By: Larisa Likver, MD

Musculoskeletal pain is very common and can have significant consequences to an individual’s life. Although there are various causes of musculoskeletal problems, ligament injuries that lead to joint hyper-mobility and instability are known to be major causes of musculoskeletal problems in general and osteoarthritis in particular.

Today, conventional medicine typically only offers treatments that simply mask the pain rather than addressing the root cause of it. Often, surgery is recommended in difficult or heavy cases with no consideration of the inherent risks arising from irreversible alterations to the normal body structure and no guaranty of favorable results. Fortunately, below is a list (in no particular order) of little-known, non-surgical treatments that address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal problems at their root and allow sufferers to get back to doing what they love, pain free.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

This cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment utilizes platelets from a portion of the patient’s own blood to promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. A small sample of the individual’s blood is drawn and the platelets are separated by centrifugation. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into and around the point of injury. This ultimately strengthens the body’s natural healing and stimulates the healing of bone and soft tissue.

Prolotherapy (Reconstructive Injection Therapy)

Prolotherapy is an alternative, non-surgical therapy for treating musculoskeletal pain that involves injecting an irritant substance (such as dextrose) into a joint, ligament or tendon to promote the growth of new tissue. Prolotherapy has been used for various musculoskeletal injuries for over 75 years. The injected solution intentionally causes controlled inflammation in the injected tissue. This inflammatory response triggers regeneration by activating the immune system, increasing the blood supply to the compromised area and thereby stimulating a self-repairing process. This process alleviates pain, restores function, and improves quality of life.

Prolozone

Prolozone is yet another technique that involves a series of injections of combinations of anesthetics, anti-inflammatory medications, homeopathics, vitamins, proliferatives, and ozone/oxygen gas into degenerated or injured joints, and into pain areas. This method promotes the regeneration of joints and other injured tissues, which aids in alleviating pain.

Neural Prolotherapy (NPT)

This revolutionary, natural treatment is beneficial to most people experiencing pain — both chronic and otherwise. NPT involves a series of small injections along the pathway of tiny nerve endings directly beneath the skin that correspond with a painful region. Often instant pain relief is reported by patients as the healing process of damaged tissues is facilitated.

Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound & Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Dr. Likver is one of the few highly-trained physicians in implementing musculoskeletal ultrasound as a diagnostic tool and performing ultrasound-guided therapeutic injections. Ultrasound is a safe, 100% radiation-free imaging tool that allows the doctor to establish a diagnosis and provide same day treatment. Real-time ultrasound visualization allows for safe and precise needle guidance to a compromised area. Properly performed ultrasound-guided injections ensure minimal procedural discomfort while maximizing results. With nearly 10 years of experience using ultrasound guidance to dramatically improve the outcome of pain-alleviating procedures, Dr. Likver is recognized as a Pioneer in Musculoskeletal Sonography by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Certification was first introduced to medical professionals in 2012 and Dr. Likver is among the first to be awarded a Pioneer Certificate.

Author: Dr. Larisa Likver, MD is a Board Certified Physiatrist with over 20 years of medical experience in pain management and rehabilitation. She has offices at 315 Madison Ave, Ste 806, NYC, 212-922-9030 and 8419 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 718-259-0109. See more at DrLikver.com.