CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Because of knee pain, some residents cannot fully appreciate the beauty of Southern Utah. Some locals have tried prescription pain relief medications and have even considered total knee replacement surgeries.

The expert care team at Vista Healthcare’s Sports Spine & Injury Center consists of medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists. They often help patients avoid knee replacement surgery altogether through a combination of physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, acoustic shock wave therapy, soft tissue therapies and other nonsurgical options. 

Understanding knee pain

Some causes of knee pain can be general wear and tear from everyday activities such as walking, bending, standing and lifting. Athletes who run, jump or quickly pivot can be more prone to knee pain and related problems. 

Regardless of whether knee pain stems from aging or injury, it can be both a nuisance and, in some cases, debilitating. Symptoms may include the following:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Pain during movement
• Reduced range of motion

Some patients may feel a “heartbeat” in their knee or even spasming muscles.

Common causes

Older adults may slowly lose mobility and the desire for activities they once enjoyed. Knee osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that causes pain, stiffness and loss of joint function. It typically affects people over age 50 and develops as the cartilage in the joint breaks down, allowing inflammation to settle in. Patients who suffered an acute knee injury earlier in life, such as a torn ACL, are at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. 

The specialists at Vista Healthcare’s Sports Spine & Injury Center use multiple diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of knee pain. Causes of knee pain may include the following:

• Osteoarthritis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Bursitis
• Overuse
• Past injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Tendinitis
• Cysts
• Gout

By finding the real reason for your knee pain, the specialists can find the best solutions to reduce your pain and help you live your life to the fullest.

Solutions for knee pain

Many factors influence which customized therapies work best for different patients. You may be a good candidate for a customized knee pain relief program if you have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and are exhibiting the following symptoms:

• Not getting adequate pain relief from oral medications, injections or lifestyle changes.
• Not able to maintain regular joint movement because of growing knee stiffness and pain.
• Not engaging in the regular physical activities you enjoy because of a loss of knee strength or mobility.

The Vista Healthcare injury care team consists of medical doctors, a chiropractor, physical therapists and massage therapists. Your recovery may include examinations, X-rays, MRIs, anti-inflammatories and medications, ultrasound-guided injections or fluoroscopic-guided procedures, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acoustic shock wave therapy, medical massage, post-rehabilitation treatments and more. With all of these options under one roof, you don’t need to go to multiple locations for treatment!

The specialists at Vista Healthcare are national leaders in pain management and have received training from extraordinary organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Harvard.

Some patients experiencing knee pain may have osteoarthritis, an overuse injury or symptoms of a more significant problem. The medical experts at Vista Healthcare’s Sports Spine & Injury Center work with patients to identify the best course of action to help them live pain-free. 

About Vista Healthcare’s providers 

Dr. Russ Jepson boasts over 15 years of clinical chiropractic experience, specializing in chiropractic sports and pain management. He was born and raised in American Fork.

His expertise lies in treating injuries resulting from auto collisions, encompassing issues such as whiplash, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, herniated discs and various soft tissue injuries. Jepson holds multiple certifications and was recognized by Best of Southern Utah voters three years in a row as the best chiropractor.

Dr. Bryt Christensen, a Utah native, pursued his medical education at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he earned international recognition for his research on spine-related matters. He also completed residency and fellowship training at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

During his final year of hospital training, Christensen’s exceptional dedication and commitment to patient care led his peers and hospital staff to elect him as chief resident. Christensen brings a distinct skill set that significantly contributes to diagnosing and treating various pain-related conditions. His unwavering dedication lies in empowering his patients to improve their overall function and enhance their quality of life.

Dr. Shawn Allen evaluates and treats general neurological conditions, including epilepsy, stroke, migraine and other headache syndromes, dementia and movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. He has completed further training in neuromuscular medicine and additionally treats myasthenia gravis, neuropathy and muscle disease, including adult and pediatric muscular dystrophies/myopathies and ALS. 

Allen performs electromyography and nerve conduction studies to evaluate conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, polyneuropathy, neck and lower back pain (e.g. radiculopathy) and muscle disease.

Dr. Amber Majeskie graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from Franklin Pierce University in Phoenix. During that time, she underwent additional training as a graduate assistant for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Before her graduate work, she grew up in a town of 1,800 people in North Dakota. She attended North Dakota State University and received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology. 

After completing her undergraduate degree, Majeskie served in Albania as a community health educator in the Peace Corps. This experience solidified her passion for helping others overcome physical barriers so they can do the things they love. Upon her return from living overseas, she worked as a weight loss coach while applying to graduate school.

This coaching position focused on motivational interviewing and helping others uncover the “why” behind what drives them to make healthy life changes. These roles have created an excellent foundation for understanding the physical and mental components required to improve one’s health.

After completing her graduate program, Majeskie has worked in outpatient clinics specializing in orthopedic, vestibular and sports injuries. She has received additional training in the pediatric population as well as blood flow restriction training. She completed her LSVT BIG certification to allow specialized treatment for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She works closely with patients to align their individualized treatment plans with their goals to ensure they return to what they love. 

Vista Healthcare is also the leading concussion and auto injury provider in Southern Utah. If you or someone you love has recently experienced an auto-related injury, call 435-215-0257.

Same-day appointments are generally available so that patients can find relief when they need it most. Visit the Vista Healthcare website to learn more.

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Resources

• Vista Healthcare | Address: 2891 E. Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-215-0257 | Website.

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