Introduction 

The first instinct we get upon getting any injury is to seek an orthopedic pain management option, right? How about we tell you that there is a better way? 

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone Number *

Submit

The Problem with the “Ortho First” Mindset is that people believe that orthopedic specialists are the only option when it comes to injuries, specifically sports injuries. However, this mindset can lead to:

• Getting into surgery rather than exploring non-invasive and equally effective alternatives.
• Longer wait times before you even get an initial consultation.
• Unnecessary procedures and imaging that delay the actual treatment. 

The traditional “Ortho first” mindset mostly leads to unnecessary imaging, longer waits, and more, even when non-surgical solutions can work just as fine or even better. This is where interventional pain management (IPM) kicks in. In this blog, we have highlighted why IPM is the smarter choice for sports injuries, so read on! 

Why You Don’t Always Need an Ortho for Sports Related Injuries?

In contrast to the common belief, a vast number of sports injuries do not require surgery. Here are some reasons why you need an interventional pain management specialist: 

• Surgery isn’t always the answer: Most sports injuries can heal without surgery. Comprehensive and interventional pain management can help speed up recovery and prevent long-term complications. 
• Ortho visits often lead to delays: Usually, orthopedic consultations begin with a referral for imaging and PT prior to providing actual treatment. This can take weeks or months, and this time can be spent better if you opt for the right intervention from the beginning. 

Below, we have discussed some common reasons that set interventional sports pain management and orthopedic treatment apart:

Pain Management VS Orthopedic – What’s the Difference?

Advantages Of Interventional Pain Treatment For Sports Injuries

Interventional pain management for sports injuries treatment offers various advantages, including reduced downtime, quicker recovery, and more. These treatment options allow athletes to return to thier daily lives faster with improved function. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the advantages you can expect:

• Faster Treatment & Recovery: With interventional pain management services, there is no need to wait for weeks for a referral or an MRI. The treatment begins immediately, making room for faster pain relief and healing. 
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma), corticosteroid injections, and nerve blocks help control inflammation and pain, allowing speedy recovery with minimal side effects. 
• Preventative Care: Interventional pain procedures do not only treat the injury, but they also prevent recurrence by strengthening the affected area and improving movement patterns through functional medicine and guided rehabilitation.
• Better Pain Relief: A pain intervention specialist directly targets the source of pain with accurate treatments. By doing so, they boost tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility faster than traditional approaches. 

When to Choose Interventional Pain Management Procedures Over an Ortho

Reaching out to an interventional pain doctor is the best thing that you can do for yourself

Interventional pain management is an excellent choice if you have:

1. Joint pain and mobility issues that do not need surgery but influence daily movement.
2. Chronic pain from overuse injuries, including bursitis or tendinitis, that has not responded to PT or rest.
3. Acute injuries like knee injuries in sports, strains, or sprains that require immediate attention.
4. A desire for faster recovery, ideal for active individuals or athletes who need to return to training or competition quickly.

Our interventional pain specialists at Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen are always there to look after our patients with the care they deserve and need. Whether you are suffering from minor injuries or even ACL injuries in sports, our experts have got your back. 

Conclusion

Instead of waiting for an orthopedic appointment or risking surgery for your common sports injuries, consider getting an interventional pain specialist first. IPM offers minimally invasive treatment options that are effective and help heal faster. 

At Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen, we specialize in helping active individuals and athletes recover even from the worst sports injuries without surgery. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain or acute injury, our interventional treatments can get you back to your day-to-day routine.