Nonsurgical Options for Orthopedic Conditions

Surgery is an effective treatment for many types of conditions, but sometimes surgery comes at a great cost. In addition to the extensive healing time that surgery can require, surgery can have a big impact on your life until you’re fully recovered.

Fortunately, many orthopedic conditions have surgery alternatives. Non-surgical options are less invasive, often integrate more easily into your everyday life, and can improve your quality of life.

WHY SEEK NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS?

There are many reasons that people seek non-surgical options for their chronic conditions and orthopedic injuries.

• Non-invasive. Surgical procedures can be very painful because of the invasive nature of surgery, and because the road to recovery can be long. Non-surgical alternatives are much gentler on the body and recovering from them can be more comfortable, especially if you’re working with a skilled medical provider.
• Less costly. Often, non-surgical treatments are less costly than surgery and a stay in the hospital. In addition to the costs associated with the doctors for a surgical procedure, there are other costs that you can avoid (like loss of work) if you seek non-surgical treatments instead.
• More comfortable. Often, non-surgical treatments feel better than surgery, and have no recovery time associated with them.

WHAT ARE NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS?

There are many non-surgical treatment options for chronic conditions. Depending on what condition you’re suffering from, you may benefit from one of the treatments below. Speak with a physician at Phoenix Integrated Medical to find out if one of the treatment options below is right for you.

NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis there is. Millions of people all over the world suffer from osteoarthritis, including over 32.5 million adults. This type of arthritis is caused by the gradual deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the end of the bones. When this happens, bending those joints becomes increasingly painful. Usually this condition affects the hips, spine, knees and hands.

Viscosupplementation is a non-surgical treatment for this condition. During the viscosupplementation process, a gel-like substance is inserted into the joint to provide the cushioning that will lubricate the joints and eliminate the friction causing the pain. This gel has a shock-absorbing quality that can enhance the joint’s functionality and reduce pain at the same time. This type of treatment can help most patients avoid surgery while improving their quality of life.

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA THERAPY

Plasma therapy is a type of treatment that is designed to promote natural healing without surgery. Plasma therapy is used to treat conditions like strains, sprains, rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, dislocations, fractures, joint damage, swollen muscles and tennis elbow.

To conduct plasma therapy, your physician will take some blood in a sample, use a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the plasma. Next, your doctor will prepare the sample for injection. An injection rich with platelets is shot into the affected site to promote fast healing.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is so effective that people who go through it are up to 40% stronger in the injured area after their recovery. This type of treatment is an excellent option for painful injuries. Talk to your physician to find out if this type of treatment is right for you.

CLASS IV LASER THERAPY

Class IV laser therapy uses a special type of infrared laser to promote healing following an injury. This innovative form of treatment stimulates the photosensitive cells in the body to increase their activity levels and promote healing. These fast-moving cells receive more oxygen and nutrients, which helps improve their functionality. When the process is performed multiple times per week during short sessions, the treatments help reduce inflammation.

This promotes pain relief and also helps improve range of motion and mobility following certain types of accidents and injuries. Class IV laser therapy is good for treating conditions like carpal tunnel, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tendinitis, TMJ and arthritis. Your physician can let you know if this is a good option for any condition that you’ve been diagnosed with.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of treatment that can improve your body’s functionality by realigning the spine and promoting good functionality within your nervous system. Chiropractors use techniques like spinal realignment/manipulation and massage therapy to help patients heal and stay healthy following accidents and injuries. They also dispense advice like nutritional advice and lifestyle advice to help patients stay healthy.

Chiropractors also help boost the immune system to help patients avoid illnesses and live an improved quality of life overall. Patients see chiropractors for conditions ranging from whiplash to rotator cuff injuries, orthopedic injuries and even head injuries.

ARE NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Non-surgical options for orthopedic conditions can improve your quality of life, all while keeping you off of the surgical table. Have questions? Call your physician at Phoenix Integrated Medical today.