Orthopedic Clinic in St. Louis, MO

Orthopedic Care That Avoids the Operating Room

Joint pain is one of the most common reasons adults visit a doctor. In St. Louis, the problem runs deeper than the national average. Sedentary work habits, long commutes, and cold winters that discourage movement all accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and connective tissue. High obesity rates in the Midwest place extra mechanical load on the knees, hips, and ankles with every step.

Surgery is not the only option for joint pain, knee pain, or arthritis. Over the past two decades, orthopedic medicine has developed non-surgical treatments that restore joint function, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. These treatments work by supporting the body’s own healing processes rather than replacing the joint entirely.

St. Louis Pain Center offers three orthopedic services focused on preserving and restoring joint health without surgery. Each one targets a different aspect of joint deterioration, and they can be used individually or combined into a single treatment plan.

Our Orthopedic Services

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Healthy joints contain hyaluronic acid, a thick fluid that cushions the bones and reduces friction during movement. Arthritis and age break down this natural lubricant, leaving bone surfaces grinding against each other. Hyaluronic acid injections replace the lost fluid directly inside the joint capsule. A typical course involves one injection per week for three to five weeks. Patients with knee pain and hip pain often experience months of improved mobility and reduced stiffness after completing the series.

Learn how hyaluronic acid injections restore joint function

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma therapy concentrates the healing factors found in your own blood and delivers them to damaged tissue. A small blood draw is processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer. That concentrated plasma is then injected into the injured joint, tendon, or ligament. The growth factors in PRP accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new cell growth. PRP therapy treats knee injuries, rotator cuff damage, tennis elbow, and osteoarthritis.

Explore PRP therapy for joint and tissue repair

Regenerative Therapy

Regenerative therapy represents the next step in non-surgical orthopedic care. These treatments harness your body’s cellular repair mechanisms to rebuild damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons at the tissue level. Regenerative medicine is particularly effective for patients with moderate joint degeneration who want to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. Results develop gradually as new tissue forms over weeks and months.

Find out if regenerative therapy can help your joint condition

Who Benefits From Non-Surgical Orthopedic Treatment

Not every patient needs surgery. Non-surgical orthopedic care works best for patients who meet one or more of these criteria:

• Early to moderate arthritis that has not yet destroyed the joint surface
• Knee pain or hip pain that limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair
• Joint stiffness that worsens with inactivity or cold weather
• Failed conservative treatment including physical therapy, bracing, or oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Desire to avoid or delay surgery due to age, health status, or personal preference

Many patients in St. Louis fall into these categories. The combination of sedentary lifestyles, high body weight, and seasonal joint stiffness from cold weather creates a large population of adults who need more than physical therapy alone but are not ready for joint replacement.

Schedule Your Orthopedic Evaluation

St. Louis Pain Center is located at 4455 Telegraph Rd #250, St. Louis, MO 63129. Our clinic operates within the broader medical corridor that includes Washington University School of Medicine and other specialized healthcare providers in the region. Call (314) 846-2100 or return to St. Louis Pain Center to learn more about all of our services.

Orthopedic Clinic FAQ

Do I need imaging before my first appointment?

Bring any existing X-rays or MRI reports. If you do not have recent imaging, the care team can order it during your evaluation. Having imaging beforehand can speed up diagnosis, but it is not required to schedule.

How long before I notice results from these treatments?

Hyaluronic acid injections typically produce noticeable improvement within two to three weeks of completing the series. PRP therapy results develop over four to six weeks as the growth factors stimulate tissue repair. Regenerative therapy outcomes build gradually over one to three months.

Can these treatments be combined with physical therapy?

Yes. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the treated joint and improves range of motion. Many patients receive orthopedic injections alongside a structured rehabilitation program for the best long-term outcome.

Are orthopedic injections painful?

Most patients report mild discomfort during the injection that lasts only seconds. The treatment area may be tender for a day or two afterward. Ice and rest are usually sufficient for managing any post-procedure soreness.

Will insurance cover these services?

Hyaluronic acid injections are covered by Medicare and many commercial plans for qualifying diagnoses. PRP therapy and regenerative therapy coverage varies by insurer. Our office staff verifies your benefits before scheduling so you know your costs in advance.