Study Suggests Results from Therapy Are Just As Good As Knee Surgery for a Torn ACL

Unfortunately, every young athlete is at risk for tearing their anterior cruciate ligament or ACL.  Most of the time orthopedic surgeons and patients rush to surgery to reconstruct the ACL, but the problem is there are no long term research studies proving that surgery is better than therapy.  And even though there is no proof indicating that knee surgery has better outcomes then rehab alone there are approximately 200,000 ACL reconstructions performed and over 3 billion dollars  spent annually on this procedure in the United States.

Recently Swedish Researchers published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine proving that rehab alone is just as good as knee surgery for torn ACLs.  Researchers randomly assigned 121 young active adults with torn ACLs into two separate groups.  The first group ONLY underwent therapy to rehabilitate the knee with the OPTION to have knee surgery in the future.  The second group had therapy first but also had ACL reconstruction surgery.

Surprisingly, after two years the results were about the same in both groups when it came to pain and activities of daily living.  And most importantly 61% of the patients that were in the group that only had therapy did not choose to have knee surgery.

Sadly, since there is a lot of money to be made by surgeons and hospitals performing surgeries, this study will probably not make a difference in the number of ACL reconstruction’s performed annually. However, I hope that individuals with a torn ACL give therapy a chance and talk to their doctors about all nonsurgical options available, including cold laser therapy, prior to undergoing ANY type of knee surgery.

Keep in mind, surgery is always an option, but should only be considered once all other options have been exhausted.

If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Findings in the New England Journal of Medicine appear here http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/363/4/331

Knee Pain Sufferers Consider Knee Injections Painful and Ineffective Compared to Cold Laser Therapy for Treating Knee Pain

Most patients suffering from chronic knee pain have tried at least one cortisone injection and a series of SYNVISC™ or some other type of gel injections with little to no long term results.  The most common injection given to patients with knee pain is a steroid or cortisone shot.  Cortisone injections usually work to help decrease pain and inflammation but the results are often temporary.  Since there are long term side effects with the use of cortisone injections patients are limited to three injections per year. Gel injections are also available such as SYNVISC™, Hyalgen™, Euflexxa™, Orthovisc™, Supartz™ (otherwise known as cox comb, or rooster comb injections). These injections are usually performed in a series over the course of a few weeks, and just like cortisone injections gel injections only ‘cover up’ or treat  the symptoms not the  cause of the problem.  Knee pain sufferers consider gel injections painful and ineffective compared to cold laser therapy for treating knee pain.

Recently, Linda Paschal, a 59 year old realtor from North Richland Hills completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Program in Irving, Texas after initially complaining of very severe knee pain. The following is what she said about her experience with knee injections versus cold laser treatments.

“I sought medical help [from an orthopedic doctor for my knee] and was first given a steroid injection [cortisone injection] in the knee and later I was given a series of cox comb shots.  THEY WERE EXTREMELY PAINFUL.  I felt relief, but it wasn’t permanent and certainly not as effective as the cold laser treatments have been.  My medical doctor never recommended knee surgery because I was not a candidate for it.  The only solution I was given (which was not even a solution) was to have a series of cock’s comb shots twice a year and to just learn to live with the knee pain.  I am so pleased that I completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.  I am 100% better and I intend to keep coming back so that I can stay that way!”

Linda’s experience is not unique.

Jill Vann, 62 years young, from Plano Texas is another example of a patient who recently completed cold laser therapy for knee pain with Dr. Schnee.  Before coming in for treatments with Dr. Schnee she tried cortisone injections, physical rehabilitation, a knee brace, and a series of three Euflexxa injections.  Ms. Vann stated, “I had zero results from the knee injections.  The Euflexxa did not work for me, the pain never lessened.” She continued to say, “[Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I am walking without knee pain, I don’t wake up at night whenever I move my leg.  There are times I even forget my knee ever hurt so badly.  [Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Program] has helped me get back on track.  Anyone who has knee issues, needs this program.”

If you have had knee injections including cortisone, SYNVISC™, Othovisc™, Euflexxa™, Supartz™, Hyalgen™, rooster comb, cox comb etc. and they did not work for you then call our office at 214-596-1051 to find out if you are a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas.

If you would like more information about cold laser therapy for knee pain fill out the form on the right side of the screen and a free 16 page report will be mailed to you within 72 hours.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Dallas Fort Worth’s Cold Laser Doctor for Knee Pain -“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Do you have ‘bone on bone’ knee pain and want to avoid or are not a candidate for total knee replacement surgery?

There is a large subgroup of patients 55 years of age and older who have been diagnosed as having ‘bone on bone’ or severe degenerative arthritis in their knees, and are either not candidates for knee surgery or do not want to undergo total knee replacement surgery.  Many of these patients either feel they are too young and the replacement won’t last; concerned with the risks associated with knee surgery; in poor health and are unable to have surgery; or unwilling to do the rehab necessary after the surgery is performed.   Usually patients suffering with ‘bone on bone’ knee pain or arthritis knee pain regard knee replacement surgery as their final option and are thrilled if they experience a 50-90% improvement in knee pain relief with non-surgical options such as cold laser therapy.

Mrs. Nikki G., from Carrollton Texas ,is a good example of someone who was diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon as having ‘bone on bone’ knee pain but after completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is now virtually pain free and will avoid knee surgery.

“I visited an orthopedic surgeon twice [before visiting with Dr. Schnee] because everyday activities were a hardship.  For awhile I had to use crutches but it was just impossible [to get around].  Everything seemed twice as hard to do.  My knee hurt most of the time especially when walking, standing and stair climbing.  It was difficult to straighten my knee making it difficult to sleep comfortably.  The orthopedic surgeon suggested that I start out trying anti-inflammatories and physical therapy.  He said that if those options didn’t work then I would have to have shots and then [knee] surgery.  I did some physical therapy but was not happy with the progress. [ So I finally decided to do research on non-invasive knee treatments on the internet and I found Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program].  Since completing care with Dr. Schnee I can go about my normal activities with ease and I can finally sleep at night without knee pain.  I am very pleased with my treatment and the results from cold laser therapy.  I feel like my knee is about 80% improved!”

Are there patients who don’t realize any improvements after completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program?  Yes, just as with any other treatment, there is a small percentage of patients who may not realize any improvement at all.  However, the good news is that are no side effects from treatments.

In addition, Dr. Schnee has two policies which she strictly adheres to preventing her from wasting anyone’s time.  First, if she doesn’t believe that she can help a patient she will not accept their case. Second, she will not start care with a patient whose expectations are unreasonable.   For example, a patient suffering with significant cartilage loss with the goal of running a marathon would not be considered a candidate for the Cold Laser Knee Program.  On the other hand, the same patient with the simple goal of significantly less knee pain, better joint mobility, a reduction in swelling and an overall better quality of life would be considered an ideal candidate for care.

If you are suffering from ‘bone on bone’ knee pain or severe degenerative arthritis in the knee and want to avoid or are not a candidate for knee surgery, and would be thrilled with a 50%-90% improvement in knee pain, reduction in swelling, and increased joint mobility then consider Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program as an option.

To obtain a FREE report with more details about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program, complete the form located on the right side of the screen and one will be mailed to you within 72 hours.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Dallas Cold Laser Doctor for treating knee pain-“Helping People suffering from chronic Knee Pain using Cold Laser Therapy since 2001.”

Another Patient Saved From Having an Unnecessary Knee Replacement

I had a head on car accident thirty years ago and both knees were severely damaged.  I was informed my knees would never bend (properly).  Over time and with added years the pain in my knees has changed from intermittent pain to constant pain and has been getting progressively more severe.

I could not sit for extended periods of time.  I am a full time student so this interfered with my ability to study and concentrate.  I had difficulties sitting in low chairs and getting back up (this included toilets), navigating stairs was painful especially when carrying heavy objects.  I was no longer able to kneel or exercise.  When walking more than a block my right knee would buckle.  I suffered a severe fall resulting in an ambulance trip to the hospital, multiple x-rays and a large bill.  Most importantly sleeping through the night was almost impossible as turning was painful and would wake me up.  Sleep deprivation is physically and psychologically detrimental to the body.  I was getting frustrated and depressed as I contemplated the possibility of knee replacement.

I took Aleve and Celebrex which upset my stomach.   I also took Hydrocodone to help with the pain.  An orthopedic surgeon suggested I wear rubber braces with whale bone inserts.  These were hot, uncomfortable and it was painful to sit down.  After a severe fall the hospital doctor issued me a larger brace from ankle to hip with Velcro straps.  It made my right leg stiff and difficult to walk and almost impossible to drive a vehicle.

Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I can sit for longer periods, making it easier to concentrate and study.  I can sit in low chairs and get back up with only some discomfort.  Going up and down stairs is now ‘doable’ without having to pull myself up by the handrail.  I am able to kneel with minimal pain.  I am able to exercise and walk great distances without the fear of falling.  I get in and out of my truck without knee pain.

I believe that my knee pain has diminished by 80%.  The very best part of this experience is that now I am able to sleep through the entire night without knee pain (waking me).  My disposition is much better and I can concentrate and study.  I was absolutely pleased with my overall experience!  There was no down time, no pain, and much cheaper than surgery!

Margie S, 61 years young, Full time student, San Antonio, TX

If you are suffering from knee pain and you want to avoid knee surgery then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to help you.  Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser therapy (cold laser therapy), non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we have the ability to use five different types of cold lasers so that every patient’s program is unique depending on whether they suffer from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions.

If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Doctors Are Still Prescribing Useless Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries and Gel Injections for Arthritic Knees

Why is it that arthroscopic knee surgery and gel injections are recommended by surgeons even though there is overwhelming proof that these procedures DON’T WORK?

It is common knowledge in the medical field that arthroscopic knee surgery for arthritic knees is a useless procedure that clean outs and removes the cartilage/meniscus in the knee joint. The surgery actually contributes and exacerbates the very condition it’s supposed to treat….ARTHRITIS.

I believe that if patients diagnosed with arthritic knees fully understood the consequences of arthroscopic knee surgery they would not consent to undergo this procedure. Instead they would demand safer alternatives- that made sense.

Injections are also another option orthopedic surgeons offer patients suffering from arthritis knee pain.  But the results from SYNVISC and other gel injections are questionable and the results are not much better than arthroscopic knee surgery.   (Lately, the injections are losing popularity because patients are discovering that they are useless, and multiple studies have long proven them to be ineffective.  Just ask patients who’ve undergone a series of them.)

Why is it that  cold laser therapy which has been around for over 30 years, used all over the world, has thousands of double blind research studies proving its effectiveness, and does not have any side effects is hardly ever offered by an orthopedic surgeon as an option to arthritic knee pain?

Just follow the money…

There are surgeons that don’t refer patients out for cold laser therapy because they never come back to them for surgery.

It’s a shame.

My belief is doctors should work as a team to provide patients the VERY best care.  I am not against knee surgery.  I am against needless knee surgery. There are times a patient has no other choice, but to undergo knee surgery. If a patient needs surgery and understands the consequences of knee surgery they should have it done.  However, if a patient does not want or need knee surgery then ALL of their options should be reviewed including cold laser therapy.

Often patients have the perception that if their doctor doesn’t offer cold laser therapy or doesn’t know about it then it must be ‘quackery’.  Cold laser therapy is based on decades of proven science and is not ‘quackery’.  The results of cold laser treatments are far more impressive then injections or arthroscopic knee surgery.  Honestly, as a patient you should be more skeptical about arthroscopic surgery then cold laser therapy.  Just read the studies.  Furthermore, there are thousands of published, double blind research studies proving cold laser therapy’s effectiveness.

For years I’ve had patients come to see me for arthritic knee pain and I have not had one person tell me that the arthroscopic knee surgery or the rooster comb injections provided any significant pain relief. Yet everyday in my practice I have patients with arthritic knees undergo our Cold Laser Knee Program and get considerable pain relief. Most notice enough knee pain relief and an increase in strength in their knee joint that they are able to avoid knee replacement surgery.

Don’t believe me just read the hundreds of testimonials on my website from happy patients that have been able to avoid knee surgery.

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we incorporate multiple painless modalities to get you out of pain.  Our office is unique because we utilize several different FDA cleared cold lasers that actually heal, repair and stimulate damaged tissue (cartilage, meniscus, muscle, tendon, and ligaments).  Besides using multiple cold lasers, we combine other safe modalities to reduce/eliminate tissue swelling, knee pain, and strengthen the knee joint.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis knee pain, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to help you.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Only 48% Were Able to Return to Their Normal Activities, Several years After Arthroscopic Surgery

A long-term study to determine the outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic  partial  lateral meniscectomy (partial removal of the lateral meniscus) for lateral meniscus tears was conducted in otherwise normal knees.  The study reviewed patient’s activity level, clinical, and x-ray results.

Patient’s who underwent the surgery were followed up with a minimum of 5-8 years later.  They were evaluated by questionnaire, x-rays, and knee examinations.  Initially, only 85% of those who underwent surgery were able to temporarily return to pre-injury activity level.  However, this percentage dropped to 48% at the time of follow-up.     The study concluded that the activity level of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for partial lateral meniscus removal is likely to deteriorate with time.  The study also concluded that patients should be counseled concerning long-term expectations regarding their knee pain.

If you’re still suffering from knee pain after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be the answer to your problem.  Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments), non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.  Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions.  If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Jaureguito JW. Elliot JS. Lietner T. Dixon LB. Reider B. Arthroscopy. The effects of arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy in an otherwise normal knee: a retrospective review of functional, clinical, and radiographic results. 11(1):29-36, 1995 Feb.

Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery a ‘cure all’? Not if 32 out of 53 patients had to repeat the procedure…

Yes, arthroscopic surgery does help some patients get relief from knee pain but on the other hand so do shots, and medications.   At least with shots and medications a doctor is not removing cushion from the knee joint as in the case of arthroscopic knee surgery. (Unfortunately, there are other side-effects that arise from getting shots and taking medications that I will discuss in another blog.)  After years of published research, we now know that IF arthroscopic surgery does help relieve pain, by removing the meniscus either partially or in its entirety,  the effects are often temporary in nature (a few months or years) and in the long run the surgery leaves the knee vulnerable to future tears and arthritic changes.

In a retrospective review of the results of  arthroscopic procedures that were performed for the treatment of an acute or a chronic meniscal lesion, with or without an associated ligamentous lesion, eighty meniscal tears were identified (in seventy-five patients) that had been assumed to be stable. Of the seventy-five patients, fifty-two had been followed for two to ten years. A repeat arthroscopy was performed on thirty-two patients at an average of twenty-six months after the original arthroscopy. This means that over 61% of patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery had to repeat it again because it was unsuccessful the first time.

If you’re still suffering from knee pain after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be the answer to your problem.  Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments), non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.  Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions.  If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Weiss-CB; Lundberg-M; Hamberg-P; DeHaven-KE; Gillquist-J J-Bone-Joint-Surg-Am. Non-operative treatment of meniscal tears. 1989 Jul; 71(6): 811-22

Study Proves If Your Over Forty Your Knee Will Be Worse Off After Undergoing Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Forty-nine patients who were more than forty years old when medial meniscectomy (arthroscopic surgery to remove the medial meniscus due to a tear) was performed returned for follow-up evaluation one to twelve years postoperatively. Pain was present in 62.2 % of patients who underwent surgery to ‘clean out’ degenerative tears (tears due to arthritis), and in 75% of those who underwent surgery to ‘clean out’ traumatic tears (tears due to injury).

The medial (inner) joint space was significantly thinner in patients with degenerative tears versus those with traumatic tears.

The x-ray findings of osteoarthritis were significantly more severe on the side operated on.

The angle of the knee was relatively more ‘bow legged’ on the surgically treated knee (mean, 5.3 degrees) versus the knee that did not undergo surgery.

If you’ve had arthroscopic knee surgery in the past and you’re still suffering with knee pain then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments), non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.  Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions.  If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Jones-RE; Smith-EC; Reisch-JS J-Bone-Joint-Surg-Am. Effects of medial meniscectomy in patients older than forty years. 1978 Sep; 60(6): 783-6.

Knee Surgery Should Always Be the LAST Option!

After consulting with hundreds of patients who have undergone unsuccessful arthroscopic surgery and knee replacements I’m more convinced  than ever that patients need to try conservative treatments prior to undergoing knee surgery.   The wonderful thing about conservative, non- invasive treatments such as cold laser, exercise, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation is that body parts are not being removed.   These treatments won’t deform your knee and are not likely to make your condition worse. Most importantly death is not a side-effect that you have to worry about.

For instance in the case of my  Cold Laser Knee Program where I combine multiple cold lasers simultaneously, non weight bearing exercises, and other modalities an average of eight out of ten patients  respond to care.  The average patient is usually able to achieve between a 50%-100% improvement in pain and function depending on the severity of the condition being treated.  Respectively, two out of 10 patients do not respond to care, and have no change in symptoms or function.

In the case of cold laser treatments, the worst case scenario would be that a patient doesn’t respond to care at all.   Compare that worst case scenario to undergoing unsuccessful knee surgery.  In the case of unsuccessful knee surgery parts of the knee have been removed permanently.  If the surgery is a failure there is no ‘going back’.  If arthroscopic surgery is unsuccessful often times either more arthroscopic surgery or a total knee replacement is recommended.

Obviously there is no comparison between surgery and  cold  laser  treatments  yet I’m still  surprised at the number of people I talk to on a daily basis that skip basic, conservative non invasive care and jump right into knee surgery.  I often ask patients that have been through unsuccessful arthroscopic surgery or knee replacement surgery why they didn’t receive conservative care BEFORE surgery was performed.  Often times their doctor told them that surgery was their only option, and didn’t offer them any other alternatives.

These patients are often willing to try ‘anything’ because they have ‘nothing to lose’ and are desperate to find a solution to their knee pain. Unfortunately, they have nothing to lose because by the time they’ve gone through knee replacements or arthroscopic knee surgery they’ve already ‘lost it’ (bone, cartilage, meniscus etc…).

Fortunately, there is hope for patients suffering with knee pain after arthroscopic or knee replacement surgery.  They are often great candidates for our Cold Laser Knee Program.   They are more challenging to treat, but typically respond very well to care.

Consider everything you have to ‘lose’ before you ‘lose it’ and give conservative care a chance BEFORE getting cut into.

Located in Irving, Texas, the DFW Spine & Joint Center includes a team of professionals that are dedicated to improving your quality of life.   Professional and amateur athletes, dancers, musicians, retirees and people who are just suffering with pain go to the DFW Spine & Joint Center for care. Using the facility to improve their condition, thousands of successful cases have been treated since 2001.

Dr. Alexandra Schnee primarily treats patients suffering with knee pain due to unsuccessful knee surgery, arthritis, bursitis, ‘bone on bone’, tendonitis, meniscus/cartilage tears, and Baker’s Cyst’s.

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful nonsurgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

If you live in the Dallas/ Fort-Worth Metroplex and suffer with knee pain, and would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program or any of our other programs please call our office at 214-596-1051, or fill out the form on the right hand side of this page and a FREE 16 page report about the treatments will be mailed to you within 72 hours.

Article by Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Does NOT Recommend Arthroscopic Knee Surgery for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines clearly state, “We recommend against performing arthroscopy with debridement or lavage in patients with a primary diagnosis of symptomatic OA (osteoarthritis) of the knee.” 1

Why don’t orthopedic surgeons recommend ‘cleaning up’ the knee with arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis knee pain? Because it doesn’t work, and most patients feel worse after the surgery and eventually need total knee replacements!!!

Try conservative treatments first before you get cut on!! After all, surgery is always an option, but once surgery is performed there is no turning back.
Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is a conservative, non surgical, safe, effective treatment program that may help you avoid knee surgery. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines cold laser treatments, non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.
If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and suffer with arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!
At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc… Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”
1.Suggested Citation for referencing this document: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty). Rosemont (IL): American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); 2008.