Massage Therapy for Herniated Disc

Herniated Disc Massage Therapy

The therapeutic benefits of massage have earned it a solid reputation. This is due to the profound relaxation it promotes. A good massage session can make you feel relaxed and give you significant pain relief. Massage therapy can be self- administered or performed by a professional.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Diagram of a Herniated Disc The spine disc herniation is caused by a tear in fibers that create a ring around each disc’s outside. The fibrous outer is covered by a soft inner that acts as a cushion against the impact of running, walking, and standing. The soft inner core can be pushed out through the tear just like a hernia does through a tear in a muscle wall.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Non-surgical spinal compression is an effective option for herniated discs. This therapy involves gently stretching the spine and changing its position. To relieve back pain, spinal decompression therapy uses motorized traction. Non-surgical spinal compression therapy decreases the pressure on your discs by creating negative pressure. Your spine disc pressure can be addressed, and bulging or herniated discs can be withdrawn, removing the pressure that your nerves and other structures were under. Non-surgical spinal compression therapy, which is not invasive, relieves the pressure on your discs and increases healing.

Class IV DIOWAVE Laser Therapy

DIOWAVE Class IV laser therapy is another option to treat herniated disc pain and symptoms. This powerful and innovative treatment penetrates the affected tissues to provide faster healing and natural pain relief. 

DIOWAVE Laser Therapy uses photobiostimulation, which is the way our cells respond to light waves. DIOWAVE emits a concentrated amount of light at a predetermined frequency and wavelength. This triggers the body to produce more Adenosine Triphosphate. 

ATP is responsible for cellular energy generation. Your body will experience better blood circulation, increased DNA/RNA activity and enhanced collagen production. This will also lead to faster healing.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections can provide long-term pain relief. They are delivered directly to the area of your pain. Anesthesia shots can relieve pain signals that your nerves are constantly sending. Cortisone is known to reduce inflammation and can be used to treat pain. The needle is used for delivering the medication directly to the area.

Massage Therapy

A herniated disc can lead to numbness and weakness as well as stiffness or restricted muscle mobility. Massage therapy can release tightness in muscle tissue that has been caused by nerve compression. This can cause pain in other areas of the body. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and loosen tight muscles caused by nerve compression. After just one treatment, patients experience significant relief from their pain.

Tracking Bulging Discs

Tracking bulging discs that don’t cause symptoms is one way to help your herniated disc. Because it isn’t torn, a bulging disc is different from a herniated disc. If cartilage between your vertebrae extends beyond their normal positions, a bulging disc can be diagnosed. We can prevent discs from bursting or becoming herniated by paying close attention to bulging discs. You can prevent your problem from getting worse by strengthening your core and learning proper ergonomics. Because the lowest back is the most exposed to stress and pressure, lower back pain can often be caused by a bulging disc.

Medically Supervised Weight Loss

A study found that nearly 1/3 of Americans are obese. Musculoskeletal and back pain are very common. Each pound you put on your body puts strain on the ligaments and muscles in your back. The body attempts to compensate for excess weight when you’re overweight. The spine can become stressed and lose its ability to stay upright. 

This can lead to an unnatural curvature of the spine, which can result in nerve damage, tissue and spinal injuries, as well as a risk to your spinal structures. Your pelvis can be pulled forward by extra weight, which can cause disc problems and lower back pain. Spine and Sports Therapy Center can help you safely lose the weight that you need and relieve any back pain.

Herniated Discs: Passive Physical Treatments

Deep Tissue Massage: While there are many types of massage available, deep tissue massage is the best. It uses high pressure to release muscle tension and spasms. This prevents muscle movement at the affected area.

Hot and Cold Therapy: Each therapy has its own benefits and your physical therapist might alternate them to achieve the best results.

The heat may be used by your physical therapist to increase blood flow to the area. The blood helps to heal the area by providing extra oxygen and nutrients. Also, blood removes muscle spasm-related waste products.

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy: slows down circulation. This can reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. To cool inflamed tissue, your physical therapist might place an ice pack on the area.

Hydrotherapy: Like its name implies, hydrotherapy is water. Hydrotherapy can be passively done by simply taking a warm bath or sitting in a whirlpool. Hydrotherapy is gentle and relaxing.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation:  A TENS machine uses electrical currents to stimulate your muscles. Although it sounds very intense, it is not painful. An electrode taped to your skin sends a small electrical current to specific points along the nerve pathway. TENS is believed to reduce muscle spasms. It also triggers the release endorphins which are your body’s natural painkillers.

Traction: This is a technique that reduces the gravity’s effects on the spine. The goal of traction is to reduce disc herniation by gently pulling apart bones. This analogy is similar to a flat tire “disappearing”, when you place a jack underneath the car and release the pressure. You can do it in your cervical or lumbar spine.

Physical Therapy may offer active treatments

Active therapies address flexibility, posture and strength as well as core stability and joint movement. To achieve the best results, an exercise program might be recommended. This will help you not only reduce recurrent pain, but also improve your overall health. Your physical therapist will collaborate with you to create a program that is based on your particular diagnosis and history.

Core stability: Many people don’t realize the importance of a strong core for their spinal health. Your spine is supported by your core (or abdominal) muscles. Your back muscles feel extra pressure if your core muscles are weak. To strengthen your back, your physical therapist might teach you core stabilizing exercise to strengthen it.

Flexibility: Learn proper stretching and flexibility techniques to prepare for strength and aerobic exercises. Flexibility makes it easier for your body to move by eliminating stiffness.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is not just sitting in a hot bath or tub like its passive counterpart. Active hydrotherapy can include water aerobics to condition your body and relieve stress.

Muscle strengthening: Strong muscles can be a great support system to your spine and help you manage pain better.

Your physical therapist can teach you how to strengthen and condition your back to prevent future pain. To help you manage your pain, you may be taught self-care techniques. Your ultimate goal is to be able to live a pain-free life.

After your formal physical therapy is over, it’s important to learn how to condition and exercise your back. You won’t be able to benefit from the long-term benefits of physical therapy if you don’t apply the lessons learned. You can prevent more disc pain by taking good care of your spine.

Who can provide massage therapy?

The “smart hands”, which massage therapists use to address problem areas, are highly trained. A massage therapist is not the only one who can provide a great massage. Physical therapists can also be trained in deep massage techniques and manipulation. You can also follow your intuition and massage yourself or direct someone you love. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you feel relaxed after a massage session.

Benefits of a massage

There are many types of massage. The benefits of all types of massage are the same regardless of their type.

Increases circulation

Increased blood flow can speed up healing of any injury or sore spot. This is good for the muscles surrounding the herniated disc.

Give you a feeling of well-being

It is amazing how powerful human touch can be. Plus, massage rhythms release the body’s endorphins. These hormones increase feelings of well-being and satisfaction, which makes it easier to deal with pain and speed up the healing process.

Reduced stress hormones

Injuries can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and a slowing down of healing. It can cause a long-term, chronic problem in the future.

Relaxation

With a herniated disc injury, muscles tend to become tight and guarded. This can make it difficult to return to your daily activities and can worsen the problem. The best way to treat a herniated disc is to relax.

Increase flexibility

A herniated disc can cause stiffness in the joints and muscles throughout the body. Restoring function and movement can be done by improving movement in the spine, hips, shoulders, and other affected areas.

When is it a good idea to get a massage for a herniated disc?

Massage for a herniated disc can be done for many reasons.

  • Soreness and stiffness of the joints and muscles
  • Anxiety, stress and depression can all be felt.
  • Stiffness and pain can make it difficult to complete daily activities.
  • Massage has been a great experience in the past
  • Poor pain cycle: Stiffness causes movement avoidance which, in turn, leads to more stiffness and greater pain
  • Your sleep quality is being affected by a herniated disc
  • One might be a good idea!

What is the best type of massage for a herniated disc?

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage can be a great way to address stubborn, stiff and painful spots. Deep massage is the best technique for stimulating endorphins. Deep massage is used to address specific areas of the muscles or fascia (tough and thick layers of connective tissues that surround and separate the layers from the muscle).

Deep tissue massage can cause soreness. You should not feel any pain or soreness other than your initial symptoms. The symptoms should not get worse. Instead, sore muscles and joints may result from the massage. This is where other modalities can be useful as an adjunct to the healing process.

For additional relief, combine massage with heat, cold, or pain cream.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy addresses specific muscle knots. These are tiny sections of muscle that have become “bunched up” from poor posture, overuse, chronic pain, or other issues. Our muscles are designed to be flexible and able to tolerate tension. They can also stretch as long as they are allowed time to return to their original position. If there is not enough rest or strain, small areas of affected muscles can become a mess of fibers. This reduces blood flow and perpetuates the problem.

For these areas to be addressed, pressure can be applied directly to the muscle knots for a prolonged period of time (typically between 1 and 5 minutes). This is basically a “reset”, for the muscle fibers. The surrounding area will become flooded with blood as the pressure is applied. This will promote better muscle fiber positioning and relaxation. The technique can be self-executed with the right tools provided you are able to relax and remain calm throughout.

Foam Rolling Exercises

Although a massage therapist may occasionally use a foam roller, it is usually a great option for private home or gym massages. A foam roller can be purchased at a low price, or you can find one at your local gym’s mat section. Foam rollers are best for slow, rhythmic movement along large muscle groups, especially those in the legs and lower back. Foam rollers are great for stretching the chest and addressing postural problems.

Hot and cold massage

Both heat and cold therapy can be used to promote relaxation and pain relief. Combining it with massage can make you feel better. Massage therapists may use hot stones or keep the room at a certain temperature. They can also be able to end or begin your session with heat/cold. While heat is generally more tolerable, cold can be a good option for those with a back injury or other conditions that are prone to inflammation. For cost savings and all the benefits, you can use your home tools.

Acupressure

Acupressure, a traditional treatment method, uses fingers, elbows and knees to apply pressure on specific areas of the body. Acupressure is used to treat a herniated disc. The acupressurist will concentrate on pain relief, stress relief, and overall well-being by releasing “energy” and redirecting it in the right direction. Although they are not as focused on specific areas, acupressure mats at home can be used to promote circulation and pain relief through pressure points all over the back. It is worth trying any treatment that promotes circulation.

You can safely practice herniated disc massage

Comfort is the key to massage. Although there may be some discomfort or pain, it is important to remain relaxed. Exercising too much pressure can cause muscle guarding, which can make the problem worse. You should measure your ability to relax to determine what you can do. Massage for a herniated disc is not a “no pain, no gain” situation.

Listen to your body, and you will find that it is not easier than it should be. Pay attention to your spine. Your symptoms can be aggravated if you spend too much time in a flexed position. Also, prolonged sitting can cause stiffness. Use a pillow to prop yourself up. You should discontinue or re-adjust your massage technique or position if it is increasing nerve symptoms such as tingling, shooting pain or muscle strength. Pay attention to your anxiety. This may not be the best option for you if you are unable to relax. You might consider other options, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care for pain relief.

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Kevin Pauza, M.D.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Travis Foxx, M.D. - Premier Anesthesiology & Pain

Kevin Pauza, M.D. - Turtle Creek Surgery Center

Prior to attending Penn State University, Dr. Pauza earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, and furthered his training with a Surgical and Medical Internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continued his specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an Interventional Spine Fellowship. In addition to his research, philanthropic, and clinical endeavors, Dr. Pauza remains a motivated educator. He established a Spine Fellowship program and continues training physicians from around the world. He heads international committees responsible for establishing standards and educating surgical and non-surgical physicians.

After helping hundreds of patients who failed to experience relief after spine surgery, it became evident to Dr. Pauza that current methods needed to change. This motivated him to seek better ways to help patients, by thinking outside the box.

Dr. Pauza is the first physician in history to pursue FDA approval for using biologics to treat the spine. Millions of patients will benefit from his development of minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease and other more common and serious disorders of the spine.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Brandon Tolman, D.O. - Nashville Spine Institute

Boris Terebuh, M.D. - Regenerative Spine & Joint Center

Boris Terebuh, MD specializes in providing personalized nonsurgical solutions for spine problems that interfere with the function patients desire and the independence they deserve. Dr. Terebuh completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency training at The Ohio State University in 1997 and has been in solo practice in Ohio since 2001 because he is committed to providing accessible, individualized and attentive care to his patients. His regenerative approach to solving spine problems enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. His guiding principle is integrity – doing what is right for patients in a conscientious manner with the motivation of helping them become fully functional, independent and satisfied. Dr. Terebuh is a very unique Medical Doctor because he has earned seven Board Certifications in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and nonsurgical spine care. Boris Terebuh, MD is delighted to be a Discseel® provider because this revolutionary new technology aligns perfectly with his preferred regenerative treatment approach and patient care philosophy. Dr. Terebuh is also grateful to Discseel® developer, Kevin Pauza, MD, for all the years of diligent and meticulous research to create this innovative, paradigm-shifting intervention, which will certainly spare countless individuals the prospect of avoidable spine surgical procedures.

Thierry Bonnabesse, M.D. - Champlain Spine and Pain Management

Gregory Lutz, M.D. - Regenerative Sportscare Institute

Dr. Gregory Lutz is the Founder and Medical Director of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute (RSI). In addition, he currently serves as Physiatrist-In-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Lutz is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedic medicine, appearing annually on Castle Connolly’s and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists.

Janet Pearl, M.D. - The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Janet Pearl has been in practice since 1999 and is the Medical Director of The Boston Stem Cell Center. She is also the Medical Director of  Complete Spine and Pain Care  an interventional integrated Pain Management practice, both located in Framingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Pearl is Triple Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and has over 20 years experience in doing these procedures.

Previously, Dr. Pearl was the Co-Director of the Pain Management Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, where she was also the Director of the Pain Management Fellowship program.

After graduating from Harvard College with an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with Economics, Dr. Pearl received a M.Sc. in Health Planning and Financing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then received her M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she represented the Medical School as a senator in the Columbia University Senate.

Watch Dr Pearl give an introduction to The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Pearl completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital, her residency in Anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and her fellowship in Pain Management at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Pearl was the first resident ever to serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)’s Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology. She is a Joseph Collins Scholar and a Rotary Scholar and was awarded the AMA/Glaxo Welcome and AMA/Burroughs Welcome Resident Leadership Awards.

From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Pearl served on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. While there she chaired the Committee on Science, Technology and Research, was a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and the Governance Committee and also served as Vice Chair of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Athletics.

Dr. Pearl is Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

Memberships:

  • The American Pain Society;
  • The Massachusetts Medical Society;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Interventional Pain Physicians;
  • The American Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The American Society of International Pain Physicians;
  • The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and,
  • The American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

PUBLIC SERVICE:

  • Member, Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Health Care Services Board 
  • Member of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
  • Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association
  • Former Member of the Board of Trustees University of Massachusetts. (10/2010 – 10/2014) 

Mark Reecer, M.D. - Fort Wayne Physical Medicine

Dr. Mark Reecer is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He has over 20 years of work comp experience, and he routinely provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Dr. Reecer has lectured extensively and has authored multiple publications that promote his specialty and the use of treatment modalities to eliminate pain, improve function and avoid surgery.

Dmitry Buyanov, M.D. - IV Infusion Treatment Center

Dr. Buyanov is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. He received his training in Anesthesiology and his Interventional Pain Management Post-Doctoral at Penn State Medical Center, PA. Dr. Buyanov moved to San Antonio in 2003 at which time he was part of a multi-specialty group before he founded Premier Pain Consultants in 2004. His practice has over 5000 active patients in his practice. Dr. Buyanov treats his patients in a cost-effective manner although giving them the best care with interventional pain treatments/procedure to help each patient improve their quality of life. Dr. Buyanov strongly believes in an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to pain management, he believes in the Buddhist saying: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. He works closely with the area internists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, neurologists, and spine surgeons to insure that each patient has the most optimal individualized treatment plan. Dr. Buyanov enjoys spending his spare time with his children.

Desmond Hussey, M.D. - NASA Neuroscience and Spine Associates. P.L

Dr. Hussey earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and proceeded to earn his Medical Degree from The University of Miami School of Medicine. He then attended Northwestern University Internal Medicine Program, followed by a Neurology Residency Program at Emory University. Dr. Hussey continued his specialty training at John Hopkins University pain clinic. A member of The Spinal Injection Society and The American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Maxim Moradian, M.D. - Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts

Dr. Moradian is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Sports Medicine and Pain Management. Dr. Moradian’s clinical practice is devoted to the comprehensive care of spine, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament, and peripheral nerve disorders. He is proficient in performing advanced, minimally-invasive procedures under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance in the entire spine. Dr. Moradian performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) for the accurate diagnosis of muscle and/or nerve disorders. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine, sports concussions, neuromuscular ultrasound, medical education, and clinical research. His true passion is to treat his patients like his family and friends.

Wendi Lundquist, D.O. - Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center

Dr. Lundquist is the Medical Director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with Pain Management and a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine. She completed her training at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2005. During her time there, she served as Chief Resident and was involved in several research projects. Prior to, she completed medical school at Midwestern University at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Glendale, Arizona and internship at Doctors Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has a special interest in sports medicine, pain and spine. With 17 years experience, she has great enthusiasm towards regenerative medicine.

Yasuyuki Nonaka, M.D. - Nonaka Lumbago Clinic

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Matthias H. Wiederholz, M.D. - Performance Pain and Sports Medicine

Founding Partner, Triple Board Certified – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine

Dr. Matthias H. Wiederholz is cofounder of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC. He is a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician whose clinical interests include: Interventional Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Anti-Aging / Functional Medicine.

He received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He also received advanced fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is board-certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz performs a myriad of interventional pain procedures including, but not limited to the following: epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, sacroiliac joint injections, discography, percutaneous disc decompression, epidural lysis of adhesions spinal cord stimulator implants, and minimally-invasive discectomies. Endoscopic spine surgery is a very unique and valuable tool in his armamentarium and makes Dr. Wiederholz one of the most specialized physicians in the field of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. He incorporates ultrasound for precise injection therapy including cortisone injections, prolotherapy, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This technology is also utilized to perform the Tenex procedure, a percutaneous procedure for treating chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, etc).

Dr. Wiederholz is the fellowship director for the sports and spine fellowship at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. Dr. Wiederholz holds an affiliation with Capital Health System and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

Being advanced fellowship trained in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine means that Dr. Wiederholz has the most advanced training in Anti-Aging Medicine available. He is a leading expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration and helps patients achieve wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone therapies.

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Michael Wolff, M.D. - Southwest Spine & Sports