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Institute of Function

Conditions · Nassau County, NY

Knee, shoulder &
hip pain.

At a glance

Knee, shoulder and hip pain can arise from a joint, nearby tendons or bursae, or pain referred from another region. Institute of Function starts with diagnosis and rehabilitation, considering the least invasive effective option and procedures only when examination supports them. Dr. Benjamin (Ben) Klyachman, D.O., board-certified in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, leads care at Institute of Function in Nassau County, NY, which welcomes patients from across Long Island, New York City and beyond.

Pain around a knee, shoulder or hip may come from the joint itself, nearby tendons or tissues, or pain referred from another region. Stiffness, swelling and difficulty with stairs, reaching or walking offer clues, but they do not identify the diagnosis on their own. A joint-specific examination helps separate wear-related changes from injury or inflammation and keeps treatment focused on the structures that actually limit function.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Klyachman, D.O. · Updated October 21, 2026

Common causes

  • Osteoarthritis or other changes affecting cartilage and joint movement.
  • Tendon irritation, including rotator cuff or gluteal tendon problems.
  • Bursitis or irritation of tissues near a moving joint.
  • Meniscus, labrum or ligament injury following loading or trauma.
  • Referred pain from the spine or another nearby region.
  • Inflammatory joint disease requiring coordinated assessment with another specialist.

How we evaluate

History includes the timing of pain, swelling, injury, previous treatment and the activities that have become difficult. A hands-on osteopathic and physiatric examination assesses motion, strength, stability and how adjacent regions influence loading through the affected joint. Prior imaging is interpreted alongside those findings, and diagnostic ultrasound may be useful for selected tendon, bursa or joint questions; EMG/NCS is considered only when a suspected nerve disorder needs clarification. A hot or markedly swollen joint, mechanical locking or a significant injury may require a different assessment pathway before discussing routine rehabilitation or injections.

Treatment options
we may discuss.

  • Performance Health / rehabilitation

    A rehabilitation plan may combine joint-specific strengthening, comfortable range of motion and gradual return to walking, reaching or sport. Load adjustment and coordination with a physical therapist tailor care to arthritis, tendon pain or instability. Most joint pain can be managed without surgery; a surgical opinion is sought only when a significant structural injury or persistent functional limitation truly calls for it.

  • Regenerative & Cell-Based Medicine

    When appropriate, PRP may be discussed for selected joint or tendon conditions, and prolotherapy for selected ligament-related problems. Evidence differs by diagnosis and target tissue. Cell-based and biologic options require review of evidence, risks and applicable law, are not interchangeable with PRP and are not assumed to rebuild cartilage. Rehabilitation remains central.

  • Targeted Pain Management

    Precise, image-guided care may address an identified joint or nearby soft-tissue pain source. Nerve-targeted options for selected knee pain can include diagnostic genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation. When it's needed, a steroid injection can also be considered for a clearly inflamed joint. Medication review, risks, limitations and the need for structural or inflammatory assessment guide decisions. Procedures are image-guided, using ultrasound or X-ray guidance depending on the target.

Related treatments

From the Journal

Related conditions

Common
questions.

When to seek
care urgently.

Seek urgent medical care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after injury, or sudden severe pain with deformity.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Medical Disclaimer

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