From: Reflex Clinic
Four Lincoln Center
10250 SW Greenburg Rd. Ste. 125
Tigard OR, 97223
FACT SHEET
Frequently Asked Questions about the
Reflex Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Portland, OR – The Doctors at Reflex have created a comprehensive treatment regime that significantly
reduces the pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Their treatment encompasses a holistic
approach that looks at all the challenges with OA from fluidity, cartilage wear, pressure, weight, lifestyle and
diet. Below are some of the most common questions that patients, media and the general public have about
the Reflex treatment program.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and the most common joint condition, worldwide. In the
U.S. alone, over 14 million people suffer from pain associated with OA in one or both knees.
OA is a chronic disease in which the cushioning tissue (cartilage) between the bone joints wears away. In
addition, in OA of the knee, the thick fluid that helps lubricate the knee joint (synovial fluid), becomes thinner
and less effective. When the deterioration of cartilage becomes severe, the bones grind together, leading to
friction in the joint, which causes pain and stiffness.
What are the common symptoms of OA of the knee?
The main symptoms commonly associated with OA of the knee are:
•
•
•
Knee aches and pain that worsens when you are active and improves when you rest
Stiffness, especially in the morning and when standing up
Cracking and popping when moving the knee
What causes OA of the knee?
Although researchers are not completely certain what causes OA of the knee, some possible contributors are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Advancing age
Wear and tear on the knee over many years
Previous injury
Excessive weight
Genetics: It may “run in the family”
Gender: Women are more likely than men to have OA of the knee
call today (503) 719.6783 | www.reflexportland.com
pg. 1
How do you diagnose osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?
A Reflex physician will perform a physical exam of your knee. This exam will also include your history and Xrays to make the final diagnosis.
What are the levels of OA of the knee?
OA of the knee is a chronic condition that gradually worsens over time. The levels range from mild to severe.
When should I seek treatment for OA of the knee?
The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely you will have muscle strength changes and cartilage loss, which
will improve the outcome.
What is Hyaluronan?
Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the fluid that surrounds a healthy knee. This fluid is called synovial
fluid and it helps cushion, lubricate and protect the knee. In people with osteoarthritis of the knee, the synovial
fluid becomes thinner and less able to do its job.
How do Hyaluronan injections work?
When Hyaluronan is injected into the knee during your treatment program, it replenishes the fluid in the knee
and helps restore the ability of the synovial fluid to cushion, lubricate and protect the knee. This Joint Fluid
Therapy is designed to help reduce symptoms of OA.
Are knee injections painful?
No. It feels about the same as a flu shot. Most patients do not report any pain after the procedure is complete.
What is viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is another name for our Joint Fluid Therapy. It is the injection of fluids into a joint to
alleviate and repair damage done to the knee through wear and tear.
Do I need to be referred by my General Practitioner?
No referral is necessary to come in for your initial knee consultation. You can call Reflex directly at (503) 8868987 to set up your initial evaluation or fill out our Appointment Form on our website. We will contact your
primary care physician after your consultation at Reflex if you are a candidate for our treatment. In addition,
Reflex will follow up and inform your primary physician of your treatment progress.
How long does an appointment last?
A typical first-time consultation will last about 60 minutes. A typical injection-only appointment will last 20
minutes.
Will my private medical insurance cover the costs?
Reflex knee injection treatments are covered by most insurance providers. The process of obtaining
reimbursement varies from plan to plan. Reflex will call your insurance provider for you before you begin
treatment to find out if Joint Fluid Therapy is covered. Our financial associate will go over the expected costs
based on personal insurance at the end of each initial evaluation.
call today (503) 719.6783 | www.reflexportland.com
pg. 2
Will Medicare cover the costs?
Yes. Reflex knee injection treatments are eligible for reimbursement by Medicare.
Are the injections painful?
Nobody likes pain, so this question is the most commonly asked at Reflex. We understand the importance of
minimizing pain, and take extra steps to make the injections as painless as possible. At Reflex, we prep the
area, and then spray it with some liquid that momentarily numbs the surface of the skin. Then a very small
needle is used to inject some anesthetic which numbs the area. Using a buffered anesthetic helps to minimize
the ‘sting’. Most importantly, we utilize x-ray-guided injections to minimize inadvertent trauma to the structures
of the knee.
What are the benefits of wearing a knee brace?
The Reflex offloading brace is re-aligning the leg back into proper position. In doing so the brace can off load
or take pressure off of the portion of the knee that is wearing down. This can give the patient an immediate
relief in pain when walking or climbing stairs.
Not only does the brace give an immediate relief in pain, but when being worn it is retraining your body how to
properly move and control the leg when moving. Anytime pain is present in the body, the mind will
automatically choose the range of motion that causes the least amount of pain. This is called a compensation
pattern. A compensation pattern causes you to move in a way that the body was not meant to move. This
usually puts unwanted or unnecessary forces across a joint and shuts down the body’s ability to contract the
right muscles during any given movement. When wearing the brace, it is repositioning and realigning the knee.
This is forcing muscle to fire and work that have been dormant since the compensations began. By wearing the
brace for long periods of time over many months, it can actually retrain the leg to move correctly.
How do I know how to choose a good supplement?
Supplements are not all created equal. Since the FDA does not regulate supplements, it is hard to know
exactly what you are getting. There are really only two types of supplements: off the shelf supplements that
you can buy at any store and pharmaceutical grade supplements, which are only available through a physician
or MD. Pharmaceutical grade (NSF-GMP Certified supplements) are supplements that are 3rd party tested for
potency to guarantee label claim. They are also tested for a full panel of solvents, heavy metals and microbial
contaminants, they use ingredients that are generally greater than 95% purity.
Should I be taking a Multi Vitamin?
Consuming a balanced diet that meets the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, essential
fatty acids and lean sources of protein still may not ensure ample nutrient intake due to changes in our food
supply. A recent comparison study evaluated potential changes in the average nutrient content of 43 fruits and
vegetables between 1950 and 1999 and found the following results:
•
•
•
•
6% decrease in protein
16% decrease in calcium
9% decrease in phosphorus
15% decrease in iron
call today (503) 719.6783 | www.reflexportland.com
pg. 3
•
•
38% decrease in riboflavin
20% decrease in ascorbic acid
Food quality changes like these are the result of multiple factors, and for these reason one should be taking a
multi vitamin.
###
To learn more visit www.ReflexPortland.com, Reflex is located in Portland, OR and specializes in chronic knee pain
associated with osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Their treatment regime is a holistic approach that looks at all the issues
involving patient care, pain relief and non-surgical alternatives. Call (503) 719-6783.
call today (503) 719.6783 | www.reflexportland.com
pg. 4