We invite you to join Dr. Michael Del Busto, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician for a free breakfast and a discussion on chronic pain and how it can occur in anyone at any age. Dr. Del Busto will discuss the areas of chronic pain such as neck, back and knees, and how Peripheral Nerve Stimulation can offer relief.
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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can make the simplest activities–like walking, going up the stairs, or lifting a bag–into a constant struggle. For those living with chronic pain, finding lasting relief feels like an uphill battle.
At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we understand how frustrating persistent pain and disability can be. That's why we offer Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) – a minimally invasive treatment designed to target and reduce pain at its source.
What is Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)?
This treatment is a procedure where a thin, flexible wire, is implanted at the main peripheral nerve in the affected body region of pain. This internal lead(s) connects to an external device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the brain. These impulses interrupt pain signals by boosting non-pain signals to the brain. This retrains the brain’s pain messaging system without needing medications or invasive surgery.
How it Works
PNS with the SPRINT® system is a short, 60-day treatment. A tiny wire called a MicroLead is inserted near the region of pain next to the nerve under ultrasound or X-ray guidance. This is done with only local anesthetic and without incisions or sutures. Only the Microleads are implanted; the pulse generator (device) is external, making this even more minimally invasive.
Once the leads are implanted, the device delivers low-level electrical pulses that:
• Interrupt pain signals
• Enhance healthy nerve signaling
• Rebalance the messages the brain receives, outweighing pain signals with non-pain signals.
Over the 60 day treatment, the stimulation changes the brain’s perception and response to pain, even after the device is removed. After 60 days, the micro leads are removed in the office. In clinical studies, over 70% of all patients get greater than 12 months of pain relief with daily activities even after the device is removed.
“Sprint PNS is minimally invasive treatment that offers a huge benefit to my patients struggling with chronic pain because of its efficacy, safety, and flexibility. It has multiple indications including chronic intractable pain, post-operative pain, and post-traumatic pain.” says Dr. Michael Del Busto, a PM&R physician at Forté specializing in minimally invasive procedures.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Once you are referred for PNS treatment, the experience will be individualized based on your specific pain location and needs.
Before Treatment
• No activity restrictions before testing
• Avoid creams or lotions on the treatment site 12 hours before your procedure
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure
• Blood thinners may not even need to be stopped depending on the body region
The Procedure:
This is a minor outpatient procedure. After sterile preparation, a local anesthetic will be applied to the area. Dr. Michael Del Busto will place the MicroLead near your nerve using a needle under ultrasound or X-ray guidance. Electrical impulse testing will be completed to ensure appropriate pain coverage. After visual and electrical confirmation, the lead will be inserted through the needle into the soft tissue. This process may be repeated if using a dual lead system.
After the MicroLead is in Place:
• A small bandage covers the site
• The MicroLead connects to the Pulse Generator, which is secured with a soft adhesive
• You and/or a family member will be trained for dressing changes done every 7 days
• You will receive a hand-held remote to adjust the stimulation and learn how to care for your system
Are There Any Activity Limitations After PNS Treatment?
For the first 7 days, you will need to limit movement around the treatment area to ensure proper healing and device stability. After the first week, most patients can return to their normal routines while continuing to use the device. Dr. Michael Del Busto will offer personalized activity guidance based on your recovery and treatment location.
How Long Will I Experience Pain Relief?
It has been shown in clinical studies that greater than 70% of all patients have pain relief within the first 60 days with sustained pain relief 12 months and beyond, even after MicroLead removal. Some body regions have clinical data demonstrating 5 years of pain relief post PNS treatment! Individual results may vary.
Explore if PNS is Right for You
If chronic pain and disability have disrupted your life, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation with the SPRINT® System may offer the relief you have been searching for.
Experience the difference that PNS Treatment can make. Call 317.817.1200 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today in Carmel, IN*, or with one of our interventional pain management specialists at our Carmel, Noblesville and Greenwood locations. Our team of experts will craft a personalized plan to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
*The PNS procedure will take place in the Franciscan Orthopedic Surgery Center at the Carmel Forté location.
Golf enthusiasts can improve their golf performance with the help of a Titleist™ Performance Institute Certified (TPI) specialist at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Our Golf Fit customized rehabilitation program is designed to enhance a golfer’s flexibility, strength and balance as it relates to the mechanics of the golf swing. The Golf Fit program is led by TPI (M2)-certified physical therapists in our Noblesville and Carmel locations.
“I’ve seen some golfers be able to reduce their pain with swinging even after just one visit,” said Joe Alumbaugh, PT, a lifelong golf enthusiast and Golf Fit team member. “Sometimes a small swing change or some specific warm-up exercises can make a dramatic difference in a person’s performance. Often that means that they’re able to simply tolerate 18 holes better.”
Forté’s Golf Fit program is designed for golfers of all levels, from the recreational player to the serious golfer. It is designed to prevent an injury, decrease pain and improve mobility. Past participants have often been able to reduce their scores through improvements in distance, consistency and endurance.
The TPI-based movement screen involves a physical assessment to find areas of weakness, tightness, imbalance or instability. For all levels of golfers, these areas likely affect the swing in specific and predictable ways. In some instances, a video analysis is performed to analyze a golfer’s swing. The slow-motion swing capture allows our therapist to bridge the gap between physical limitations and swing faults. Golf Fit participants are then prescribed an individualized exercise regimen aimed at improving performance, as well as some practice strategies for the range.
“I turned to Forté for help to improve my performance with my golf swing and also improve my durability on the golf course, with the goal of being able to finish a round of golf that wasn’t so painful,” says Carmel, Indiana resident Barry Midkiff. “I came out of the program with some stretching and strength exercises that were targeted to different areas of the body that were identified in the assessment as being weak. It’s improved my ability to enjoy the game without a lot of pain.”
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics utilizes the SkyTrak™ simulator at our Noblesville office which allows Golf Fit participants to use a driving range feature for the assessment. A fun addition to the program is the opportunity to take advantage of the new Course Play software to play a couple of holes on a variety of famous golf courses. Play like a pro on a course of choice after a Golf Fit assessment, including the iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach. SkyTrak™ shared on its website that ‘Course Play experience brings an unmatched level of realism and immersion to virtual golf. With stunning detail, true-to-life course architecture, and precise shot feedback, golfers of all skill levels can experience the best of simulation golf.’
What is a Titleist™ Performance Institute Certified (TPI) specialist?
A professional who has completed a comprehensive Titleist™ Performance Institute training program to gain knowledge and skills to assess a golfer’s physical readiness, as well as pinpoint their specific limitations, and thereby create a custom-tailored plan for injury reduction and improved performance by correcting altered biomechanics.
Additionally, our Forté clinicians have advanced training within the Titleist™ Performance Institute network, with Medical 2 (M2) certification. TPI Medical 2 certification allows our team to further analyze physical limitations and treat more advanced cases and golf-specific injuries even more accurately with golf-specific rehabilitation to treat injuries and also reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
What do you bring to your Golf Fit assessment?
A five or six iron is needed for the assessment, but any clubs are welcomed.
How long is the Golf Fit assessment?
An assessment typically takes about an hour.
How much is a Golf Fit assessment?
Golf Fit program appointments may be billed through insurance as part of an ongoing treatment plan of rehabilitation a PT visit if part of an ongoing PT episode, or if a PT evaluation is medically needed. Golf Fit can also be used as a standalone visit, with cash payment of $150.
Where does the Golf Fit program assessment take place?
The SkyTrak™ simulator is located in our Noblesville Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics office located at 16289 Boden Road, Suite 2, Noblesville, IN 46060. Our Carmel Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics office also offers Golf Fit assessments, but without the use of the simulator.
Schedule a Golf Fit assessment today
Request a Golf Fit appointment with a Forté TPI-certified specialist to get started in improving your golf performance by calling 317.817.1200.
CARMEL, IN – Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics has expanded orthopedic services and care in Central Indiana. Five orthopedic surgeons formerly practicing with Franciscan Physician Network will join Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics beginning May 1.
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is a comprehensive destination for musculoskeletal care with a longstanding reputation for the highest quality orthopedic care. By adding five new physicians with diverse subspecialities, Forté expands its service offerings to serve the needs of an even broader patient population. With convenient access in five locations across Central Indiana, Forté has top-tier physicians and a reputation for excellence and innovation. By enhancing continuity of care, Forté continues to strive to be the provider of choice for patients.
“The expansion of a new location and the addition of five physicians elevate Forté with enhanced accessibility, expanded expertise and community impact. The new physicians bring diverse skills, specialties, and experiences, which broadens the scope of services Forté can offer and strengthens its reputation for the highest quality orthopedic care,” said Angie Stevenson, CEO, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.
“These five physicians bring an outstanding reputation in care of the southside patients, and we would like to continue this going forward as part of the Forté team. I believe the new physicians joining the group will help us broaden our geographic pattern in the Indianapolis region and fortify our presence on the south side of Indianapolis,” said Dr. Jonathan Smerek, President, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.
The Greenwood Forté location will be expanded to include Sean Calloway, MD, Kelly Graner, MD, Patrick Laboe, MD, Toni Lin, MD and Greg Slabaugh, MD providing patient care.
Forté physicians Tyler McCarroll, MD, Joseph Maratt, MD, Ryan Nixon, MD, Lucian Warth, MD and Sean Calloway, MD will continue practicing at the now Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics at the Center for Hip and Knee Surgery, remaining in its location at Franciscan Health Mooresville. To learn more about the five new physicians and the new Forté location; visit forteortho.com
If you're interested in learning more about knee replacement due to chronic arthritis pain, join us for a free educational seminar with Dr. Ryan Nixon, Knee and Shoulder Surgeon.
This seminar is open to the general public.
AGENDA
WHEN
Wednesday, June 18 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm
WHERE
Franciscan Health Center for Hip & Knee
1199 Hadley Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158
2nd floor (lobby)
REGISTER NOW
Shoulder Replacement 101: How? Why?
If you have ever had questions about your chronic shoulder pain or the possibility of shoulder replacement, we invite you to join our fellowship trained shoulder, Dr. Ryan Nixon for a discussion on the newest innovations in shoulder replacements.
This seminar is open to the general public.
WHEN
Thursday, May 8th | 6 - 7 pm
WHERE
Franciscan Health
1703 W. Stones Crossing Rd.
Greenwood, IN 46143
In the Community Room - 1st floor
REGISTER NOW
Lower leg pain is a common challenge for athletes, and anyone engaged in high-impact physical activity. While "shin splints" often come to mind as the likely culprit, not all types of shin pain are the same. Another condition—compartment syndrome—shares similar symptoms but requires significantly different treatment.
Understanding the differences between these two conditions is important for effective diagnosis and recovery. Learn the key distinctions between shin splints and compartment syndrome, their causes, and the steps you can take to prevent or treat them.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This condition is one of the most common running-related injuries, endurance sport injuries, high-impact sports typically caused by repetitive impact stress on the lower legs.
Shin splints typically present as a dull, aching pain that runs along the inside of the shinbone (tibia). This discomfort is often accompanied by tenderness or swelling in the lower leg, making the area sensitive to touch. The pain tends to intensify during physical activity, especially high-impact exercises like running or jumping. However, it usually eases or completely subsides with adequate rest, offering temporary relief until the next bout of activity.
Shin splints occur due to overloading the muscles, tendons, and bones of the lower leg. Contributing factors include:
Fortunately, shin splints are often treatable with non-invasive methods:
If left untreated, shin splints can lead to more severe conditions, such as stress fractures.
Compartment syndrome is a more complex condition often hard to diangisis. It occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment builds up, restricting blood flow and potentially damaging nerves and muscles. Chronic forms of this syndrome, known as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), are often exercise-induced and affect athletes engaged in repetitive, high-impact activities like running or cycling.
The condition occurs when the fascia, a non-stretchable tissue surrounding the muscles, cannot accommodate the increased muscle volume during exercise. This results in high pressure within the compartment, restricting oxygen and blood flow. Risk factors include participating in repetitive high-impact sports, overtraining or following intense exercise regimens, and being under 30 years old.
Compartment syndrome often requires a different approach. Non-surgical treatments include resting and modifying activities to focus on low-impact exercises, alongside physical therapy aimed at improving flexibility and strength. Orthotics or shoe modifications can also help correct gait issues. However, if symptoms persist, surgical intervention such as a fasciotomy may be necessary. This procedure involves releasing the fascia to reduce pressure within the muscle compartments. Consulting a physician is crucial to determine whether surgery is the appropriate course of action.
To better understand and differentiate between two commonly encountered lower leg conditions, it is important to explore the key differences between shin splints and compartment syndrome. By recognizing the distinct characteristics of each condition, individuals can seek appropriate medical attention and make informed decisions regarding their treatment and recovery.
To ensure the well-being of your legs during exercise, it is important to take preventive measures for both shin splints and compartment syndrome. Here are some effective strategies to help you avoid these conditions and maintain optimal leg health.
While shin splints and compartment syndrome are common causes of leg pain, other conditions such as stress fractures or tendonitis may present similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Medical professionals, such as the experts at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, use specialized tests, including compartment pressure measurements and imaging (MRI), to identify the underlying issue.
If you're experiencing persistent leg pain, don’t delay in seeking a professional opinion. Untreated conditions can worsen over time, putting unnecessary strain on your body and your fitness goals. The team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton, IN, are here to provide an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet. Request an appointment today to find lasting relief and regain confidence in your physical performance..
Tendon pain can make the simplest activities—like running, walking, or even lifting objects—feel like an uphill battle. When tendon pain strikes, traditional treatments don’t always resolve issues.
Enter shockwave therapy, a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment designed to promote healing and reduce pain for tendon injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. But what exactly is shockwave therapy, how does it work, and could it be the solution for you? Learning about this innovative treatment and its potential to get you back to the activities you love is the first step towards long-lasting recovery.
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These sound waves are directed into the injured area, increasing blood flow, promoting healing, and alleviating pain.
We use this in conjunction of physical therapy and it’s particularly effective for injuries that have not responded to more conventional treatments, such as oral pain medication. It is widely used to treat chronic conditions like tendinopathy.
The process is simple yet effective. During a shockwave therapy session:
These waves trigger several healing mechanisms:
The sessions are quick, with each procedure taking about 5–10 minutes. To achieve the best results, patients typically undergo 3–5 sessions spaced over several weeks.
Shockwave therapy is a versatile treatment with applications across various injuries and conditions. Common uses include:
It’s also gaining popularity among athletes seeking to accelerate recovery and optimize performance while avoiding invasive procedures.
At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, patients have access to this advanced treatment to safely address long-standing injuries.
One of the standout benefits of shockwave therapy is its long-term efficacy. While some patients may notice improvement after the first session, significant results typically appear after completing the full course of treatments. Healing continues for weeks following the final session as the body attempts to repairs itself.
While the results vary by individual, many patients report lasting relief from pain and improved mobility, making shockwave therapy a preferred option for managing chronic conditions.
A frequently asked question is whether it’s safe to resume physical activity post-treatment. The answer depends on your condition and injury severity.
By gradually incorporating exercise, you’ll help promote healing and avoid aggravating the treated tendon or muscle tissue.
Shockwave therapy is packed with advantages that make it a compelling alternative to more invasive treatments:
If you’re based near Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, or Tipton, IN, the team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is specially trained in administering this advanced treatment.
Shockwave therapy is great for chronic, persistent injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, or medication. However, it’s not the right option for everyone. There are certain cases where shockwave therapy may not be recommended. Your healthcare provider might suggest alternative treatments if you:
To determine whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you, a consultation with a physician at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is essential. During this visit, experts will assess your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals to create a personalized care plan that best supports your recovery and overall health.
If you’re struggling with ongoing tendon pain that’s holding you back, shockwave therapy could be the game-changing solution you’ve been searching for. With its blend of innovation, effectiveness, and safety, it offers renewed hope for anyone tired of living with chronic pain.
Experience the difference that shockwave therapy can make. Call (317) 817-1200 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today at one of our convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville or Tipton, IN. Our team of experts will craft a personalized plan to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
