PAGE 10
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
NOVEMBER 2012
GRAY
MATTERS
100
%
of our AP Scholars also engage in the Arts.
Where
Discover why so many Pingry students
achieve academic, athletic, and artistic excellence.
Visit Pingry.org for Admission event dates
or call us at 908-647-6419.
Source: Pingry Class of 2012
“
OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF PROGRAM”
PERFORMANCE REHABILITATION
AND INTEGRATED MEDICINE
By: Dr. Ron Spiaggia, D.C.
If you are one of the 10 million people who
are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the
knee each year, you will be pleased to learn
that a successful non-surgical treatment
option is available right here in Central NJ.
Patients with osteoarthritis generally suffer
with pain and stiffness in the knee joint,
decreased range of motion, swelling of the
knee, instability, and “clicking or popping” of
the knee. Many factors contribute to a
patient’s likelihood of developing osteoarthri-
tis of the knee, including obesity, previous
injury to the knee, occupations that require
repetitive motions and family history. Gender
is also a contributing factor, as more women
than men on average suffer from osteoarthri-
tis of the knee.
Performance Rehabilitation and Integrated
Medicine Center in Watchung, New Jersey
has launched its Advanced Arthritis Relief
Program (AARP) for the thousands of local
New Jersey residents who are suffering from
chronic degenerative osteoarthritis. Our
Advanced Arthritis Relief Program is an all-
encompassing, multidisciplinary approach to
arthritic joint treatment unlike any other in
the area. “What makes our program unique is
simple”, explains Dr. Ron Spiaggia, the Clinic
Director and Founder. “We are the only facili-
ty that is utilizing a multi-specialty ‘team’
approach to treating arthritis. Our physicians
use visco-supplementation injections under
ultrasound and/or x-ray guidance in conjunc-
tion with physical rehabilitation and nutrition,
to attain excellent outcomes.” The corner-
stone of the AARP is the visco-supplementa-
tion injections. This is commonly known as
joint replacement fluid. At Performance
Rehabilitation and Integrated Medicine the
product that is primarily used is Hyalgan.
Hyalgan is FDA approved and is an artificial
replacement of the synovial fluid or the body’s
natural lubricating fluid. When injected into
the knee, it helps cushion the knee by increas-
ing the fluid around the knee. With that, you
usually experience a reduction or resolution of
knee pain and an increased ability to perform
your daily activities.
Typically, most insurance carriers including
Medicare will cover the cost of the injections
and therapeutic rehabilitation, less of course
any co-payment or deductibles.
Performance Rehabilitation’s Arthritis Relief
Program is an all-encompassing, multidiscipli-
nary approach to arthritic joint treatment
unlike any other in the area. Our medical doc-
tor performs the evaluation and the injec-
tions. Specific placement of the Hyalgan injec-
tion is imperative to achieve optimal success.
At Performance Rehabilitation and Integrated
Medicine, confirmation of exact needle place-
ment is obtained utilizing ultrasound and/or x-
ray guidance assuring 100% accuracy of
placement of the Hyalgan into the space
between the knee joint. By utilizing this pro-
tocol, we have been able to achieve a 30%
increase in our success rate. Many patients
that have had this procedure at other facilities
without ultrasound or x-ray guided placement
did not experience the same success that they
have experienced here with the appropriate
ultrasound and/or x-ray guidance.
Once the injection is completed, you will also
be treated by our physical therapy staff to
strengthen and regain some of the motion
that you may have lost in the joint, as well as
be instructed in a home exercise program so
that you can continue to improve after your
treatment at Performance Rehabilitation and
Integrated Medicine has been completed.
Dr. Spiaggia also explains, “I always empha-
size to my patients that we are focused on
long-term results, that’s why we encourage
our patients to undergo physical rehabilitation
of the arthritic joints along with visco-supple-
mentation injections.”
Performance Rehabilitation and Integrated
Medicine is a premier, comprehensive and
multidisciplinary office dedicated to treating
acute and chronic pain through non-surgical
procedures. We have invested in the most
innovative and cutting edge technology and
combined it with the best physicians available.
Recently, three of Performance Rehabilita-
tion’s physicians have been named to the
prestigious ‘America’s Top Physicians’ list by
Consumer’s Research Council of America for
their related specialties.
The positive outcomes experienced by our
patients are evident in their heartfelt com-
ments. Joanne had this to share: “I had suf-
fered from severe knee pain for seven weeks.
I went to four different specialists without any
relief. When I called I was greeted by a gen-
uinely understanding staff, schedules were
rearranged and treatment was provided
immediately. THANK YOU for helping me.”
Jane had this to say about Performance
Rehabilitation: “I have suffered from
osteoarthritis since 1995. Two orthopedic sur-
geons told me there was nothing they could
do other than total knee replacement. After
completing Hyaluronic Acid injections and
physical therapy, I was able to hike five miles
a day for two weeks in Yosemite Park, with-
out pain! Than you for giving me my active
life back and giving me hope.”
Performance Rehabilitation allows you the
convenience of consulting with Board
Certified medical doctors, pain management
specialists, physical therapists, massage
therapists, and more - all under one roof,
eliminating the back and forth to many differ-
ent offices. To learn more about our state-of-
the-art facility, please visit us online at
www.performancerehabnj.com or call us for
more information at (908) 756-2424.
www.theconnectionsnj.com
link