Procedures

Trigger Point Injection

Trigger points are areas of the body, usually muscle, that are painful. These areas usually have a focal or specific point where sometimes a nodule or muscle spasm can be felt. These form for different reasons but are usually the product of acute or chronic muscle imbalance. Common disease states where trigger points are seen are fibromyalgia, migraine headaches and overuse injuries. Trigger Point Injections (TPI) are given to help eliminate pain and restore function. Products used commonly include local anesthetic or corticosteroid in small amounts. The smallest needle is used for maximum patient comfort.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections have been used for many decades. Their use can be indicated in multiple disease or injury states such as arthritis or overuse injuries. The general concept behind corticosteroid injections is to decrease inflammation. Different kinds of liquid steroid can be injected into different parts of the body (foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand) to help eliminate pain and restore function. This technique is often effective, quick and completed during an office visit. The smallest needle is used for maximum patient comfort.

Viscosupplementation

Over the years scientists have been looking for other ways to treat joint and bone/cartilage disease & injury. One effective technique that has been used more often is viscosupplementation. Viscosupplementation is a broad name for hyaluronic gel-liquids made from bacteria or synthetically. The product acts in different ways to help decrease pain and improve function. The viscosity of the fluid acts as a cushion medium in weight bearing joints. Also, the composition of the gel like fluid contains basic building blocks of cartilage which line bone and may help with healing. This product is delivered via the smallest needle for patient comfort, and can be performed in the office.

ACP/PRP

Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) & Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) are options for those looking for decreased pain, expedited healing and improved function. This technique uses the patients own blood for injection into the target body area. An overview of the process includes drawing a small amount of the patients own blood, extracting the healing and growth factors, then injecting back into the diseased or injured body part. Common use is seen in tendon and ligament damage, as well as osteoarthritis. The entire process can be performed in the office and has high patient satisfaction.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a technique that has been used for decades. It is a simple technique that has become more popular in its easiness to administer, cost effectiveness, and low side effect profile. The basics behind its mechanism include mixing saline with dextrose or other mild irritant, and injecting into areas of the body to help facilitate the healing process. As opposed to other techniques that aim to decrease inflammation, Prolotherapy increases inflammation in hopes to retrigger an inflammatory/healing cascade and promote tissue regeneration and recovery.

Aspiration

Aspiration is another word for draining. Commonly seen with injury or other disease processes is swelling and edema. Often limbs and joints will fill up with fluid as a response to the injury, trauma or chronic disease process. Aspiration is the process of removing the fluid by way of a needle to decrease pain and improve function of the affected area. This procedure can be performed in the office and is relatively quick. If need be, the fluid drained can be tested for each patients unique treatment plan.

Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy

A new procedure that has gained popularity is called Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy. This procedure is typically chosen after conservative management has been exhausted, but the patient does not want to undergo a full surgical procedure. This technique utilizes a special needle connected to ultrasound waves and water irrigation, to clean-out or debride bad tissue or bone. There are variable settings to adjust that allow this versatile machine the ability to accomplish anything from breaking down scar tissue to removing calcific bone spurs. It is effective, safe and covered by most insurances. This procedure is great for a minimally invasive treatment approach for tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. Get back to activity without long post-operative downtime!

Cell Therapy

Cell therapy has been a growing field for many years. The notion of potential health benefit without typical medication side effect draws many people to this ideology. With goals to assist in the orthopedic or musculoskeletal field, cell therapy can be accomplished in many different ways. Here at Advanced Center for Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine, we use the patients own bone marrow in preparation for the procedure. Through a series of steps, the material is prepared then delivered back to the patient on the same day. The use of an orthopedic ultrasound ensures accuracy and precision for the entire procedure. If this may be something that interests you, please contact the office for more information.