NON-SURGICAL ORTHOPEDIC CENTER (NSOC) IN NEEDHAM TODAY

      Since opening its doors in January 2002, NSOC has served more than three thousand patients suffering from different painful orthopedic and neurological conditions. From a one-doctor-one-secretary office it has rapidly expanded into a large multifunctional center.
      The secret of the impressive progress of this daily growing center is an active but strongly non-invasive approach in dealing with most of the painful and debilitating orthopedic or neurological maladies. Every new patient coming to NSOC is thoroughly examined, and an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition is established. Right after that, an objective and unbiased opinion regarding conservative versus surgical treatments is presented and explained in detail. The stress is put on non-invasive, safe and effective therapy with a surgical solution left only as the last resort.
      Most of these non-invasive treatments are available on the site, and very often the patients are offered the treatment upon their first visit. The motto of the center is “Let’s help the patient to start feeling better today.” So far, this approach has worked as a convincing argument in favor of our non-surgical strategy. It has even helped many of those patients to whom surgery had been already presented as the best option somewhere else.
      A number of our patients have benefited from the use of various natural remedies that are also available in the center. For painful neck and back conditions we recommend injections of Sarapin (potent and long-lasting pain reliever extracted from the pitcher plant). Hyalagan (liquid cartilage obtained from the comb of a rooster) provides lengthy relief for achy knees. Prolotherapy successfully works for multiple painful joint and soft tissue conditions. These and some other treatments help the patients to preserve and often to improve the quality of their damaged or degenerated joints or spines. At the same time, they keep chances of treatment-related complications and side effects at the lowest rate possible.
      Consultations and treatments for those who are suffering with migraine headaches, sleep disorders or other neurological conditions are provided by a trained neurologist. For patients with different pain or stress related psychological problems we offer the services of an experienced pain psychologist and Board certified psychiatrist.
      In addition, we use magnotherapy, PNT (percutaneous neuromodulation therapy), a cervical traction device and the Lordex machine (computer-monitored gentle spine-decompression table). Each of them makes a big difference in treatment outcomes even for the most challenging patients.
      Our therapeutic exercise studio with yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and aerobics classes is available up to five days a week. Instructors work with the patients according to their individual fitness level and disability-related limitations. Positive effects of the treatments are also reinforced by our acupuncturist, who studied and became certified in Japan.

The staff of the center is very friendly and accommodative. Their message is “we understand your problem and we care.”
      NSOC continues to grow with new services introduced along the way. A few months ago we opened a Tranquility Room, where in the atmosphere of serenity, an amplifier for the brain Alfa waves, helps people to alleviate serious sleep problems, relieve anxiety and improve their mood.

      Today more than ever before, NSOC presents a rare opportunity to improve quality of life for many of those who have been suffering for years and lost hope to recover.

The head of the center, Joseph Zolot, MD, is Board certified in Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine and has 30 years of combined Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Medicine experience.
To schedule an appointment please call 781-453-1266. Fax 781-453-1267 www.nonsoc.com

For questions and appointments please call :
Dr. Joseph Zolot
Phone: (781) 453-1266
Fax: (781) 453-1267

To cut or not to cut?
What do most people do when they develop a sore shoulder, painful knee or an aching back? Most of us go to our primary care physician ( PCP) and get Motrin 800mg to take for the next 2 weeks. The pain will probably subside, although not in every case. But even when it does, the improvement is frequently only partial.

If the pain persists, the patient will be most likely referred to a specialist, usually an orthopedic doctor. Common diagnostic tests (MRI or CTscan) will be ordered, and indications for surgery established. The risks and benefits of the intervention will be promptly explained, the consent form presented and signed, and a surgical procedure arranged in no time.

The results of the surgery, however, won't always meet the patient's expectations. In fact, a lot of people feel deeply disappointed and dissatisfied with them. Way too often, their pain doesn't stop and the function of the affected joint or limb stays limited. The outcome of the procedure frequently makes the person regret the hasty decision. But quite often, it is too late to reverse the damage.

As a result of the operation, the pain and functional limitations may start progressing faster than before the intervention. Then a second (commonly, more invasive and complicated) surgery will be typically suggested, and the vicious cycle of pain-surgery-more pain-more surgery will begin. Eventually, situation may spiral completely out of control, leading to the patient's permanent partial or total disability.

What the doctor, probably, forgot to offer to the patient as an option, is a non-invasive alternative. The fact remains, that most of painful shoulders, knees, backs, etc. can and should be successfully treated by various non-operative proceedings. The results of the skillful conservative treatments are usually much more satisfactory and definitely much safer than surgery. These noninvasive options may range from plain anti-inflammatory gels or topically applied lotions to painless injections of certain organic solutions into/around the joints or bursas.

Combined with a physical therapy, home exercise program or skillful chiropractor's care, the outcome of the treatment is usually satisfactory to both, the patient and his treating physician.

Some examples of these organic injectable remedies are: Hyalgan, an extract from the rooster comb, well known (especially in Europe) for its potent ability to slow down progression of degenerative osteoarthritis (especially, in hips and knees). Another one is Sarapin, an extract from the exotic pitcher plant. It blocks pain much better than steroids and has no known side effects even after repetitive use. Sarapin works especially well for people with chronic back pain, including patients with failed back syndrome .

Injections of concentrated Dextrose solution (commonly known as prolotherapy) into the painful tendon or ligament attachments can not only improve the function of the joint or spine, but also potentially rebuild the injured or degenerated tissue to its preexisting normal condition. Needless to say, these treatments are especially beneficial and safe to the elderly and people with some coexisting medical problems.

Conservative or minimally invasive treatments of various orthopedic conditions are valid options for the vast majority of symptomatic patients.

The treatments can be provided in the office setting, and therefore, are time- and cost-effective.
They can save a lot of aggravations (related to hospitalization) for the patients and their families.
They normally don't require any expensive diagnostic tests or procedures, like fluoroscopy, arthrography, myelography, etc.
The risks of anesthesia, surgical and post-surgical complications are not an issue.
The treatments have great potential to decrease pain, restore the patients' functioning, and improve their quality of life.

Implementation of these options has helped and continues to help a great number of people to escape unwanted chronic pain and disability.