Your Health
Regenerative Therapies for Sore Knees By Toni Rocha
K
nee injuries and longterm damage need not result in surgery. For alternative treatment methods, patients are looking to Dr. David M. Gafken, D.A.CN.B., of Health N.O.W., 2146 State Road, Auburn, Ind., for help in relieving pain. Gafken says patients come to him either with undiagnosed knee pain or because they have seen other medical professionals and are seeking nonsurgical alternatives to bone-on-bone and other knee issues. “These patients have had X-rays, MRIs and/or have been receiving cortisone shots without achieving any Regenerative therapies can reduce knee pain and induce healing. lasting relief,” Gafken adds. the production of stem cells, and to generate venous nitric oxide “We conduct a thorough exam which may include additional to increase peripheral blood flow to the afflicted areas around nerve testing, X-rays and MRIs if significant time has passed the knee. since their last tests.” “This is called photo bio modulat,” Gafken adds. “It aids in Knee injuries or age-related damage rarely heal by themthe growth of new blood vessels while flushing out any damaged selves, he continues. It is better to seek alternative methods of tissue, alleviating pain.” treating knee issues than to tough it out alone. Acoustic and focus shockwave therapy have been in use for Once the examination is complete and the patient is apmore than 10 years, Gafken explains. The method sends pulses proved as a candidate for therapy, Gafken says he decides on through the joint to promote stem cell growth, encourage the dea course of treatment using several highly effective methods to velopment of new blood vessels and increased blood flow, and promote joint regeneration, such as decompression, laser, plus to induce quicker healing. radial pressure, shockwave or acoustic waves. “It’s a tool that hasn’t been used as much as it could be beGafken says decompression on knee joints is achieved by cause powerful tools are expensive,” Gafken adds. “The treatseating the patient in a chair and hooking the knee up to a mament not only reduces pain but also induces biochemical changchine which gently pulls the joint open and closed using less es that promote healing.” than 16 pounds of force. By gently separating the joint space Basically, the patient is given a course of treatment which between the bottom of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the employs one or several of the above methods. As a rule, the patibia (shin bone), Gafken adds this creates a vacuum effect inside tient is treated up to three times each week during which all of the knee joint which brings more nutrient rich fluid to the area. the selected methods are applied in a stepped order. The method also stretches the tendons, ligaments and other soft Along with treatment in the Gafken office, patients are entissue around the joint. Together, this helps re-establish some of couraged to exercise as appropriate, ice the knee joint to reduce the natural joint space and cushioning in the knee. inflammation and swelling, as well as various at-home remedies. “We gently work the knee for about seven to eight min“We have a 90-percent success rate with this course of treatutes,” Gafken adds. “The course of treatment is given three times ment,” Gafken concludes. weekly for four to five weeks.” For more information or to make an appointment, call the High intensity laser therapy consists of using four different Gafken-Steinberg Chriopractic Center at (260) 920-8811 or visit levels of intensity to penetrate the appropriate depth in the knee its website. ❚ joint, Gafken says. These waves have a healing effect, increase Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
March 2022 • I
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