Dr. Alvin Philipose DC/ Charnelle Dean APRN
Prolotherapy Injections Specialist Near Me in Oklahoma City, OK

405.848.7246
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Elbow Pain

Elbow Pain Treatment: A Oklahoma City, OK and Surround Areas Chiropractor’s Perspective

The elbow joint can be a complex joint, it’s two joints in one. Where the humerus meets the radius and humerus meets the ulna and forms this joint that performs the motion flexion and extension yet will also contribute to rotation of the forearm both internally and externally. It is also the location for many important muscle and tendon attachments, particularly the muscles in the forearm are responsible for moving our fingers and hands. Because of the amount and different types of movements these muscles can perform, overuse and repetitive movements are the main cause of elbow pain.
Your elbow pain typically wouldn’t be an emergency, yet it is important to address your pain when you have an issue to ensure that it will not get any worse and has the chance to heal properly. Traditional medicine will typically use a combination of therapy, and injections to treat pain and other symptoms you may experience. If this treatment does not give you the relief you are looking for, they may recommend surgery as a last resort to fix the issue. There is certainly a time and a place for all these things, but many cases of elbow pain can be addressed and healed using conservative measures. Chiropractic care will take a different approach, identifying and addressing the source of the pain rather than just treating the symptoms. At Venturis Clinic, we have a range of services available to help you with your elbow pain, whatever the cause may be.

How We Treat Elbow Pain in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Detailed Consultation and Examination

When we welcome new patients to our office, their first visit always begins with a detailed consultation and examination. During your consultation, Dr. Alvin Philipose will sit down with you and listen to your story and the problem you are having with your elbow. He will then follow up and ask further questions to understand the history of the problem and how it became this way. He also will want to know how it affects your daily life and other important things like work, sleep, as well as other daily activities. After your consultation, Dr. Alvin Philipose will perform a thorough detailed examination, including orthopedic, neurologic, and movement tests, to understand your condition further. This will reveal important diagnosing information to provide the most accurate treatment and recommendations possible. There is no “standard” approach to our care; our recommendations will be customized to your unique needs.

Specific Chiropractic Care in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

One likes to think that chiropractic is just for the spine, but, chiropractors are trained to adjust and treat most of all the joints in the human body. Joints thrive on motion, and chiropractic can help restore that by properly aligning the bones that comprise that joint whether being in your spine or extremity. When it comes to your elbow pain, this is particularly true. An adjustment to the elbow joints will decrease pain and increase range of motion. Also, the nerves that travel down your arm through the elbow originate in the neck portion of the spine. Therefore, it is essential to have your spine adjusted so the nerves can function to its best ability and not be a contributing source of your elbow pain. By addressing both, a greater reduction in elbow pain can be experienced in a short time.
Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
405.848.7246
Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging
Offering variety of pain management solutions 

Soft Tissue Mobilization

The most common cause of elbow pain is related to soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue is anything that is not bone, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. There are a few key muscle attachments in and around the elbow joint, and these tendons are most commonly known for the primary cause of elbow discomfort. For this reason, soft tissue mobilization plays a significant role in our elbow pain care at Venturis Clinic. We may use the Graston Technique, a method using specific tools to help break up adhesions in the muscle and tendons. This will allow for better movement and also promotes proper healing of the tissue. Active Release Technique (ART) is another technique that involves taking the muscle through dynamic movement sequences to help release tension from the source. Whatever your needs, Dr. Alvin Philipose will be able to help address the soft tissue source of your problem and get you on correct path to healing.

Therapeutic Stretching

Our joints thrive on movement that’s needed to function optimally. A critical way we can instill this in our patients is through mobility training and stretching. Dr. Alvin Philipose specializes in helping you perform the necessary stretches to build stability in the elbow joint to protect it from further damage while also not compromising any of the mobility it needs to function optimally. A balance needs to exist to be able to withstand everyday demands. It is important to strengthen and stabilize the shoulders to help the elbow function well, as shoulder rotation is the primary driver of internal and external rotation that the elbow helps facilitate. It is important to look at the whole structure and not be so localized within only the problem area.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Tennis Elbow

One of the most common causes of elbow pain is known as “lateral epicondylitis,” which is tennis elbow. This pain may occur on the outside of the elbow due to repetitive use and overuse, particularly in the rotating motion that occurs at the elbow. While it is named due to the location of pain common from swinging a tennis racket repetitively, the reality is tennis elbow can happen to about anyone who does repetitive rotating work with their forearms. From construction workers to carpenters to plumbers, all these jobs involve motions that require twisting in the arms to some extent. When done over a long period of time, it causes inflammation and damage to the tendons attached to the outside of the elbow. The good news is tennis elbow can be treated and managed through many of the treatments listed above, so please reach out to Venturis Clinic if you are experiencing this type of condition.

Golfer’s Elbow

Another type of a common pain in the elbow is medial epicondylitis, otherwise known as “golfer’s elbow.” Tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inside (medial), it can be seen by the stress caused on this area during a golf swing. Like tennis elbow, it may be caused by many things besides a golf swing. Construction workers, plumbers, and carpenters are again common examples of professions that use the elbow and shoulder rotation more than one who works as a receptionist, which places a lot of stress on the muscles that attach to the inside aspect of the elbow. Throughout time, this gets inflamed and irritated due to the chronic and consistent nature of these kinds of professions. As with any condition, the quicker you take action, the better results you get, so if you notice that you are experiencing elbow pain, it is essential to seek care promptly.

Bursitis

Every joint in the body has fluid-filled sacs that surround and support the joint so it can regularly hold the forces of natural movement. These sacs are known as bursae, and they have an essential role to play in joint integrity. Although, it is possible that these bursae can become inflamed, which can be a extremely painful condition because they are still absorbing movement forces. If you feel that you may be experiencing these symptoms, Dr. Alvin Philipose specializes within these conditions.

Osteoarthritis

Joint degeneration is a natural process that will occur over a long period of time and does not happen over night. Sometimes, due to chronic overuse and heavy work, degeneration will happen more quickly. In professions that involve hard work and using the hands and arms frequently, this can lead to degeneration in joints such as your elbow. Joint degeneration is also known as osteoarthritis, this means that the joint spacing has narrowed, and causes limited range of motion and increased pain with any movement. While typically common in more weight-bearing structures such as the knees, the elbows can also become arthritic, and it is not something that can be magically reversed. However, with proper and consistent management, elbow osteoarthritis progression can be slowed down to maintain a higher quality of life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Another type of arthritis that can affect the elbows is rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic autoimmune condition affecting the whole body rather than a single joint. Autoimmune means the body is mistakenly attacking its own tissue, which means that the joints and bony surfaces can erode from the inside out. This will cause pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation in the affected joints. It normally starts in the smaller joints, like your fingers and toes, so by the time it affects the elbows or more proximal joints, it is usually more progressed along its disease path. Services such as chiropractic and Prolotherapy can help with the pain and inflammation, but they cannot stop the disease process. These are typically cases that are co-managed with other healthcare providers.
Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
405.848.7246
Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging
Offering variety of pain management solutions 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prolotherapy good for?

Many conditions respond well to prolotherapy, such as facet syndrome (back and neck arthritis), whiplash, joint sprains, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, chronic tendonitis, Ehler’s-Danlos Disease, Bulging disc, knee pain, shoulder pain Vagus nerve inflammation and more.

What are the risks of prolotherapy?

Theoretical risks of prolotherapy injections include soreness, infection or neurological (nerve) damage. Injections should be performed by trained physicians using universal precautions diagnostics examinations and tproper examinations. This results in very minimal side effects.

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Costs vary quite a bit from $150-$1500 dependent on type and contents of injections.

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

Prolotherapy is an all-natural, permanent treatment, as it relies on the body repairing itself to reduce pain. In contrast, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications only provide temporary relief. Booster shots as well has wellness therapies including stretching, massage, chiropractic, dry-needling and strengthening will help maintain progress.

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

More specifically, prolotherapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following: Damaged or lost tissue, especially surrounding the joints. If patients have tried various traditional treatments including prescription drugs, physical therapy, or steroids but seen minimal to no results, prolotherapy may be right for you.

Why does prolotherapy hurt so much?

A patient is generally sore for a couple of days after Prolotherapy. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, dry needling and moist heat applied to the area is recommended.

Is prolotherapy better than cortisone?

Cortisone can cause tendon rupture, particularly of the achilles tendon. Prolotherapy is a proven orthopedic treatment to reduce pain and strengthen weakened joints without the negative side effects of cortisone.

What are the pros and cons of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is great for strengthening weak joints and creating heightened muscle functionality, such as increased movement and flexibility. However, there are some risks involved, for example it is a shot like any other so there could be pain or tenderness to the injection site.

What should you not do after prolotherapy?

Due to the numbness we ask that you refrain from any strenuous activities but to stay mobile. Continue to move affected area to decrease soreness and stiffness. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days following injections. You will experience some pain and soreness 2-5 days after your treatment. Do not take any anti-inflammatories, pain medications or steroids during treatments. This may inhibit your body’s ability to heal the affected tissue.

How long does prolotherapy take to heal?

Most ligaments and tendons heal within a period of 3 months; however, the majority of healing after a prolotherapy session occurs in the first two weeks.

How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?

Prolotherapy treatments vary from person to person and from injury to injury. Many patients have experienced some relief of their pain with only one session. The average person requires anywhere from 3-12 treatment sessions spaced about 3-6 weeks apart from each other.

How long does a prolotherapy injection last?

On average, patients experience one year of improvement and relief from prolotherapy. However, there is a huge variation and sometimes improvement lasts from three months to 15 years.

What is injected during prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy involves injections of a mild irritant into the injured part of your body. Most of the time the injection contains saline, dextrose (a type of sugar), and lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Dr. Philipose custom tailors the injection, so the exact composition depends on your needs. These injections may include natural collagen, minerals, amino acids and other natural substances to accelerate healing compared to traditional prolotherapy.

Is prolotherapy better than surgery?

Prolotherapy is considered a viable alternative to surgery, and as an option to pain medications, cortisone and other steroidal injections. The Prolotherapy procedure is considered a safe, affordable option that allows the patient to keep working and/or training during treatment.

Can prolotherapy reverse arthritis?

One study with 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis involved some participants getting monthly prolotherapy injections of dextrose for 3 to 5 months. Those who received prolotherapy saw a significant improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores.

Does prolotherapy regrow cartilage?

Prolotherapy is an injection of a non-biologic substance with localized effects for repairing connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Recent studies in humans show that prolotherapy stimulates cartilage regeneration.

Are you sedated for prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a safe, cost effective injection technique used for treating musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain in various parts of the body. It is noninvasive, has limited side effects and does not require sedation.

What does dry needling actually do?

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

We use very thin filament needles. The initial feeling of the needle entering through the skin is very minimal; much less than a vaccination or having blood drawn. Once the needle reaches the muscle, the twitch sensation feels more like a deep cramp and doesn't last long (15-30 seconds).

How long does dry needling results last?

After dry needling, experiencing some slight soreness is normal, and you will typically note an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. How long the benefits will last will vary per individual. The first few treatments will usually have a short length of relief spanning over several days.

How many sessions of dry needling do you need?

If treatment zones are found and the correct muscle groups are targeted, sub-acute conditions will improve after three – four consecutive sessions, with chronic injuries requiring five – six consecutive needling sessions.

Does dry needling remove knots?

Dry needle therapy resolves muscle knots by inserting a very thin needle directly into the trigger point. The knot responds to the interruption and relaxes immediately. Most patients agree that dry needling doesn't hurt in the way that you might think!

How deep do dry needles go?

Superficial dry needling involves inserting a needle at a depth up to 10 mm or into the subcutaneous tissue and may be combined with manipulation of the needle while in situ.

Does dry needling reduce inflammation?

The micro tears caused by the needle prompts the body's natural defenses to get to work, bringing nutrient-rich blood to the site and boosting tissue repair. Dry needling also helps to dissipate inflammatory mediators, those substances that gather in an area of inflammation.

Is dry needling good for arthritis?

Dry needling is an effective treatment in reducing pain from osteoarthritis because it increases blood circulation around the joint, thereby providing natural relief.

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is trained to make sure your body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations and other therapies to relieve pain in your joints and muscles. These spinal adjustments will increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the joints and muscles that are experiencing pain. They are taught philosophically to find and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Is it healthy to go to the chiropractor?

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from acute or chronic conditions such as strains, arthritis or disc injuries.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

• Improves neck pain.
• Reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers. 
• Eases back pain.
• Possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms. 
• Eases headache symptoms. 
• More affordable treatment for chronic back pain. 
• High satisfaction. 
• Reduces scoliosis symptoms.

What are the cons of seeing a chiropractor?

Spinal and joint manipulation has a chance to go wrong and may cause unwanted injuries. So it is important that you only have an appointment with an experienced chiropractor that performs the necessary examinations and diagnostics to ensure safe treatments. DO NOT ALLOW a physical therapist or any other untrained person try a manipulation especially without X-rays.

When should you go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are most sought after to treat neck and low back pain due to acute or chronic pain. If you experience back pain that lasts for more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment.

What cracks when you see a chiropractor?

During a back adjustment, your back undergoes quick, gentle stretching of the spinal facet joint, so you may hear a cracking or popping noise. This is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints.

Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?

Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again

Is chiropractic care is ineffective?

Critics are skeptical mainly due to the fact that chiropractic care does not involve medications or any invasive surgeries. Some have associated this practice with some side effects and fatal complications in some cases resulting in death or stroke. It also goes against the medical philosophy of not prescribing medications. In recent years there has been a comparison that shows not only Chiropractic to be safe, but healthier and more successful than taking steroids and medications. There are also various techniques now that prevent any type of injuries due the gentleness of the adjustment.

Why do some chiropractors crack and others don't?

The noises you hear during chiropractic treatment depend on the technique used. For example, some techniques cause a cracking sound, and others don't, but both can be highly effective, depending on your needs. So, whether you hear an abundance of pops or none at all, you don't need to worry.
If you have tried multiple types of doctors and treatments but still hurting, you may not have found the cause. We can help!
Find Us
7917 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, 
OK 73120, USA
(405) 848-7246
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