In the United States, knee joint replacement surgeries have become increasingly common, with hundreds of thousands of Americans opting for this procedure annually. However, many individuals want a more holistic approach to knee pain and dysfunction.
Functional medicine, with its focus on finding and addressing the root cause of your joint disease / disorder, offers a lot of promise.
Here’s what you should know about working with the best non-surgical knee and joint specialist in Silver Spring.
So, Can You Avoid Knee Replacement?
There are times when surgery is absolutely unavoidable, and a good functional medicine doctor recognizes this and will refer you to a surgeon.
In the event that you can wait to see if non-surgical methods can help prevent the need for an invasive procedure right away, your specialist may try a number of therapies to restore knee function and eliminate pain.
The Best Non-Surgical Knee and Joint Specialist in Silver Spring Offers a Range of Treatments
Your provider may recommend one or a combination of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Athena nutrition therapy
- Physical therapy
- PRP injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Steroid injections
- Viscosupplementation
Both PRP and stem cell injections are types of regenerative medicine, a relatively new field that is focused on therapies that promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
In many cases, PRP or stem cell therapy is all that is needed to improve joint mobility and overall function without discomfort.
There Are Many Advantages to Working with a Functional Medicine Specialist Before Knee Replacement
As awareness of functional medicine grows, more Americans may find relief from knee pain and dysfunction without resorting to joint replacement surgery, ultimately preserving mobility and enhancing their overall quality of life.
- Personalized treatment plans: Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all mentality, this specialist assesses each individual’s unique health situation, considering factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and overall well-being. Tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs of the patient, a functional medicine doctor addresses the root causes of knee problems and doesn’t merely treat symptoms.
Functional medicine specialists often work with patients to develop dietary plans that reduce inflammation and promote joint health. This may include incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, into the diet to help manage pain and improve joint function.
These providers also recognize the importance of physical activity in maintaining joint health. Physical therapy exercises, tailored to the patient’s specific condition, can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, providing better support and reducing stress on the joint. Functional medicine doctors may also recommend low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga to improve flexibility and mobility.
- Mind-body integration: Stress management and your emotional health are crucial as well, and the best non-surgical knee and joint specialist in Silver Spring recognizes this. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help manage stress levels, which in turn may alleviate knee pain. Chronic stress contributes to inflammation, which can exacerbate joint issues, making stress reduction an integral part of the treatment plan.
- Complementary therapies: Functional medicine embraces a range of therapies that have shown promise in relieving knee pain and improving joint function, such as meditation. These therapies may be recommended to help restore balance to the body’s energy and structural systems, contributing to overall well-being.
For Cutting-Edge Treatments Including PRP, Turn Atlantis Medical Wellness & Weight Loss
Call us today at 301-658-7686 to learn more about your options to help delay or avoid knee surgery, such as PRP therapy.
At Atlantis, Dr. Ben González offers revolutionary treatments to assist your body’s own ability to heal and will refer you to the best knee replacement surgeons in the area if and when necessary.
Trust our team for the latest in functional medicine so you can achieve optimal joint health!
