A Modern Approach to Pain Diagnosis and Pain Management
Looking at the person as a whole
Pain is a widespread problem. It signals that something is wrong in the body, but often does not indicate exactly where the cause lies. Many sufferers go through an odyssey of doctor’s appointments and treatments without the cause of their pain ever being identified. This frequently leads to frustration and resignation.
More and more medical professionals are moving away from the view that pain should be considered in isolation. Instead, holistic approaches are gaining in importance, in which the body is viewed as a complex system. A deep understanding of the interplay between muscles and joints can help to identify the true cause of the pain, which is often located in a different place to where the pain is felt.
Where does the pain come from?
The experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Beate Helgers, knows that an inaccurate or incorrect diagnosis is often the start of a long ordeal. She explains that even minor problems in one part of the body can affect the entire musculoskeletal system. A typical example is a fallen arch or flat foot, which leads to a slight difference in leg length. This difference causes a misalignment of the pelvis, which is compensated for by a curvature of the spine. This chain of compensatory adjustments can ultimately lead to tension in the jaw muscles and resulting toothache, headaches or even tinnitus.
Innovative diagnostic techniques
“An examination must never focus solely on the painful area, but must take the entire skeletal and muscular system into account,” emphasises Dr Helgers. In addition to her many years of experience, she relies on state-of-the-art measurement and diagnostic procedures. One such method is 3D/4D spinal measurement, which enables a precise and non-contact analysis of body mechanics and posture. This method has no side effects and is therefore also suitable for pregnant women and children. Thanks to this precise diagnostic approach, misalignments and muscular imbalances can be accurately identified and treated in a targeted manner.
Modern and effective treatment
Dr Helgers relies on modern techniques not only for diagnosis but also for treatment. One of her methods is focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (focal ESTW), which was developed in the USA and Switzerland. This therapy localises and treats trigger points – painful adhesions in the connective tissue – using high-frequency ultrasound. This method has proven to be particularly effective for chronic conditions such as calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, heel spurs, tennis or golfer’s elbow, and back pain.
Neurostimulation for optimal muscle tone
Another innovation at Dr Helgers’ practice is neurostimulation and neuromodulation. Electromagnetic pulses are used to activate the nerves that control the muscles, leading to effective pain relief without any risks. Repeated treatments restore the correct muscle tone, thereby addressing not only the pain but also its underlying causes.
Conclusion
Using modern and innovative diagnostic and treatment techniques, Dr Beate Helgers is able to pinpoint the cause of pain at her practice in Dorsten and treat it in a targeted and gentle manner. This holistic approach enables effective pain relief and long-term improvement.