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Recover Faster: Nonsurgical Treatment for Sports Injuries and Arthritis

Dr. Jonathan Holder, Orthopedic Surgery

March 4, 2026

Recover Faster: Nonsurgical Treatment for Sports Injuries and Arthritis

How targeted nonsurgical treatments help patients of all ages stay active

“As people stay active longer, we’re seeing more injuries from both sports and aging joints,” says Dr. Jonathan Holder (pictured above), an orthopedic surgeon who frequently treats sports-related injuries, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

“Advances in nonsurgical care are helping many patients recover faster and safely maintain their activity.”

Sports Injuries at Every Age

From young athletes to weekend warriors, knee, ankle, and wrist injuries are common. These range from ligament and tendon damage to sprains and overuse injuries. Many patients benefit from nonsurgical approaches—such as injection-based therapies that support the body’s natural healing process (see box at right for more)—helping reduce pain and downtime and, in some cases, avoid surgery altogether.

Caring for Aging Joints and Bones

In older adults, fractures from minor falls and chronic pain from arthritis are common. Nonsurgical treatments, like hyaluronic acid injections, help improve joint function, reduce pain, and sometimes delay the need for surgery. “Treatment isn’t just about relieving pain,” Dr. Holder notes. “We also focus on prevention— improving bone strength, balance, and flexibility to reduce future injuries.”

A Faster, More Convenient Path to Recovery

Early diagnosis is key. Imaging—available onsite at multiple White Plains Hospital Physician Associates (WPHPA) locations—and physical therapy (offered by Burke Rehabilitation at WPHPA of West Harrison and WPHPA of Scarsdale) support faster, more coordinated care, often beginning the same day. “Reducing delays makes a huge difference,” Dr. Holder says. “Patients leave with a clear plan and confidence that they’re on the right path.” While many patients improve with nonsurgical care, Dr. Holder and his colleagues at WPHPA also provide advanced surgical treatment when needed, guiding patients seamlessly from diagnosis to recovery.

These two treatments boost healing without surgery:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP uses a patient’s own concentrated platelets to support healing in chronic tendon, ligament, muscle, and early joint injuries. It’s an in-office treatment with minimal downtime, and results typically develop gradually over several weeks.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections help lubricate arthritic joints— most often the knee—to reduce pain and improve movement. Relief may begin within weeks and can last several months, offering a non-surgical option for managing osteoarthritis.

To make an appointment with Dr. Holder, call 914-849-7897.