Bio-Structural Integration™ and The 'Boomers'

The baby boomer generation may actually be a misnomer. While it is true that there was a baby boom during the 1950's and 1960's, a more appropriate description would be the active generation. 

Participation in adult sports leagues, entrants in marathons and triathlons have surged, and individuals well into their 80’s are enjoying an active lifestyle. However, with this increase in the active generation, I am seeing more and more complaints of joint disorders, in particular adult knee pain.

During the last 20 years the remedies for knee pain primarily consisted of taking an Advil and icing the knee. Then when the knee become bad enough you would have some form of major orthopedic surgery or maybe a few cortisone shots. However, no one likes to have major surgery and cortisone shots cause long term problems with degradation of the joint.

Here are some painful facts: 

In the U.S. only a few years ago, between 300,000 and 350,000 knee replacement surgeries were being done. Today, that number has risen to a staggering 500,000. And 10 years from now, experts estimate there could be as many as 3.2 million annual knee replacement surgeries. The reason for the increase can be attributed to baby boomers or active generation wanting to maintain an active lifestyle. Previously knee replacement surgeries were reserved for very old patients who were severely crippled by osteoarthritis. But younger patients are experiencing an earlier onset of osteoarthritis that affects their daily lives, usually due to the tearing of their ACL, and sport injuries.

Degenerative arthritis is still the main reason for joint replacement surgery. Degenerative arthritis is a chronic disease that causes the cartilage at the end of the bones to deteriorate, bringing with it pain and a decrease in joint function. Without a means to replace cartilage in knees, total knee replacement remains the only option to regain mobility and end pain. 

Although knee replacement surgery allows patients to do many of their daily activities more easily, surgeons still don’t have a good estimate for how long knee implants will last – especially now since so many patients are getting new knees at a younger age.  It is hopeful the joint replacements will last for more than 20 years, but no statistics are available (because it takes 20 years to get the results!)

Government figures say that by the year 2030, nearly one in five will be 65, and knee and other joint pain will be a particular problem for that age group. It's estimated that nearly half of all adults will develop knee osteoarthritis over their lifetimes, with the obese and those with prior knee injuries at highest risk.

Even if you're at an age when more and more of your friends are developing the problem, research has shown that you can help prevent knee pain by taking the following steps:

Lose weight. In one study, authors found that overweight people with knee osteoarthritis enjoyed decreased disability after losing 5 percent of their weight — just nine pounds if you weigh 180 pounds — over a period of four months.

Exercise more. There is strong evidence supporting land-based exercises, such as strength training or walking, for knee osteoarthritis. According to a recent study, exercise will reduce knee pain and help you move around more easily.  It provides benefits similar to those you will get temporarily from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). 

Part of our Bio-Structural Integration™ is Low Intensity Laser Therapy. It has been the chosen method of treatment for thousands of people suffering from various conditions. This proven and effective treatment eliminates pain, improves tissue repair, reduces inflammation, restores mobility and helps people regain their quality of life.

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from low intensity laser diode or an array of high intensity super luminous diodes. It penetrates the tissue without generation of heat. Low Intensity Laser Therapy unlike High Intensity Laser used in surgery or hair removal doesn’t damage the tissue cells. Instead it stimulates healing at the cellular level by increasing biochemical energy that is needed by the cell to regenerate. Treatments take about 30-60 minutes and should be applied two or more times per week. We have had fantastic results with: 

Sports Injuries (sprains, strains, muscles, tendons and ligaments tear)

• Arthritic conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout etc.)
• Neuropathic Pain Syndromes (i.e. disc herniation, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome)
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (rotator cuff tear, tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Back, neck knee, hip, shoulder pain (i.e. frozen shoulder)
• Postsurgical wound healing and scar reduction
• Dermatological conditions (acne, ulcers, psoriasis)

Remember to stay active, keep your weight down, and talk to us about Bio-Structural Integration™. I know we can help you and why would you want to take drugs, have a knee replacement, or cease all activity?  - “It doesn’t have to be this Way….”   Andrew Subieta M.Sc., R.M.T., C.L.T.

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™.