iovera Treatment: Managing Knee Pain for a Smoother Knee Replacement Recovery
When knee pain disrupts your quality of life and makes everyday tasks challenging, knee replacement surgery may be the best option to restore function and relieve pain. For many awaiting surgery, pain management in the lead-up to the procedure is essential. One innovative approach, iovera treatment, is particularly valuable for minimizing pain after surgery. Let’s explore what iovera is, how it works, and why it’s a beneficial tool for pain management around knee replacement surgery.
What is iovera Treatment?
The iovera treatment is a non-surgical, FDA-cleared procedure that temporarily blocks pain by targeting specific nerves. This advanced treatment uses cryoneurolysis—a technique that applies extreme cold to "freeze" the nerves that carry pain signals from the knee. By doing so, iovera effectively reduces pain without causing permanent nerve damage, with benefits that last a couple of months.
During the iovera procedure, a doctor applies a handheld device to the knee area, using targeted cold therapy to treat the nerves just below the skin. This localized treatment provides pain relief, especially for patients preparing for knee surgery, by preemptively addressing the nerves responsible for post-surgical pain.
Benefits of iovera Treatment for Knee Replacement Recovery
Using iovera before knee replacement surgery offers several significant advantages, particularly in managing pain during recovery:
Decreases Post-Surgical Pain
The primary benefit of iovera is to reduce pain following knee replacement surgery. By blocking pain pathways in advance, iovera helps patients experience a more comfortable recovery period, reducing the need for pain medication after surgery.Non-Opioid Pain Relief
iovera provides an opioid-free approach to pain management, lowering the risk of dependence and side effects associated with opioids. This is especially valuable for patients concerned about using painkillers post-surgery.Minimally Invasive and Quick Procedure
The iovera treatment is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It requires no incisions, stitches, or anesthesia, allowing patients to return to daily activities quickly.Enhanced Mobility Before Surgery
Although iovera is primarily designed to reduce post-surgical pain, it also provides short-term relief for patients awaiting surgery. This temporary relief can help patients stay active and prepare physically for surgery, which may support a smoother recovery.
Why Consider iovera Treatment?
Given its unique benefits, iovera treatment is an innovative choice for those preparing for knee replacement surgery and looking to reduce post-surgical pain without relying on opioids. This targeted, non-invasive treatment supports an easier, more comfortable recovery and allows patients to approach surgery with confidence.
Is iovera Right for You?
Ideal candidates for iovera treatment are those with moderate to severe knee pain who are planning to undergo knee replacement surgery. For these patients, iovera provides an effective option to help manage pain during the critical recovery period after surgery.
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery and looking for effective pain relief options, talk to your orthopedic specialist about iovera. They can assess your individual needs and help determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.
Dr. Broome recently discussed his approach to managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain in the San Antonio Report, highlighting iovera as a non-invasive option to help patients find lasting relief during recovery. Osteoarthritis, a common condition impacting many Texans, can make daily activities challenging due to pain, stiffness, and limited flexibility. Dr. Broome uses iovera to target specific nerves that cause knee pain, providing an innovative way to manage pain before knee replacement surgery and help reduce post-surgical pain during recovery. Read the full article here to learn more about how iovera is improving patient outcomes and enhancing recovery.
At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we recognize the impact of knee pain and the importance of comprehensive support both leading up to and following knee replacement surgery. Our team is dedicated to offering innovative, patient-centered options like iovera treatment to manage pain prior to surgery, paving the way for a smoother recovery experience. With advanced techniques and personalized care, we strive to restore mobility, relieve discomfort, and enhance the quality of life for each of our patients.