Over time, joints can become traumatized and overstressed so that they no longer function properly. This results in inflammation, restricted movement, and chemical imbalances that produce chronic pain along with decreased lubrication and nutrition in the painful areas. Combined with adhesions (commonly known as scar tissue and often caused by injury), the result is a recipe for chronic, worsening pain and loss of function.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is an extraordinary procedure for patients who suffer from unresolved, long-term musculoskeletal pain and have exhausted traditional pain treatments with limited success. The MUA procedure uses refined and specialized manipulation, stretching, and joint mobilization to directly confront the cause of chronic joint and muscle pain. For many long-term pain patients, these methods without anesthesia may not have been possible or effective because of guarding pain, restrictive motion, and spasm that developed over time. Twilight sedation removes that guarding pain and restrictive spasm, allowing doctors to restore joint motion, stretch shortened spastic muscles, and break down the adhesions caused by scar tissue.
If we determine that you are a candidate for MUA, the treatment plan begins with a screening process for medical and anesthesia clearance. MUA is not an invasive surgery. The actual procedure usually lasts approximately 20 minutes. During sedation, the involved tissues are stretched and the restricted joints mobilized. In most cases, the procedure is repeated over a few days because a series of MUAs have been clinically proven to be much more effective than one treatment alone. Post-procedure therapy and rehab is necessary and can help move the patient toward pre-injury strength and prevent future pain and disability.
Although there are many conditions which MUA will benefit, the most common ones include:
Painful, weak, and restricted joint motion that interferes with daily activities and the ability to enjoy life
Chronic neck and back pain/weakness
Chronic shoulder, hip, knee, pelvis, and or other extremity pain/weakness
Adhesive capsulitis (e.g. frozen shoulder following injury, surgery, and/or mastectomy)
Fibromyalgia
Disc conditions
Failed surgery
Pain syndromes due to injuries or those which have evolved over the course of time
American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, 2005 An Overview of Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) Robert S. Francis, DC “Bradford and Siehl reported on 723 MUA patients and found that 71% had good results (normal activity, relatively symptom free) and that 25.3% had fair results (improvement, return to relatively normal activity with some residual symptoms).”
Testimonials:
“I had suffered from back and neck pain for fifteen years… It has been 4 months since my MUA and I feel like a new person… and am able to do my job and enjoy my life in a way that I haven’t been able to for fifteen years. I would recommend MUA for patients who are appropriate candidates.” -J.H., MD
“I would definitely recommend to anyone who is a candidate for MUA to have it done; it is much faster therapy and recovery…. I now have no pain.” -K.J.
My symptoms were extreme tightness of neck and shoulders for years of scar tissue build up. I was in constant pain and could not freely move my neck. I received MUA and it’s been nearly 2 years and I have very minimal pain. Being pain free has made the quality of my life so much more enjoyable.” -J.P.
Call our office at (928) 774-7165 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lee for an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. This appointment is your opportunity to ask questions and learn if this is right for you. This procedure is performed at a facility in Glendale Arizona. Most insurance accepted. If you have chronic limited painful range of motion, this procedure may be your answer.