When it comes to spine and orthopedic care, few professionals have the passion and dedication that Dr. William Faragher brings to his practice. As the primary physician at Spine Colorado's Montrose location, Dr. Faragher has helped countless patients regain their mobility, improve their quality of life, and get back to doing what they love. With a focus on physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR), Dr. Faragher’s approach is centered on non-surgical treatments that help patients avoid invasive procedures while achieving lasting results.
A Passion for Medicine Rooted in Sports
Dr. Faragher’s journey into physical medicine and rehabilitation began early in life. Growing up as an avid sports enthusiast, he found himself frequently in contact with doctors and healthcare providers who treated various injuries. But what truly set him on the path to his current career was his exposure to physical medicine and rehab during his medical education. “I love the field of orthopedics, but I didn’t want to spend my life standing in the operating room,” he explained. Instead, he chose a path that allowed him to help people recover from injuries and stay active without surgery. His ultimate goal? To keep people out of the operating room so they can continue to enjoy sports and an active lifestyle.
During his internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center, Dr. Faragher met several key mentors who shaped his approach to patient care. One of those mentors was Dr. Benu Athodoto, a renowned sports medicine physician at the University of Colorado. “He was a huge inspiration,” Dr. Faragher recalled. “He guided me toward interventional PMR, and I quickly realized how effective it is, especially for athletes who want to stay on top of their game.”
The Rewarding Nature of Helping Others
The most rewarding aspect of Dr. Faragher’s work is the opportunity to see his patients improve and regain their function. “It’s incredible to see someone who’s been injured or struggling with a condition get back to doing what they love, whether that’s running, playing sports, or even just walking around without pain,” he said. For Dr. Faragher, seeing a patient come in with a wheelchair and leave able to walk again is a highlight of his career. “We’ve had patients who couldn’t walk, and within months, we had them back on their feet,” he added. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping people make that transition and improve their lives quickly.”
Finding a Home in Montrose
Dr. Faragher’s decision to practice in Montrose was serendipitous. While skiing in Vail with a friend, he met a colleague of his who practiced spine medicine in Montrose. After a chance conversation, Dr. Faragher found himself interviewing for the position within a month. “I love the small community here,” Dr. Faragher shared. “It’s great to be able to get to know your patients on a personal level. I can’t count the number of times I’ve bumped into a patient at the grocery store, and almost always, they’re telling me how much better they feel.”
Dr. Faragher’s connection to the Montrose community runs deep, and he enjoys the close-knit environment where patients are treated like family. “It’s a great feeling to be part of a community where people genuinely appreciate the care they’re receiving,” he said.
Expanding Services to Meet Patient Needs
One of the most exciting developments at the Montrose clinic is the addition of in-office joint injections, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments. These injections, which offer relief for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis, can now be done right in the office, making it more convenient for patients. “The simplicity of the procedure is a huge benefit for patients,” Dr. Faragher explained. “They don’t have to go through the lengthy admission process at a hospital or surgery center. In and out in less than an hour, and they’re on their way.”
In addition to PRP injections, Dr. Faragher and his team also offer Botox injections for chronic migraines and cervical pain. These treatments have proven to be life-changing for many of his patients, with Botox being considered the gold standard for treating migraines. “We’ve seen incredible results with Botox for migraine patients,” Dr. Faragher shared. “A patient who comes in with headaches every day might leave after their treatment and go months without a single episode. It’s been a game-changer for our practice.”
Leading the Way with Advanced Treatments
Looking ahead, Dr. Faragher sees the future of spine and joint care moving toward more non-invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and regenerative medicine. “RFA is already being used for lower back and neck pain with great success,” he said. “It involves burning the nerve that’s sending pain signals to the brain, which helps alleviate pain for months or even years.”
Regenerative treatments, like PRP and stem cell injections, are also showing great promise for treating spinal injuries. “Stem cells and PRP are the future of orthopedic care,” Dr. Faragher explained. “These treatments are already being used by professional athletes to speed up recovery, and now, we’re bringing them to our patients here in Montrose. These treatments help heal the body from the inside out, promoting natural recovery and reducing the need for surgery.”
The Benefits of Radio Frequency Ablation
Dr. Faragher also highlighted the growing importance of radiofrequency ablation for joint pain in areas like the SI joints, hips, shoulders, and knees. For patients who have had joint replacement surgery but are still experiencing pain, RFA can offer significant relief. “RFA can improve pain by about 80%, and the results can last anywhere from 6 to 24 months,” he said. “It’s a simple procedure that’s done under sedation, and patients typically feel much better within a few weeks.”
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care
In addition to spine and joint care, the Montrose clinic also offers a range of treatments for other orthopedic conditions, such as trigger finger and ankle problems. Dr. Faragher and his team provide in-office injections for small and intermediate joints, which are typically referred to specialists in other clinics. “We do everything here—shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows. It’s a one-stop shop for all your orthopedic needs,” Dr. Faragher said.
This holistic approach to orthopedic care sets the Montrose clinic apart. Patients don’t have to visit multiple specialists or travel long distances for treatment. “We’re able to offer comprehensive care in one place, which is a huge convenience for patients,” Dr. Faragher explained. “We see patients from all over the Western Slope, and it’s great to be able to provide them with the care they need, right here in Montrose.”
Bringing Stem Cell Treatments to Montrose
Another exciting development at the Montrose clinic is the expansion into stem cell injections. Stem cells have shown great potential in treating a variety of conditions, from joint degeneration to spinal injuries. “We’re in the process of bringing stem cell treatments to our clinic,” Dr. Faragher said. “It’s a state-of-the-art treatment that’s been proven to be effective, and it’s already used by professional athletes. We’re excited to offer it to our patients here in Montrose.”
Patient-Centered Care
When asked about patient feedback, Dr. Faragher shared that the response to the in-house services has been overwhelmingly positive. “Patients love the convenience of being able to get treated in one place without having to travel or wait for appointments,” he said. “The feedback has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to be able to make life easier for our patients.”
Life Outside of Work
When Dr. Faragher isn’t helping patients, he enjoys spending time with his family in the Montrose area. An avid skier, Dr. Faragher and his family ski regularly at nearby Telluride. “We ski between 40 and 80 days a year,” he said. “My son is on the Telluride ski team, and my daughter plays soccer for the Montrose Avalanche team. It’s a busy but rewarding life.”
Dr. Faragher’s wife is also a vital part of the Montrose community, working as an aesthetician and offering treatments such as laser skin care and IV hydration. “We enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends,” he said. “It’s great to be able to balance work with the beautiful lifestyle that Montrose offers.”
Why Choose Spine Colorado in Montrose?
Dr. Faragher and his team are committed to providing the best possible care for their patients, whether they’re dealing with spinal issues, joint pain, or other orthopedic conditions. With a focus on non-invasive treatments, advanced procedures, and a patient-centered approach, Spine Colorado’s Montrose clinic is positioned to continue leading the way in orthopedic care. If you’re looking for personalized, effective treatment for your spine or joint issues, Dr. Faragher and his team are ready to help you get back to living your life.
As Dr. Faragher put it, “If you’re unsure, come in and experience what we do. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, and you’ll probably become an enthusiast for our approach to care.”
Learn more about our services in Montrose here.