Posted on Apr 1, 2025 in
MEDICAL FOCUS,
NEWSWORTHY
Is joint pain holding you back from the activities you love? Whether it’s struggling to keep up with your morning routine, feeling stiffness in your knees after a long day, or wincing at every step on the stairs, joint pain can make life challenging. But relief is possible. Next month, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is hosting a free joint pain seminar, where a panel of experts will share the latest treatment options to get you moving and living life to the fullest.
Thomas B Rivers, M.D.
Thomas B Rivers, M.D., Nish L. Shah, M.D. and physical therapist Kristine Neelon, all with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, will host a seminar focusing on joint pain on April 10 at 6 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The seminar will also include a Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and learn how to take control of their joint health.
“Joint pain, especially in the knees and shoulders, can make everyday activities difficult,” Rivers, orthopedic surgeon, said. “My goal is to educate our community and let them know there are many treatment options available. There are minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgical techniques. During this seminar, we’ll go over these options and show patients they can get back to doing what they love with less pain.”
Nish L. Shah, M.D.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land also offers a state-of-the art robotic hip and knee replacement tool. Robotic surgery will be one of the topics presented at the seminar. The technology provides patients with a new standard of care for joint replacement procedures.
For many joint and muscle issues, a primary care sports medicine physician is an ideal first stop. These doctors are trained in family medicine or internal medicine, followed by specialized training in sports medicine. “Sometimes when injuries happen, it’s hard to figure out the source of the pain,” Shah, primary care sports medicine physician, said. “A great first step is to come in for a physical exam so we can provide guidance on treatment moving forward. Whether you are an athlete or just an adult who wants to stay active, you should not live in pain. We support active lifestyles.”
Kristine Neelon, PT, DPT
Depending on what type of joint pain you have, your doctor might recommend physical therapy. Exercise can be one of the best things you can do to help your chronic joint pain, no matter its cause. “Regular exercise can help keep the muscles around the joints strong and even keep joint swelling at bay,” Neelon, who holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, said. “Our goal is to get you stronger. If you get weaker, your joint pain gets worse. We’ll always come up with a personalized plan to meet you where you are in your health journey.”
JOINT PAIN SEMINAR | April 10
Are you tired of living with joint pain or is it keeping you from living your life? Join Thomas B Rivers, M.D., Nish L. Shah, M.D. and physical therapist Kristine Neelon for a free, in-person seminar at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 10. From diagnosis to rehabilitation and sports injury prevention, our panel will discuss the latest medical advancements to help you get back to the active life you enjoy. To register, visit join.houstonmethodist.org/jointpain-sl or call 281.274.7500.
ABOUT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL:
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is committed to leading medicine by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of unparalleled quality, safety, service and innovation to patients in Fort Bend County and surrounding areas. With more than 1,300 affiliated physicians and 2,900 employees, Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers access to the most innovative care available, including comprehensive cancer care; neuroscience and spine care; orthopedics and sports medicine; heart and vascular care; women’s services; childbirth center with level III NICU; bariatric and digestive care; and advanced imaging — all backed by our focus on healing people today and offering hope for tomorrow.
