JOINT TREATMENTS
A joint is any place in your body where two bones meet to create movements that support and facilitate your everyday life. They are complex areas in your body consisting of moving parts and tissue like cartilage, muscles, ligaments, tendon and menisci.
Such complexity creates problems in one or several moving parts when injury occurs. For example, a knee can present osteoarthritis, which is cartilage deterioration, meniscus, ligament tear or even tendon inflammation, tendonitis. In some instances, all of them occurring at the same time.
- Overcome pain
- Enhance Performance
- Improve quality of life
KNEE
Knee pain can be caused by many factors such as: medical conditions (i.e.osteoarthritis.), normal wear and tear, injuries (i.e. meniscus, ligaments, and tendon tears and inflammation, slips and falls).
HIP
Hip pain is a symptom of several conditions, including arthritis, injuries to your hip (fractures, labral tears and dislocation), bursitis and structural issues.
SHOULDERS
The most common cause of shoulder pain occurs when rotator cuff tendons become trapped under the bony area in the shoulder, causing them to become inflamed or damaged.
BACK
In young to middle-aged adults, back pain is often caused by soft tissue injuries such as stretched or torn muscles. As you get older, however, degenerative changes tend to be the primary cause of back pain.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy involves the extraction and concentration of platelets from a patient's own blood. Platelets contain numerous growth factors and cytokines (chemical messengers) that play crucial roles in tissue repair and regeneration. In PRP therapy, the concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into injured tissues, where it promotes cell proliferation, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels, and collagen synthesis, facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. PRP is used in various medical specialities to treat joint arthritis, cartilage or tendon tears, hair loss and more. Its minimally invasive nature and low risk of adverse reactions make it an attractive option for patients seeking alternatives to surgery or prolonged medication use.
Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation with a trained medical professional to assess your joint pain or injury. The physician will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to determine if PRP therapy is the right treatment for you.
Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to routine blood tests. This process takes only a few minutes.
PRP Extraction: The blood sample is placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speeds. This separates the red blood cells from the platelets and plasma, resulting in a concentrated solution of platelets that contains growth factors essential for healing.
Injection: The PRP concentrate is injected directly into the injured or painful joint. This is typically done under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and accuracy, especially for deeper joint areas.
Healing and Regeneration: The injected platelets release growth factors that promote the repair of damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and encourage collagen production, helping to heal the joint naturally. Over time, you’ll experience pain relief and improved joint function as the healing process progresses.
Post-Treatment Care: After the injection, you may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, but this typically subsides within a few days. Most patients are able to resume normal activities after a short recovery period, though intense physical activity may be limited initially to avoid overuse of the joint.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injection (TPI) may be an option for treating pain in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Many times, such knots can be felt under the skin. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The process begins with a detailed consultation. A skilled practitioner will assess your medical history, symptoms, and any muscle pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. This helps determine the most effective treatment plan. Your therapist will also examine the areas of tension and identify the specific trigger points that need attention.Preparation for Injection
Before administering the injections, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. The practitioner will explain the procedure and ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment.Identification of Trigger Points
The practitioner will palpate the affected muscles to locate the trigger points. These are typically tight, tender spots in the muscle that may refer pain to other areas of the body. The practitioner will apply gentle pressure to identify the exact location of the trigger points.Injection of Lidocaine and Marcaine
Once the trigger points are identified, the practitioner will inject a combination of Lidocaine(a fast-acting local anesthetic) and Marcaine (a longer-acting anesthetic) directly into the muscle knot. The Lidocaine provides immediate pain relief, while the Marcaine helps provide longer-lasting numbing effects, allowing the muscle to relax and reducing the pain for several hours to days.This promotes better blood flow, helps with muscle relaxation, and prevents the formation of new trigger points.Post-Treatment Care and Instructions
Following the procedure, you may experience immediate relief from pain and discomfort. Mild soreness at the injection site is common but usually subsides within a few hours. The practitioner will provide post-treatment care instructions, including:- Resting the treated area for a short period to allow the muscle to fully relax.
- Applying ice to reduce any swelling or bruising at the injection site.
- Stretching and range-of-motion exercises to keep the muscles flexible.
- Recommendations for posture adjustments or lifestyle changes to prevent future tension.
Follow-Up Sessions
Depending on the severity of the trigger points, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan, and follow-up sessions may be scheduled for additional injections or for ongoing care to ensure lasting relief.
Non- Surgical Spinal Decompression or NSSD (DRX 9000 device)
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a non-invasive alternative for treating various spinal conditions., such as herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and chronic pain in the neck and lower back. By gently stretching the spine at the specific site of disc and joint involvement, this therapy relieves pressure on compressed nerves and joints to facilitate the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrients into affected discs, promoting healing and pain relief.
Unlike surgery, non-surgical decompression carries minimal risks and downtime, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a highly effective conservative treatment option.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation. A skilled practitioner will review your medical history, symptoms, and any prior treatments or diagnostic results, such as X-rays or MRIs. The goal is to assess your spine condition and determine whether Spinal Decompression DRX is right for you.Preparation for Treatment
Before beginning the therapy, you will be asked to change into comfortable clothing. The practitioner will position you on the spinal decompression table. You’ll lie down in a relaxed position while the technician sets the machine parameters specific to your condition (such as the area to be treated, intensity, and duration).Spinal Decompression Treatment
The DRX machine uses precise, computer-controlled movements to gently stretch the spine. During each session, the machine creates a pulling force that targets the affected discs, helping to:- Relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves.
- Improve blood flow to the damaged areas of the spine.
- Promote the rehydration and healing of discs, aiding in the reduction of pain and inflammation.
The treatment is painless and feels like a gentle stretching or traction of the spine. Most patients find the treatment relaxing and report minimal discomfort.
Customized Treatment Sessions
Each session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition. The therapist will monitor your comfort levels during the treatment and adjust the machine’s settings to ensure optimal results. Spinal Decompression DRX is tailored to each patient’s specific condition, with multiple sessions often required for full effectiveness.Post-Treatment Relaxation
After the decompression session, you may be asked to relax for a few minutes before getting up. This helps your body adjust and ensures you feel comfortable before resuming daily activities. It’s common to experience a sense of relief or lightness after the session, with ongoing improvement in flexibility and pain reduction over time.Follow-Up Care and Ongoing Treatment
Spinal Decompression DRX typically requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions depends on the severity of your condition, and your practitioner will develop a customized treatment plan that may include anywhere from 12 to 24 sessions over the course of several weeks.In addition to spinal decompression, your treatment plan may include complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or stretching exercises to strengthen the spine and prevent future issues.
Lifestyle and Post-Treatment Recommendations
After each session, your practitioner will provide guidance on lifestyle changes, including ergonomic adjustments, proper posture, stretching exercises, and activity modifications to promote long-term spinal health and prevent recurrence of the condition. This holistic approach helps support the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression DRX therapy.
Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a gel-like fluid, into the joint. Hyaluronic acid is a natural occurring fluid surrounding the joints that reduces friction during movement. The injection lubricates the joint and assists by creating a cushion. This works to reduce pain and improve the range of motion or the mobility of the joint.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The treatment begins with a thorough consultation with your healthcare provider. During this appointment, the doctor will assess your medical history, symptoms, and the severity of your joint pain. Imaging tests (such as X-rays) may be performed to evaluate the condition of the joint and confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis or another joint disorder.Preparation for Injection
On the day of the treatment, you’ll be positioned comfortably, and the area of the joint that needs treatment will be prepared. The doctor will clean the injection site with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and ensure your comfort during the injection.Injection of Hyaluronic Acid
The doctor will inject a carefully measured amount of hyaluronic acid into the joint space, typically using a thin needle. The injection is performed directly into the synovial fluid area of the joint (e.g., the knee, hip, or shoulder). The hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and promoting smoother movement in the joint.Depending on the severity of your condition, the injection may take a few minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care
After the injection, you may be advised to rest for a short period, but you can generally resume normal activities right away. Some people may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, which is typically short-lived. Applying ice to the treated area can help reduce swelling and provide relief. Your doctor may also provide additional instructions, such as avoiding intense physical activity or heavy lifting for a short time following the procedure.Follow-Up Appointments
After the initial injection, your doctor may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, multiple injections may be recommended to achieve optimal results. These injections are typically spaced a week apart, and most patients experience relief after a series of injections.Ongoing Maintenance and Lifestyle Recommendations
To maximize the benefits of viscosupplementation, your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes, such as strengthening exercises, weight management, and physical therapy. These measures help support joint health and prolong the effects of the treatment.
Prolotherapy
A concentration of sugar or saline substance is injected into the damaged joint, where it acts as an irritant. It’s thought that your body recognizes the irritant sending immune cells and other chemicals to the area, starting your body’s natural healing process. Prolotherapy helps repair any damaged soft tissue in your joint, ligament or tendon.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The first step in the Prolotherapy process is an initial consultation with your healthcare provider. During this appointment, the doctor will discuss your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination of the affected area(s). Imaging tests (such as X-rays or ultrasounds) may be ordered to assess the condition of the tissues and joints. Based on this information, the doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for Prolotherapy.Preparation for Treatment
Once Prolotherapy is recommended, the procedure will be scheduled. On the day of the treatment, the area to be injected will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. If necessary, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and ensure you remain comfortable during the injections.Injection of the Prolotherapy Solution
The doctor will inject a solution (commonly dextrose mixed with saline or other ingredients) into the injured or weakened tissue. This solution acts as an irritant, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes tissue repair. The injections are typically made into the ligaments, tendons, or joint areas that have been damaged or are causing pain. The number of injections varies depending on the severity of your condition and the area being treated.Post-Treatment Care
After the injection, you may experience mild soreness or discomfort in the treated area. This is a normal part of the healing process as the body begins its regenerative response. You may be advised to apply ice to the treated area for relief and reduce any swelling. Most patients are encouraged to rest the treated area for the first 24-48 hours following the injections. Light activity can usually be resumed after that, but your doctor will provide specific post-treatment instructions based on your individual case.Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring Progress
Several follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress. During these visits, your healthcare provider will evaluate your response to the injections and may administer additional treatments if necessary. Typically, a series of 3-6 Prolotherapy sessions are recommended over a period of several weeks or months to achieve the best results.Ongoing Care and Lifestyle Recommendations
After completing your Prolotherapy sessions, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, stretching, or strengthening exercises to help support the healing process and improve your range of motion. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, can also aid in the recovery process and help prevent future injuries.
