Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints, which can affect not only the cartilage and bones but also the surrounding tendons and soft tissues. This ongoing process often leads to discomfort and challenges in joint movement, which can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Understanding the underlying nature of arthritis is essential for effective treatment and management.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears down. This degeneration leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility in the affected joints, making everyday movements more difficult. Managing osteoarthritis often involves treatments aimed at preserving joint function and reducing discomfort.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation that can damage joint tissues over time, resulting in swelling, pain, and a potential loss of joint function. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for slowing the progression of this disease and maintaining quality of life.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, with the root cause often linked to diet, genetics, or metabolic issues. This buildup triggers sudden and intense episodes of pain and swelling, typically affecting the big toe but potentially involving other joints as well. Addressing the root cause through lifestyle changes and medication can help manage and prevent gout flare-ups.
During your initial consultation at Advanced Wellness, our team takes a careful approach to assess your joint health by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and ordering any necessary imaging or laboratory tests. Identifying the underlying cause of your arthritis is a crucial step, as it enables us to differentiate between various forms of arthritis and tailor treatments accordingly. This thorough diagnostic process ensures that your treatment plan targets the root of your condition, improving outcomes and helping you achieve lasting relief and improved joint function.
Our physical therapists design customized exercise programs to help you manage symptoms, increase strength, and improve joint mobility. These exercises are designed to reduce stiffness and improve your ability to perform daily activities with comfort.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping you adapt your daily routines and environment to protect your joints and maintain independence. This approach teaches strategies and tools that make everyday tasks easier, despite the challenges of arthritis.
Orthopedic care provides specialized evaluation and treatment for joint damage and structural issues. Our experts use advanced techniques to preserve joint function and, when necessary, recommend surgical options to restore mobility.
Pain management includes first-line treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and joint injections. These therapies help reduce pain and other symptoms, allowing you to regain comfort and improve your overall quality of life.
Chiropractic care focuses on the specific joints affected by arthritis to alleviate pain and restore proper joint alignment. Through gentle adjustments, our chiropractors can improve joint function and reduce discomfort.
Acupuncture is used to treat inflammation and promote natural healing by stimulating specific points on the body through the insertion of fine needles. This therapy can help relieve pain and improve joint function with minimal side effects.
Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic waves to enhance blood flow to damaged tissues, thereby accelerating the healing process. This non-invasive treatment helps reduce pain and supports tissue regeneration in arthritic joints.
Regenerative medicine seeks to address the underlying causes of arthritis by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. It can reduce mild discomfort and promote long-term recovery, offering more than just temporary relief or a simple cure.
Virtual reality therapy offers an innovative approach to pain relief for individuals suffering from arthritis. By immersing patients in controlled virtual environments, this treatment helps reduce pain perception and improve movement through distraction and guided exercises.
Arthritis treatment can significantly reduce joint pain by addressing inflammation and targeting the source of discomfort. This helps patients move more freely and engage in daily tasks with less difficulty.
By restoring joint flexibility and function, our treatments help improve the range of motion. This enables smoother movement and improved physical performance over time.
Our non-surgical treatments for arthritis not only relieve physical symptoms but also help reduce emotional stress associated with chronic pain. Knowing that surgery isn’t the only option can ease anxiety and improve mental well-being.
Our effective treatment plans are designed to provide long-term relief by strengthening the muscles that support the joints. This reduces strain on the affected areas and helps prevent further damage.
Arthritis treatment can enhance a person’s quality of life by reducing fatigue, easing joint pressure on bones, and making daily activities more manageable. Patients often experience greater independence and comfort in their everyday routines.
Our practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive arthritis care through an interprofessional team that emphasizes collaborative work and creates personalized treatment plans. By combining expertise from multiple specialties, we ensure that each patient receives well-rounded, effective care tailored to their unique needs. Schedule an appointment to consult our experienced providers and take the first step toward managing your arthritis with confidence.
Dr. Gary L. Yen is Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has a sub-specialty in Pain Medicine. Dr. Yen grew up in Long Island, NY and received his medical degree from Ross University. He completed his internship in Internal Medicine at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and performed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Stony Brook University, where he was chief resident.
Dr. Yen completed a pain management fellowship at RehabNY in Buffalo, NY, during which he served as the assistant athletic trainer to the Buffalo Bison, the Minor League AAA baseball team for the Cleveland Indians, as well as the Niagara University men’s and women’s collegiate hockey team.
The former chairman of the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Division of the Pain Management Department at CentraState Medical Center, Dr. Yen specializes in the non-operative treatment of a variety of joint, muscular, nerve, skeletal, spine and sports related injuries. He treats acute and chronic pain syndromes and performs electrodiagnostic studies. Dr. Yen also performs variety of interventional pain procedures and minimally invasive spine surgery for the relief of pain. He utilizes conservative treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture in conjunction with other procedures to enhance long term benefits. Dr. Yen believes in working with patients to create individual treatment plans.
When not attending to his patients, Dr. Yen likes to play golf, cook, and has a passion for playing the saxophone and piano. He is the proud father of two boys.
