THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 8 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2026 theconnectionsnj.com hen Knee Pain Lingers Longer Than It Should Many patients come to Performance Ortho with the same concern: their knee pain has not improved, even after weeks or months of rest, therapy, or injections. What starts as a minor issue can gradually become a daily limitation, affecting how you walk, exercise, and move through life. Chronic knee pain is rarely just about overuse or aging. In many cases, it is a sign that the underlying problem has not been properly addressed. Without the right approach, symptoms can continue to return, creating a frustrating cycle of temporary relief followed by recurring discomfort. Common Signs Your Knee Pain Is Not Resolving Persistent knee pain often presents in ways that interfere with normal activity. Patients commonly report: • Dull, achy pain even at rest • Increased discomfort during walking, climbing stairs, or exercise • Ongoing reliance on pain medication for relief Stiffness, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight are also common. Over time, these symptoms can worsen if the root cause is not treated effectively. Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short Conventional treatments like physical therapy and cortisone injections can play an important role early on for acute pain relief. However, they are often designed to manage symptoms rather than repair the underlying issue, which is frequently joint degeneration or chronic tendon damage. This is why many patients experience short-term improvement, only to have the pain return weeks later. At Performance Ortho, the focus is different. Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the true source of pain. From there, a personalized treatment plan is built to restore function and promote long-term healing. Focused Shockwave Therapy: A More Targeted Approach to Knee Pain Relief One of the most effective non-surgical solutions we offer is Focused Shockwave Therapy. This FDA-cleared treatment uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response within the knee. By increasing blood flow and activating cellular repair processes, Shockwave Therapy helps address damaged tendons, ligaments, and joint structures at the source. It is particularly effective for patients whose pain has not improved with rest, therapy, or injections alone. Many patients notice meaningful improvements in pain, stability, and mobility early in the treatment process. When appropriate, Shockwave Therapy can also be combined with regenerative medicine options such as platelet-rich plasma or other biologic treatments to support longer-term outcomes. Dr. Thomas explains, “Persistent knee pain is often a sign that the body has stopped healing efficiently. Our goal is to restart that process in a targeted way so patients can recover function, not just manage symptoms.” Who Is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave Therapy is often a strong option for patients who have been dealing with knee pain that has not responded to conservative care. It is especially beneficial for those looking to avoid surgery and return to activity safely. Patients experiencing chronic tendon irritation, early joint degeneration, or lingering pain after injury are often ideal candidates. A proper evaluation is essential to determine if this treatment is the right fit. Benefits of Shockwave Therapy • Covered by Medicare and most insurances • Precise and targeted treatment • Non-invasive with no downtime • Designed to reach deep tissue structures • No reliance on medications or injections Next Steps Performance Ortho specializes in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments designed to help patients move better and live without pain. If your knee pain is not improving, it may be time to explore a more advanced approach. We offer no-cost insurance verification and transparent pricing to make your care experience as simple as possible. Meet Your Expert: Dr. Chris Thomas Dr. Thomas specializes in interventional pain management and non-surgical orthopedic care. His approach focuses on identifying the root cause of pain and delivering targeted treatments that restore mobility and improve quality of life. At Performance Ortho, he works alongside a multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive comprehensive, personalized care. Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments No Referral Needed Medicare and Most Major Insurances Accepted MEDICAL MINUTES Introducing an Innovative, Non-Invasive Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain By Dr. Chris Thomas, MD Medical Director, Performance Ortho Somerset W
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0