Wellness

[theresa]

@Shelbelle I was taking Vital Proteins collagen but never re-ordered.  I saw the one on this site Ancient Nutrition.  What brand do you use?

[Shelbelle]

I take a seperate Hyaluronic Acid cap daily 100 mg, take UC Collagen II,  1 cap daily, that is rec by the Arthritis Assn, and I take Nutrivein Collagen caps daily, 2, I dont use powders, dont like them since I dont drink hot bevs. 

3 years ago my ortho doc told me I was not a candidate for replacement. He told me then to keep weight down, exercise daily and to try whatever supps I wanted to, I still get my gel shots and take Meloxicam for 2 weeks at a time when I really need it.  Also had a cort shot in June. Melox. can raise BP, and I do use some topicals, but steer clear of Voltaren. There is an Arth Ctr here that does PRP treatment, insurances dont pay for it. 

[graciesjoy]

I don't post often but saw your question about shock wave therapy. I'm currently seeing a chiropractor for SWT for SI joint and IT band issues. It is not covered by insurance but I've gotten a lot of relief from it. Supposedly it stimulates your body's ability to be able to produce stem cells into the inflamed area as well as increasing blood flow. It isn't painful and it's non-invasive. If you're okay with the price, I'd give it a try. It's better than pumping your body full of pharmaceuticals. A nurse friend was taking cortisone shots in her back for arthritis and they stopped working. Her provider suggested she try SWT.  She said her back continued to improve after finishing a 10 treatment regiment of SWT. The health care industry is strongly influenced by big pharma so I'm not surprised some providers scoff at something like this....just MOP. Good luck to you.

[bargainsgirl]

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@Shelbelle wrote:

My ortho is one of the top docs in our area in knees and hips, he has never even mentioned this treatment to me

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Usually Doctors don't mention ulternate methods of treatment.  They usuall recommend medications or surgery.  It is relatively new in the US  so you need to search around for it. And it is NOT covered by insurance.  It was money well spent in my case but as always there is no guarantee.  I went to a clinic that specializes in chiropractic, accupuncture, message therapy and PT.  They have only been doning Shockwave for 2 years.  Check it out online.

[Shelbelle]

I read online about a few new very promising treatments for arthritic knees, but then I realize these are approved for use in Europe only as of now. 

[theresa]

@bargainsgirl I did check it out and my chiro is offering laser/shockwave.  I'm going to get all the information.  He asked me to bring in my current MRI's and he will give me a treatment plan to think about.  The first session is complimentary.  

[Mom2Dogs]

@Kachina624   I believe in listening to the professionals. but real world advice has its place.  All my husbands ortho did was push shots for pain relief, which did nothing for him, and he is not a hip replacement candidate, his general practitioner has been of more help than the ortho.

[Q-Checker]

@theresa There is a reason why it is not covered by insurance. Please read Kachina's post and think about it. 

[theresa]

@Mom2Dogs Curious what did your PCP offer that was more helpful ?  I'm really torn about trying this shockwave therapy because my ortho is telling me it's a money grab but yet it may help.  

[theresa]

@Q-Checker I don't agree with your statement.  A lot of things are not covered by insurance and that doesn't mean they are not beneficial.  Massages, acupuncture to name a couple.  Not everyone's insurance covers these items + majority of medical insurance limits physical therapy visits per year.  At least mine did and capped it at 30 during my entire working career.