Archive for Knee Surgery
Knee Replacement for Amarillo Resident is No Longer an Option Since ‘Bone on Bone’ Knee Pain is Almost Gone
Martha C. drove to the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas from Amarillo every week to undergo Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program. This is her story…
“I had constant throbbing pain in my right knee causing me to give in to it and I was putting constant pressure on my left knee and hip. I also had knee pain at night that would wake me and cause loss of sleep. I had to move around to find a comfortable place that would ease the pain in my knee. I couldn’t walk for any length of time or distance. Climbing up and down stairs was very painful. Standing in line for a short time would bring on pain. I was told by the orthopedic surgeon that I was ‘bone on bone’ and I needed knee surgery if the pain became too intense to bear. I tried taking medications, injections, six weeks of therapy and exercise but none of those things helped.
I am very pleased with my results with Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program. The knee treatments have stopped the constant pain in my knee and it has been wonderful. I am happy with my experience with the cold laser treatments and the therapists. Dr. Schnee explained everything in terms that anyone could understand. My percentage of overall improvement is 90%!”
Martha C., 71 years young, Amarillo, Texas
Bone on Bone Knee Pain, Severe Arthritis, Meniscus Tear
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!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Dallas-Fort Worth,a patient of Dr. Schnee, D.C. from Amarillo TX has severe bone on bone knee pain that is helped with Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Therapy
“Never Events” on the Rise Make Total Knee Replacement Surgery An Even Riskier ‘Event’
According to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid a “Never Event” is defined as “A serious adverse event during inpatient [hospital] stays that should never occur and are reasonably preventable through adherence to evidence based guidelines.”
For instance, operating on the wrong knee or leaving surgical instruments in the patient after surgery are considered “Never Events.” Recently The Los Angeles Times reported that Placentia-Linda Hospital in California was fined $25,000 after surgeons working at that hospital replaced a patient’s left knee but used a replacement part designed for the right knee. The patient came in complaining of knee pain 5 months after the surgery was performed and had to undergo a second total knee replacement.
These preventable errors have been on the rise since 2007 and are expected to increase 4% a year according to the AON, the leading global provider of risk management services.
Unfortunately, these mistakes put patients at risk because they must undergo a “revision” knee replacement surgery to fix the first knee surgery.
Regardless of whether an individual has undergone one knee replacement or a revision knee surgery here is a list of just a few of the risks involved when having a total knee replacement.
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Artery damage
- Loosening of the prosthesis
- Loss of range of motion in the knee
- Fracture
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Complications from Anesthesia
- Allergy to metal
- Complications from Blood transfusion
Please note: There is no such thing as ‘minor surgery’ so obviously, some of these risks apply to every surgery- even arthroscopic knee surgery.
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!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,- Cold Laser Doctor for the Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Total Knee Replacement Surgery is Even Risker Than First Thought | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee,D.C. Dallas Cold Laser Doctor in Irving TX, explains how having a total knee replacement surgery is even riskier than first thought Dallas-Fort Worth.
Consider Cold Laser Therapy if You’re Still Experiencing Knee Pain after Having Knee Surgery
Today an individual (I’ll name Mr. V to protect his privacy) came to see me because two months ago he had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery to correct a meniscus tear, but after the surgery he was still complaining of knee pain, swelling and the inability to fully extend his knee. Unfortunately, Mr. V’s knee is no better today than prior to him having knee surgery. In fact, his knee feels worse!
Even the x-rays reveal that his knee is now virtually ‘bone on bone’ (since most of his cartilage/meniscus was removed during knee surgery).Whereas before the knee surgery the x-rays indicated that he had cartilage in the medial aspect of the joint. In a nutshell, his knee is structurally worse, and his symptoms are more severe since getting it scoped.
When Mr. V went back to the surgeon (by the way this surgeon works at one of the most prestigious clinics in North Dallas) to tell him his knee was not getting any better the surgeon told him to take three Alleve and deal with the pain, or undergo a series of gel injections.
Unfortunately, his orthopedic surgeon told him his knee would be ‘as good as gold’ after the surgery. To make matters worse the surgeon didn’t recommend therapy after the surgery because he just ‘didn’t think it would make a difference’.
Well I beg to differ…
I think therapy after knee surgery is crucial, and I believe it would have made a HUGE DIFFERENCE in Mr. V’s outcome. In fact, in his case I think therapy should have been recommended BEFORE knee surgery was ever even performed.
What happened to Mr. V’s knee ‘being as good as gold’ after the surgery?
Unfortunately, Mr. V’s case is not unique. Every day I get frustrated, depressed patients coming in to see me because they are still having knee pain after arthroscopic knee surgery. And instead of the surgeon recommending cold laser therapy to help decrease nerve irritation to the synovium (the lining of the bone that gets irritated and causes most of the pain) and to reduce inflammation in the surrounding tissues they tell them to either live with the pain, get an injection or get a knee replacement (because after the surgery they are suddenly ‘bone on bone’). Instead the surgeons’ ego gets in the way of acknowledging that the patient needs to be referred to another doctor for a second opinion! Whatever happened to doing what’s best for the patient?!!
Not to toot my own horn…but I get great results with individuals who are still experiencing knee pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion after arthroscopic knee surgery. The reason these individuals do so well with my Cold Laser Knee Program is because the knee is IRRITATED FROM THE SURGERY and cold laser therapy and the other specific modalities we use help reduce the irritation and inflammation in the knee joint. In addition, we re-educate and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee to help remove the stress on the knee joint.
As for Mr. V, he’s starting treatments in my office next week and I’m looking forward to getting him out of pain. I am also secretly looking forward to Mr. V visiting his surgeon after he’s done with care to educate him about the benefits of having therapy- especially cold laser therapy!
If you are are still experiencing knee pain after arthroscopic knee surgery and you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area then call my office at 214-596-1051.
I may be able to help you.
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 Professional for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program: Helping People with Knee Pain Using Cold Laser Therapy and Physiotherapy in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
How to Relieve Knee Pain After Knee Surgery | Cold Laser Knee Program | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee, D.C. discusses how her Cold Laser Knee Program in Irving, TX can help if still experiencing knee pain after knee surgery Dallas-Fort Worth.
Are You Living With ‘Bone On Bone’ Knee Pain Because You Don’t Think You Have Any Other Options Besides Knee Surgery? Think Again.
Most of the time patients complaining of ‘bone on bone’ knee pain are told that total knee replacements are their only option, and are never given any other alternatives in order to delay or avoid knee surgery. So rather than go under the knife many individuals just choose to ‘live with the pain.’
Just because you don’t want knee surgery doesn’t mean you have to live with ‘bone on bone’ knee pain. These days there are painless and less-invasive alternatives to surgery that may provide you with knee pain relief so that you can avoid or delay knee surgery. Total knee replacements should only be considered once all other conservative measures have been exhausted and have failed to provide relief.
Why?
The most obvious reason is because ‘knee replacement parts’ are never as good as the knees you were born with. A knee replacement has a limited life span. It is not an easy surgery to recover from, and there are a myriad of complications and risks associated with it.
The rehabilitation that an individual has to endure after the surgery is NOT for the weak at heart. It is painful! If you don’t believe me just ask anyone who’s had a total knee replacement.
This leads me to my next point:
Why resign yourself to living with knee pain? Why not be pro-active and do whatever you can to delay or avoid knee surgery?
This includes losing weight, taking supplements/vitamins and if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area consider my Cold Laser Knee Program.
My Cold Laser Knee Program is tailored to an individual’s condition. In the case of ‘bone on bone knee pain,’ cold lasers work on the source of the pain by reducing inflammation and irritation to the synovium and nerve endings thereby relieving the pain. Cold Lasers work on a cellular level to boost the metabolic rate of the cells that make up cartilage, muscles, ligaments, tendons etc… As a result, the cells heal and repair themselves faster and their physiological responses improve.
My Cold Laser Knee Program also incorporates specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee to reduce stress on the joint thereby helping maintain any cartilage that is remaining. Finally, other forms of physiotherapy are utilized to help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, improve flexibility/range of motion, and reduce adhesions in the surrounding tissues.
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 Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program – Helping People with Knee Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Knee Surgery Alternative for Bone on Bone Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
If you’re living in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas have bone-on-bone knee pain you have alternatives to knee surgery- Dr.Schnee, D.C in Irving, Texas.
Learn How Osteoarthritis Affects the Knee Joint and How to Ultimately Avoid Knee Surgery
Osteoarthritis is a complex disease that takes years to develop and is often described as a ‘wear and tear’ disease most commonly diagnosed in weight bearing joints such as the knee joint. Often times when the disease is in its beginning stages people will complain of morning pain and stiffness and as the disease progresses it often leads to severe pain, disability, and instability of the joint.
How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Knee Joint?
First, the articular cartilage or protective layer of the joint begins to lose water. Why? Usually cartilage loses water due to age, genetics, weight, and activity level. For example, runners place an excessive amount of stress on their knee joints and eventually they develop osteoarthritis knee pain. The constant pounding on the knees takes a toll on the joints. X-rays taken on long time runners will demonstrate degenerative changes and cartilage loss in the knee joints.
Once the cartilage starts to dry up and lose water content then the cartilage begins to break down and become brittle and fragmented. Imagine a sponge. If a sponge is dry it can crack and be torn very easily. However, if a sponge is full of water, then it’s very difficult to tear. This is the reason why cartilage or meniscus tears are prevalent in people over 50 years of age. The older a person is the less water content is in their cartilage, and the drier and more fragmented it becomes.
Once the cartilage loses its cohesive ability the lining of the joint or the synovium becomes irritated and inflamed, producing its own source of pain and swelling. As a result the inflamed lining or membrane produces more enzymes which further degrade the cartilage and accelerate the arthritic process in the knee joint. The continued fragmentation and breaking down of cartilage eventually exposes the underlying bone.
What is making your knees hurt?
I know it seems hard to believe but the loss of cartilage is NOT the cause of your knee pain. There are NO nerve endings in cartilage therefore knee pain does not come from the lack of cartilage in the knee joint. Instead the pain originates from the synovium which gets irritated and inflamed as a result of the cartilage breaking down. As the cartilage starts to become more fragmented, the underlying bone, which is full of nerve endings, becomes exposed. Only once the nerve endings become irritated will a person experience pain in the bone itself and the actual bone will become tender to the touch.
Steps you can take to get relief from osteoarthritis knee pain:
The good news is that there are steps you can take to help avoid or at least delay knee surgery.
For instance, consider taking a combination of a high quality supplement of glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin to help preserve the cartilage in your knee, and help lubricate the joints. In addition, taking Vitamin D3 helps keep your bones strong, and omega- 3 fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory which ultimately helps maintain the health of your knee joint. Finally, find a doctor in your area that specializes in treating knee pain using cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy is used to increase the metabolic rate of the damaged cells in the tissue which in turn initiates certain physiological functions in the cell so that the tissue can heal and repair faster. As a result of this reaction, the swelling, inflammation, and nerve irritation in the knee joint are reduced thereby eliminating pain. In my office in Irving, Texas we combine cold laser therapy, exercises, and various form of physiotherapy into one Cold Laser Knee Program. This is important because not only do I want to help eliminate a person’s knee pain and reduce the inflammation/swelling in the knee, but I also want to strengthen the surrounding muscles of the knee to help take the load off of the joint. In my office it is not uncommon for patients who have been diagnosed with ‘bone on bone’ to complete treatments with the swelling eliminated and their knee pain reduced by 50-90%.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C., practices at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas. If you suffer from knee pain and would like to find out if Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program can help you call 214-596-1051. Or if you’d like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program go to http://www.helpmykneepain.com/cold-laser/free-report to order your free 16 page report today.
“Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program: Helping People with Knee Pain Avoid Knee Surgery in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Avoiding Knee Surgery By Knowing How Osteoarthritis Affects the Knee Joint | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Cold Laser Doctor Schnee,D.C. shares information on osteoarthritis and the knee joint and how to avoid knee surgery with her knee treatment.
Diagnosed With A Meniscus Tear in the Knee? It’s NOT the Reason You’re Having Knee Pain
Patients diagnosed with a meniscus tear in the knee often think that it’s the meniscus tear that is causing them to be in pain. So they often undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to have the tear removed. Many times patients are disappointed after the surgery because the pain hasn’t completely gone away. Why? This is because a meniscus tear is often blamed for knee pain when it really isn’t the cause. Tears in the meniscus don’t actually cause pain because there are no nerve endings in meniscus tissue. Instead, the pain is coming from the tissue and the lining around the joint (synovium) that is also irritated and inflamed and does have a nerve supply. In fact, YOU WON’T EXPERIENCE ANY KNEE PAIN EVEN WITH A MENISCUS TEAR if the nerves in the tissue or the lining around the joint aren’t inflamed or irritated.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported in September 2008 that meniscus tears on MRI’s are incidental findings and are very common in the “general population and increase with increasing age.” Furthermore, 61% OF THE SUBJECTS IN THE STUDY HAD MENISCUS TEARS ON MRI BUT NONE OF THEM HAD PAIN, STIFFNESS OR ACHES. THEY WERE SYMPTOM-FREE. This study proves that MENISCUS TEARS DON’T CAUSE KNEE PAIN. There are certain types of meniscus tears that may cause the knee to lock up and create problems with range of motion. However, meniscus tissue has NO NERVE ENDINGS SO IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE KNEE PAIN DIRECTLY FROM THE TEAR ITSELF.
I’ve treated hundreds of individuals diagnosed with knee pain from meniscus tears and I’ve been able to alleviate the pain, help them avoid arthroscopic knee surgery and keep them that way- even with the meniscus tear still there. Initially individuals with a meniscus tear come into my office complaining of knee pain. The pain is often described as sharp and shooting (especially if they turn a certain way) or it can be deep, dull and achy. In severe cases the pain prevents them from sleeping and walking for any length of time. Under my care, a typical patient with a meniscus tear will complete a series of cold laser treatments along with physiotherapy modalities. Usually after a few weeks of treatments they leave my office pain-free and the muscles around the joint are stronger.
What does my Cold Laser Knee Program do for patients with meniscus tears? It relieves the pain and reduces swelling by eliminating nerve irritation and inflammation to the synovium (joint lining) and surrounding tissues. Cold lasers don’t CUT OUT OR REMOVE THE MENISCUS like arthroscopes (the tool used in arthroscopic surgery). Why would you want to remove cartilage or meniscus if that’s not what’s causing your knee pain? It won’t grow back if it’s removed and the area becomes a breeding ground for arthritis. At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we don’t want you to have to undergo unnecessary knee surgery. Instead we want to use cold laser therapy to work on a cellular level to eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, increase energy production of the cell, and, as a result, speed up the healing process. In addition, to cold laser therapy we also want to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint so that it becomes more stable and your condition doesn’t reoccur. Most patients who complete our Cold Laser Knee Program have sustainable results, and unless they reinjure their knee never have to see us for treatments in the future.
Mr. James S. is a classic example of a patient diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear. He did not want arthroscopic knee surgery because it made sense to him that if he had the meniscus cut out it would NEVER grow back. He also came into my office because he had educated himself about the meniscus. He learned that the meniscus did not have a nerve supply so it was impossible for the pain to be coming from the tear. He also deduced that if he had arthroscopic knee surgery to remove the tear it would do nothing to reduce the irritation and inflammation for the tissue in the knee actually causing the pain.
The following is what Mr. James S. wrote about his knee before and after completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program “My knee pain was severe and I felt pain in the front and back of the knee. I couldn’t sleep because of the pain and I couldn’t stand for long. Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program my knee is 90% better then it was and the best part is I can stand, walk and sleep through the night without experiencing knee pain.”
If you live in Dallas-Fort Worth or the surrounding areas and you have a meniscus tear and are suffering from knee pain and you want to experience pain relief and hope to avoid knee surgery then call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program combines cold laser therapy, non-weight bearing exercises, along with other modalities to help eliminate knee pain and strengthen the knee.
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 Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program -Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain Avoid Knee Surgery in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Meniscus Tear May Not Be The Reason For Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Cold Laser Doctor Alexandra Schnee, D.C. shares information on what causes knee pain from meniscus tears and how to avoid knee surgery.
Why Cold Laser Therapy and Exercises Are Better Options Then Knee Surgery for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Nearly 27 million people suffer with osteoarthritis knee pain in the United States, and about 1 million arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed every year. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a procedure where a scope and a small camera are inserted through a tiny incision. Orthopedic surgeons use this procedure to remove damaged cartilage and remove loose bone chips in the knee. Unfortunately, arthroscopic knee surgery leaves the knee with less cartilage which makes the knee vulnerable to future injuries, and arthritis. Because osteoarthritis in the knee worsens after surgery, and an individual’s symptoms don’t necessarily improve its effectiveness has been questioned.
Several studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine have indicated arthroscopic surgery should not be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain. The first one was published in 2002 and found that arthroscopic knee surgery for the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain was no better than a sham procedure. The most recent study published in the September 2008 issue concluded that physiotherapy was as effective at relieving moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee pain as arthroscopic knee surgery.
In this recent study nearly 200 patients were randomly separated them into two groups. The first group had physical therapy for three months to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. In addition, the group was prescribed medications and supplements. The medications included anti-inflammatories, Tylenol, glucosamine and chondroitin. The other group had physical therapy, medications, and arthroscopic knee surgery. After two years both groups reported the same pain levels, function and quality of life.
“This study offers hope and encouragement to persons with osteoarthritis who would like to avoid the pain and emotional toll of surgery, “says American Physical Therapy Association president R. Scott Ward.
Arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis knee pain “probably isn’t terribly helpful compared to just medication and physical therapy,” states Dr. C. David Geier Jr. a representative for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Christopher M. Powers, co-director of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Lab at the University of Southern California added. “Many times knee pain is associated with abnormal movement patterns that cause increased stress on the joint. Arthroscopic surgery does little to correct the dynamic factors that may be contributing to knee pain and pathology. These findings reinforce the need for a comprehensive treatment approach for such patients.”
This study reinforces my belief that cold laser therapy and exercises are better options than knee surgery for osteoarthritis knee pain. It’s always better to try conservative non-invasive treatments first before going under the knife! At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we combine cold laser therapy, along with other physiotherapy modalities and exercises to strengthen and rehabilitate the knee. Your treatments are customized to your condition. If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth area and want to avoid arthroscopic knee surgery call 214-596-1051 or fill out the form on the right side of the screen and we will mail you a FREE Report about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Dallas Cold Laser Doctor, Dr.Schnee, D.C. discusses how Exercise and Cold Laser Therapy are Better Alternatives for Knee Pain than Knee Surgery-Dallas
Another Dallas, Texas Resident with Severe Knee Pain is Able to Avoid Knee Surgery with Dr. Schnee, D.C.
My left knee had stabbing pain when I stood, walked and slept or just about any time I tried to be active. The right knee was not quite as bad but none-the less was painful during exercises. I couldn’t walk any kind of distance, ride a bike, or play golf, all which I enjoyed doing. Before I tried Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I tried taking medications to reduce the pain and exercising to strengthen my muscles. But it didn’t work. The orthopedic doctor said that only arthroscopic knee surgery might help but eventually I would require a knee replacement surgery.
Instead of knee surgery I opted to do Dr. Schnee’s Program. Now I can stand for prolonged periods of time, walk up to ½ a mile, sleep at night, I can ride a recumbent bike, and climb stairs easier and without knee pain.
I am extremely pleased with Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program and I was willing to try anything that would keep me off the surgeons table. My right knee is 98% pain free. (I have only some soreness after I exercise that goes away after I use ice). The left knee which was more severely damaged is 90% improved. I feel it will improve more with the exercise program Dr. Alexandra Schnee gave me.
Ronald F., 65 years young, Lewisville, Texas, Retired
For 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 Professional for the Non-Invasive Treatment of Knee Pain in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Dallas Knee Pain Patient Avoids Knee Surgery, Thanks to Cold Laser Therapy | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee, D.C. shares another testimonial from a Cold Laser Therapy patient, who was able to avoid Knee surgery thanks to Dr. Schnee’s Knee Program
Exercise Just as Beneficial as Knee Surgery for the Treatment of Runner’s Knee
A team of researchers from the ORTON Research Institute in Helsinki, Finland conducted a randomized controlled study to determine if arthroscopic knee surgery was more effective than exercise for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Patellofemoral pain syndrome or Runner’s Knee is a common diagnosis given to patients who suffer from knee pain around the front of the knee. It is most often diagnosed in runners, jumpers, cyclists or in patients who heavily stress their knee joints. Patients usually experience dull, achy pain in the front of the knee and under the knee cap when they climb stairs, squat, or kneel. Patellofemoral knee pain includes conditions such as chondromalacia patella, anterior knee pain syndrome, and patellofemoral misalignment.
In the study researchers randomly separated 56 individuals into two groups suffering from chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The first group underwent an eight week exercise program: while the other group underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, and then an eight week home exercise program. Nine months later the team assessed the outcomes of both groups by using the Kujala score for knee pain and mobility. They also determined the cost of care associated with each patient. Interestingly, both groups experienced a decrease in pain and improvement in knee mobility and there was no significant difference in the average Kujala scores between both groups. Other tests were also conducted but even those didn’t reveal a significant difference in outcomes between the two groups. The only significant difference between the groups was the healthcare costs. Obviously the group that underwent knee surgery and exercise had higher healthcare costs then the group that only exercised.
Researchers also conducted a two year follow up, and still found that there were no differences in outcomes between the two groups.
The study concluded that exercise was just as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery but less costly for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and that arthroscopic knee surgery should not be routinely used to treat knee pain.
Click here to read more articles about this topic.
If you are still suffering from knee pain around your knee cap and you’ve already tried strengthening the knee by exercising then call Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. at the DFW Spine & Joint Center. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to finally help relieve your knee pain. Dr. Schnee’s program combines cold laser therapy, non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities to help chronic knee pain sufferers get their life back.
If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214-96-1051 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!
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Source: Jyrki A Kettunen et al “Knee arthroscopy and exercise versus exercise only for chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome. A randomized controlled trial” BMC Medicine December 13, 2007, 5:38
Exercise Can Help Strengthen Knee, And Be Just as Beneficial as Knee Surgery | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Schnee, D.C. Irving Texas Cold Laser and Knee Pain Expert, explains how exercise is just as beneficial as getting knee surgery for Runner’s knee pain.
How to Treat Meniscus Tears and Why You Should Avoid Knee Surgery
Did you know that there are millions of individuals who walk around every day with meniscus tears and are completely asymptomatic (they feel no pain)? Unfortunately, once pain is perceived and a meniscus tear is diagnosed most orthopedic surgeons will usually recommend arthroscopic knee surgery. However, since knee surgery in patients over the age of 40 is often unsuccessful and it accelerates the arthritic process in the knee it should only be considered once all conservative measures have been exhausted.
There are several different types of meniscus tears and the location and size of the tear determines how it should be treated and whether the meniscus tear has the potential to respond to conservative care.
A meniscus tear is in one of these three zones:
Red Zone- The red zone is located in the outer one third of the meniscus. This area has a rich blood supply therefore a meniscus tear in this region responds well to conservative care. Many times a tear in this area will heal spontaneously if given a chance. The RICE method may be useful in this case. (RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.)Sometimes, the tissue needs a ‘jumpstart’ or an extra ‘push’ so it can heal faster. Therefore, cold laser therapy is a great option for individuals with this type of tear since it helps stimulate more blood flow, decreases pain, and inflammation in the area allowing the tissues to heal and repair faster. Try to avoid arthroscopic knee surgery if you have a tear in this region.
Red/White Zone- This type of tear extends from the red zone (the outer one third) into the inner two thirds of the meniscus or the white zone. The white zone is an area that has no blood supply. Knee surgery may not work because the meniscus may not heal after the surgery is performed so conservative care should be considered first. The goal for conservative care (ie cold laser therapy) with this type of tear is to help individuals get out of pain, and reduce swelling and keep them that way.
White Zone- Again the white zone is located in the inner two thirds of the meniscus. If you have a tear located in this zone this is a tricky area to treat because it is avascular. This means there is no blood supply to the meniscus in this area. Due to the lack of blood supply a torn meniscus in this zone is unlikely to heal with ANY TYPE of treatment including arthroscopic knee surgery. The goal with conservative care such as cold laser therapy is to help provide the individual with pain relief and decrease the inflammation in the knee joint.
In summary, many individuals have tears AND NEVER EVEN KNOW IT! So it is possible to be asymptomatic and still have a meniscus tear! Oftentimes individuals are scared into surgery by their doctors. They’re told that if they don’t have knee surgery that they’ll eventually develop arthritis in the knee.
What do you think arthroscopic knee surgery does to your knee?!!
Knee surgery guarantees that you will develop arthritis, and the arthritic process will be accelerated. It actually compounds the same problem (arthritis) your doctor told you would be avoided by undergoing knee surgery. Furthermore, if the meniscus or meniscus tear is cut out or removed your knee joint is left with less of a cushion and shock absorber.
The bottom line is that after any injury or surgery, arthritis is likely to develop. At least with conservative care the meniscus is left intact therefore the shock absorber (meniscus) isn’t removed.
Of course there are cases where knee surgery cannot be avoided; however, if possible give your knee an opportunity to heal without knee surgery. Many times conservative care will allow an individual to become asymptomatic, and depending on the type of tear and its location the tear may heal on its own. Try the RICE method. In addition, visit a doctor that specializes in treating the knee joint with cold laser therapy which may help your knee heal faster by increasing blood flow, decreasing pain, and reducing inflammation in the knee.
The following is a case study about a patient who chose Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program to treat his severe knee pain and swelling from a meniscus tear.
Recently, Mr. B. age 54, a television producer from Lewisville Texas came in to the DFW Spine & Joint Center complaining of severe knee pain and swelling in his left knee. He rated his knee pain a 6-8 on a pain scale of 1-10. His knee pain prevented him from walking without a limp and climbing stairs. He even complained of knee pain while he was driving, and he could not sleep through the night without tossing and turning. His MRI stated he had a medial meniscus tear in the red/white zone and severe arthritis. He already had arthroscopic knee surgery for the same condition on the same knee the year prior. But Mr. B did not want to undergo knee surgery for a second time so instead he chose to complete Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.
After completing treatments, Mr. B is now able to walk without any knee pain and is able to walk without a limp 90% of the time. He has more stamina in standing positions and is now able to climb and descend stairs without experiencing knee pain. According to Mr. B his knee feels 75-80% better than it did before starting knee treatments and most importantly he was able to avoid knee surgery.
If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program, and live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051. 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 Professional 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.”
Avoid Knee Surgery | Help Meniscus Tear Knee Pain with Cold Laser Therapy | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee, D.C discusses the benefits of her Cold laser therapy knee program, over Knee Surgery for Knee Pain Relief from a Torn Meniscus in the Knee. Dallas-Fort Worth.
