Surgical decisions involving the spine or joints require careful, objective evaluation, particularly when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Dr. Kavita Gupta provides specialized surgical consultation services to assess whether surgery is medically appropriate, properly timed, and supported by clinical evidence.
This consultation service is especially valuable in workers’ compensation and complex injury cases, where surgical decisions must align with functional recovery and return-to-work goals. Each opinion is grounded in a thorough review of medical records, diagnostic imaging, and real-world functional considerations. Attorneys, insurers, employers, and third-party administrators frequently rely on Dr. Gupta’s surgical consultations to support decisions related to medical necessity, treatment planning, and disputed claims.
Sacroiliac (SI) fusion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat chronic pain caused by dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, the connection between your spine and pelvis. This joint can become inflamed or unstable due to injury, repetitive strain, or degenerative changes, leading to pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. SI fusion stabilizes the joint by placing small implants to encourage bone growth (fusion) between the two bones, limiting painful motion.
The iovera° is a non-surgical, drug-free “cold therapy” that uses cryoneurolysis to provide immediate and long-term pain relief by temporarily blocking sensory nerves. For knee pain, it typically targets the genicular nerves to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms or reduce opioid use after total knee replacement; for the shoulder, it numbs the suprascapular nerve to restore range of motion in cases of chronic stiffness or rotator cuff injury; and for headaches, it is used to treat occipital neuralgia by freezing the nerves at the base of the skull to stop shooting or throbbing pain.
Ten-EX is a minimally invasive procedure that may be recommended for people dealing with ongoing tendon pain, such as in the elbow, shoulder, knee, or heel. It is often considered when rest, physical therapy, or other treatments have not provided enough relief. During the procedure, a provider uses an ultrasound to carefully visualize the affected area. A small tool is then used to gently break down and remove damaged tendon tissue through a tiny skin opening. The goal is to target the injured tissue while leaving the healthy tissue around it in place. Ten-EX is usually performed in an office setting with local anesthesia, and most people can go home the same day. Your provider can help you decide if this option is right for you.
Each surgical procedure at our clinic is planned with safety, accuracy, and outcomes in mind. Here’s what you can expect:
Dr. Gupta will perform a complete medical assessment, review your imaging, and determine if surgery is the right next step.
You’ll receive detailed pre-op instructions and have time to ask questions.
Additional clarification, second opinions, or follow-up reviews can be provided when cases are complex or contested.
This service may be appropriate if:
At the Institute for Pain Relief, we provide surgical care that supports real outcomes, not just symptom management. Here’s what makes our care different:
Surgical options like SI joint fusion are used when conditions such as joint instability, disc damage, or chronic inflammation haven’t responded to non-surgical treatments like therapy or injections.
Light activity may resume in a few weeks, and most patients see steady improvement over the following months. Full fusion and return to higher-level activity can take several months, depending on your condition and job duties.
Yes. Many of our patients, including injured workers, pursue surgical treatment to restore physical function and safely return to work. Dr. Gupta helps create return-to-work plans tailored to each case.
If you’re using workers’ compensation or insurance, a referral may be needed. Self-pay patients can schedule directly. Our team is happy to guide you through the process.