Integrative Orthopedics
Naturopathic, Non-Surgical Options for Joint & Soft-Tissue Pain
At Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic, Dr. Jennifer Wicher takes an integrative approach to joint, tendon, ligament, and other musculoskeletal concerns.
Dr. Wicher has been in naturopathic practice for more than 20 years and also has an extensive background in physical rehabilitation. Over the years, she has worked with a wide range of patients, including athletes, performers, stunt professionals, active adults, and older adults who want to remain mobile and continue doing the things that are important to them.
That experience has shaped the way she approaches musculoskeletal care. Rather than looking only at the painful joint or injured area, she looks at the person as a whole and considers the different factors that may be contributing to the problem.
This can include previous injuries, movement and activity patterns, inflammation, nutrition, recovery, overall health, and the way the body is responding to stress and physical demands.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Wicher uses principles of naturopathic and functional medicine along with her rehabilitation background to develop an individualized approach for each patient.
Depending on the person, this may include nutritional recommendations, supplements, lifestyle and recovery strategies, exercise or movement guidance, and other naturopathic therapies. When appropriate, she may also use injection techniques such as prolotherapy, Prolozone therapy, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
These procedures are not the starting point for every patient. They are simply some of the tools available within a broader integrative approach.
Looking at More Than the Joint
Musculoskeletal pain is not always as simple as identifying where something hurts.
A knee problem may be influenced by an old injury, repetitive activity, strength or movement patterns, recovery, or other health factors. Tendon and ligament problems may also be affected by how the body is being used, how well it is recovering, and the patient's overall health.
For this reason, Dr. Wicher generally begins by looking at the history of the problem and how it fits into the larger picture.
She may consider:
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How and when the problem began
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Previous injuries or surgeries
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Exercise, work, sports, or other physical demands
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Previous physical therapy or rehabilitation
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Nutrition and supplementation
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Sleep and recovery
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General health and lifestyle factors
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Medications and existing medical conditions
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Imaging or previous orthopedic evaluations
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What the patient would like to be able to do more comfortably
The goal is to understand the situation well enough to decide which combination of approaches makes the most sense for that individual.
An Integrative Approach
Integrative orthopedics at Synergy does not revolve around one particular treatment.
For some patients, the emphasis may be on nutrition, supplementation, movement, and recovery. Others may benefit from working with a physical therapist or another healthcare professional. In some situations, Dr. Wicher may discuss an injection therapy as part of the overall plan.
Her approach draws from several areas of experience, including:
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Naturopathic medicine
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Functional medicine
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Nutrition
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Physical rehabilitation
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Lifestyle medicine
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Exercise and recovery
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Nutritional supplementation
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Prolotherapy
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Prolozone therapy
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
The combination is different for every person.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is one of the injection techniques Dr. Wicher may use as part of an individualized musculoskeletal treatment plan.
It generally involves injecting a dextrose-based solution into specifically selected areas around a joint, tendon, ligament, or other musculoskeletal structure.
Whether prolotherapy is appropriate depends on the nature of the problem, the patient's history and examination, previous treatment, and other individual factors.
Prolozone Therapy
Prolozone therapy is another injection technique that may be considered in certain situations. It incorporates an oxygen-ozone mixture into a targeted injection procedure.
At Synergy, Prolozone is not viewed as a stand-alone treatment for joint pain. It is one of several possible tools Dr. Wicher may use as part of a broader naturopathic and integrative approach.
As with any procedure, whether it is appropriate depends on the individual patient.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is prepared from a patient's own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelet-containing portion, which is then used in a targeted injection.
Dr. Wicher may discuss PRP in certain musculoskeletal situations based on the patient's history, examination, previous care, and overall treatment plan.
Again, PRP is not necessarily the first or only approach. It is one option among many that may be considered.
Working With Active People at Every Stage of Life
Dr. Wicher has spent many years working with people who place very different demands on their bodies.
Some are athletes or performers trying to stay active through a demanding schedule. Some are stunt professionals whose work places unusual physical stresses on their bodies. Others are recreational athletes, weekend hikers, runners, dancers, or people who simply enjoy being active.
She also works with older adults who want to maintain mobility, independence, and the ability to continue participating in everyday activities.
Although their goals may be different, the basic approach is similar: understand the person, understand the history of the problem, and then decide which combination of therapies may be appropriate.
When Additional Care Is Needed
An integrative approach also means recognizing when another type of care may be helpful.
Depending on the situation, Dr. Wicher may recommend physical therapy, imaging, orthopedic evaluation, or another type of medical assessment.
Integrative orthopedic care is not intended to replace medically necessary orthopedic or surgical care. Instead, it offers another way of looking at musculoskeletal concerns and considering the different options that may be available.
Is Integrative Orthopedics Right for You?
If you have an ongoing joint, tendon, ligament, or other musculoskeletal concern, an initial visit gives Dr. Wicher an opportunity to learn about the problem, review your history, and discuss the different factors that may be relevant.
From there, she can explain which approaches may be reasonable to consider and whether additional evaluation or care from another provider may also be appropriate.
Treatment recommendations vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Complimentary 10-Minute Phone Consultation
If you are not sure whether this type of care is a good fit, Dr. Wicher offers a complimentary 10-minute introductory phone consultation.
The call is simply an opportunity to briefly discuss what has been going on, ask general questions about her approach, and determine whether scheduling a more complete evaluation makes sense.
