MANIPULATION UNDER ANESTHESIA (MUA)
We are now proud to offer MUA as a part of our services at Integrated Pain Consultants. MUA is one of the most effective ways to alter fibrotic adhesions/restriction in the spine, and extremities. This procedure provides the patient with immediate, more productive movement, allowing them to stabilize and strengthen the area causing pain and dysfunction. We invite you to learn more about Integrated Pain Consultants today.
MUA includes a number of mobilization, traction, and stretching procedures that are all performed while the patient is receiving anesthesia. Usually, the anesthesia is general or a type of moderate sedation. The purpose of these manipulations is to break up scar tissue and fibrous tissue that might be causing restriction in range of motion and/or pain to the patient. The anesthesia itself (or sedation in some cases) minimizes muscle reflexes, spasms, and pain that might otherwise interfere with such manipulations. It also helps to reduce the amount of force necessary to overcome any type of patient resistance that might be present if the patient was fully awake. MUA is best used when treating specific, isolated joint conditions as well as dislocations and fractures.
MUA INCLUDES A NUMBER OF MOBILIZATION, TRACTION, AND STRETCHING PROCEDURES THAT ARE ALL PERFORMED WHILE THE PATIENT IS RECEIVING ANESTHESIA.
Common MUA candidates are those with bulging or herniated discs, frozen shoulders and other extremities that are causing radicular pain with or without weakness, but are not surgical candidates. In addition, post-traumatic disorders such as whiplash, and any other spinal or extraspinal disorder where the patient has reached Maximum Medical Improvement, especially with occupational injuries, but still have periodic restriction, pain and or discomfort may be good MUA candidates. Most acute and chronic pain conditions may be treated with MUA, particularly when other types of care (including manipulation without anesthesia/sedation) has not been effective.
In most cases, MUA is recommended daily for a short, consecutive number of days. Between one and five sessions are usually recommended, and some patients may benefit from complementary steroid injections, too. A variety of joints may be manipulated during the procedure, including the spine. If your doctor recommends MUA, it can be a highly effective part of a holistic therapy plan. However, since every patient and pain plan is unique, your MUA treatments will be customized for you.
MUA Treatment
HOW MUA TREATMENT WORKS
MUA is performed in an ASC (Accredited Surgery Center) under the controlled observation of a skilled Anesthesiologist. Orthopedic surgeons, or other physical medicine specialists trained in MUA perform the modality. Treatments take approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the patient is gently under twilight conditions. One can expect mild discomfort for up to 48 hours, manageable typically with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
According to the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO), MUA “may be appropriate in cases of restrictions and abnormalities of function.” The majority of MUA patients have some type of somatic dysfunction which hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments including medication and physical therapy. The AAO also notes that some good candidates have conditions that are so severe that other types of therapies are so mild that they offer little relief. MUA is part of every arthroscopy procedure, and is not considered a separate procedure in these situations.
If you’ve been suffering from certain types of pain, and other treatment methods have not been helpful, ask your doctor about MUA. This treatment allows expert manipulation in a safe, controlled environment where the patient experiences zero discomfort or pain. MUA is often the only way to access full patient manipulation of injured joints, and can help patients with certain conditions get on the fast track to pain reduction.
MANIPULATION UNDER ANESTHESIA (MUA) WITH INTEGRATED PAIN CONSULTANTS
Please speak with a Physician at Integrated Pain Consultants to determine if Manipulation Under Anesthesia would compliment your journey to better health. With three offices open in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, learn why we are voted “Top Doc” by Phoenix Magazine and read reviews left by other patients of Dr. Nikesh Seth and his amazing team of physicians and providers. Learn more about pain conditions, pain treatment, and please schedule your appointment by calling (480) 626-2552 or book your appointment online today.