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 Long-Term Prescription for Healthy Knees
Every patient in our Knee Preservation Program receives personalized recommendations based on the MOVE Method:
- Motion & Muscle
- Optimal Body Weight
- Vital Nutrition
- Energy & Recovery
Learn More About the MOVE Method
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
Knee Preservation Shockwave Program
Shockwave therapy is one of the cornerstones of our Knee Preservation Program.
Unlike many offices that offer technician-delivered treatments, every treatment plan is physician directed and customized to your condition.
Patients who may benefit include:
- Early knee arthritis
- Degenerative meniscus tears
- Chronic knee pain
- Active adults trying to delay or avoid surgery
Program Includes:
- Comprehensive physician evaluation
- Physician-directed Radial Shockwave Therapy
- Focused Shockwave Therapy when appropriate
- Progressive treatment protocol
- Home exercise recommendations
Learn More About Shockwave Therapy
Surgical Recovery Accelerator Program
Our Surgical Recovery Accelerator Program is designed for patients recovering from:
- Knee replacement
- Knee arthroscopy
- Meniscus surgery
- ACL and ligament reconstruction
This physician-directed program uses customized rehabilitation strategies, shockwave therapy when appropriate, and progressive recovery recommendations to help optimize healing, improve mobility, and support a faster return to activity.
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 Biologic Injection for Knee Arthritis
Regenerative biologic injections are designed to support your body's natural healing response as part of a comprehensive Knee Preservation strategy.
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.
Patient Journey
Pain
Physician Evaluation
Customized Treatment Plan
Shockwave Therapy
Regenerative Biologic Injection (when appropriate)
MOVE Method
