A cortisone shot effectively reduces pain and inflammation in your body, especially your spine.
But it comes with a few drawbacks and risks that leave people searching for alternatives to cortisone shots.
In Abilene, our team at Healthec offers you a new, needle-free option for back pain relief: EMVITAL. This new and innovative laser technology is designed to reduce muscle pain, joint pain, and stiffness, redefining our standards for pain relief.
Before we explain the benefits of EMVITAL, let’s first take a moment to look at why patients are no longer interested in short-term solutions like cortisone shots.
Cortisone Shots
Cortisone shots are injections of corticosteroids (manufactured drugs that closely resemble the cortisol hormone). They work by temporarily reducing your body’s immune system to reduce inflammation.
There are a few reasons patients may be in search of a better alternative to cortisone shots in Abilene.
Needle Aversion
Not everyone can tolerate needles. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 25% of adults have a fear of needles. That leaves a lot of people searching for other forms of relief from pain and inflammation.
Side Effects
Cortisone shots come with a range of side effects, including:
- Bruising
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Discoloration or redness on your skin
- Swelling
Short-Term Increase in Pain
For some patients, the pain can intensify before it gets better. That’s not ideal when you’re looking for pain relief. While this is usually short-lived, it can be discouraging for those seeking relief. Patients who require injections every few months may hesitate to continue treatment if they anticipate temporarily worse discomfort.
EMVITAL: An Alternative to Cortisone Shots
At Healthtec, we offer you an alternative to cortisone shots in Abilene with EMVITAL.
Rather than needles or steroids, EMVITAL harnesses the capability of visible and infrared energy.
Using a 1064 nm laser, this innovative laser technology delivers controlled, therapeutic heat deep into your spinal tissue to treat the following:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Muscle and joint stiffness
- Arthritis pain
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle Tension
- Pain from repetitive strain (poor posture)
The emitted laser energy gently elevates the temperature of your tissues to improve blood circulation in the treatment area. With better blood flow, the damaged tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients to help reduce inflammation and repair tissue. This also relaxes tight muscles, easing stiffness and alleviating discomfort.
Why Our Team Loves EMVITAL
EMVITAL integrates the intelligent, first-of-its-kind TriHIL™ technology that includes an ultrasonic sensor, infrared camera, and dynamic laser emission pattern. This feature monitors the treatment area for precision and even energy application.
Why Patients Love EMVITAL
Patients prefer this alternative to cortisone shots in Abilene for the following reasons:
- Noninvasive
- Hands-free
- Drug-free
- Needle-free
- Safe for all skin types
- Quick treatment times
- No downtime
The EMVITAL Process at Healthtec
For back pain relief, here’s what you can expect from the team at Healthtec.
→ Read about our wellness center here!
Consultation
We offer free consultations at Healthec, where we dive into your concerns, lifestyle, and goals. We don’t just determine if EMVITAL is right for you—we also evaluate how it can be safely combined with other treatments to maximize pain relief.
Treatment
EMVITAL only takes 4 minutes for smaller areas of your body, 20 to 30 minutes for larger areas like your back, making it a quick treatment that provides long-lasting relief. We cleanse the skin in the treatment area before passing the EMVITAL handpiece over your spine. Most patients find these sessions tolerable and compare it to a hot stone massage.
Results
Results and their duration vary from patient-to-patient. For maximum pain relief, we recommend an initial series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 10 days apart. We may recommend returning to our office for maintenance sessions depending on your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may still have some questions regarding back pain and our alternative to cortisone shots in Abilene. In this section, we hope to address them.
What causes back pain?
Back pain can result from a variety of lifestyle factors, including:
- Poor posture
- Injuries
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
During your consultation, we try to pinpoint the cause of your back pain to help you obtain prolonged relief.
Does EMVITAL hurt?
EMVITAL causes a slight warming sensation in the treatment area, but most patients find it tolerable. If you feel pain or discomfort during your session, tell your provider so they can adjust the intensity of treatment for maximum comfort.
Can EMVITAL treat more than back pain?
Yes! EMVITAL is also FDA-cleared to treat TMJ, a disorder connected to your temporomandibular joint, which is found on both sides of your face and aids in moving your jaw. TMJ causes pain, clicking, and trouble chewing. EMVITAL heats the tissue to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation.
Find Relief Shot-Free
With the latest advancements in laser technology, you have options for back pain relief. To learn more about this alternative to cortisone shots in Abilene, request a consultation or try our treatment planning tool.
