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Joint Preservation Program

PRESERVING JOINTS.
RESTORING LIVES.

At Performance Ortho, we believe joint surgery or replacement should be a last resort, not a first option. Our Joint Preservation Program in Somerset County, NJ is a proven, step-by-step non-surgical approach to helping you reduce pain, improve joint health, and get you back to the activities you love, without having to navigate the process on your own.

Our comprehensive program brings everything together in one place, providing a clear path forward for patients looking to delay, avoid, or determine whether surgery is truly necessary.

Told you need surgery?

Many patients are told they need surgery or joint replacement without exploring non-surgical treatments. Explore your options with us first – our team will build a personalized care plan around your specific condition, your goals, and your life.

patient-graduating-care

Our 3-Phase Approach

Joint preservation isn’t a single procedure; it’s a comprehensive, logical pathway designed to address the root cause of joint deterioration to reduce pain, restore joint health, and get you back to your life.

PHASE 1

Pain Relief

Targeted treatment to break the pain cycle, reduce inflammation, and help your body begin to heal.

PHASE 2

Joint Regeneration

Advanced therapies such as Stem Cell, PRP, shockwave, and other biologic treatments designed to support your body’s natural healing process at the joint level.

PHASE 3

Activity Restoration

Structured physical therapy that builds on regenerative care, helping restore strength, mobility, and function once the joint has been properly prepared.

Personalized Care & Treatments

We offer a better path forward combining the latest in diagnostic accuracy, non-surgical intervention, and regenerative therapies.

Understanding the Root Cause

Chronic joint pain most often develops from a combination of gradual wear and underlying inflammation rather than a single injury. Over time, cartilage that cushions the joints can break down, leading to increased friction, stiffness, and pain with movement.

In some cases, prior injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, can alter joint stability and contribute to long-term degeneration. Left unaddressed, these factors can compound, limiting mobility. That is why early, targeted orthopedic evaluation is key to preserving joint function.

Protecting Your Joints & Restoring Mobility

Our Joint Preservation Program addresses a wide range of joint-related problems, from early-stage wear and degeneration to complex injuries that require more advanced intervention. If you’re dealing with joint pain that’s limiting your daily life, we want to help you understand your options.

Knee Preservation
Hip Coming Soon
Shoulder Coming Soon

Knee Preservation Program

The Knee Preservation Program is a structured, step-by-step pathway designed to help patients reduce pain, improve function, and potentially avoid or delay surgery whenever appropriate.

  • Relieve pain
  • Restore knee health
  • Return to activity

Comprehensive Treatment Paths

Starting with a comprehensive evaluation, which may include advanced imaging and diagnostics as necessary, your care team identifies exactly what’s driving your joint pain before any treatment begins. From there, you’ll receive an individualized treatment plan for joint preservation which can include surgical and non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, regenerative medicine, structured lifestyle adjustments, and minimally invasive procedures when necessary.

Regenerative Medicine

Utilizing the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissue.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Nutritional and activity guidance to reduce joint stress and inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Targeted strengthening to support joints and improve mobility mechanics.

Minimally Invasive Care

Injections and small procedures to alleviate pain without major surgery.

Why Choose Our Joint Preservation Program?

Our local pioneers in joint preservation therapies ensure each patient is receiving customized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle goals.

Multidisciplinary Team

Orthopedic surgeons, physicians, and rehab specialists working together in one location.

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20+ Years Experience

Pioneers in the rapidly advancing field of Regenerative Medicine.

Advanced Diagnostics

Access to advanced imaging and minimally invasive treatments.

Proactive Care

Emphasis on avoiding or delaying surgery to keep you moving.

Dr Mejia performing diagnostic testing on a patient's knee

Our Joint Preservation Experts

joseph_mejia_performance_ortho_doctor

Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPM&R, RMSK

Medical Director
Performance Ortho Watchung

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Dr. Kevin Tabije, DO, FAAPM&R

Medical Director
Performance Ortho Branchburg

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Dr. Chris Thomas, MD, FAAPM&R

Medical Director
Performance Ortho Somerset

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Dr-Ajaz-Siddiqui-MD, DABA-DABPM

Dr. Ajaz Siddiqui, MD, DABA, DABPM

Medical Director
Performance Ortho Hillsborough

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What our Patients are Saying

Joint preservation program testimonial. Woman smiling during bike ride
The combination of PRP and stem cell injections for my knee, paired with my custom joint preservation treatment plan, restored my joint comfort. Thanks to Performance’s comprehensive, team-based approach, I feel stronger and more active than I have in years.
Denise L.
Joint preservation program testimonial. Woman smiling while gardening.
Before, I was in constant pain. Joint pain was limiting my daily activities… I didn’t have the strength anymore or the dexterity to do my normal stuff or take care of my grandkids. I couldn’t lift, I couldn’t carry my groceries. Since committing to my customized treatment plan, there really is no pain anymore.
Ruth V.
Joint preservation program testimonial. Male back to lifting weights in gym.
I’ve had elbow pain for about three years. Nothing really worked. But when I connected with Performance Ortho, I finally got a comprehensive treatment plan. After stem cell treatments in both elbows coupled with rehab, I’m lifting again, rolling in Jiu Jitsu, and not paying the price the next day.
Pat K.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does a joint preservation program treat?

Our program addresses a wide range of joint conditions affecting the knee, hip, and shoulder, including osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, ligament and tendon injuries, bursitis, and joint pain from prior injuries or overuse. If joint pain is limiting your daily activity, a consultation can help determine whether joint preservation is the right approach for your condition.

Am I a candidate for Joint Preservation instead of replacement?

Many patients told they are ‘bone-on-bone’ are actually excellent candidates for preservation. Candidacy depends on your specific joint mechanics, age, activity level, and the exact nature of the tissue damage. A comprehensive evaluation by our specialists is the first step.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine involves using orthobiologics (substances naturally found in the body) to help heal damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. This can include targeted treatments designed to stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms.

How long does the 3-Phase program take?

Timelines vary highly by individual and the severity of the joint issue. Phase 1 (Pain Reduction) often yields results within weeks. Phases 2 and 3 involve biological healing and biomechanical strengthening, which can take one to two months of guided care to fully achieve.

At what point is joint preservation no longer an option?

Joint preservation works best when there is still meaningful joint tissue to work with. For patients with severe joint damage, where cartilage has deteriorated significantly and conservative treatments are no longer providing relief, joint replacement may be the more appropriate path. Our physicians will review your imaging and give you a clear picture of your options. If preservation isn’t the right fit, we’ll let you know. No wasted time, no wasted resources.

Does insurance cover Joint Preservation treatments?

Coverage for joint preservation treatments varies depending on your specific insurance plan and benefits. That’s why our team takes a proactive, patient-first approach.

Before your visit, our dedicated verification team carefully reviews your insurance to understand exactly what’s covered. We’ll walk you through your benefits, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and answer your questions, so there are no surprises.

Ready to get started? Book an appointment or call us at 908-756-2424.

Our Locations

Our Joint Preservation Program serves patients across Somerset County, NJ and the surrounding communities. Find the location most convenient for you:

WATCHUNG

459 Watchung Ave

Watchung, NJ 07069

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908-274-0988

BRANCHBURG

3150 US-22

Branchburg, NJ 08876

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908-552-0996

SOMERSET

454 Elizabeth Ave, Ste 240

Somerset, NJ 08873

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732-860-5757

HILLSBOROUGH

105 Raider Blvd, Ste 201

Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

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908-552-0952

Take the next step towards feeling like yourself again

Schedule your consultation today and discover your non-surgical options for joint preservation.