“Good surgeons know how to operate, better ones when to operate, and the best when not to operate.”
Philosophy
Conservative Care First
At our practice, we believe surgery should be the final step, not the first.
Dr. Gualtieri prioritizes scientifically-proven non-operative treatments and lifestyle modifications to manage joint pain and restore function, ensuring every patient exhausts conservative options before considering surgery.
Steroid Injections for Hip & Knee Pain
Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are powerful anti-inflammatory treatments delivered directly into the affected joint. They work by rapidly decreasing inflammation and swelling, providing effective relief for patients experiencing acute pain flare-ups in the hip or knee.
- Rapid reduction of joint pain and inflammation
- Improved range of motion and daily functionality
- Can be used to confirm the specific source of joint pain
- Minimally invasive procedure performed safely in-office
Ideal candidates: Steroid injections are typically recommended for patients suffering from osteoarthritis flare-ups, bursitis, or other inflammatory conditions who have not found adequate relief with oral medications or physical therapy alone.
Gel Injections for Knee Arthritis
Gel injections, also called hyaluronic acid injections or ‘viscosupplementation,’ are designed to improve lubrication inside the knee joint and reduce pain from arthritis. The gel acts like a cushioning fluid, helping the joint move more smoothly and comfortably.
- Helps reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis
- Improves joint lubrication and shock absorption
- May delay or reduce the need for surgery in some patients
- Performed in the office with minimal downtime
Ideal candidates: Gel injections are typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who still have pain despite activity modification, oral medications, and basic therapies, but who are not yet ready for joint replacement surgery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP Therapy is a revolutionary regenerative treatment that harnesses your body’s own healing potential. By concentrating platelets from a small sample of your blood, we create a potent growth factor solution that, when injected, stimulates cell regeneration and accelerates the repair of damaged musculoskeletal tissues.
Key Benefits
- Enhances natural tissue repair and regeneration
- Significantly reduces chronic inflammation
- Minimizes dependency on medication
- Short downtime with low risk of reaction
Ideal Candidates
Perfect for active individuals and athletes suffering from chronic tendonitis, ligament sprains, or early-stage joint degeneration who wish to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
Iovera° Cold Therapy
iovera° is a revolutionary, non-surgical treatment that uses cryoneurolysis to block pain signals. By applying extreme cold to specific peripheral nerves, it temporarily stops nerve conduction without the use of medications or narcotics, providing immediate and long-duration relief.
Key Benefits
- Immediate pain reduction lasting up to 90 days
- Non-systemic, drug-free approach to recovery
- Minimally invasive with zero downtime
Ideal Candidates
Best for patients struggling with chronic knee osteoarthritis who are not candidates for surgery or patients wishing for advanced pain relief in the peri-operative period
Other Avenues for Relief
Physical Therapy
Guided exercise programs focused on strengthening the supportive musculature around weight-bearing joints.
Weight Management
Reducing excess weight to lower intra-articular pressure, which can slow damage and improve daily comfort.
Unloader Bracing
Medical-grade braces designed to redistribute pressure away from the most affected compartment of the joint.
NSAID Therapy
Clinical use of anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain episodes and maintain functional mobility.
“The PRP therapy provided the precision care I needed to avoid surgery. Dr. Gualtieri’s expertise in conservative options got me back to an active life without the downtime.”
M.R. — Houston, TX
Explore Your Treatment Plan
Ready to discuss conservative options for joint pain? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gualtieri to determine the right path for your recovery.