Chronic shoulder and knee pain can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life. Not only can it restrict your range of motion, making it challenging to perform daily activities or participate in sports and physical activities, but it can also affect your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy recreational activities.
Fortunately, regenerative therapies offer hope for relief from joint pain in a safe, effective manner – without the need for invasive surgery or medication. However, did you know that combining regenerative therapies can often be the best solution for knee and shoulder pain?
Let’s explore the benefits of combining therapies and how Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss can create a comprehensive plan for your specific needs.
Conditions That Cause Shoulder and Knee Pain
Shoulder and knee pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Some common conditions that may lead to shoulder pain include:
- Rotator cuff tear: This is a tear in the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.
- Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are trapped and compressed during shoulder movements.
- Bursitis: This is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder arthritis: This is a degenerative condition causing inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.
Common conditions that may lead to knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, where the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time.
- Ligament injuries: ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament) tears can cause knee pain and instability.
- Meniscus tear: This is a tear in the rubbery, wedge-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Also known as runner’s knee, it involves pain around the kneecap, often due to overuse.
- Tendonitis: This is inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
Regenerative Therapies That Address Joint Pain
Now, let’s discuss the different regenerative therapies that Dr. Bleiweiss offers. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy are two of the most popular.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy
PRP therapy is a medical treatment that uses your own blood to promote healing and stimulate tissue regeneration. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the injured area, releasing growth factors that accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
PRP therapy has been used to treat various conditions, including:
- Tendon injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle strains
- Chronic pain
This therapy is minimally invasive, has relatively few side effects, and may offer a natural alternative to surgery or medication.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy, on the other hand, uses your body’s own cells to replace or regenerate damaged cells. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into different types of cells, making them valuable in regenerative medicine. Dr. Bleiweiss uses stem cells retrieved from the patient’s own bone marrow. Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a wide range of conditions, including joint injuries.
Combining Therapies
So why combine therapies? Often, multiple therapies can complement each other and provide even better results. For example, stem cells can be used in combination with PRP to improve their effectiveness. The stem cells can provide a longer-lasting effect while the PRP provides an immediate boost. This combination can be particularly effective for those with chronic joint pain.
Another combination therapy is using Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) along with PRP or stem cell therapy. AWT, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. It is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and calcific tendonitis.
During the treatment, a handheld device delivers controlled shockwaves to the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. The sound waves increase blood circulation, promote tissue regeneration, and help break down calcifications or scar tissues. AWT is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may require several sessions for optimal results.When used in combination with PRP or stem cell therapy, it can improve the effectiveness of both and speed up the healing process.
Additionally, Dr. Bleiweiss may recommend other complementary therapies such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and acupuncture. These therapies can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and further promote healing.
Regenerative Therapies for Knee and Shoulder Pain in Caldwell, New Jersey
At Alternative Disc Therapy, Dr. Bleiweiss provides a wide range of effective, minimally invasive, regenerative medicine, and pain management solutions for a host of conditions including chronic knee and shoulder pain. As a triple board-certified physician with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Bleiweiss is an expert in diagnosing and effectively treating patients. If you’re experiencing knee or shoulder pain, regenerative therapies offer hope for long-lasting relief. When combined in a comprehensive plan by Dr. Bleiweiss, you can experience even better results.
Don’t let joint pain limit your daily life – contact Dr. Bleiweiss today to discuss your personalized treatment plan. To schedule a consultation, please contact our office at (973) 403-3334 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We also offer telemedicine appointments, so reach out to us today.