If you have suffered the sharp, burning intensity of persistent nerve pain, you are aware of the equal frustration of finding a treatment to actually make the pain go away. The physicians at FoRM Health in Portland, OR, may have an answer for you using advanced ultrasound imaging to get a needle very close to the affected nerves. Our providers have used this relatively new technique to successfully treat common conditions such as carpal tunnel, as well as harder-to-identify causes of pain and sensitivity.
How Does Nerve Hydro-Dissection Work?
Certain nerves are prone to compression or entrapment, especially between tissue layers affected by scarring, tension, and chronic injuries. The nerves can get stretched, irritated, and then inflamed, causing persistent pain and hypersensitivity. Using ultrasound, your doctor can visualize the swollen nerves and then get a small needle very close, injecting fluid around the nerve to relieve pressure and adhesions. The result? Pain relief, often without the use of any anesthetic at all.
Conditions Nerve Hydrodissection Can Address
- Carpal tunnel
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica, when related to entrapment at the piriformis or gluteal region
- Meralgia Paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment)
- Peroneal nerve entrapment, foot drop
- Pain that mimics joint or tendon problems without (or with) specific damage of these structures (for example, “tennis elbow” from radial nerve entrapment)
- Regions of skin hypersensitivity and persistent, burning pain
FAQ
Typically, we inject only dextrose and water. No anesthetic, no steroid, no other drugs. We rely on fluid pressure to release the nerve constriction. Additionally, dextrose has a calming or analgesic (pain-relieving) effect on nerves due it is binding to a specific receptor present when a nerve is constricted and inflamed. Often, we don’t even use anesthetic beforehand as the needles are quite small, plus we like to see immediate pain relief from the hydrodissection, without it being covered up by an anesthetic.
Despite the name, we are not actually dissecting the nerve. We don’t touch the nerve, but we get very close and then use fluid (hydro) pressure to separate the surrounding tissue from the nerve (dissect).
This varies depending on how long the nerve has been constricted, the size of the nerve, and structures around it. We typically see at least a temporary response with the first treatment, with permanent results with as few as 2-3. Some conditions may need up to 8-10 treatments for lasting results.
There is typically minimal soreness at the injection site for 1-3 days after treatment. You can resume normal activity immediately, but avoid strenuous activity for a few days to allow tissue recovery.
While our office is located in SE Portland, Oregon, many of our patients travel from the greater Portland area, including Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and Oregon City, for in-office visits and procedures. We also offer virtual office visits, which allow us to provide care to anyone seeking care in Oregon, except for procedures, which must be performed in-office.
Why Choose FoRM Health for Nerve Hydrodissection in Portland, OR?
At FoRM Health, Dr. Ryan Minarik, ND, LAc, performs nerve hydrodissection as a dedicated orthopedic and sports medicine specialist with extensive experience in ultrasound-guided procedures. Our integrative, non-surgical approach means we look beyond the symptom to identify the true source of your nerve pain. We use precise, real-time ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy, and our drug-free dextrose solution minimizes side effects. Located in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, we proudly serve patients from across the greater Portland area who are ready to move beyond chronic pain and reclaim an active life.
Schedule with FoRM Health’s Nerve Hydrodissection Specialist in Portland, OR
Chronic nerve pain doesn’t have to be your normal. Call FoRM Health at (503) 232-5653 to schedule an appointment with
Find out if nerve hydrodissection is right for you. Our Portland team is ready to help you get back to doing what you love — pain-free.
