Helping You Stay Active Without Surgery
If knee pain is slowing you down, you're not alone.
Many people are told they have knee arthritis and that knee replacement surgery may eventually be in their future.
At our Houston Knee Preservation Program, we focus on helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, preserve joint function, and stay active through comprehensive nonsurgical orthopedic care.
Whether you're dealing with early arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative meniscus tear, or persistent pain after knee surgery, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring movement and improving your quality of life so you can keep doing the things you love like walking comfortably, exercising, golfing, playing pickleball, traveling or simply enjoying life with less pain.
Every Knee Preservation Program Begins With The Right Diagnosis
Successful treatment starts by understanding why your knee hurts, not simply treating symptoms.
Every patient receives a comprehensive physician evaluation by Dr. Javier Rios MD, a Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician.
Your evaluation may include:
- Detailed medical history
- Comprehensive orthopedic examination
- Gait and walking assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Ligament stability testing
- Meniscus evaluation
- Review of previous imaging
- Digital X-rays when clinically indicated
- MRI or CT scan when clinically appropriate
Following your evaluation, you'll receive a personalized treatment plan designed around your diagnosis, activity level, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Your Personalized Knee Preservation Plan
Every knee is different.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, we combine the treatments that best match your condition.
Your personalized plan may include:
- Physical Therapy
- Home Exercise Program
- MOVE Method Lifestyle Prescription
- Weight Optimization
- Physician-Led Shockwave Therapy
- Regenerative Orthopedic Treatments when appropriate
- Activity Modification
Our goal is simple:
Help you move better, hurt less, and stay active without surgery whenever possible.
Your Lifestyle Prescription: The Move Method
Procedures can help reduce pain.
Medications can reduce inflammation.
But what you do every day has the biggest impact on the long-term health of your knees.
That's why every Knee Preservation patient is introduced to the MOVE Method, our physician-developed lifestyle prescription designed to support healthy joints and long-term mobility.
The MOVE Method focuses on four pillars:
Motion & Muscle
- Movement is Medicine
- Motion is Lotion
- Build Muscle Strength
Optimal Body Weight
- Reduce Joint Stress
- Improve Mobility
Vital Nutrition
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Fuel Your Body with the Proper Nutrients
Energy & Recovery
- Recharge
- Recover
- Perform
Learn More About the MOVE Method
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Arthritis
Physician-led Shockwave Therapy Programs
One of the unique features of our Knee Preservation Program is physician-directed Shockwave Therapy.
Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend one of two specialized treatment programs.
Knee Preservation Shockwave Program
Designed for patients who want to remain active and avoid surgery whenever possible.
Ideal candidates include:
- Early knee arthritis
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Degenerative meniscus tears
- Chronic knee pain
- Patients hoping to delay or avoid knee replacement
This physician-directed program combines customized radial and focused shockwave therapy, rehabilitation strategies, and the MOVE Method to reduce pain, improve function, and help keep you active.
Surgical Recovery Accelerator
Some patients continue experiencing pain or stiffness even after technically successful surgery.
Our Surgical Recovery Accelerator is designed for patients recovering from:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscus Surgery
- Other Knee Procedures
This physician-directed recovery program combines customized shockwave therapy with rehabilitation strategies designed to help improve mobility, decrease persistent pain, and optimize recovery in appropriately selected patients.
Which Shockwave Program Is Right for You?
| Knee Preservation Shockwave Program | Surgical Recovery Accelerator |
|---|---|
| Designed for: Patients who want to avoid surgery whenever possible | Designed for: Patients recovering from knee surgery who want to optimize healing and recovery |
| Best for: Early arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative meniscus tears, and chronic knee pain | Best for: Persistent pain after knee replacement, arthroscopy, or meniscus surgery |
| Primary Goal: Reduce pain and help you stay active | Primary Goal: Improve recovery, mobility, and function |
| Treatment Plan: Approximately six customized shockwave therapy sessions | Treatment Plan: Approximately six customized shockwave therapy sessions |
| Combined With: The MOVE Method, physical therapy, and a personalized home exercise program | Combined With: Rehabilitation and a personalized recovery plan |
Regenerative Injections for Knee Arthritis
Regenerative injections may be recommended as part of a comprehensive knee preservation plan for appropriate patients with knee arthritis. These treatments are designed to support the body's natural healing response, reduce pain, and improve joint function when combined with lifestyle modification, exercise therapy, and other non-surgical treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Javier Rios will determine whether regenerative injections are appropriate based on your symptoms, imaging findings, activity level, and treatment goals.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
- Early Knee Arthritis
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative Meniscus Tears
- Patellofemoral Arthritis
- Persistent Pain After Knee Replacement
- Persistent Pain After Knee Arthroscopy
Why Choose Dr. Javier Rios MD?
- Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician
- Physician-led comprehensive knee evaluations
- Personalized treatment plans
- Advanced Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy
- Expertise in non-operative orthopedics and sports medicine
- Dedicated to helping patients stay active without surgery whenever possible
Service Areas
- Houston
- Webster
- Clear Lake
- League City
- Friendswood
- Pearland
- Sugar Land
- Katy
- Cypress
- Galveston
Frequently Asked Questions
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with exercise, weight optimization, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, injections, regenerative orthopedics, and lifestyle changes. The goal is helping patients stay active and maintain function without immediately moving to surgery.
Can I avoid knee replacement?
Some patients can delay knee replacement for years with the right treatment plan. Others may eventually need surgery. Every patient is different. The goal is helping patients understand their options and make the best decision at the right time.
What is the Knee Preservation Program™?
The Knee Preservation Program™ is a physician-led approach designed to help active adults reduce pain, improve mobility, preserve function, and potentially avoid or delay knee replacement through comprehensive nonsurgical orthopedic care.
Can shockwave therapy help knee arthritis?
Shockwave therapy may help reduce pain and improve function in select patients. It is designed to stimulate the body's natural healing response and works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients tolerate treatment well. The intensity can be adjusted during treatment, and most patients describe the sensation as pressure, tapping, or mild discomfort.
Do regenerative treatments regrow cartilage?
Regenerative treatments are designed to support the body's natural healing response and improve the joint environment. Results vary between patients and should not be presented as guaranteed cartilage regrowth.
What are the best exercises for knee arthritis?
Most patients benefit from strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and core while incorporating low-impact cardiovascular exercise and mobility work.
How much weight loss helps knee pain?
Even modest weight loss can reduce stress placed across the knee and improve symptoms for many patients.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always. Many cases of knee arthritis can be diagnosed with a history, physical examination, and X-rays. MRI may be helpful in selected situations.
When is knee replacement the right choice?
Knee replacement may be appropriate when arthritis becomes severe and nonsurgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is making the right decision at the right time.
Ready to Protect Your Knees and Stay Active?
You do not have to wait until knee pain takes over your life.
Learn whether the Houston Knee Preservation Program may be right for you.
