Are you one of the millions of Americans dealing with knee pain? From sports injuries to medical conditions, there are many possible causes of pain. Over time, knee pain can impede mobility, making it challenging to walk, bend or even stand. To treat this pain, many people turn to knee surgeries. However, these invasive solutions aren’t always effective. Not to mention, they often come with complex side effects.
At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we offer a variety of non-surgical knee pain treatments. Our plans, which are personalized to every patient, are designed to provide long-term relief. Let’s take a closer look at our different treatments and how they can help you overcome pain this year!
Genicular Nerve Ablation: A Non-Surgical Solution for Knee Pain
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive way to achieve knee pain relief, genicular nerve ablation (GNA) fits the bill. This innovative treatment uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee.
Using imaging guidance, the doctor will locate the genicular nerves; then, they’ll insert a thin needle that sends heat directly to these nerves. Because of its minimally invasive nature, GNA offers quick recovery times and minimal side effects, making it a desirable solution for those who want to avoid surgery.
Cryoneurolysis: Using Freezing Temperatures to Relieve Knee Pain
In recent years, cryoneurolysis has become increasingly popular for treating knee pain. While GNA uses heat to alleviate pain, this cutting-edge technique relies on freezing cold temperatures. First, the doctor inserts a small probe around the nerves near the knee joint. The probe then sends bursts of extreme cold, which disrupts nerve functionality. Not only does this prevent pain, but it also strengthens the joint.
Like GNA, cyroneurolysis is a minimally invasive solution. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after, and the results typically last for months.
Injection-Based Therapy for Knee Pain: Effective, Non-Surgical Treatments
Another effective knee treatment is injection-based therapy, which involves injecting medication into the knee joint. At MAPS, we offer three main types of injections:
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps lubricate and cushion knee joints. These injections are especially effective in treating osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by weak bones.
- Growth Factor Injections: Also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, these injections use healing substances derived from the patient’s blood. Once injected, they stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation and quicken recovery.
- Steroidal-Based Injections: These injections, which often contain corticosteroids, help reduce inflammation by directly targeting the affected joint. They’re known for fast, effective pain relief.
Unsure which injection is right for you? Our team will carefully consider your health needs before recommending a personalized plan.
The Importance of Physical Therapy for Knee Pain Recovery
Along with our innovative knee pain treatments, we often recommend physical therapy. When combined with the aforementioned solutions, physical therapy is highly effective in strengthening the knee and improving mobility. Here are some key benefits of this treatment:
- Reduced Pain: Through targeted exercises, including strengthening exercises, physical therapy helps address the underlying cause of pain. It also improves circulation, which aids with healing and pain management.
- Increased Muscle Strength: Physical therapists prescribe exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles, all of which play vital roles in supporting the knee joint.
- Improved Flexibility: A key part of physical therapy is improving the range of motion (ROM) in the knee joint. Using stretching and manual therapy techniques, physical therapists will help restore movement.
- Better Posture: During a session, your physical therapist will assess your posture and gait (or how you walk). This helps identify any abnormal patterns that may be contributing to knee pain.
- Pain Prevention: In addition to treating current pain, physical therapy helps prevent future pain by building overall joint strength and function.
At MAPS, we personalize physical therapy sessions to accommodate each patient’s unique needs, including their knee condition, physical limitations and long-term goals.
Bracing & Supports: Providing Stability and Strength for Knee Health
Many knee injuries and conditions negatively impact stability. While physical therapy, injections and innovative treatments help stabilize the knee, they don’t provide immediate support. That’s where bracing comes in.
Put simply, bracing and supports stabilize the knee joint by limiting excessive or harmful movements. For example, they can prevent patients from bending their knee and worsening injuries. They also promote proper knee alignment. By providing extra stability, bracing enables patients to perform light activities and encourages quicker healing.
How MAPS Centers for Pain Control Offers Effective Knee Pain Treatments
Are you ready to achieve knee pain relief? At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we offer a double-board certified team of doctors who are committed to high-quality, compassionate patient care. After a thorough consultation, we’ll devise a plan that combines different treatments to maximize your well-being. Schedule your consultation today!