In the modern era, the rise in non-surgical interventions has revolutionized the treatment approach in orthopedic Injuries. Although non-surgical interventions can not replace surgical interventions totally, they have significantly reduced the need for surgical interventions in orthopedic patients.
Non-surgical interventions include medications, knee injections, steroids, physiotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, orthoptics, and plasma replacement therapy. Although the treatment journey of non-surgical interventions takes a long time, but these interventions are cost-effective, time-saving, minimally invasive and less painful.
A clinical research study indicated beneficial results of non-surgical interventions in 91% of patients unfit for knee replacement surgery. This article reviews practical applications, beneficial effects, different methods, and limitations of non-surgical interventions in the management of orthopedic injuries.
What Are Non-surgical Interventions In Orthopaedics Management?
Nonsurgical interventions include using non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal problems. These interventions aim to improve patient’s quality of life and reduce the need for surgical interventions.
These are alternative treatment approaches for people who are unfit for surgery due to chronic comorbidities or prefer non-surgical interventions. They are also part of the rehabilitation process after surgical procedures.
Advanced non-surgical interventions include oral medications, knee injections, physiotherapy, plasma replacement therapy, nerve blocks, plasma replacement therapy, stem cell therapy, and various holistic practices.
1. Oral medication:
Oral medication includes the use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and viscosupplementation.
2. Knee Injections:
Injections containing corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and other biochemical agents are injected into the knees. Knee injections start working after a few weeks and are effective for several months (maximum six months). Knee Injections can be given 2-3 times a year.
3. Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy, stretching exercises, strengthening techniques, occupational therapy, and patient education are effective in the management of orthopedic Injuries. These exercises carry fewer side effects and give long-term benefits.
4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy:
It is a transcutaneous application of shock waves to break down tissue and promote healing. They are used for sports-related tendinopathies like ptallar tendinopathy, planter heel paincalcific, or non-calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, proximal plantar fascitis, avascular necrosis, and non-union fracture of long bones.
5. Nerve Blocks:
It includes blocking a nerve to suppress pain.
6. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy:
PRP includes injection of a patient’s own plasma to accelerate wound healing and healing of injured tissue or ligaments.
7. Prolotherapy:
In prolotherapy, irritants like dextrose are injected into the joints to relieve pain and increase the strength of ligaments.
8. Acupuncture:
In acupuncture, needles are injected into various body meridians to treat physical and mental conditions.
9. Electrical Stimulation:
Muscular, general, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation strengthens muscles. External stimulation of the nerve elicits an action potential that travels along the nerve and activates adjacent cells like muscles or nerves.
10. Chorioptic Care:
This procedure manipulates body parts, particularly the spine, that restores proper nerve function.
11. Stem Cell Therapy:
This is a regenerative therapy in which stem cells repair diseased or injured tissues.
12. PRICE Method:
The PRICE method (protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate) is a common method that can be easily used at home to treat minor orthopedic pain and injuries.
13. ANF Therapy ®️:
ANF Therapy ®️ treats chronic orthopedic injuries by correcting neurological frequencies of the nervous system. ANF devices have certain incorporated frequencies; when applied to specific body areas, they transmit neurological frequencies, which neurons absorb. These devices can send, receive, and reflect the signals. ANF therapy ®️ is a holistic and non-invasive approach to treat orthopedic Injuries and chronic orthopedic pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Non-surgical Interventions As Compared To Surgical Interventions?
Non-surgical interventions in orthopedics have been practiced since Egyptian time. People used to prefer non-invasive techniques like massage, acupuncture, nutrition, and exercises to cure orthopedic problems.
In the 20th century, non-surgical orthopedic procedures were revolutionized. Nowadays, Non-surgical interventions are widely used for effective and minimally invasive treatment of orthopedic problems.
The following are the benefits of non-surgical interventions as compared to surgical interventions:
1. Faster recovery time
Recovery time is significantly reduced with non-surgical interventions. After surgery, patients need bed rest with limited mobility to recover. However, non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy can help patients return to their daily routines faster.
2. Lower risk of complications
Surgical complications may lead to infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. Non-surgical interventions are less likely to cause complications, making them a safer option for many patients.
3. No Surgical Scar Marks:
One of the most significant benefits of non-surgical interventions is that they do not leave scars. Surgical procedures can leave large, visible scars at the operation site that may make patients self-conscious. Non-surgical interventions leave little to no scarring.
4. Cost-effective
Non-surgical interventions are often more cost-effective than surgery. Surgery can be expensive, and the recovery period is longer. In contrast, non-surgical interventions are usually less expensive and often covered by insurance.
5. Improved mobility and function
Non-surgical interventions can improve mobility and body functions. Physiotherapy and exercises help patients regain strength and mobility, while bracing can support injured areas.
6. Less Pain and Discomfort
Non-surgical interventions can be less painful and uncomfortable than surgery. Surgery can cause significant pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Patients take medications to relieve pain for an extended period. Non-surgical interventions can provide pain relief without the need for medication. Moreover, these are the most suitable options for patients unfit for anesthesia.
Which Patients are Good Candidates for Non-Surgical Orthopaedic Interventions?
Non-surgical interventions are good options for:
Patients with conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Exercise, physiotherapy, and weight loss improve pain in osteoarthritis.
Patients with rotator cuff injuries and tears.
In patients with back pain, exercise, physiotherapy, and chorioptic care are given.
In patients with an ankle sprain, functional rehabilitation is done.
What Are the Limitations of Various Non-surgical interventions?
Although non-surgical interventions have countless benefits, there are various limitations. The following are a few limitations of Non-surgical interventions:
Non-surgical interventions are ineffective or less effective for serious cases.
Emergency cases with major orthopedic Injuries can not be treated with non-surgical interventions. Surgery is inevitable for serious and life-threatening cases.
The patient needs adherence and commitment for a long time.
There is a risk of injury or worsening.
Regular therapy sessions are needed, and patients may not show compliance.
Sometimes, it is costly, with little or no insurance for recovery.
How Does ANF Therapy ®️ Treat Orthopedic Injuries?
Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy®️ is an integrative approach to pain and inflammation using the ANF Neuro Tech Devices, a revolutionary and innovative technique.
The ANF Device is a form of wearable technology that helps normalize the transmission of nervous system signals without using chemicals or organic substances.
The ANF tool is a small disc made of PET material (developed by NASA) and a rare carbonized metal. After a complex process, this thin metal layer of the device has exactly the amount of pure carbonized metal to hold frequencies. This feature makes it possible to charge the device with frequencies and send, receive, and reflect the frequencies in the body.
Devices can be charged with different oscillations, speeds, and waveforms, therefore, aiming to target different neurons, cells, and organs. They are activated by the body’s heat on which they are placed and therefore require no external energy source.
The ANF approach is based on personalized assessments, creating individual plans following an integrative methodology to achieve results according to the patient’s combination of alignments.
Sign up for ANF courses to learn more about ANF therapy ®️.