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 Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Dallas Texas Resident Pleased with Dr. Alexandra Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Treatments

Before starting Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program my left knee constantly ached, and I had sharp pain especially when walking or getting up from a chair.  Alleve did not seem to help my knee pain.  Cortisone injections helped a little but the relief was just temporary.  An orthopedic surgeon advised me to get a knee replacement [but I did not want to do that yet].

Today is my last treatment with Dr. Schnee, and I am pleased with the results.  Last week I turned a corner and I started to notice a definite improvement in my knee. I would say my knee is 50-60% better then it was 6 weeks ago!

Donna G., 57 years young, Secretary, Carrollton, Texas

Are you tired of knee pain? Are you ready to experience knee pain relief?  If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth or surrounding areas and would like more information sent to you regarding Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right hand side of the screen to get your FREE 16 page report mailed to you today!

If you’re ready 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.

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.”

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 Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

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 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.”

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

Poor Mental Health May Be Making Your Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Worse

According to researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine osteoarthritis 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 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.”

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 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.”

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 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 Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

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.

1. Cold laser therapy is painless
2. There are no side-effects
3. No downtime needed
4. Non surgical
5. Typically cold laser therapy is 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.
6. 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 doctor who primarily 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 Paschal 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. Paschals 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 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.”

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 Vann a 61 year old Plano resident diagnosed with arthritis, a meniscus tear, a Baker’s Cyst, and near bone on bone and the 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 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 Vann, 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 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.”

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.

1. There is an increase in Endorphins
2. Cold laser therapy reduces excitation or irritation of C-fibers (the sensory nerve fibers that transmit pain)
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bradykinin levels decrease.  By reducing bradykinin levels this results in pain reduction.
6. There’s an increase in the release of acetylcholine.  Acetylcholine helps normalize nerve signal transmission which in turn helps reduce of pain.
7. There is a normalization of ion channels. Cold Laser therapy promotes normalization of Ca++, NA+, K+ concentrations resulting in pain reduction.

Mr. George Bernhard, 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 Vann, a 61 year old from Plano, Texas.  Ms. Vann 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. Vann 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 Professional-  “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.