Interventional Pain Management
Acute Migraine Treatment
IV Fluids, antinausea medication, and/or nerve blocks
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections have gained popularity as a treatment option for various joint conditions, particularly in orthopedics and sports medicine. PRP is derived from the patient's own blood and contains a concentrated amount of platelets and growth factors. The PRP is then injected directly into the affected joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or hip.
The growth factors in PRP are believed to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the joint. PRP injections are often used in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Viscosupplementation is a treatment method that involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid (HA) into a joint to provide lubrication and cushioning potentially reducing friction and pain during movement. It is commonly used for the management of joint pain, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function. Viscosupplementation aims to alleviate these symptoms by replenishing the joint fluid's natural viscosity and lubricating properties.
The procedure is generally well-tolerated and can be performed in an outpatient setting. The injections are typically administered as a series over a few weeks or months, depending on the specific treatment protocol recommended by the healthcare provider.
Trigger Point injections (TPI)
Trigger Point injections (TPI) are a treatment option used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort caused by trigger points. Trigger points are localized areas of tight, contracted muscle fibers that can cause pain, tenderness, and referred pain in other parts of the body.
During a trigger point injection, a healthcare professional will insert a small needle into the trigger point, which may be palpated or identified through other methods. The injection may contain a variety of substances, such as a local anesthetic like lidocaine or a corticosteroid, to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. In some cases, saline or other solutions may be used.
The injection aims to relax the muscle fibers and reduce the irritation and pain associated with the trigger point. It may also help to improve blood flow and promote the healing of the affected muscle.
Peripheral Nerve Block
Peripheral Nerve Block treatment is a medical procedure that involves injecting medication, such as a local anesthetic or a corticosteroid, near specific nerves or nerve groups to provide pain relief. The purpose of a nerve block is to interrupt or block the transmission of pain signals along the nerves, thereby reducing or eliminating pain in the targeted area.
Nerve blocks can provide temporary or longer-lasting pain relief, depending on the specific medication used and the underlying condition being treated.
Frequently Asked Qestions
We know how debilitating headaches can be therefore at Samsara we offer several different treatment modalities to getting you well again. Usually, the first step is a trial of IV hydration combined with anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran and an anti-inflammatory medicine such as Toradol. For the most unrelenting headaches we also offer a variety of nerve blocks that targe the signals contributing to your pain. A mixture of a fast-acting anesthetic such as Lidocaine is mixed with a long-acting anesthetic; Bupivacaine is made then injected around the nerves to stop the pain signals and lessen the pain.
Results are usually seen around 4 to 6 weeks following your treatment. Some patients may notice pain relief sooner, but this varies patient to patient.
It is important to be off any anti-inflammatory meds at least 5-7 days prior to injection to ensure the PRP will work. If you take any Aspirin, Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, Xarelto, Pradaxa or Coumadin you will need to be cleared by the prescribing provider to hold these medications before any injections maybe done. Aspirin will need to be held for two weeks before and two weeks after the procedure. For other anti-inflammatory medications they will need to be held for 4-6 weeks following your last injection. Steroids must also be avoided and not used within the 3-4 weeks prior to or after any PRP injections; however, if steroids are required for any emergency situations it is recommended, they still be used.
PRP injections are a great option for patients that have tried steroid injections and failed to have any improvement or achieve prolonged relief with steroids. PRP is also an option for patients who prefer to use their bodies own healing factors to aid in their recovery and those trying to avoid surgery. The best results are seen when PRP injections are done in a series of 2 or 3 injections. Common areas treated include the wrist, shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle.
There is some discomfort with the injection, but this is greatly determined by the type of injury being treatment. It is normal for the treated area to be sore for the next several days as healing starts to take place. Following the procedure, it is important to avoid any anti-inflammatory type medications as this will disrupt the PRP from working.
Both Dry Needling and Trigger Point Injections target trigger points by having a thin needle inserted into the taut muscle(s) responsible for pain; however, an anesthetic is commonly injected during a TPI. DN and TPI are both effective in treating pain; however, patients report less soreness following TPI due to the effect of the anesthetic injected.