Non-Surgical Treatments
PRP
Many famous athletes including Tiger Woods have used Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy – a non-surgical, non-operative treatment that may relieve pain by naturally promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions.
How does PRP work?
Platelets contain proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries. PRP is plasma with many more platelets than are typically found in blood. The concentration of these platelets — and thereby growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times richer than usual.
How is it administered?
Blood is drawn from a patient; platelets are extracted through a centrifuge process; the platelet solution is then injected to the injury site through guided ultrasound.
How effective is PRP?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, PRP is most effective in treatment of chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow.
It has also been used for patellar tendon injuries (runner’s knee) but it’s efficacy not well proven yet. There is no proven benefit after surgery.
If you are considering treatment with PRP, be sure to check your eligibility with your health insurance carrier. Few insurance plans, including workers’ compensation plans, provide reimbursement.
Synvisc
What is Synvisc?
Synvisc is an injection treatment used in knee patients by Dr Herald and provides up to six months of osteoarthritis knee pain with just one injection for many patients.
Synvisc is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.
Before trying Synvisc-One, please tell Dr Herald if you have had an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue or throat, respiratory difficulty, rash, itching or hives to Synvisc C. Also tell Dr Herald if you are allergic to products from birds – such as feathers, eggs or poultry – or if your leg is swollen or infected.
Synvisc-One to date is recommended for pain relief in knee joints only.
To find out more watch the video. http://www.synviscone.com/#Indication
http://www.synviscone.com/what-is-synvisc-one/synvisc-faqs.aspx
Cortisone Injections
How do cortisone injections work and how often should I have cortisone injections?
Dr Herald offers cortisone injections which many patients find relieve symptoms of knee, elbow and shoulder pain for weeks, months and less frequently years. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation in a specific area, helping patients return to pain free activities. The injection usually tends to take effect within 3 to 5 days.
Short-term complications of cortisone injections are uncommon and include lightening of the skin, bleeding, soreness and inflammation. In people with diabetes cortisone can elevate the blood sugar level. Cortisone should also be used under careful medical supervision in people with bleeding disorders.
Facial flushing occurs in one in four patients but only lasts briefly, while sweating, dizziness and insomnia are uncommon side effects.
Whilst cortisone injections are generally well tolerated in most patients, due to side effects, most medical guidelines recommend that cortisone injections are used three or four times a year for non-chronic conditions. The recommended maximum number of injections in patients with chronic conditions is generally one injection every six weeks.
Game Ready
Anatomically engineered for every limb, Game Ready devices are “wraps” that deliver compression and cooling in one portable injury healing system.
Peer-reviewed studies now show Game Ready significantly improves healing and hastens recovery in shoulder and knee patients.
Find out more about Game Ready here.