Bone Densitometry is a painless, non-invasive test that is able to detect weakness of the bones. It can detect osteoporosis and osteopenia, an early version of osteoporosis. Early detection of weakness of the bones allows treatment to be initiated to prevent fractures. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to perform and is covered by Medicare and many insurances. Those at risk for osteoporosis include post-menopausal females, persons with a family history of osteoporosis, and those on long term steroid use. Please call the office for further information or to schedule an appointment.
Colonoscopy is similar to Flexible Sigmoidoscopy but examines the entire colon for the presence of polyps or other abnormalities. Large polyps and other growths can be removed and biopsied to rule out cancer with this test. This test is performed under conscious sedation, a form of anesthesia that blocks pain but does not put the brain in as deep of a "sleep" as general anesthesia. This form of anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia and can be reversed with IV medicine rapidly allowing patients to recover quickly.
CT Scans
A CT (computerised tomography) scanner is a special kind of X-ray machine. Instead of sending out a single x-ray through your body as with ordinary x-rays, several beams are sent simultaneously from different angles. A CT scan can give the doctor a much clearer picture of the inside of the body than an ordinary x-ray. For example, different types of tissue such as bone, muscle and fatty tissue are easy to see on a CT scan.
Echocardiography involves the use of ultrasound waves to evaluated blood flow through the heart as well as exam the structures of the heart. A gel is placed on the chest and the heart is examined for abnormalities. This test is helpful in detecting heart failure, valve problems, and evaluating heart murmurs.
EGD involves inserting a tube with a light and a camera at the tip into the esophagus (food tube) and into the stomach. Ulcers of the stomach and esophagus can be seen and biopsied to rule out bacterial infection and cancer. Narrowing of the esophagus can be opened up with the EGD as well. EGD is performed under conscious sedation.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a screening test used to detect colon cancer and pre-cancerous colon polyps. This test involves the insertion of a small tube with a light and camera at the tip. The lower colon is examined for any growths or other abnormalities. Current recommendations are for persons over the age of 50 to have this test done every 3 - 5 years.
IDD(Internal Disc Decompression)
IDD (Internal Disc Decompression) Therapy® is a proven treatment for the relief of lower back pain. With an up to 86% success rate, thousands of patients have experienced dramatic pain relief and healing.
IDD Therapy® is an innovative approach for the relief of lower back syndromes, including:
Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Posterior facet syndrome
• Sciatica
• Acute or chronic back pain
IDD Therapy® is non-surgical, non-invasive, and typically does not involve pain medications. The treatment is not only safe and painless, but also comfortable and relaxing. The course of therapy includes approximately 20 treatment sessions and is completed in about 35 days. Each procedure is performed with a patented intervertebral decompression device and is performed by a certified clinician, specializing in back pain care. The treatment sessions are brief, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
How does IDD Therapy® work?
IDD Therapy® can isolate each lumbar vertebrae (L1, L2, L3, L4 or L5) and distract the vertebrae surrounding an injured disc 5 to 7 millimeters. The 25 to 30 minute treatment provides static, intermittent, and cycling forces on structures that may be causing low back pain.
During treatment, intradiscal pressure is dropped from a positive 25 millimeters mercury to a negative 150 millimeters mercury. This negative pressure promotes the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the vertebral disc area, thereby re-hydrating the degenerated disc. Repeated decompression promotes retraction of a herniated nucleus pulposus (the elastic core of the intervertebral disc).
The IDD Therapy® treatment can
• reduce pressure on the vertebral joints,
• promote retraction of herniated discs,
• promote self healing and rehabilitation of damaged discs, thereby relieving low back pain.
• Several sessions are required to achieve optimal results.
Why should you consider IDD Therapy®?
IDD Therapy® is credible. It is the only treatment that was developed by a team of back specialists including neurosurgeons, orthopedists, physiatrists, osteopaths, chiropractors, neurologists, and physical therapists.
IDD Therapy® is proven and effective. The procedure has been studied extensively over the past six years and has been clinically validated. Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with IDD Therapy®.
IDD Therapy® is non-surgical and non-invasive. The complications from surgery can be severe and may result in debilitating conditions. IDD Therapy® is painless and involves no recovery time.
IDD Therapy® is convenient. Treatment sessions last only 25 to 30 minutes. And because the procedure is non-invasive, most IDD Therapy® patients can carry-on with normal daily activities. Additionally, patients can expect only minimal absence from work.
IDD Therapy® is cost-effective. The cost of treatment is minimal compared to the cost of surgery. And, in most cases, financing is available for those without insurance or with less than comprehensive insurance. Several payment options are available and a monthly payment plan can be a much better financial decision than a 10% or 20% insurance co-payment on back surgery.
Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing
Nuclear Cardiac stress testing is used in the evaluation of chest pain. This test involves injection of a imaging material that shows up on special camera. The heart is then stressed either by exercising on a treadmill while wearing a heart monitor under direct physician supervision or by the injection of a medicine. Changes in the heart tracing are noted as well as changes in blood pressure and heart rate. After the heart is stressed, another set of images are obtained. These images, along with the heart monitor data, are used to evaluate potential blockages in the coronary arteries.
Pulmonary Function testing is used to evaluate the lungs function and to aid in the diagnosis of emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. Patients breath into a computerized machine that measures critical values of lung functioning.
Ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves to visualize structures in the body. Common sites that can be examined include the abdomen, pelvic region, and the breast. Gel is placed on the body and the area is scanned with an ultrasound head. Ultrasound aids in the detection of solid masses, cyst, gall stones, kidney stones, and other abnormalities.
Doppler Ultrasound is a form ultrasound that is used to evaluate blood flow. Common sites examined are the carotid arteries (located in the neck, they supply blood to the brain), legs, and arms. This test aids in the detection of blood clots and other blockages.
X-rays are done at both our Lindsay Street and Skeet Club Road locations. A full spectrum of X-rays can be performed in our offices. Common X-rays are chest, abdomen, sinus, and spine films.
Miscellaneous Procedures
Many of the providers at Bethany perform minor surgical procedures for their patients. These include skin biopsy, laceration suturing, trigger point injections, and joint injections.
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