Meet James Reiger
James Reiger, 53, of Columbia, New Jersey, has spent much of his life as a general contractor, walking at least 12 miles on the job almost every day, but that all changed when he began to experience severe osteoarthritis pain in both of his knees. His pain first began three decades ago when he injured his knees after slipping on ice. In the years following, he endured multiple surgeries, but found no relief from his pain.
About four years ago, James’ doctor informed him that he was suffering from bone-on-bone arthritis, and that he ultimately needed knee replacement surgery. However because James was in his early 50s his doctor recommended he wait five years before pursuing surgery. In the meantime, James’ osteoarthritis pain only worsened and began to disrupt his everyday activities. His regular 12-mile work days were reduced to three miles, and he could no longer sleep through the night or enjoy hunting, fishing and swimming as he had in the past. The pain even ruined a trip to Disney World with his family.
“It was terrible,” James said. “My knee was constantly aching, and I limped everywhere. Generally, by the time I got home from work each day, all I could do was sit on the couch and watch TV. It was all I could do to make it through a day at work.”
In his search for pain relief, James tried multiple treatments, from physical therapy and cortisone injections to prescription painkillers, which left him feeling groggy and out of control. At the end of his rope, James visited pain management specialist Dr. EJ Champey of Mine Hill Surgical Center in Mine Hill, New Jersey, who suggested that he may be a candidate for COOLIEF* Cooled RF, a minimally-invasive, outpatient treatment for chronic knee pain.
During the procedure, COOLIEF* circulates water through the device while heating nervous tissue to create a treatment area that is larger than conventional RF treatments. This combination targets the pain-causing nerves without excessive heating, leading to pain relief. Studies have shown that patients treated with COOLIEF* experience pain relief, restoration of function and a decrease in the need for pain medication within two to three weeks.
“COOLIEF* is an easy-to-use technology that works well for those chronic pain patients who haven’t responded to other treatments,” Dr. Champey said. “It’s a quick procedure with long-lasting pain relief. I’ve seen very positive results with my patients.”
James received the COOLIEF* treatment on his left knee in February 2015 and on his right knee in June 2015 and is still experiencing significant pain relief. He can now more easily walk the 12-15 miles required of his contracting job, and he is back to hunting, fishing and swimming.
“I’m very pleased with the COOLIEF* treatment and now plan to have it done on my back as well,” James said. “I recommend COOLIEF* to everyone I meet with this type of pain, including my dad. It’s a quick, simple procedure with amazing results, and it’s definitely improved my quality of life.”