For anyone who has to fight chronic pain, whether in the neck, upper back, back, or even numbness of the hand, hearing the word "hydrodissection" may feel complicated and alarming. In truth this is a safe and highly effective treatment technique that may be the answer to the pain you have had for a long time. Today we will take you through fascial separation by injection in detail, so that you understand who this technique suits and what its advantages are.
Getting to know "fascia," the cause of pain that many people never knew
Before we understand hydrodissection, we must first get to know fascia well, because the cause of many kinds of pain that we think come from muscle or bone may in fact have its root in a problem of the fascia.
What is fascia, and how does the problem arise?
Fascia is the tissue wrapping around muscles and organs, with the task of connecting the parts of the body so that they work together. When the fascia is inflamed or hardened, it compresses nerve and muscle, producing pain and difficulty moving.
The causes of fascial problems include sitting at work for long periods, repeatedly using an incorrect posture, exercising incorrectly, or injury, which leave the fascia stuck together or abnormally contracted.
What kind of pain may have fascia as its cause?
Pain from fascia is a deep, dull pain, or a feeling of uncomfortable tightness, sometimes with numbness or tingling as well. The symptoms usually rise and fall over time and worsen with certain activities.
The patient feels that the pain never completely goes, even after massage, painkillers, or rest, because the root of the problem has not been addressed.
The places where fascial problems are commonly found (neck, upper back, back, arm, leg)
Fascia with problems can be found throughout the body, and the places most often found are the neck, upper back, and upper back region, particularly in those who sit at work or use a computer for long periods. It is also often found in the arm, wrist, hip, and leg, usually related to repeated use.
Fascia with a problem in one area may produce pain in another, for example a fascial problem in the neck may cause headache or migraine.
What is hydrodissection? The innovation of separating fascial layers by injection
Now that we understand the problem of fascia, we will go on to understand the technique of hydrodissection (ultrasound-guided interfascial hydrodissection), or simply "separating the fascial layers by injection," a treatment technique that uses a specific fluid to separate layers of fascia that are stuck together or have a problem.
The principle of how hydrodissection works
Hydrodissection works by injecting a specific fluid into the fascial layer that has the problem, in order to separate tissue layers that are stuck together, so that nerve and muscle can work normally. This process helps reduce compression of the nerve, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation in that area.
The injection uses a fine needle under ultrasound control, to be sure that the fluid goes precisely to the right position. The injection is therefore very safe and effective in treatment.
What medicine is used in hydrodissection, and is it safe?
The injectate used in the hydrodissection technique is usually normal saline, or a safe solution which may contain a highly concentrated sugar or a small amount of local anaesthetic. It is not a steroid or a medicine with major side effects. The main job of these substances is to create pressure to separate the tissue layers, reduce the binding of the nerve in the surrounding area, and help stimulate the body's natural recovery.
The safety of this technique is very high, because it uses substances the body can absorb and clear naturally, with no accumulation in the body and no long-term side reactions. The choice of substance and the appropriate amount depend on the assessment of the specialist physician.
Who is hydrodissection suitable for?
Separating fascial layers by injection is a technique suitable for several groups of patients, particularly those with chronic pain that does not respond to ordinary treatment. Let us look at which groups benefit most from this technique.
Office syndrome: neck, upper back, and shoulder pain
Office syndrome arises in people who work in an office and have chronic neck, upper back, and shoulder pain. This group is very suitable for hydrodissection, because these symptoms usually arise when the fascia in the neck and upper back contracts or sticks together from sitting in the same position for a long time.
Hydrodissection addresses the problem at its root, so that the muscle relaxes, circulation improves, and the pain is effectively reduced. Patients usually feel better from the very first treatment.
A herniated disc pressing on a nerve
Patients with a herniated disc pressing on a nerve may in some cases have a further problem from inflamed fascia compressing the nerve at another level. Hydrodissection in the adjacent muscle layer can help ease the pain.
However, treating this condition requires detailed assessment by a specialist physician, to see whether hydrodissection would be suitable and give a good result for each individual patient.
Numbness in the hand and fingertips from fascia binding a nerve
Numbness of the hand or fingertips, particularly arising from repeated use such as typing or wrist pain from using a mouse for long periods, usually has its cause in fascia at the wrist or arm compressing a nerve. Hydrodissection in this case can help release the compression and effectively reduce the numbness.
The patient feels that the movement of the hand and fingers improves, the numbness decreases, and work becomes far more comfortable.
People with chronic pain at various points in the body
Besides the groups mentioned, people with chronic pain in other areas, such as the hip, knee, ankle, or even low-back pain, can also benefit from this technique if the cause lies in a problem of the fascia.
Correct assessment and diagnosis by a specialist physician is important, to be sure that the pain genuinely has its cause in a fascial problem and that hydrodissection will give the patient a good result.
The advantages of treatment by hydrodissection
Separating fascial layers by injection has several advantages that make it an interesting option for people with chronic pain. Compared with older methods of treatment, this technique stands out in several respects.
- A fast result, reducing pain precisely — most patients feel better from the very first treatment, because this technique addresses the problem at its root directly, rather than merely relieving symptoms like an ordinary painkiller
- Not a steroid, so a lower risk of side effects — the injectate used in hydrodissection is not a steroid, so there are no dangerous side effects. It suits patients who want to avoid medicines that affect the body's systems
- Treating the cause, not merely relieving symptoms — unlike other treatments that focus on reducing pain, hydrodissection corrects the structural problem that is the cause of the pain, so the result lasts longer
- A small wound, little pain, and no long recovery — the treatment uses a fine needle and no surgery. Patients can return to normal activities straight away, without having to stop work or recover for a long period
Preparing before and after treatment
For treatment by hydrodissection to be as effective and safe as possible, patients should prepare appropriately both before and after.
What to do before having hydrodissection
Before treatment, the patient should tell the doctor about any history of drug allergy, chronic illness, and the medicines they are taking. They should avoid blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin for about 3-7 days before the treatment, and should eat normally, with no need to fast from food or water.
In addition, they should wear clothes that give easy access to the area to be treated, and should come with a carer if necessary, particularly older patients or those with other health problems.
What to do and how to care for yourself after treatment
After treatment, the patient should avoid heavy movement or vigorous exercise for the first 24-48 hours. A cold pack may be used over the injection site if there is swelling, and plenty of water should be drunk to help clear waste from the body.
If there is slight pain after the treatment, this is normal and will improve by itself within 1-2 days. But if there is anything abnormal, such as unusually severe pain, fever, or an allergic reaction, the doctor should be contacted at once.
How much does hydrodissection cost, and is it worth it?
The cost of hydrodissection is something many patients think about. In general the cost depends on the complexity of the condition, the number of points to be treated, and the expertise of the physician performing the treatment.
Value compared with the long-term result of treatment
When considering value, you have to look at the long term, because hydrodissection usually gives a more lasting result than other treatments. Compared with the cost of buying painkillers regularly, the cost of massage, the cost of physiotherapy, and the cost of time off work because of pain, investing in this kind of treatment is very good value.
In addition, you have to think of the better quality of life, of being able to work and do various activities normally, which is something money cannot measure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Let us look at the questions patients often ask about separating fascial layers by injection, to understand this technique better.
Does hydrodissection hurt?
Hydrodissection involves slight pain, similar to an ordinary injection, but the doctor uses a fine needle and has techniques for reducing the pain. Some people may feel a sting or a sharp pain during the injection, but it passes quickly.
How many injections are needed to see a result?
Most patients feel better from the first session, but for a complete result 2-3 injections may be needed, each 2-4 weeks apart, depending on the severity and the duration of the symptoms.
How long does the result last?
The result of hydrodissection usually lasts a long time, because it corrects the problem at its root. If the patient looks after themselves well and avoids the activities that caused the problem, the result may last for several years.
Summary
Hydrodissection is a modern and highly effective treatment technique for people with chronic pain, particularly in office syndrome, in those with numbness of the hand, or with a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Its important advantages are safety, the fact that it uses no steroid, and a lasting result.
If you have chronic pain that does not respond to older treatment, consulting a specialist physician to assess whether separating the fascial layers by injection is suitable may be a good option for you. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have specialist physicians in rehabilitation medicine with experience in treatment by the hydrodissection technique, together with modern technology to make the treatment as precise and safe as possible.
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