Acute or chronic pain from injury, surgery or a degenerative condition can change your life. Can you feel better without heavy prescription medications or invasive therapies, such as orthopedic surgery? This blog explores your non-invasive pain management options available at NIVA Health.
Extracorporeal Sound Wave Therapy, or ESWT
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-frequency sound waves to stimulate healing in areas of painful inflammation. ESWT is often used to treat acute and chronic pain caused by conditions such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tears.
How Does ESWT Work?
During an ESWT session, a handheld device is used to deliver low-frequency sound waves to the affected area. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area.
While some patients may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, most find that the benefits of ESWT far outweigh any potential side effects. The therapy has been shown to be safe and effective, with many patients reporting significant reductions in pain and improved function.
Benefits of ESWT
ESWT can be a highly effective treatment option for people who have not responded to other forms of pain management, such as physical therapy or medications. One of the benefits of this therapy is that it is non-invasive, meaning there are no incisions or injections required. ESWT is also typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a newer non-invasive pain management treatment that uses LED light to stimulate blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve collagen production. RLT involves placing a device emitting cool-to-the-touch red light on the affected area of the body.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The red light penetrates the skin and stimulates the production of cellular energy, which can help reduce pain and inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area. The therapy can also improve collagen production, which can help keep the skin youthful-looking and connective tissue supple.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
One of the benefits of RLT is that it is non-invasive and painless, making it an ideal therapy option for people who are sensitive to other forms of pain management. Additionally, the therapy does not produce any harmful side effects and can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
RLT has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. It can also be useful in managing acute pain caused by injuries or surgery.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-invasive pain management treatment that involves the injection of the patient’s own lab-concentrated platelets into the affected area. PRP therapy is often used to treat conditions such as joint pain, tendonitis, and arthritis.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
The concentrated platelets contain growth factors that help reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. The therapy can be particularly effective in managing conditions that would normally require unwanted treatments like surgery or medication.
PRP therapy is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves extracting a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The resulting concentrated platelets are then injected into the affected area.
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
While some patients may experience temporary discomfort at the injection site, most report little to no pain during the procedure. Additionally, because the therapy uses the patient’s own blood, there is little risk of adverse reactions or complications.
PRP therapy works best when combined with other pain management techniques, such as exercise and physical therapy. These complementary therapies can help improve flexibility, strength, and mobility and can further enhance the effects of PRP therapy.
Exercise
Finally, exercise is an extremely effective pain management solution. Routine light exercise–walking or swimming as prime examples–naturally raises the brain’s “happy” chemicals. These neurotransmitters block depressive thoughts and lessen the effect of pain signals in the brain, Active and passive physical therapy exercises, including stretching, relieve chronic pain from surgery and musculoskeletal changes due to arthritis and fibromyalgia.
While resting because of chronic pain is helpful, too much sitting only increases pain in the long run. So, exercise to your tolerance for improved joint comfort and flexibility.
Non-invasive Pain Management Near Me in Melbourne, Florida
Would you like to manage your pain in natural ways, without medications or surgeries? Let the experts at NIVA Health show you how they can help with chronic pain management. Call us today at (321) 323-3618 to arrange your complimentary consultation or request an appointment here. We will individualize your treatments to suit your health needs and your lifestyle. Plus, we welcome the open provider-patient communication which is vital to pain management. We look forward to seeing you!
