Treatments

The program offered at the Arthritis Treatment Centers consists of nonpharmacologic (drug free) treatments that follow the guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) who recommend nonpharmacologic modalities be used first in the treatment of arthritis, and then, only if necessary, should they be combined with selected pharmaceuticals.

All ATCA treatments are safe, non-invasive, have no known side effects.

For patients currently taking prescribed medicines, the treatments are an effective complement: documented clinical experience has shown significant incremental therapeutic benefit when the treatments are combined with COX-2 inhibitors or acetaminophen, today’s most widely prescribed medications for arthritis pain.

Adjunctive Treatments

Every morning, our healthcare specialists meet to review patient files and progress. This is when they may adjust individual treatment programs to address specific joints with one of the following adjunctive treatments:

• Low level Laser to reduce pain and accelerate tissue healing
• Tissue mobility techniques
• Local sound treatment
• FAR Infra Red Heat therapy to reduce tissue and joint inflammation
• Topical Analgesics
• Electrotherapy

Adjunctive Programs

In addition to the above treatments, the program also includes the following:

• Demonstration and instruction on a personalized exercise plan to reduce stiffness and increase mobility : illustrations are provided for Aerobic, physical therapy range-of-motion and muscle-strengthening exercises
• Preparation of patient information literature to educate and motivate
• Social support through personal telephone contact and open two-way communication
• Consultations on assistive devices to provide joint protection and energy conservation
• Participation in Arthritis Self Management courses
• Nutritionist for dietary and weight loss recommendations
• Psychologist for consultations and stress relief
• Occupational therapist for adaptive solutions