Additional Services
Additional services a patient can receive at the practice are Advanced Lab Blood Work, Psychological Evaluation, ECG/EKG, and Bracing. These services provide both the patient and physician with an array of information that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of any conditions the patient may have.
Psychological Evaluation
One in four people in the United States su ffer from some sort of mental illness each year and many of those who suffer never receive any help at all. Many people suffer with some sort of mental instability but don't really know it and further problems arise. Prixus Medical can with the help of innovative technology conduct a psychological assessment in under 30 minutes. We go the extra mile to make sure from top to bottom inside and out our patients are well. Our assessment allows us to analyze the mental health of our patients so we can take better care of them. It also helps us to evaluate them and seek the assistance of a mental health specialist if needed.
Assess, diagnose, and monitor a variety of mental health issues, including:
Assess, diagnose, and monitor a variety of mental health issues, including:
- Depression
- Alcohol Dependence
- Anxiety
- Psychosomatic Disorders
- Opiod Risk
- Bipolar Disorder
- PTSD
- Perinatal Depression
- Attention Deficit
ECG / EKG
The ECG is the most important test for interpretation of the cardiac rhythm, conduction system abnormalities, and for the detection of myocardial ischemia. The ECG is also of great value in the evaluation of other types of cardiac abnormalities including valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and hypertensive disease. Finally, the ECG can be used to monitor drug treatment (specifically antiarrhythmic therapy) and to detect metabolic disturbances. A systematic approach to interpretation of the ECG is important in order to avoid overlooking important abnormalities. Every single patient should have an ECG done in their first visit to a medical clinic.
Bracing
Next to aspirin, braces may be one of the simplest solutions in all of pain management medicine. Doctors may prescribe braces for both acute and chronic pain. Braces provide stability to a swollen, unstable or painful joints. Prixus Medical offers bracing and support solutions that fit your unique needs. We strive to increase your mobility, decrease your rehabilitation time and empower your potential.
Osteoarthritis bracing is generally used when the arthritic changes to the knee joint have progressed to the point where there is pain upon ambulation. Typically, the cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates, and that lack of cushion—combined with high pressures inside the joint [while in motion]—can create substantial pain. Some patients may even be fully bone on bone in a joint where there should be cartilage to cushion things.
Braces are non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive, economical and extremely effective. The cost of pain medication itself and the associated costs of its side effects are staggering. No matter what joint you're bracing, braces can decrease pain, diminish swelling and—in some cases—improve function. Bracing is recommended for conditions that range from osteoarthritis (OA) to fractures and sprains.
Bracing is an "adjunctive therapy," meaning people uses braces in conjunction with other treatments, which might include massage therapy, topical ointments and oral pain medications. If you're not considering bracing for pain, then you're not using all the tools at your disposal.
If a patient suffers from Osteoarthritis and the pain related to it, how do you know when the time is right for a brace?
"It's preferable to catch a patient when their condition is in the early stages so the brace can reduce knee wear and tear to a degree. Even in the mid-to latter stages, knee replacement surgery is the last option, so trying a brace could be a significant part of the final resolution."
Osteoarthritis bracing is generally used when the arthritic changes to the knee joint have progressed to the point where there is pain upon ambulation. Typically, the cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates, and that lack of cushion—combined with high pressures inside the joint [while in motion]—can create substantial pain. Some patients may even be fully bone on bone in a joint where there should be cartilage to cushion things.
Braces are non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive, economical and extremely effective. The cost of pain medication itself and the associated costs of its side effects are staggering. No matter what joint you're bracing, braces can decrease pain, diminish swelling and—in some cases—improve function. Bracing is recommended for conditions that range from osteoarthritis (OA) to fractures and sprains.
Bracing is an "adjunctive therapy," meaning people uses braces in conjunction with other treatments, which might include massage therapy, topical ointments and oral pain medications. If you're not considering bracing for pain, then you're not using all the tools at your disposal.
If a patient suffers from Osteoarthritis and the pain related to it, how do you know when the time is right for a brace?
"It's preferable to catch a patient when their condition is in the early stages so the brace can reduce knee wear and tear to a degree. Even in the mid-to latter stages, knee replacement surgery is the last option, so trying a brace could be a significant part of the final resolution."
Injections
Cortisone Injections
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone decreases pain because it causes inflammation in the body to diminish. By injecting cortisone into a specific area of inflammation, high concentrations may be administered. This is a bonus because it also allows for potential side-effects to be kept at a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days. However, cortisone is not a long term fix and if cortisone is used too often, it could result in further damage to the joint. If a patient needs immediate relief, in the event to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation, cortisone would mask the pain and symptoms during that window of time. Otherwise, we do not recommend this type of injections.
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone decreases pain because it causes inflammation in the body to diminish. By injecting cortisone into a specific area of inflammation, high concentrations may be administered. This is a bonus because it also allows for potential side-effects to be kept at a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days. However, cortisone is not a long term fix and if cortisone is used too often, it could result in further damage to the joint. If a patient needs immediate relief, in the event to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation, cortisone would mask the pain and symptoms during that window of time. Otherwise, we do not recommend this type of injections.
Lubricating Joint Injections
Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid) is a substance in normal joint fluid that lubricates the joint, much like oil lubricates car engine components. The knee continuously produces its own hyaluronan. In osteoarthritis, there is a decrease in the amount of hyaluronan in the joint fluid. Also, the hyaluronan molecules break down, becoming less effective at lubricating the joint. The injections are thought to work by helping the knee normalize the hyaluronan in the joint fluid. The injections may also reduce inflammatory cells in the knee and reduce nerve impulses that cause pain. Hyaluronan injections are very safe. The chances of a significant adverse reaction (severe knee swelling, hypersensitivity reaction) are about 3 out of a 1000. This is much lower than the risk associated with gastrointestinal problems with taking anti-inflammatory medications.
Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid) is a substance in normal joint fluid that lubricates the joint, much like oil lubricates car engine components. The knee continuously produces its own hyaluronan. In osteoarthritis, there is a decrease in the amount of hyaluronan in the joint fluid. Also, the hyaluronan molecules break down, becoming less effective at lubricating the joint. The injections are thought to work by helping the knee normalize the hyaluronan in the joint fluid. The injections may also reduce inflammatory cells in the knee and reduce nerve impulses that cause pain. Hyaluronan injections are very safe. The chances of a significant adverse reaction (severe knee swelling, hypersensitivity reaction) are about 3 out of a 1000. This is much lower than the risk associated with gastrointestinal problems with taking anti-inflammatory medications.
Trigger Point Injections
A trigger point is an irritable, painful, taut muscle band or palpable knot in a muscle that can cause localized pain or referred pain. Referred pain from trigger points can mimic pinched nerves in the neck or lower back. They can occur from direct muscle injuries, poor posture, repetitive strain or secondarily from spine conditions such as a herniated disc.
Trigger point injections are injections of local anesthetic (numbing) medication, saline and/or cortisone. The basis for a trigger point injection is to relax the area of an intense muscle spasm. By relaxing the muscle spasm, blood flow to the area is improved, thus allowing the washout of irritating metabolites. Trigger point injections are an important part of treating myofascial pain syndrome and, in some cases, fibromyalgia.
A trigger point is an irritable, painful, taut muscle band or palpable knot in a muscle that can cause localized pain or referred pain. Referred pain from trigger points can mimic pinched nerves in the neck or lower back. They can occur from direct muscle injuries, poor posture, repetitive strain or secondarily from spine conditions such as a herniated disc.
Trigger point injections are injections of local anesthetic (numbing) medication, saline and/or cortisone. The basis for a trigger point injection is to relax the area of an intense muscle spasm. By relaxing the muscle spasm, blood flow to the area is improved, thus allowing the washout of irritating metabolites. Trigger point injections are an important part of treating myofascial pain syndrome and, in some cases, fibromyalgia.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection targeted toward a certain nerve or group of nerves with the intent to treat pain. The purpose of the injection is to "turn off" a pain signal coming from a specific location in the body. Imaging guidance using ultrasound technology can be used to help the doctor place a needle in the precise location. Prixus Medical believes that being precise means that our patients will receive the maximum benefit from the injection.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
People who suffer from either acute or chronic pain might have a nerve block injection to achieve temporary pain relief. For the most part, this pain originates from the spine. However, other areas commonly impacted include the neck, buttocks, legs and arms. Chronic headaches can also be broken with nerve specific block treatments. Delivering a nerve block injection allows a damaged nerve the time needed to heal itself from a state of constant irritation. By performing a nerve block treatment and then monitoring how the patient responds to the injection, Prixus Medical can truly assess the benefit of a nerve block treatment as well as the extent of an injury.
A nerve block is an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection targeted toward a certain nerve or group of nerves with the intent to treat pain. The purpose of the injection is to "turn off" a pain signal coming from a specific location in the body. Imaging guidance using ultrasound technology can be used to help the doctor place a needle in the precise location. Prixus Medical believes that being precise means that our patients will receive the maximum benefit from the injection.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
People who suffer from either acute or chronic pain might have a nerve block injection to achieve temporary pain relief. For the most part, this pain originates from the spine. However, other areas commonly impacted include the neck, buttocks, legs and arms. Chronic headaches can also be broken with nerve specific block treatments. Delivering a nerve block injection allows a damaged nerve the time needed to heal itself from a state of constant irritation. By performing a nerve block treatment and then monitoring how the patient responds to the injection, Prixus Medical can truly assess the benefit of a nerve block treatment as well as the extent of an injury.
Perineural Subcutaneous Injections
PSI are injections of peripheral nerves, located in the subcutaneous tissue close to the skin. PSI is a safe treatment directed at healing neuropathic inflammation, responsible for aches, burns, numbness, and sharp pain. Neuropathic inflammation is caused by a heightened response of nerves causing continuous production of irritating proteins. The body is unable to stop the production of damaging proteins. This leads to a constant cycle of pain. PSI turns off the pain cycle by breaking the continuous cycle of heightened nerve sensitivity. Irritating proteins are no longer produced. This allows the body to restore proper balance and communication between the nerves and brain. The primary intent of perineural subcutaneous injections is to treat nerves, not grow new ligaments or tendons.
PSI are injections of peripheral nerves, located in the subcutaneous tissue close to the skin. PSI is a safe treatment directed at healing neuropathic inflammation, responsible for aches, burns, numbness, and sharp pain. Neuropathic inflammation is caused by a heightened response of nerves causing continuous production of irritating proteins. The body is unable to stop the production of damaging proteins. This leads to a constant cycle of pain. PSI turns off the pain cycle by breaking the continuous cycle of heightened nerve sensitivity. Irritating proteins are no longer produced. This allows the body to restore proper balance and communication between the nerves and brain. The primary intent of perineural subcutaneous injections is to treat nerves, not grow new ligaments or tendons.