”
– Nancy R.
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Treating Doctor:
Tejas N. Parikh, MD
“We have a wonderful experience with knee replacement, my husband and I had the same surgery and everything was ok, thanks Dr. Thomason.”
– Aleyda G.
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Treating Doctor:
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD