Joint pain can interfere with every part of life, from your morning walk to creating a holiday feast to getting a full night’s sleep. Life doesn’t have to be that way.
At ISP Health in Dallas, Texas, award-winning pain management physician Dr. John S. Michels and our team specialize in nonsurgical treatments designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.
Here’s more about the nonsurgical treatments Dr. Michels may recommend for joint pain and the benefits they offer.
Joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands are essential for movement and flexibility. Over time, inflammation, cartilage loss, or repetitive stress can lead to chronic joint pain.
Fortunately, you can find long-lasting relief through conservative, noninvasive treatments that target the root cause of the pain. This could involve a variety of issues, such as cartilage wear-and-tear, joint inflammation, nerve damage, and ligament or tendon problems.
At ISP Health, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain, Dr. Michels starts with a thorough evaluation to uncover the cause of your discomfort. He then develops a personalized treatment plan that may include a variety of nonsurgical solutions that can help you move pain-free again.
Dr. Michels develops a treatment plan that may include:
Customized physical therapy programs help strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on painful joints. Regular exercise tailored to your condition can increase stability and mobility, reducing stiffness over time.
Unfortunately, chronic joint pain can interfere with your ability to participate in these helpful activities. Thus, Dr. Michels typically starts with solving that before moving on to a comprehensive rehab program.
Anti-inflammatory medications or topical creams can reduce swelling and discomfort, especially during flare-ups. We carefully evaluate your needs to ensure you get effective and safe relief.
Corticosteroid injections are popular options that can provide significant short- and mid-term pain relief. They work by reducing inflammation or lubricating the joint to improve function.
Dr. Michels’ expertise allows him to consider a wide range of injection-based therapies for addressing pain and inflammation in the hips, spine, elbows, knees, and shoulders.
Depending on your needs, he may also consider regenerative medicine therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to help reduce inflammation or nerve blocks to eliminate pain for weeks to months.
When injections or medications don’t alleviate your symptoms adequately, Dr. Michels may recommend more advanced, longer-lasting treatment options such as radiofrequency neurotomy.
During these in-office treatments, which are guided by advanced imaging techniques (fluoroscopy), Dr. Michels uses a needle-like medical device to deliver radiofrequency to the nerve that’s transmitting pain signals. This can block pain for 12 months or longer.
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and avoiding repetitive strain are key steps to managing joint pain naturally. Our team provides personalized guidance to help you make sustainable lifestyle changes.
You don’t have to live with joint pain or face surgery right away. Modern, nonsurgical pain management options can help you stay active, comfortable, and confident.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Michels today by calling or using our online booking system. We’re here to help, from diagnosis to recovery.
