I approach therapy with the understanding that each person and family is unique; therefore, I tailor my approach to best meet each client's individual needs and challenges. I know it may be difficult to find someone you can trust to work with, but I am a genuine, warm, empathic, and non-judgmental person.
Arthrocentesis, also referred to as joint aspiration, is a procedure where fluid is drained from a joint using a needle and syringe. The fluid is sent to a laboratory for joint fluid analysis. Arthrocentesis is primarily used to establish the cause of the joint effusion. Removing joint fluid has two purposes, a therapeutic as well as a diagnostic purpose. The removal of joint fluid may also relieve pain and pressure on the joint.
Psoriatic arthritis is a diagnosis made mainly on clinical grounds, based on the finding of psoriasis and the typical inflammatory arthritis of the spine and/or other joints. There is no laboratory test to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Blood tests such as sedimentation rate may show an abnormal elevated result and merely reflect presence of inflammation in the joints and other organs of the body. Other blood tests, such as rheumatoid factor, are obtained to exclude rheumatoid arthritis. When one or two large joints (such a knees) are inflamed, arthrocentesis can be performed. Arthrocentesis is an office procedure whereby a sterile needle is used to withdraw (aspirate) fluid from the inflamed joints.