An initial consultation with a musculoskeletal specialist, like Ian, is an opportunity to sit down and discuss your symptoms and pain in detail. During this session, Ian will take the time to understand your specific condition, assess any physical limitations, and identify the root causes of your discomfort.

Based on this assessment, Ian may suggest a range of treatments, such as stretches or exercises, to help relieve pain and improve mobility. He might also recommend other therapeutic services tailored to your needs, such as manual therapy, posture correction, or lifestyle adjustments.

In some cases, if Ian feels it's necessary for a more thorough diagnosis, he may suggest imaging options like an MRI to get a clearer picture of your condition. An MRI can provide detailed images of your muscles, joints, and soft tissues, helping to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other issues. This initial consultation sets the foundation for a personalized treatment plan, using all available tools to help you manage and reduce your pain effectively.

A follow-up consultation with Ian is designed to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. After your initial consultation, where Ian assessed your condition and recommended specific therapies, the follow-up allows him to evaluate how well the treatment is working for you.

During this session, Ian will discuss any improvements or challenges you've experienced, and may modify your plan based on your feedback and progress. This could involve adjusting stretches, recommending new exercises, or introducing additional therapies to address any remaining issues.

If needed, further diagnostic tools, such as an MRI, can also be explored during a follow-up to gain a deeper understanding of your condition and guide the next steps in your recovery. Essentially, the follow-up helps ensure you’re on the right path to healing, with ongoing support and tailored adjustments to keep you moving forward.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes acoustic shock waves to stimulate healing, alleviate pain, and enhance function in various musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to targeted tissues, promoting cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and breaking down calcifications. ESWT is commonly used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis (including Achilles and rotator cuff tendinitis), tennis elbow, and chronic pain in trigger points. It is also applied in urology for treating kidney stones and erectile dysfunction. The procedure is typically conducted in an outpatient setting, where a gel is applied to the skin, and the device delivers shock waves to the affected area in sessions lasting about 15 to 30 minutes. ESWT offers several advantages, including being a non-surgical option with minimal downtime and the ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Side effects are usually mild and may include temporary redness, swelling, or soreness at the treatment site.

A Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain caused by nerve inflammation, typically due to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The injection delivers a corticosteroid (like cortisone) and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space near the affected nerve root. This helps reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. The procedure is done under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precision and usually takes 15–30 minutes. Relief can last weeks to months to life long, though it may require repeated injections. Common side effects include temporary soreness, but complications are rare.

Radiofrequency neurotomy (PCRFN), also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to provide long-lasting pain relief by disrupting nerve signals. It involves using a specialized needle that delivers radiofrequency energy to heat and disable the targeted sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain. This procedure is commonly performed to treat chronic pain conditions such as facet joint pain in the neck, back, or sacroiliac joints.

Guided by fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging), the physician precisely positions the needle near the problematic nerve, ensuring accuracy and safety. The heat generated during the procedure desensitizes the nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain. The entire process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and patients can often resume normal activities shortly after. Relief can last from several months to over a year, depending on the condition and individual response. Side effects are usually minimal, with some temporary soreness or swelling at the treatment site.

Helen provides a unique and reassuring approach to ear suctioning by using a camera to guide you through the process. As she performs the procedure, a small, specialized camera allows you to see the inside of your ear on a screen in real time. This not only gives you a clear understanding of what’s happening but also provides transparency and peace of mind throughout the process. Helen carefully explains each step, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed. Watching the procedure as she removes earwax or debris helps you appreciate the precision and effectiveness of the suctioning, making the experience both educational and stress-free.