Comprehensive Knee Program: A Multifaceted Approach to Knee Arthritis Treatment

During a 44-year career, Geraldine Adams worked for United Airlines and the Department of Homeland Security at Tampa International Airport. Now retired, she frequently returns to the airport as a traveler. Earlier this year, Geraldine found herself grounded because of two bum knees. “My right knee was the worst,” Geraldine elaborates. “On a scale of one to 10, the pain was about a seven, and it was pretty constant. It was so bad that I couldn’t walk long distances or even sleep well at night because it bothered me even when I laid down. My left knee gave me some problems, too, but not near as much as my right knee.” Geraldine eventually found relief through TruWell Health in St. Petersburg, where she was examined by Lora L. Brown, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional pain specialist. Dr. Brown’s evaluation included an arthrogram – a special x-ray that uses contrast dye – to determine whether the synovial capsule, the bubble-like structure that surrounds the joint, is intact. The arthrogram showed that the capsules in Geraldine’s knees were intact, which made her a good candidate for TruWell Health’s comprehensive knee program, which Dr. Brown recommended for both knees. “Our very specific knee program takes all of the evidence-based aspects of knee arthritis treatment and puts them into one comprehensive treatment package,” the doctor discloses. Once a patient is deemed a candidate for the comprehensive treatment program, the next step is a series of viscosupplement injections for which Dr. Brown uses a very high grade of hyaluronic acid called GenVisc® 850. After receiving five injections, Geraldine began a rigorous physical therapy regimen aimed at strengthening the structures supporting her knees. “We provide one-on-one therapy,” the doctor stresses. “And each patient is treated individually. Patients are evaluated, and treatment plans are created that are specific to their needs.” The physical therapists at TruWell Health use multiple modalities, including laser treatments, to decrease inflammation and pain in the joints. Another option is a robotic laser that uses a specific light wavelength to treat muscle aches, cramps and pain. Various exercises are selected for each patient based on individual needs. “The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen all the muscles that off-load the weight the knee must bear,” Dr. Brown explains. “That takes some of the pressure off the knee joint, which results in pain relief and improved mobility.” Geraldine achieved both of those outcomes after completing TruWell Health’s comprehensive knee program. “Today, my knees feel absolutely wonderful,” she enthuses. “I have essentially no pain; my pain level is between zero and one, if that. “My walking is great now. We did a walking tour of Amsterdam not long ago, and I did fine. I’m sleeping better, too, because my knees don’t bother me at all at night. “TruWell Health is my miracle place because they made me feel really good.”