5 ways to treat chronic joint pain

Those suffering from joint pain are acutely aware of just how much their life is altered by the condition. Affecting regions in the body such as the knees, hips and shoulders, the pain often leads to limited mobility, making aspects of daily routines — from afternoon walks to vacuuming the house — more difficult to complete.

For some, surgery may seem like the only solution to alleviate their chronic pain, but a joint replacement surgery can cost $57,000 on average and take up to a year to fully heal. While certain situations do warrant surgical intervention, many joint issues are minor enough they can be effectively treated through a number of non-surgical methods.

These five ways to treat chronic joint pain have proven to increase mobility, alleviate symptoms and restore patients to their daily routine with minimal downtime.

Advanced imaging techniques map the sensory nerves around the knee. Utilizing an innovative procedure to reduce nerve pain around the joints, the nerves are prevented from continuing to transmit pain signals and offer immediate pain relief.

Typically, those suffering from chronic knee pain turn to expensive surgery for long-term relief, or steroid shots as a short-term solution. The Knee-Flex treatment, however, combines the best of both treatments — long-term relief and a lower price point, as well as a significant restoration of mobility to patients.

When the viscosupplementation injection is introduced to the joint, it reinvigorates the cartilage of the knee. What sets the Flexogenix treatment apart from others, however, are the proprietary treatments that follow the injections, including assessing contributing factors to joint pain, knee alignment through bracing, and promoting further healing through the body's platelet rich plasma.

In tandem, the five steps have shown a significant reduction in pain and increased comfort and mobility for patients.

When used in tandem with the Progeni-Flex and Knee-Flex 5-Step protocols — two additional treatments offered by Flexogenix — the PRP method's success can be accelerated, providing long-term pain relief and increased function.

The therapy centers on two self-derived methods for making these cells more effective. First, the most common and minimally invasive technique redistributes regenerative cells found in the body's fat into other regions. The second technique, referred to as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, sources from bone marrow and is best for patients who have cartilage, muscle or joint tissues that are torn or injured and in need of repair.

Thanks to a highly accurate, image-guided delivery method, this treatment— referred to as Progeni-Flex when used in tandem with PRP — has proven highly effective for a number of patients, including active athletes and those with osteoarthritis.

Conducted through hour-long, one-on-one sessions with a certified trainer, the treatment is broken up into three sections.

The first revolves around brace fitting and orthotics, as a designated trainer analyzes joint alignment, assesses gait and structural issues, and determines the most effective measures moving forward.

During the second session, a seven-point movement analysis is completed, followed by an evaluation of issues with range of motion, mobility and stability. From there, the trainer is able to determine a baseline for exercise and conditioning that can help correct these issues.

Finally, the last session includes a personalized home workout plan to use moving forward, as well as training and instruction for each exercise.

By using imaging technology to zero in on the affected joints with near-perfect accuracy, the medical team is able to have a clear picture of the joint throughout the procedure. Once completed, the treatment helps to prevent any further degradation of cartilage and introduce natural lubrication into the joint through hyaluronic acid.

All in all, the procedure takes less than one hour, and patients don't have to worry about downtime for recovery like they would have to with surgeries. It may take six to eight months for the treatment to work to its full potential, and the team at Flexogenix can provide continued support and strengthening throughout that time.