iovera° Treatment
in San antonio
FDA-Cleared Non-Opioid Pain Relief
Iovera° is a Non-Opioid Pain Relief Treatment for Patients with Acute or Post-Surgery Pain
What is Iovera°?
Iovera° is a non-surgical pain relief treatment that uses cold therapy to safely block pain signals. It works by applying freezing temperatures to a specific nerve, also known as the treatment site, to temporarily stop it from sending pain messages to the brain.
This process is called cryoanalgesia, or cold-induced pain relief. A trained provider uses a handheld device to target the nerve just under the skin with precise bursts of freezing cold.
Although the effects are temporary, iovera° offers powerful pain relief that can last for weeks — and often helps patients reduce or avoid the need for opioid medications.
What is Iovera° Used For?
Iovera° is used to treat both chronic and acute pain, especially before and after joint surgery. It provides targeted pain relief by blocking nerve signals, helping patients feel more comfortable during recovery or while waiting for surgery.
Doctors may recommend iovera° for:
Knee pain related to arthritis or injury
Pain before knee replacement surgery
Post-surgical pain management to reduce opioid use
Your doctor will determine if Iovera° is right for your specific condition and treatment plan.
Can Iovera° Replace Surgery?
No, Iovera° is not a replacement for surgery, but it can be a powerful tool for managing pain before and after a procedure. This treatment is often used before knee replacement surgery to reduce pain leading up to the procedure and to make recovery more comfortable. Because the effects of iovera° are temporary, it works best as part of a larger treatment plan. It’s important to understand that Iovera° does not treat the root cause of joint damage or arthritis. Instead, it offers opioid-free, short-term relief to support your overall care.
We are proud to be one of the only Iovera° providers in san antonio
What does the iovera° procedure look like?
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Prior to the treatment
No special pre-treatment instructions.
A specialist will discuss medical history and health conditions with you.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area.
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Day of Treatment
We will assess your pain, clean and mark the target area.
An anesthetic injection or cold spray to numb the treatment area.
The entire process should only take about 15 to 30 minutes per area treated.
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During the treatment
You may feel pressure or tugging when the iovera° Smart Tip is applied to the treatment area.
Experiencing cold, warm, or tingling sensations as well as some pressure-like discomfort is normal.
The treatment should not be painful. If you feel pain, tell your provider immediately.
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After the treatment
Results are immediate. After the application, ice or over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain and swelling.
Post-treatment responses can include tenderness, numbness, tingling, swelling, and bruising.
Can return to non-strenuous activities immediately after the treatment.
What Makes Iovera° Different?
This treatment harnesses the power of cold to immediately reduce pain. Cryoanalgesia using the patented Iovera° system delivers a localized nerve block.
FDA-cleared to block pain
Provides immediate, long-lasting relief of acute (postsurgical) and chronic pain
The treatment is localized and does not inject any drugs into the body
This treatment can be performed prior to knee surgery to help reduce your pain after surgery or to treat chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee.
FAQs about Iovera°
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Iovera° can provide pain relief that lasts up to 90 days, depending on the patient and the treatment site.
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Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some report a cold or tingling sensation, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
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Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, tingling, or temporary numbness at the treatment site. Your provider will review important safety information with you before treatment.
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It is commonly used to relieve knee pain, especially around the time of knee replacement surgery, but may be used for other types of joint or nerve pain depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Dr. Broome Shares Insights on The San Antonio Report
Dr. Broome shared his insights on innovative approaches to managing osteoarthritis pain in a recent San Antonio Report article. Read the full article, learn more about the benefits of iovera treatment and how it can help you regain your quality of life.
Which SAOS Doctors provide Iovera°?
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Adam I. Harris, MD
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Brandon Broome, MD
Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
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out if iovera° is for you?
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