November 7 2025
As the November air turns crisp and cold, many people feel a familiar ache return to their knees. The change in seasons can seem to amplify joint discomfort, making simple activities feel like significant hurdles. While bundling up helps with the external chill, finding effective ways to manage knee discomfort from within is a common goal. Fortunately, advancements in orthopaedic care offer innovative approaches that use the power of cold in a precise, targeted way.
At Sagewell Orthopaedics, we are committed to exploring and providing advanced options for our patients. One such approach is the iovera° treatment, a system that harnesses the principles of cryotherapy to address knee discomfort. This method offers a different way to think about managing aches, moving beyond temporary, broad solutions to something more focused and specific. Understanding how this technology works can open up new possibilities for those seeking relief as the colder months set in.
What is iovera°? A Closer Look at Cryotherapy
When people think of using cold for relief, ice packs are often the first thing that comes to mind. While helpful for temporary, surface-level comfort, this method is not precise. The iovera° system refines this concept, taking the power of cold to a new level of accuracy. It is a handheld device that allows a trained specialist to deliver targeted cold therapy to specific peripheral nerves.
This process is based on a well-understood physiological principle. By applying focused cold to a nerve, its ability to send discomfort signals to the brain can be temporarily reduced. The iovera° treatment does this by creating a small, localized cold zone at the tip of the device's probe. This process, known as cryoneurolysis, doesn't damage the surrounding tissues or the structure of the nerve itself. Instead, it provides a temporary pause in the nerve's signaling function. Over time, the nerve regenerates and function returns to normal.
This approach is different from other discomfort management strategies. It does not involve opioids or other systemic medications. Instead, it works directly at the source of the discomfort signal, offering a localized effect that may help provide quick relief for many individuals.
The Power of Precision in Managing Knee Discomfort
One of the most significant aspects of the iovera° system is its precision. Knee aches are complex, often originating from specific nerves that have become overactive or irritated. The iovera° treatment allows a physician, like our own Dr. Scott Strasburger and his team, to identify the exact peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting discomfort signals and target them directly.
This process begins with a thorough evaluation to map out the nerves contributing to the discomfort. Once the target is identified, the iovera° device is used to apply the cold treatment. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed right in our office. Patients often describe the sensation as a brief feeling of cold and pressure.
By focusing on the specific nerves involved, the iovera° treatment avoids impacting the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other tissues. This targeted approach may be especially beneficial for those dealing with ongoing knee discomfort or for individuals preparing for or recovering from knee surgery. It can help manage aches without the side effects that can be associated with systemic medications.
Who Might Benefit from iovera°?
The iovera° treatment may be a suitable option for a variety of individuals experiencing knee discomfort. Its application is versatile, and it can be integrated into a broader care plan tailored to a person's specific needs.
Some common scenarios where iovera° may be considered include:
- Pre-Surgical Discomfort Management: For individuals scheduled for knee replacement surgery, the weeks leading up to the procedure can be challenging. The iovera° treatment may be administered before surgery to help manage discomfort, potentially improving a patient's ability to participate in pre-habilitation exercises and enter surgery with greater strength and mobility.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: After a knee replacement, managing discomfort is a critical component of a successful recovery. By reducing the need for other medications, iovera° may help patients feel more alert and engaged in their physical therapy, which is important for regaining function and mobility.
- Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: For those who are not candidates for surgery or are looking for other options to manage ongoing knee discomfort from osteoarthritis, iovera° may offer a non-systemic way to find relief. It can help bridge the gap when other conservative treatments are no longer providing sufficient comfort.
The relief provided by the iovera° treatment is temporary, as the nerve naturally regenerates. The duration of this comfort can vary from person to person, but it often lasts for several months, providing a significant window of improved daily function.
Embrace the Cold with Sagewell Orthopaedics
As the temperatures drop, you don't have to resign yourself to months of increased knee discomfort. Modern orthopaedic care offers innovative solutions that may help you better manage aches and support your quality of life. The iovera° system represents a significant step forward in targeted relief, using the power of cold to provide a focused, non-systemic option for knee discomfort.
If you are experiencing knee aches and are curious about whether an approach like iovera° could be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team. We are dedicated to providing personalized care and helping each patient find the most effective path toward wellness.
