GULF BREEZE, Fla., Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers a new advanced treatment that quickly and safely removes the source of tendon pain. As one of the first doctors in the country trained to perform the revolutionary Focused Aspiration of Scar Tissue (FAST™) procedure, Josh Hackel, M.D., helps patients suffering from tendon and soft tissue injuries such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, jumper's knee, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
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Andy Moore, a resident from Lake City, Fla., was experiencing a lot of elbow pain, even while performing simple daily tasks such as shaking someone's hand. After traditional treatment options failed to help, he traveled to the Andrews Institute.
"Dr. Hackel said my elbow tendon was 'shredded' but today, it feels as good as new. I am thrilled at the success of this treatment and how it helped me get back to a normal life," said Moore.
The procedure is performed using a local anesthetic, allowing patients to remain awake and alert the entire time. Using ultrasound imaging, the scar tissue is identified and a small instrument about the size of a toothpick is inserted into the damaged tendon. Ultrasonic energy then cuts, breaks up and removes the damaged tissue, without disturbing the surrounding healthy tendon tissue. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes or less, requires only an adhesive bandage to close the microincision, and offers quick recovery time for patients.
"Traditional treatment options for tendon-related injuries do not include a quick recovery," said Dr. Hackel. "With the FAST procedure, I am able to change the nature of the disease, and get them back to the activities they love faster than ever before possible."
Currently, more than 10 million people across the country suffer from severe pain due to tendon scar tissue. Previously, the gold standard in treatment options included a combination of rest, pain medication, cortisone injections, and/or physical therapy to address the pain but not the source of pain, the damaged tissue. An open surgical procedure removes the damaged tissue but carries the risk of invasive procedures, including damage to the surrounding healthy tissue and a lengthy recovery time with restricted activity.
To learn more about the Andrews Institute, Dr. Joshua Hackel or the FAST procedure, or to schedule an appointment, go online to TheAndrewsInstitute.com or call 850.916.8700.
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850.916.8571, [email protected]
SOURCE Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine