Alternative medicine has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Conventional medicine is much younger, but it is rooted in advances in knowledge of the body and technology. Western medicine is beginning to accept the validity of alternative medicine treatments. Many of these treatments can be used alongside conventional medicine. This approach is called integrative medicine. At New Jersey Orthopedic Rehab and Pain Management Group in Woodbridge, we take an integrated approach to treating pain and healing injuries.

Alternative Medicine Treatments

Alternative medicine encompasses a wide variety of treatments and techniques. Alternative medicine is defined as any treatment that is not considered orthodox by the medical profession. This can include herbal medicine, meditation, and energy therapies.

When it comes to relieving pain, common treatments include therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and biofeedback. These treatments are non-invasive and have few side effects. These alternative medicine treatments can be used along with conventional treatments when necessary for an integrated approach to treatment.

Woodbridge Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is a type of alternative medicine. It is often used as an alternative to orthopedic surgery. Regenerative medicine uses platelet-rich plasma or stem cells. Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s blood. Stem cells are often harvested from the patient’s bone marrow, blood, or fat.

While the treatment is high-tech, it can also be considered natural because it uses material from the patient’s own body to aid the healing process. Stem cells and platelets aid in the body’s ability to regenerate, or heal itself. These treatments can be effective for osteoarthritis, overuse injuries, and injuries to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.

Alternative Medicine After Orthopedic Surgery

In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon will need to perform surgery. In these cases, alternative medicine can be used to ease the pain and speed healing after the surgery. Regenerative medicine can be used to help the body heal faster after surgery.

Other alternative medicine treatments focus on post-operative pain relief. A TENS unit delivers electrical pulses to the nerves. This is shown to relieve post-operative pain and some forms of chronic pain. Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into the body’s energy meridians. It is said to remove the energy blocks so stagnant energy can flow, which reduces the pain. Other methods use a mind-body approach. These use visualization, medical hypnosis, or relaxation techniques.

Contact New Jersey Orthopedic Rehab and Pain Management Group

Pain and injuries can cause you to put your life on hold. Activities that you once enjoyed may seem impossible. At New Jersey Orthopedic Rehab and Pain Management Group, we help our patients get back to the things they love. If you live in or around Woodbridge, NJ, call our team today at (732) 527-0770 to schedule a consultation.