Q1: Which clinics or practitioners should I consider for knee pain?
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics: Best for severe knee osteoarthritis or meniscus/cartilage issues requiring surgery. High success rates, but invasive and costly.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Provides pain-specific consultation @ $50, MRI under $1,000, non-invasive technology-powered therapy such as HotHeal and Shockwave therapy. Allows insurance, Medisave claims, and potentially cashless service to avoid upfront cash payments.
Q2: What non-invasive therapies are available at The Pain Relief Clinic?
HotHeal Therapy: Reduces knee pain, inflammation, and stiffness
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tissue repair and improves joint function
Guided Physiotherapy: Strengthens muscles around the knee, improves stability, and enhances mobility
Q3: Can I continue therapy at home?
Yes. PhysioLife Home Therapy uses HotHeal technology to maintain pain relief, improve joint function, and complement clinic-based treatment.
Q4: How to choose the right care?
Start with The Pain Relief Clinic for consultation, MRI (<$1,000), non-invasive therapy, and insurance/Medisave/cashless options.
If structural or cartilage issues are detected, consult an orthopaedic surgery clinic.
Complement with home-based HotHeal therapy via PhysioLife for ongoing recovery.
Consider alternative therapies (TCM, chiropractic, massage) as supportive care, understanding limitations in licensing, insurance coverage, and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Knee pain and osteoarthritis in Singapore are best managed with evidence-based non-invasive therapy, smart imaging, expert physiotherapy, and home support, rather than relying solely on conventional or alternative methods that may not address underlying joint or cartilage damage.
Comparison of Common Treatment Options:
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic | Manual joint adjustments may relieve stiffness; some insurance coverage | Not licensed by MOH in Singapore; risk of injury; limited coverage; may not improve cartilage or meniscus issues |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) | Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping can reduce pain and inflammation; some insurance coverage | Evidence limited for cartilage or joint damage; slower results; coverage usually lower than medical clinics |
| Typical Physiotherapy | Exercises improve knee strength, stability, and mobility; safe for most | Progress can be slow; exercises may be challenging; may lack advanced tech like HotHeal or Shockwave |
| Massage | Temporarily relieves muscle tension around the knee; relaxing | Usually self-pay only, insurance typically does not cover; does not treat underlying cartilage or ligament issues; effects short-term |
