Archive for Osteoarthritis
National Institutes of Health: Proper Knee Alignment May Prevent Arthritis Knee Pain
The National Institutes of Health recently conducted a research study on knee alignment and how it affects the knee joint. A research team followed 2,713 volunteers from Birmingham and Iowa City. The volunteers were between the ages of 50-79. All of them either had arthritis in their knees or they were considered at high risk for developing arthritis because they were either overweight, had a previous knee injury, or had undergone previous knee surgery.
First, X-rays were taken and knee alignment was measured. The alignment was measured and the angle was noted at the point the femur (upper leg) and tibia (lower leg) intersected at the knee joint. Anything more or less than a 2 degree difference from the normal 180 degree was noted. X-rays and measurements were taken again 2 years later.
The research team discovered that in volunteers whose knee alignment measured a 2 degree difference (more or less) there was a 1.5 times greater risk for developing arthritis compared to those with a normal (180 degree) alignment.
In a healthy knee 70% of all the force is placed on the medial aspect of the knee (inside). If the knee joint is out of alignment the stress on the inside of the knee increases which in turn wears down the inside of the knee at a faster rate. The NIH research team concluded that if a misaligned knee is corrected early on arthritis could be prevented.
To correct poor alignment of the knee visit a chiropractor, and wear good shoes that provide proper support. An orthotic may be necessary if you are flat footed or if you have too high of an arch. In addition, a chiropractor who specializes in the knee joint can give you proper exercises to strengthen and provide support for proper knee alignment.
If you suffer from severe arthritic knee pain and are tired of taking pain medications, getting knee injections, and you don’t want knee surgery; then call Dr. Schnee at 214-596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for her Cold Laser Knee Program.
Click here to read more about Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. and her Cold Laser Knee Program. If you’d like more information fill out the form on the right hand side of the screen and a FREE 16 page report will be mailed to you.
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 Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Avoid Arthritis Knee Pain by Making Sure Knee is Properly Aligned | Dallas-Fort Worth
Irving Cold Laser Doctor, Dr. Schnee, D.C. shares information from the National Institute of Health on how proper knee alignment can prevent knee arthritis
Poor Mental Health May Be Making Your Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Worse
According to researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine osteoarthritis knee pain is directly related to an individual’s state of mental health. The study was conducted by Dr. Wise, a researcher from UC Davis, and his colleagues. They were curious about why osteoarthritis knee pain sufferers reported day to day variations in the intensity of osteoarthritis knee pain when there were no actual structural changes to the knee. The study concluded that people with better mental health felt less pain then those with poor mental health.
Dr. Wise stated, “Pain varies over time, both over extended periods and over shorter periods. The same person can feel little or no pain in their knee or hip and later they can feel moderated to severe pain even when the extent of damage to the knee or hip joint as seen on x-ray imaging remains the same.”
The study found that a mental health score of 28-30 was associated with less osteoarthritis pain. A score of 13-22 was associated with a higher pain scale. Patients scoring between 13-22 had double the risk of increased pain flare ups as compared to participants in the 28-30 range.
Besides non-invasive treatments such as vitamins, supplements, exercise, and cold laser therapy: mental health treatment may be another important factor in improving osteoarthritis knee pain.
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 and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Can Become Worse With Poor Mental Health | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. discusses how osteoarthritis knee pain can become worse if you are in poor mental health Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas Texas Resident with Severe Arthritis and Chondromalacia Patella Gets Knee Pain Relief with Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program
“I was told I needed a total knee replacement by an orthopedic surgeon. I had difficulty rising from a seated position. My knee felt tired and painful after too much walking. Instead, I tried several cortisone shots in my knee. At first the knee injections were effective but eventually they did not do any good. So then I decided to go through Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program so that I could get some knee pain relief.
Since completing treatments my knee has improved about 50%. I am able to walk better and walk longer distances with less knee pain. I am pleased because my knee pain has improved and I feel like I can now live without a knee replacement.”
Kenneth I., 80 years young, Retired, Addison, Texas
If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas and are suffering with severe knee pain and arthritis and want to avoid total knee replacement call the DFW Spine & Joint Center 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 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.”
Dallas TX, resident shares how Dr. Schnee’s cold laser therapy knee program helped his arthritis knee pain and Chondromalacia Patella.Dallas-Fort Worth.
The Top 6 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Help Ease Your Arthritic Knee Pain
Please make sure you check with your primary doctor first before taking any supplements or starting an exercise program, but here’s a list of the top 6 things that you can start doing today to help ease your arthritic knee pain:
1. Start taking glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. I recommend Chondrocare from Metagenics to my patients. In my opinion has the highest quality glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM product available. If you’d like to purchase a bottle call my office and we’ll be happy to ship it to you (as long as you live in North America).
2. Take real Cod liver oil. It is a great source of omega 3 and Vitamin D. Research indicates that bone, joint and muscle pain is exacerbated if there are low levels of Vitamin D. Research also indicates that patients who take NON SYNTHETIC, HIGH QUALITY glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, and MSM ALONG WITH OMEGA 3 notice a significant difference in their arthritic pain. The latest scientific findings show that people who combine glucosamine and omega 3 get up to 80% pain relief, with decreased morning stiffness. Pain in the hips was reduced by over 48% and in the knees by more than 55%. One of the last real cod liver oils made is Blue Ice™ Fermented Cod Liver Oil (2-3 capsules daily). This can be purchased at any good health food store. Please note: most cod liver oil today is stripped from vitamin D and lots of other nutrients. Some are replaced with synthetic vitamin D but that’s not what you want. So make sure it is real, raw and fermented cod liver oil.
3. Drink plenty of water (cartilage is made up of 70% water), and avoid caffeine.
4. Stop eating processed foods and sugars. This is pretty straight forward.
5. Try to keep your diet at least one-third raw whole foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts). Keep in mind red meat has arachidonic acid which causes an inflammatory reaction in the body and often exacerbates arthritic symptoms.
6. Start exercising only once you are no longer in the acute stage otherwise you will probably damage the joint more.
The bones, joints, and connective tissue are living tissue and in a constant state of renewal and restoration. Therefore, simple changes in your lifestyle like taking high quality vitamins, supplements, and changing your diet and activity level can make a real difference in easing your arthritic knee pain.
If you’d like to conservatively treat your arthritis knee pain and 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 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 Get Pain Relief in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Arthritis: Combination of Glucosamine and Cod Liver Oil Best. Health Alert. August 2010, Volume 27, Issue 8
Top Things To Help Ease Arthritic Knee Pain – Stop Arthritic Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth: Dr. Schnee, D.C. explains the Top 6 things you can do to Help Arthritic Knee Pain without having to do Knee Surgery,Knee Injections.
The Benefits of Treating Arthritis Knee Pain with Cold Laser Therapy Instead of Medications and Knee Injections
Arthritis can be a painful, crippling condition if left untreated. Unfortunately, medications and knee injections only provide minimal relief- if they work at all!
The benefits of treating arthritis knee pain with non-invasive cold laser therapy are numerous.
- Cold laser therapy is painless
- There are no side-effects
- No downtime needed
- Non surgical
- Typically cold laser treatments are NOT temporary in nature. Depending on the severity of the condition most patients have lasting effects from cold laser treatments for months or years after treatments are completed.
- Cold laser therapy treats the source of the problem (the cell) and doesn’t just cover up the pain. This last benefit depends on the competency of the doctor. This is why it’s important to find a cold laser doctor who only treats knee pain using cold laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy should not be used as a tool to merely numb or cover up the pain in the knee like medications or injections often do. Instead, cold laser therapy is used to eliminate the symptoms not by ‘temporarily covering them up’ but by working on the cause of the problem so the symptoms fully resolve themselves. Cold laser therapy works on the source of the problem by using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate damaged cells metabolic activity which initiates certain biological processes so that the cells can heal and repair themselves. As a result this accelerates the healing process, reduces pain and inflammation in an arthritic knee. If the tissue in the knee joint is left untreated the compromised or damaged cells will die off and the tissue never improves and the symptoms worsen.
Most patients that Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C. treats are diagnosed with severe arthritis knee pain and have tried both injections and medications but never experienced any improvement with these types of ‘conventional treatments’. Linda P. a realtor from North Richland Hills is a good example of a patient who completed treatments at the DFW Spine & Joint Center after being diagnosed with arthritis knee pain and never noticed any improvement with injections or medications. The following is Mrs. P’s story:
“I sought medical help for my knee pain, and was first given a steroid injection and later given a series of cock’s comb shots. They were very painful. I felt relief, but it wasn’t permanent and certainly not as effective as the cold laser treatments have been. Prior to receiving cold laser treatments there were some days that the pain was so unbearable that I had to use a cane to get around. I had difficulty sleeping, sitting or walking for any length of time. My knee constantly ached or was in severe pain. Ascending and descending stairs was not just difficult it was painful. Walking any distance or riding in a car or sitting for over a few minutes caused pain and made walking difficult. Sleeping through the night just didn’t happen. According to the orthopedic surgeon I was not a candidate for knee surgery so the only solution I was given (which wasn’t even a solution) was either to live with the pain or get a handful of cock’s comb injections. Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I can do just about everything without being in pain. I am so pleased because my knee is 100% better than it was before starting care. And I intend to keep coming back so that my knee stays that way!”
To read more about the benefits of cold laser therapy and Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program visit http://helpmykneepain.com . Fill out the form on the right hand side of the screen to get your FREE 16 page report mailed to you today to find out about the benefits of treating arthritis knee pain with cold laser therapy.
Please note that even though cold laser treatments play a significant role in Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program she combines it with physiotherapy so that the knee can be fully rehabilitated and optimal results can be achieved.
Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.- DFW Spine & Joint Center-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 Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Dr. Schnee, D.C. of Irving TX, explains the numerous benefits of her Cold Laser Therapy Treatment Program for arthritis knee pain. Dallas-Fort Worth.
Treating Knee Pain From A Baker’s Cyst, Meniscus Tear And Arthritis With Cold Laser Therapy
A Dallas Residents Story Of Overcoming Knee Pain And Avoiding Knee Surgery With This High Tech Treatment
The following is the true story of Jill V. a 61 year old Plano resident diagnosed with arthritis, a meniscus tear, a Baker’s Cyst, and near bone on bone and the knee treatments she tried before she finally found Dr. Schnee.
“In September of 2009 my pain was focused on the inside of my left knee. From time to time it would vary to the back portion of the knee. Unless one has actually experienced this type of knee pain, it is hard for someone to grasp how intense this can be. The pain was sharp, stabbing, burning and achy. Walking, climbing stairs, sitting, sleeping were all uncomfortable. I had severe swelling in the back of my knee. The pain was constant. I was always groaning every time I took a step. It was crippling me and my well being. It obviously changed my life and not for the better. In December 2009 I needed to seek some options and some answers.
After about 4 months of agonizing knee pain in my left knee I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon by my primary care doctor. First, he took a knee x-ray and an MRI which revealed inflammation, some arthritis, a meniscus tear, a bakers cyst and near bone on bone. He explained what this all meant and I begged him for a cortisone injection. For 4 days I had no pain in my knee. I was brand new, but that didn’t last long. After the four days I was in excruciating pain again. Then he sent me for physical rehabilitation. I did stretches, used heat/ice packs, and lotions. I was still hurting in January of 2010. There was NO RELIEF in sight. So in February he recommended a series of three injections called Euflexxa. These injections don’t tickle. They are painful. They first start out by draining the knee fluid with a syringe and then they follow that with the injection. I believe anyone who has had these injections will tell you they ‘hurt’, this is not an exaggeration. The result of these painful injections? Zero, the Euflexxa did not work on me and the pain never lessened. In March, I was referred to the ‘Brace Guy’. This was just another added expense and the brace was heavy and burdensome. In May 2010 I read about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Pain Solution Program.
She was my last hope otherwise the orthopedic knee doctor told me that we would have to discuss knee surgery.
I completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program in July and now I can walk without knee pain, climb stairs with no effort. I can sit and get up from a chair or bed without hesitation on the first step. The swelling in the back of the knee from the Baker’s Cyst is minimal. And I can pretty much do anything I want to do now.
I am so pleased with the results of this program! I thoroughly enjoyed each and every treatment especially the wonderful massage at the end of each visit. What a treat! Each therapist is precise and extremely adequate with each session. Dr. Schnee explained to me from the very beginning that because my knee condition was severe that I would probably not be 100% pain free. But I feel like I am 100% because I am 85-90% pain free! For me these treatments have been very successful. I am walking without pain. I don’t wake up during the night whenever I move my leg. There are times that I even forget my knee ever hurt so badly. I have NO sharp, stabbing or burning pain in my knee. It has definitely helped me get back on track.
Anyone who has issues with their knee needs this program it WILL work for you too.
Jill V. Plano Texas, Retired
If you are suffering with severe knee pain due to a baker’s cyst, a meniscus tear and arthritis and have tried medications and injections without any success AND you DON’T WANT KNEE SURGERY then call Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas (214) 596-1051.
If you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of the screen to get your FREE 16 page report mailed to you.
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 Has Been Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Cold Laser Therapy Program Helps w/ Baker’s Cyst – Meniscus Tear Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Plano TX, resident raves about how Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Therapy Treatment Program helped her Avoid Knee Surgery Dallas-Fort Worth.
Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Ease ‘Bone On Bone’ Knee Pain?
‘Bone on Bone’ knee pain is probably the most common condition that I get asked about either from individuals that don’t want knee surgery or are not candidates for knee replacement surgery. At the DFW Spine & Joint Center our Cold Laser Knee Program has helped hundreds of patients avoid knee surgery. It is not unusual for individuals to complete treatments with 50-80% less pain, more mobility, and an overall better quality of life.
Let me be clear, if you are suffering from ‘bone on bone’ knee pain the pain isn’t directly due to a lack of cartilage in the knee. (Cartilage doesn’t have any nerve endings therefore there are no nerve fibers to transmit pain. For example, there are a lucky few that have been diagnosed with ‘bone on bone’ and do not have any knee pain. The only thing they experience is weakness in the knee joint). Instead, ‘bone on bone knee pain’ is due to the nerve endings in the bone being irritated. Overactive or irritated nerve fibers are the main reason a patient feels pain. Many times people will complain of pain and tenderness on the bone itself or in severe cases a patient will complain of a burning or searing type pain. Either way, cold laser therapy helps eliminate/reduce ‘bone on bone’ knee pain through several different processes. The following list is just some of the events that occur with cold laser therapy to help decrease knee pain.
- There is an increase in Endorphins
- Cold laser therapy reduces excitation or irritation of C-fibers (the sensory nerve fibers that transmit pain)
- Cold laser therapy stimulates and increases Nitric Oxide production. Nitric oxide is important because it helps normalize cell action potential and indirectly vasodilates nerve cells which enhances oxygenation.
- Restores and Increases nerve cell action potential. Cold laser therapy allows the action potential to be restored in nerves thereby decreasing the constant ‘firing’ of the nerves.
- Bradykinin levels decrease. By reducing bradykinin levels this results in pain reduction.
- There’s an increase in the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine helps normalize nerve signal transmission which in turn helps reduce of pain.
- There is a normalization of ion channels. Cold Laser therapy promotes normalization of Ca++, NA+, K+ concentrations resulting in pain reduction.
Mr. George B., an 81 year old Lewisville resident is a good example of a patient who completed care at the DFW Spine & Joint Center because of severe bone on bone knee pain. He was told by his orthopedic surgeon that his knees were ‘bone on bone’ and that he needed both knees replaced. The following is what he had to say about his condition and Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program:
“I had severe pain in both knees anytime I attempted to get up from a chair or whenever I would go up and down stairs. I tried cortisone injections and I had the fluid drained from me knees, [but it didn’t really help me]. I also had to use crutches when my knees were really hurting just to walk around. I had arthroscopic knee surgery in 1976 to clean out my knee and clean the bone chips from my right knee, and I was told that I would need knee replacements because I was ‘bone on bone’ but I never went through with the knee replacement surgery. Since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I can now climb down stairs much easier and also I don’t have as much of a problem walking on rough or uneven surfaces. I also can get up from a seated position with less pain in my knees. I am pleased with the ‘big’ improvements that have taken place.”
Another patient who sought Dr. Schnee’s help to avoid knee surgery was Jill V., a 61 year old from Plano, Texas. Ms. V. was diagnosed with arthritis, a meniscus tear, a Baker’s Cyst and ‘bone on bone’ and after completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser treatments she can now walk without knee pain, climb stairs without any effort, and she can sit and get up from a chair or bed without hesitation. According to Ms. V. after completing the treatments, “[I] Pretty much, [do] anything I want to do.”
These are just two examples out of the hundreds of patients diagnosed with ‘bone on bone’ knee pain that have successfully completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program and were able to avoid knee surgery. Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is not for everyone. It is specifically for patients searching for non-invasive alternatives to knee surgery, medications, and knee injections. It’s for patients suffering from chronic knee pain that want to avoid knee surgery or have post surgical knee pain.
There are patients who are not candidates for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program and have no other option but to undergo knee surgery. To find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051.
To read more from patients who have completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program click here . If you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, or surrounding areas and would like to find out more about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right hand side of the screen and a FREE 16 page report will be mailed to you.
Dr. Alexandra Schnee, BS, DC-Dallas- Fort Worth’s Cold Laser Doctor for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain – “ Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Has Been Helping People Suffering From Knee Pain With Cold Laser Therapy Since 2001 at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas.”
Richard Martin, BS, CLT. Laser-Accelerated Inflammation/Pain Reduction and Healing. Practical Pain Management, Nov/Dec 2003.
‘Bone on Bone’ Knee Pain Relief | Dallas-Fort Worth | Cold Laser Therapy Knee Program
Dr. Schnee, D.C. shares information on how her Cold Laser Therapy Knee Program Helps Relieve ‘Bone on Bone’ Knee Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
What Causes Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Before I discuss what causes osteoarthritis of the knee let me review what healthy cartilage in the knee is made from. The cartilage in the knee joint is called hyaline cartilage or articular cartilage. It is found at the ends of joints so that it allows for smooth movements. It is made up of the following:
- 70% Water
- 15% Collagen (a protein). Type II
- 15% Proteoglycans (protein), Chondrocytes (cartilage forming cells), non collagen proteins, lipids and organic materials
In a healthy knee, cartilage is always in the process of being remodeled due to normal wear and tear of the knee joint. Hyaline cartilage is constantly being broken down by the enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase, and being replaced and rebuilt by chondrocytes (cartilage cells). In a healthy knee there is a balance between cartilage cells that are rebuilding and replacing cartilage and enzymes that are breaking the cartilage down. Unfortunately, genetics, aging, weight, disease, surgery and injuries to the knee all play a role in contributing to throwing off that balance and allowing more cartilage to be broken down then regenerated. When the amount of cartilage is being degraded faster than it is being synthesized by chondrocytes than cartilage naturally degenerates.
One of the main proteins that is believed to be responsible for causing this imbalance in enzyme activity and inhibiting cartilage development is interleukin-1. This cytokine creates inflammation in the joint, it stimulates more of the enzyme that destroys cartilage, it does not allow collagen to be produced, and it suppresses chondrocytes from producing proteoglycans.
It is reasonable to assume that if interleukin-1 was inhibited, and the number of chondrocytes outnumbered the enzyme that destroyed cartilage then the effects of osteoarthritis would be negligible.
Click here to read more about How Cold Laser Therapy Helps Stave off the Effects of Osteoarthritis in the Knee by Inhibiting Interleukin-1 and Stimulating Chondrocyte production.
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 Doctor for the 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 Avoid Knee Surgery in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”
Causes of Osteoarthritis in the Knee Dallas Texas | Dallas-Fort Worth
Dr.Schnee D.C.,Dallas Cold Laser Expert,shares what causes osteoarthritis in the knee and why her cold laser therapy knee program can help.Dallas-Fort Worth.
Studies on Cold Laser Therapy and its Effects on Cartilage Regeneration
Over the years, several studies have been performed to determine the effects of cold laser therapy on cartilage regeneration.
One study took a cartilage sample from the right knee of a 19 year old patient. Chondrocytes (cartilage cells) were isolated and suspended for cultivation, and cultures were incubated for 10 days. The cultures were then separated into 4 groups. The first three groups of cultures received cold laser treatments for 10 minutes for five consecutive days. Each culture had different laser parameters assigned to it. Group 4 was the control group and did not receive any treatments. The Groups that were treated with laser showed great results in terms of cell viability and higher levels of Calcium and alkaline phosphate as compared to the untreated group. This study concluded that laser therapy improved chondrocyte activity without causing any damage to the cell.
And in a separate study published in Biotechnology cold laser therapy was performed on holes drilled in mice’s ears to determine if cartilage would grow back. Mice were chosen as the subject because the chondrocytes (cartilage cells) in mice’s ears are similar to those in human cartilage. In the study, holes were drilled in both ears. The left ear was treated with cold laser therapy while the right ear was left untreated. The results indicated that after two days only the treated ear showed clear evidence of perichondrium (precursor to cartilage) while the untreated ear showed NONE. After four days the treated ear had significant ingrowth of perichondrium into the hole versus the control group were there was only an active perichondrium zone. Macroscopical and histological examinations revealed that cold laser therapy had a direct effect on cartilage regeneration.
Click here to view and listen to patients who were diagnosed with ‘bone on bone’ knee pain, and osteoarthritis of the knee, and how Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program helped them experience knee pain relief so that they could avoid 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.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Pain for 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.”
1.Biostimulation Of Human Chondrocytes With Ga-Al-As Diode Laser: ‘In Vitro’ Research. Morrone G, Guzzardella G A, Tigani D Et Al. Lasers Surg Med. 1997;21(5):480-4.
2. THE INFLUENCE OF LOW LEVEL INFRA RED LASER THERAPY ON THE REGENERATION OF CARTILAGE TISSUE P.Lievens , Ph.Van Der Veen. Biotechnology. 2000; 28(2):193-201.
Cold Laser Therapy | Effects on Cartilage Regeneration| Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas Cold Laser Expert, Dr. Schnee,D.C. shares results from some studies that show how Cold Laser Treatments help regenerate cartilage. Dallas-Fort Worth.
How Cold Laser Therapy Helps Stave Off the Effects of Osteoarthritis in the Knee
In healthy knees, cartilage is constantly being broken down, replaced and rebuilt. There is a delicate balance between enzymes that break down the cartilage and cells that help restore it. The aging process, disease, injury and surgeries to the knee joint eventually make it so that cartilage is being broken down faster than it is being rebuilt. In osteoarthritis, the balance between cartilage degradation and reformation is disturbed, and there is a net loss of collagen and proteoglycans in the cartilage (two important raw materials that make up cartilage). It is believed that osteoarthritis of the knee develops due to there being more enzymes destroying the cartilage then chondrocytes (cartilage forming cells) creating it. When this process continues over a period of time cartilage begins to erode. This results in increased knee joint pain, deformity, and limited joint mobility.
Cold lasers emit specific wavelengths of light that directly excite the primary energy producer of the cell, chromophore cytochrome C oxidase. This enzyme is found in every human cell, and once it’s stimulated it increases the rate at which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) or energy is produced by the cell. This ‘jumpstart’ in cellular metabolism creates more fuel and energy for the cell, and as a result a cascade of beneficial physiological events occurs. Ultimately, what is realized from a cold laser therapy treatment is a decrease in inflammation, pain and healing time for the injured tissue or joint; as well as the ability for tissue to heal and repair itself without the need for invasive care.
Besides decreasing osteoarthritis knee pain, inflammation and improving joint mobility cold laser therapy is believed to help stave off the effects of osteoarthritis in the knee by inhibiting cartilage destruction, promoting cartilage repair and enhancing cartilage preservation. Cold laser therapy does this by stimulating and inhibiting specific enzymes, proteins, cells and molecules that play a role in osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Cold lasers inhibit the inflammatory protein interleukin-1. According to arthritis research interleukin-1, a cytokine plays a direct role in destroying cartilage and it also suppresses any chance of repairing it. In an osteoarthritic knee, there are high levels of interleukin-1 which is believed to do the following:
- Interleukin-1 stimulates more of the enzymes that destroy cartilage
- Interleukin-1 does not allow type II collagen to be produced-so cartilage cannot be rebuilt or replaced.
- Finally interleukin-1 suppresses cells that make cartilage (chondrocytes) from producing proteoglycans. (Water, Proteoglycans, collagen, and chondrocytes make up the primary framework or matrix for hyaline cartilage, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.)1.
- Cold laser therapy stimulates Growth factor activity.
- Cold laser therapy helps stimulate fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen) production. Fibroblasts are needed for collagen development which is necessary to make cartilage.2
- Cold laser therapy indirectly helps Increase the tensile strength of the tissue. When Osteoarthritis begins to destroy the collagen/proteoglycan matrix due to the imbalance of enzymatic activity it creates an increase in water content in the cartilage making the knee more susceptible to injury. Studies indicate that cold laser therapy increases the strength of the collagen molecules by increasing intra and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding so there is less likelihood of injuries to the cartilage or meniscus.3,4,5,6
Research indicates that enzymes such as growth factors are increased with cold laser therapy. Growth factors are important for healthy knees because they stimulate chondrocyte activity which in turn allows cartilage to be repaired and rebuilt. (Cartilage repair in the knee is directly dependent on chondrocyte activity). In addition, Growth factors help counter act cartilage degradation by switching off interleukin-1.1
In summary, cold laser therapy is vital to preserving, repairing and stimulating cartilage in an osteoarthritic knee. This is ultimately achieved through exciting or inhibiting either directly or indirectly vital enzymes, proteins, molecules or cells needed to maintain a healthy knee.
To see what many of our patients have to say about my Cold Laser Therapy Knee Program, which combines both cold laser therapy and physiotherapy, check out some of their video testimonials, here!
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 Doctor for the Treatment of Knee Pain for 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.”
1.Martin, Richard. Laser-Accelerated Inflammation/Pain Reduction and Healing. Practical Pain Management. Page 24. Nov/Dec 2003.
2. Almeida-Lopes L, et al. Comparison of the low level laser therapy effects on cultured human gingival fibroblasts proliferation using different irradiance and same fluence. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2001. 29(2):179-184.
3.Enwemeka CS and Reddy GK. The biological effects of laser therapy and other modalities on connective tissue repair processes. The Journal of Laser Therapy. Vol 12. World Association of Laser Therapy. 2000.
4. Reddy GK, Stehno-Bittel L, and Enwemeka CS. Laser Photo Stimulation Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats. Wound Repair and Regeneration. 2001. 9:248-255.
5. Stadler I, et al. 830nm irradiation increases the wound tensile strength in diabetic murine model. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2001. 28 (3):220-226.
6. Parizotto N, et al. Structural analysis of collagen fibrils after He-Ne laser photostimulation. 2nd congress, World Association for Laser Therapy. Kansas City 1998.
How Cold Laser Treatments Help Osteoarthritis Knee Pain | Dallas-Fort Worth
Irving Cold Laser Expert, Dr. Schnee D.C.,-How Cold Laser Treatments can Help Stave off the Effects of Osteoarthritis Knee Pain. Dallas-Fort Worth.
