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The Greenberg Method is a hands-on holistic and analytical approach to identifying all of the areas that contribute to pain and joint dysfunction. This includes examining ligaments and tendons of the joint and adjacent joints plus an analysis and correction of abnormal biomechanics.
It does so by both a hands on approach and also by observation of a patient’s movements, posture and gait.
The key component is really being able to physically feel weakness in and around the joint and thus determine exactly where the pain is originating.
Because all joints relate to each other and where a patient experiences pain may not be where the pain is originating from. For example patients with wrist and hand pain may have the origin of the pain in the elbow even though they do not sense pain there. Furthermore biomechanical abnormalities can contribute to pain in ways that are not traditionally looked at. This is illustrated best by a lateral pelvic tilt can cause uneven scapular (shoulder blade) heights and thus contribute to pain in the neck and upper back. These imbalances may be corrected both thru precise injections but also thru corrective exercises to improve muscular balance and firing patterns.
Because the more factors we identify that cause pain and dysfunction, the more comprehensive we can be in treating the patient not only for their current condition but also to help prevent future problems.
Pain does not always originate from where the patient describes the pain and it is of paramount importance to determine the source of the pain to enable you to heal it. Furthermore abnormal biomechanics can arise from weakened ligament and tendon structures and cause joint pain.
Both thru history, physical examination, appropriate radiological tests, and if clinically necessary, lab tests that look at autoimmune and inflammatory markers.
The treatments we use are prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and stem cell/vsel therapies. They all work by activation of the immune system to trigger a healing process to some extent. Please see individual questions on each regenerative process.
Prolotherapy creates a mild and controlled inflammation in the area where it is injected to trigger the immune system to heal damaged tissue.
PRP Therapy is Platelet Rich Plasma Injections created from the patient’s own blood. It is used in two ways, first PRP can be used to stabilize weakened joint tissues. Secondly the proteins and growth factors within PRP may modulate inflammatory biochemistry within the joint and reduce pro-arthritic proteins.
Stem cells can do everything that PRP does but the clinical effects are better and happen faster. Furthermore stem cells can help the body regenerate worn cartilage and we also were the first to directly show how stem cells can heal a torn meniscus.
Using a comprehensive approach and placing the right ingredients in the right location leads to excellent outcomes.
The Greenberg Method is a hands-on holistic and analytical approach to identifying all of the areas that contribute to pain and joint dysfunction that contributes to arthritis. This includes examining ligaments and tendons of the joint and adjacent joints plus an analysis and correction of abnormal biomechanics. We identify and stabilize not only the joint but everything that is abnormal around and surrounding the region of the joint along with a restoration of proper biomechanics.
With osteoarthritis it does so by helping to regenerate cartilage and stabilize weakened joints. In patients with RA and AS not only do we provide for joint stability but also work to make the immune system healthy.
The procedures and materials that we use are safe and mostly come from the patient, and combined with 25 plus years of experience in administration of complex procedures leads to a very low-risk profile. Also there are no significant short or long term side-effects of PRP, prolotherapy, and autologous stem cells when used properly. It is a high-reward treatment option since the vast majority of patients experience significant relief from the Greenberg Method of Treatment.
These natural compounds help provide joint stability and also aid in restoring damaged cartilage while reducing arthritic and inflammatory proteins within the joint.
To get back to doing what you love in a pain-free manner.
They include anti-inflammatory medications, which are both steroid and non-steroidal (NSAIDs) and analgesic medications like acetaminophen.
They may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Not good. Steroidal injections can ultimately weaken the joint and accelerate the arthritic process in addition to having serious systemic side effects if used too often. As for NSAIDs, prolonged use has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, and they can contribute to kidney and liver disease. The most well known effects include HI upset and ulcers.
It is a useful adjunct in improving pain and mobility but may not cure the underlying condition. Nevertheless strengthening an area is usually beneficial but we prefer to stabilize the joints first before recommending therapy. It is part of our common sense approach to fix the joint and then strengthen it, not the other way around.
When is surgery considered for arthritis patients, and what types of surgical options are available?
There are arthroscopic options for arthritis but many have been shown not to be effective and maybe deleterious in accelerating joint deterioration. Other options are total joint replacement surgery.
The goal of treatment is to restore joint function, rebuild weakened ligament and tendon tissue and correct abnormal biomechanics. The net result of this is to eliminate pain while getting the patient back to do the things they love to do.
PRP can help both stabilize the joints by rebuilding ligament and tendon tissues, reduce pro-arthritic proteins and also can assist the stem cells in cartilage regeneration.
They can last for years and years. While we have had patients have documented success for 25 years duration, the length of time may be influenced by the severity of their joint damage. Patients with more severe disease may require an occasional tune-up to maintain maximum benefit.
The biggest factors are the severity of disease, the patient’s weight, and the strength of their immune system.
Ready to Get Relief From Your Arthritis Symptoms?
Click below to book your appointment and explore treatment options with Dr. Greenberg. Our office is conveniently located just outside of Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr, PA.