Most healthcare providers today still operate under this outdated assumption — that arthritis inevitably progresses until joint replacement surgery becomes necessary. But thankfully, a growing number of physicians are challenging this thinking and embracing a new model focused on joint preservation.

Thanks to advances in biologic treatments — such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) — we now have tools that can slow, and in some cases reverse, arthritis progression. Research has shown that these treatments can not only reduce pain and inflammation but also help stimulate healing of cartilage, tendons, and other joint tissues.

If you suffer from arthritis, the key to preserving your joints — and maintaining mobility and quality of life — is to seek out a healthcare provider who embraces this joint preservation approach. Too often, patients are still treated with a “Band-Aid” approach that only masks pain while joint deterioration silently continues.

What can be done to preserve your joints?

Short answer: a lot.

A joint preservation-focused provider will take a comprehensive, personalized approach to address each affected joint. Here’s a glimpse of what that approach might include:

1. Joint Fluid Analysis
A small sample of joint fluid can be collected (usually under ultrasound guidance for accuracy). This fluid is then analyzed for factors such as:

• pH
• Viscosity
• Glucose
• Protein
• White blood cell count
• Crystals

These elements provide valuable insight into the type and cause of arthritis and help guide treatment. Repeat joint fluid analysis during the course of therapy can document improvements and ensure treatments are working — avoiding wasted time and resources.

2. Imaging of the Affected Joint
Tools such as X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI allow your provider to monitor changes in the joint over time and guide therapy decisions. Improvements in cartilage, joint space, and surrounding structures can be documented to support ongoing treatment plans. Make sure your healthcare provider monitors the changes of your joints and not just blindly treating.

3. Muscle Tone Testing Around the Joint
Strong muscles act as natural shock absorbers for your joints — protecting them from excessive load and wear. Weak muscles, by contrast, place added stress on joints and contribute to arthritis progression.

Accurate muscle tone testing — typically done with a handheld dynamometer — identifies weaknesses that can then be addressed with targeted physical therapy. Without testing and tracking, it’s impossible to meaningfully improve muscle support around your joints.

4. Biologic Therapies (Including PRP)
Once joint fluid analysis, imaging, and muscle testing are complete, your provider can select the appropriate biologic therapy (such as PRP) and determine the optimal frequency of treatment. PRP, in particular, offers regenerative potential — helping to restore joint tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve function.

A New Era of Arthritis Care
This is just a glimpse into the emerging field of joint preservation — an approach that offers real hope for people with arthritis.

At Joint Pain Solution Center, we are committed to advancing this movement by educating both providers and patients. It’s time to leave behind the outdated belief that arthritis inevitably leads to surgery. Instead, by taking proactive steps now, we can preserve joints, maintain mobility, and dramatically improve quality of life for millions of people.

Ready to preserve your joints and take control of your arthritis?
Contact Joint Pain Solution Center today to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you avoid unnecessary surgery and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle through proven joint preservation therapies.

Written by: Jeffrey B. Brown, M.D.
Founder, Joint Pain Solution Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Visit us at: www.jointpainsolutioncenter.com
Email: contact@jointpainsolutioncenter.com
Phone: 954-363-9080