✦ 2026 prices verified across 115+ Greater Austin Metro providers

💡 Evidence-Based Protocols

Before You Book Surgery

Protocols from leading health researchers that may help you avoid costly procedures — backed by peer-reviewed science, not just anecdotes.

Andrew HubermanRhonda PatrickGary BreckaPeter AttiaPaul Saladino
Important: These protocols are for informational purposes only and are not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. MarketCare does not endorse any specific influencer or protocol.
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Knee Pain

Joints & Bones

Most knee pain responds to movement — not the knife.

Avg surgery cost
$30,000–$50,000
Knee Replacement
Andrew Huberman

Zone 2 Cardio + Collagen Protocol

Low-intensity cardio (bike, swim) 3–4x/week to rebuild cartilage. 15g collagen + Vitamin C 30 min before exercise. Huberman cites peer-reviewed evidence that this protocol significantly reduces knee pain over 3 months.

💰 $20–$40/month⏱ 8–12 weeks
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Peter Attia

Strength Training + PRP Therapy

Progressive resistance training to offload the joint. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections as a non-surgical alternative. Attia recommends this before considering replacement for patients under 65.

💰 $500–$1,500 for PRP⏱ 3–6 months
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Physical therapy ($75–$150/session)PRP injection ($500–$1,500)Knee brace + structured exercise ($50–$200)Find providers →
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Chronic Back Pain

Back & Spine

80% of back pain resolves without surgery — if you know the right protocol.

Avg surgery cost
$20,000–$80,000
Spinal Fusion / Discectomy
Andrew Huberman

McGill Big 3 + Yoga Nidra

Dr. Stuart McGill's three exercises (curl-up, bird dog, side plank) target spinal stability without aggravating discs. Huberman adds yoga nidra for nervous system downregulation to reduce pain signaling.

💰 $0⏱ 4–8 weeks
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Peter Attia

Deadlift Rehab Protocol

Counterintuitively, properly coached deadlifts rebuild posterior chain strength that protects the spine. Attia emphasizes this over surgery for non-emergency disc issues.

💰 $100–$300 (coaching)⏱ 6–12 weeks
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Physical therapy ($75–$150/session)Epidural steroid injection ($600–$900)Chiropractic + massage ($60–$120/session)Find providers →
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Type 2 Diabetes / Pre-Diabetes

Metabolic Health

Metabolic disease is largely reversible — without surgery.

Avg surgery cost
$15,000–$35,000
Bariatric Surgery
Gary Brecka

Methylation + Oxygen Protocol

Gary Brecka's approach: identify MTHFR gene variants, correct with methylated B vitamins, combine with breathwork and grounding. Clients report A1C normalization within 90 days.

💰 $50–$150/month⏱ 90 days
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Rhonda Patrick

Time-Restricted Eating + Sauna

Rhonda Patrick's protocol: 16:8 intermittent fasting, high-heat sauna 4x/week for AMPK activation, and sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts for cellular cleanup.

💰 $0–$50/month⏱ 8–16 weeks
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Continuous glucose monitor ($60–$100/month)Functional medicine consult ($150–$300)Metformin (cash price ~$10/month)Find providers →
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Cardiovascular Risk

Heart & Cardiovascular

Most cardiac risk factors respond dramatically to lifestyle — before they become emergencies.

Avg surgery cost
$30,000–$200,000
Stent / Bypass Surgery
Peter Attia

Zone 2 Cardio + VO2 Max Training

Peter Attia's most-cited intervention: 3–4 hrs/week of Zone 2 cardio (conversational pace) plus 1 VO2 max session. Associated with 40–50% reduction in cardiovascular mortality. "The best drug we have."

💰 $0⏱ 6–12 months
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Andrew Huberman

Cold + Heat Contrast Therapy

Alternating sauna (20 min) and cold plunge (3 min) improves endothelial function, reduces blood pressure, and improves lipid profiles. Huberman recommends 3–4x/week.

💰 $0–$100/month⏱ 4–8 weeks
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Coronary calcium scan ($75–$150)Lipid panel ($30–$80 cash pay)Cardiologist consult ($150–$250)Find providers →
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Hormonal Imbalance / Low Testosterone

Hormonal Health

Most hormonal issues can be addressed with targeted lifestyle interventions first.

Avg surgery cost
$2,000–$10,000
Various hormone procedures
Gary Brecka

30-30-30 Morning Protocol

Gary Brecka's method: 30g protein within 30 minutes of waking, 30 minutes of Zone 2 movement. Combined with grounding (barefoot on earth), clients report 30–50% testosterone improvement without TRT.

💰 $0⏱ 30–60 days
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Andrew Huberman

Light + Sleep Protocol

Morning sunlight (10 min within 1hr of waking), evening light avoidance, and sleep optimization. Huberman's research shows testosterone is largely produced during deep sleep — optimizing sleep can increase T by 10–15%.

💰 $0⏱ 2–4 weeks
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Testosterone panel ($40–$80 cash pay)Functional medicine consult ($150–$300)DHEA/zinc supplementation ($20–$40/month)Find providers →
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Anxiety & Depression

Mental Health

Exercise, sleep, and light are some of the most powerful antidepressants ever studied.

Avg surgery cost
$200–$500/month ongoing
Psychiatric medications (long-term)
Andrew Huberman

NSDR + Exercise Protocol

Non-Sleep Deep Rest (yoga nidra) for 10–20 min daily to restore dopamine. 30+ min vigorous exercise 3–5x/week shown to be as effective as SSRIs for mild-moderate depression in multiple RCTs.

💰 $0⏱ 4–6 weeks
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Rhonda Patrick

Omega-3 + Magnesium Stack

Rhonda Patrick cites strong evidence for high-dose omega-3 (2–4g EPA/day) for depression. Combined with magnesium glycinate for anxiety. Low-cost, low-risk, evidence-backed.

💰 $30–$60/month⏱ 4–8 weeks
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LOWER-COST MEDICAL ALTERNATIVES (from MarketCare)

Therapy ($80–$150/session cash pay)Ketamine therapy ($400–$800/session)Psychiatrist consult ($150–$250)Find providers →

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