Percutaneous hydrotomy in Western Switzerland: a practical guide

Percutaneous hydrotomy in a few words

Percutaneous hydrotomy consists of multiple very fine, superficial micro-injections of saline into the skin or just beneath it, without entering the joint. For a detailed presentation of the technique, see our Percutaneous hydrotomy page and our article Percutaneous hydrotomy in practice.

For which kinds of pain is it considered?

At Centre Algos, percutaneous hydrotomy is considered for musculoskeletal pain: osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis and other persistent pain. It is never offered in isolation or straight away: it is part of a plan built together after a full assessment, in agreement with your medical care.

Percutaneous hydrotomy near Lausanne, Neuchâtel or Bern: coming to Fribourg

Centre Algos is in the centre of Fribourg, at Rue de Romont 20, on the Lausanne–Bern railway line. Many people therefore come by train from Lausanne, the Riviera, Neuchâtel, the Broye, the Gruyère or the Bern region. If you come by car, our Access and parking page shows the parking options nearby.

If you live further away, mention it at the first contact: we take it into account when planning appointments.

First appointment, price and number of sessions

1. A free 10-minute call

Before any commitment, a free 10-minute call lets you see whether our approach suits your situation and get answers to your first questions.

2. The first consultation

The first consultation lasts 1 h 30 to 2 h (CHF 182). Bring your medical file, your examinations (MRI, X-rays, reports) and a list of your medicines. We review your situation and build your plan together. We work alongside your GP and the other professionals involved in your care.

At the first consultation, we go over your treatments (for example blood thinners), your allergies and your medical history, to check that hydrotomy is suitable. The needle pricks are very superficial; small bruises or temporary redness at the injection site are possible.

3. Percutaneous hydrotomy: price and quotation

If hydrotomy is part of your plan, price on quotation, set at the first consultation according to your situation.

4. How many sessions? Follow-up adapted to you

The number of sessions is not fixed in advance: follow-up is adapted to your progress and reviewed together.

Warning signs: see a doctor first

Hydrotomy does not replace medical advice. Some signs must first be assessed by a doctor:

Seek care immediately (emergency department) if you have:

• loss of strength in a leg or arm, difficulty passing urine, or loss of feeling around the buttocks or genitals;
• a red, hot, swollen joint with fever;
• severe pain after a fall or accident.

See your doctor promptly if:

• the pain comes with fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss;
• you have a history of cancer and new, unusual pain or pain that does not settle at rest;
• the pain is new, keeps getting worse or wakes you at night without ever easing.

In the vast majority of cases, none of these signs is present.

What does the research say?

Percutaneous hydrotomy developed from mesotherapy. Scientific data specific to percutaneous hydrotomy remain limited, and no result can be promised. For a fuller analysis, read our article Percutaneous hydrotomy: effectiveness, safety and evidence.

One technique among others

Depending on your situation, other approaches at the centre can be combined:

• Naturopathy: sleep, diet, stress management and movement, to work on the lifestyle habits that can influence pain.
• Cupping: it can help release muscle tension.
• Breuss massage: a gentle massage along the spine that can help relax the back.
• Percutaneous hydrotomy: subcutaneous micro-injections; it may be considered when the situation is suitable, after assessment, once warning signs have been ruled out and in agreement with your medical care. Price on quotation, set at the first consultation according to your situation.

Everyone responds differently: the aim is to regain comfort and mobility in daily life, without promising a result.

When to seek care

Sources and further reading

• Centre Algos, "Percutaneous hydrotomy": description of the technique.
• Centre Algos, "Percutaneous hydrotomy: effectiveness, safety and evidence": current state of knowledge.

What is happening in your case

This text describes the general process. Whether percutaneous hydrotomy has a place in your specific situation deserves a real conversation rather than a generic answer.

A question before you decide? Book a free 10-minute call to see whether our approach suits you.

Related conditions and treatments

• Osteoarthritis · Back pain · Tendinitis · Chronic pain
• Percutaneous hydrotomy · Naturopathy · Cupping · Breuss massage

Related articles

• Percutaneous hydrotomy in practice
• Percutaneous hydrotomy: effectiveness, safety and evidence
• Percutaneous hydrotomy and knee osteoarthritis