Alternative Treatments to Surgery

Exploring Alternative Treatments to Surgery

With today’s active lifestyle, adults of all ages are constantly on the go. Participating in sports, doing yard work around the house, frequently carrying heavy loads, or other repetitive activities take their toll on your joints. The constant motion and pressure can result in chronic knee, hip, and shoulder pain. Your age, diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute to osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis.  If you have acute or chronic joint pain due to an injury or arthritis, there are several non-surgical alternatives that may help relieve the pain and preserve the joint.

Visco Supplementation as an Alternative to Surgery

Osteoarthritis in the knee is due to a breakdown of the synovial fluid that cushions the knee during movement.  Visco Supplementation is a hyaluronic acid injection provided by 3D Sports Medicine. The injection supplements the natural fluids in the body to lubricate your knee joint, providing pain relief that will last for up to six months.

Cortisone Injections

For patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery for joint pain, Dr. David Dominguez and Dr. Mark Davis, our orthopaedic surgeons, may recommend cortisone shots. Corticosteroid (cortisone) is one of the most common non-surgical treatments that has provided significant pain relief for many osteoarthritis patients with shoulder, knee, and hip pain. The steroid is injected into the targeted joint and effectively relieves pain associated with inflammation for up to 3 to 6 months. However, keep in mind that this method cannot be used on a regular basis.

Physical Therapy
Shoulder Pain

Managing most joint pain can be done with injections, lifestyle changes, or physical therapy.

Physical Therapy

Orthopaedic surgeons at 3D Sports Medicine often recommend physical therapy for patients with joint pain. A physical therapist specially trained in rehabilitative medicine helps the patient perform exercises that will strengthen the muscles and tissues in the targeted area, such as the knee, hip, or shoulder. Your therapist may also recommend adjusting your daily activities to reduce inflammation and pain and prevent strain or injury.

Weight Loss Programs

Many people gain a few extra pounds with age. However, even being mildly overweight can put pressure on your knees and hips, leading to arthritis. Following a physician-supervised diet or weight loss program can be very effective in reducing pain and inflammation. You may even be able to avoid the need for surgery in the future.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center also offers platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) for patients with joint pain due to joint injuries or arthritis. The injection is administered directly into the muscle around the affected joint using the patient’s blood platelets to help heal cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and regenerate soft tissue.

ALPHA2ACTIVE – A2M Therapy

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a naturally-occurring molecule found in your blood.  It acts as a powerful protector against cartilage breakdown by inhibiting the actions of proteins that damage joints and can cause inflammation. Read more about A2M Therapy on our A2M page.  

Common Injuries

  • Knee Injuries
  • Meniscal tears
  • Cartilage Repair
  • Shoulder Dislocations
  • Shoulder Impingement
  • SLAP Tears
  • Labral Tears
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Ankle Injuries
  • Ankle Sprains/Fractures
  • Achilles Tendon Repairs
  • Hip Injuries/Labral Injuries
  • Trauma/Fractures
  • Wrist Fractures
  • Patella Fractures
  • Clavicle Fractures
  • Pediatric Fractures
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Arthritis
  • PRP

Shoulder

There are a number of causes for shoulder pain. The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints and therefore is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs when soft tissues (Muscle, tendon, labrum & Ligaments) are injured or overused. The shoulder is prone to instability and even to dislocations which may require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. As well, years of use along with other medical conditions can cause stiffness, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or even arthritis. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic shoulder problems. Should you need surgery Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Hip

As weight bearing joints your hips are highly susceptible to arthritis and surgery, including sports injuries and work related injuries. Characterized by joint deterioation and movement limitation, hip injuries and conditions can be especially painful and debilitating. Non-Surgical treatment of hip problems may include physical therapy and injections. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic hip problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Ankle

Ankle injuries like fractures and sprains are common sports related injuries. An Ankle fracture is the break of one or more of the bones in the ankle. If treated appropriately either by casting or with surgery, one can anticipate a full recovery. Ankle Sprains are when the foot rolls, turns or twists, beyond its normal abilities. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes tears. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic ankle problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Trauma/Fracture

A fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Inappropriate treatment or neglect of fracture care could lead to permanent deformity and disability. Dr. David Dominguez has specific training and experience treating complex fractures. Prior to completing his sports medicine fellowship, he worked as an orthopaedic traumatologist at Holmes Regional Medical Center. We treat both adult and pediatric patients who have sustained injuries sustained during auto accidents, sports related, life threatening falls etc. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, have specific, expertise diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic injuries. We have state of the art casting, splinting, and bracing available. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to maximize your recovery.

If your are experiencing pain relating to these common injuries above,
please contact 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment today.

Links to Helpful Articles from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)