BergenCounty.com – Treating Pain with Technology, Not Surgery
Treating pain with technology, not surgery
PHOTO COURTESY OF MASRI SPORTS MEDICINE & WELLNESS
Dr. Masri uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to view and diagnose the cause of pain.
If pain is interfering with your lifestyle – whether from a work- or sports-related injury or just everyday activity – you should explore new, non-invasive treatments that provide quick yet lasting pain relief and a speedy return to normal activities.
Traditionally, those suffering from pain found themselves on the operating table, and then faced a long post-op recovery. But there are new, non-surgical treatments such as those utilized by Dr. Sammy Masri, a board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MASRI SPORTS MEDICINE & WELLNESS
Dr. Sammy Masri treats a patient using a non-surgical technique.
At his clinic, Masri Sports Medicine & Wellness in Franklin Lakes, Masri is at the forefront of the growing trend toward non-surgical pain management. “My number one goal is for patients to heal without surgery, when possible,” he explains, adding, “I’ll be the first to tell someone if they genuinely need surgery,” he says. “I’m all about achieving great outcomes.”
In his quest to keep patients out of surgery, Masri emphasizes that an early and accurate diagnosis is key. He uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to dynamically view and diagnose the cause of tendon, ligament, muscle and joint pain, and uses EMG and NCV testing to measure electrical activity within the muscles. “With these tools, we can identify the exact location and extent of the injury,” he notes.
Masri’s clinic treats hundreds of adult and pediatric patients, allowing them to “return to play” following a sports injury or other musculoskeletal injury.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MASRI SPORTS MEDICINE & WELLNESS
Dr. Masri reviewing images.
Technology to beat pain
After diagnosis, Masri has several non-surgical treatments available to address the injury and eliminate pain. He is a board-certified expert in two of the most advanced treatment options available:
Tenex Health TX “uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle about the size of a toothpick to a specific tendon area, precisely cutting, breaking down and removing only the damaged, soft tissue that causes pain,” he explains. “This technique is appropriate for tendon damage to the shoulder elbow, knee, ankle and foot.”
Coolief* Radiofrequency “is an advanced, minimally invasive outpatient procedure using cooled radiofrequency energy to safely target the sensory nerves causing pain due to osteoarthritis in the hips and knees,” Masri says. “It essentially cauterizes the nerve, helping to improve mobility and lessen recovery time.”
Other effective treatments
Joint Fluid Replacement, also known as viscosupplementation, is a non-surgical treatment for knee arthritis that decreases pain and improves range of motion. “This is ideal for patients who either want to delay knee replacement surgery or who are not candidates for surgery,” he says. The injections can be repeated every six months.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapyis a regenerative therapy treatment using the patient’s own blood cells to stimulate the natural healing process, and is an option for patients suffering from various bone, muscle and joint conditions. “This essentially gives your body the jump start it needs to accelerate the natural healing process,” he says. “Many patients experience significant relief after only one injection. It can even eliminate the need for surgery if the injury is diagnosed and treated quickly.”
Natural Hormone Replacement is another tool in Masri’s toolkit. It corrects hormone imbalances that can lead to chronic health issues. Masri uses only natural, bio-identical hormones in his customized treatment plans, in order to match each patient’s exact needs and lessen possible side effects.
An athlete helping athletes
A committed athlete himself, Masri understands the challenges and concerns of his sports-minded patients. A graduate of Paterson Catholic High School, he was a varsity starter on the school’s baseball and football teams.
Later, he played American Legion baseball and had an opportunity to play for a New Jersey semi-pro football team.
For more than 10 years, Masri has shared his sports medicine expertise on the sidelines, first as an assistant to the Rutgers University team physician, and later at major events including the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Big East Track and Field Finals, the U.S. Masters Swim Meet and the New York City Marathon. He has also worked as a sports physician covering the state’s Olympic Developmental Soccer Program.
Masri works with a team of physical therapists and trainers to help athletes, crafting one-on-one personalized treatment plans. “A sound mind and body are key to success in the athletic arena,” he says.
Click here for more information about Masri Sports Medicine & Wellness or to schedule an appointment.