Services

We specialize in non-surgical treatment of most musculoskeletal disorders through various medications, procedures, and appropriate exercise prescriptions. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all arthritic conditions to include osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, connective tissue diseases, scleroderma, Sjögren’s Syndrome, polymyositis, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis), Paget’s disease of the bone, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain, neuropathy pain, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (previously called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), Lyme disease, relapsing polychondritis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, sarcoidosis, Behçet’s disease, osteonecrosis, hypermobility syndrome, etc.

DXA scan: We also have a DXA bone mineral densitometry machine available on the premises, which measures how strong the bones are (bone mineral density) to check for and monitor the treatment of osteoporosis. Take our Osteoporosis Quiz. If you have osteoporosis or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, then you should have a DXA scan every 1-3 years depending upon your situation. Our doctors can determine your risk for having osteoporosis and how often you should get a DXA scan performed.

Procedures
Certain procedures can be of great benefit to patients with rheumatic diseases. We offer the following.

Corticosteroid injections, also known as cortisone injections: These are one of the safest ways to decrease the pain and inflammation of rheumatologic disorders. When used appropriately they are safer than any prescription medication for arthritis.

Trigger point injections: These are injections of anesthetic into areas of muscle spasm. They can be particularly helpful in myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. There is no limit on how often these can be given due to their excellent safety.

Refrigerant stretch and spray techniques: These can be particularly helpful in myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. It is usually done after a trigger point injection is performed.

Epidural corticosteroid injections: These are performed by Dr. Thomas who has received special training in giving these injections and who has performed well over 1000 this procedure. They are most helpful for conditions of the back such as spinal stenosis, herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, and arthritis of the back, where structures of the spine are impinging on the nerves that go down into the leg, causing back and leg pain. Epidural injections are extremely safe and are usually given as a series of 3 injections 1-3 weeks apart from each other.

Prolotherapy: These are performed by Dr. Sheyn who has received special training in giving these injections. These injections are a very safe, natural technique to promote the healing of damaged ligaments and tendons.

Vaccinations

Pneumovax: This protects people from the most common strains of pneumococcus bacterial infections which are the most common causes of pneumonia. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that everyone aged 65 years of age or older get the shot, and that people aged 2 - 64 years of age who have chronic diseases also get a pneumovax. This vaccination should be repeated every 3-5 years.

Influenza vaccination ("flu shot"): This should be obtained every Fall (optimally October or November) before the flu season. It should be given to everyone aged 50 or above, and 6 - 24 months old. Also, those who are 2 - 49 years old who have a chronic disease placing them at increased risk for a severe influenza infection should be vaccinated. People who live with anyone in these groups (ie. 6 months - 24 months, 50 years old or more, and those between 2 years old and 49 years old with chronic disease) should also be vaccinated to decrease the chances of giving the flu to these persons.