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iovera°: A Novel Way To Relieve Knee Pain With Cold
In recent years, the field of pain management has witnessed remarkable advancements, and one such breakthrough is the introduction of iovera°. Everyone is familiar with the idea of using cold for pain relief – but iovera° is an innovative treatment that uses cold like no other therapy. iovera° is a type of treatment known as cryoneurolysis, or cold therapy, to achieve cryoanalgesia. Simply put, it utilizes the power of cold therapy to provide safe and effective pain relief.
Dr. Austin Underwood is currently the only healthcare professional in Northern Virginia offering iovera° treatments. With his expertise and dedication to providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Underwood ensures that individuals in the region have access to this groundbreaking pain management solution. His commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements allows him to bring the benefits of iovera° to those seeking effective and innovative pain relief in Northern Virginia.
Let's dive deeper into the world of iovera° and explore how it is transforming the way we manage pain.
Understanding iovera°
iovera° is a cutting-edge medical device that employs the principle of cryoanalgesia, which involves the application of extreme cold to targeted nerves. By precisely cooling the nerves, iovera° temporarily numbs the area, providing patients with immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
iovera° has been studied in people who have osteoarthritis (OA) pain in the knee, and in those who have had knee replacement surgery. In both cases, it has been shown to provide immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
How iovera° Works
The iovera° system consists of a handheld device that delivers a controlled stream of cold therapy to the targeted nerve. The device utilizes nitrous oxide, a naturally occurring gas, to create intense cold temperatures. When the cold therapy is applied to the nerve, it interrupts pain signals, effectively reducing or eliminating discomfort. iovera° is precise and safe—it cannot damage surrounding tissue, and provides immediate relief after treatment.
This simple in-office procedure only takes about 30 minutes. After a numbing agent (topical or injected) is applied to minimize discomfort during treatment, a small probe is inserted into the skin. Under the skin, a precise cold zone forms, which temporarily freezes the targeted nerve. This immediately blocks the nerve from sending pain signals to your brain for up to 90 days. Your doctor will repeat this process until the targeted nerve is blocked.
Benefits of iovera°
Non-Invasive: Unlike some traditional pain management methods, iovera° is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require any incisions or injections, minimizing the risk of complications.
Targeted Pain Relief: iovera° allows for precise targeting of specific nerves, making it an ideal option for localized pain management. Whether it's joint pain, muscle spasms, or nerve pain, iovera° can provide relief in the exact area where it's needed.
Better Post-Operative Recovery: Studies have found that patients who received iovera° as part of their post-operative knee replacement recovery had greater range of motion and less difficulty bending and straightening their leg throughout their recovery. Studies have also shown that iovera° can help reduce opioid use after knee replacement surgery.
Long-Lasting Results: While the duration of pain relief may vary depending on individual factors, many patients experience relief for several months following an iovera° treatment. This extended relief allows individuals to resume their daily activities with reduced discomfort.
Minimal Side Effects: iovera° has been shown to have minimal side effects, with most patients experiencing only temporary numbness or mild swelling at the treatment site. This makes it a safe and well-tolerated option for many individuals seeking pain relief.
Applications of iovera°
iovera° has shown promising results in various pain management applications, including:
Orthopedics: It can be used to alleviate joint pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or tendonitis, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Sports Medicine: Athletes dealing with acute injuries or chronic pain can benefit from iovera° treatments, as it provides targeted relief without the need for long-term medication use.
Neurology: iovera° has shown amazing potential in managing nerve pain by targeting specific nerves involved in the pain pathways.
Important Safety Information
The iovera° system should not be used in people with the following conditions:
Do not receive treatment with ioveraº if you experience hypersensitivity to cold or have open and/or infected wounds near the treatment site.
You may experience bruising, swelling, inflammation and/or redness, local pain and/or tenderness, and altered feeling at the site of application.
In treatment area(s), you may experience damage to the skin, skin darkening or lightening, and dimples in the skin.
You may experience a temporary loss of your ability to use your muscles normally outside of the treatment area.
Talk to your doctor before receiving treatment with ioveraº.
In a world where pain management plays a crucial role in our well-being, iovera° stands out as an innovative solution that brings relief to those who need it most. With its non-invasive nature, targeted pain relief, and long-lasting results, iovera° is reshaping the way we approach pain management. As this technology continues to evolve, we can look forward to a future where pain becomes more manageable, allowing us to live our lives to the fullest.
Have you tried other pain treatments for OA, or discussing having knee replacement surgery? Our award-winning fellowship-trained providers are here to help you return to your active life! We invite you to call us at 703.444.5000 or click here to request an appointment with one of the physicians at Arthritis & Sports. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and tips from us, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our monthly newsletter!
