WHAT TYPES OF CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY?
While this is not a complete list, it will provide you with the most common treatments.
Tendon/ligament injuries, muscular injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, back pain, plantar fasciitis, failed microfracture, non-union of fractures, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries such as ACL tears.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE?
When you schedule a consultation either at the office or via a telemedicine consult we will go over your history and perform a thorough physical exam prior to any procedure. To aid in our assessment we may use diagnostic imaging techniques to determine if you are a candidate for regenerative therapies.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEM CELL AND PRP? ARE THEY THE SAME?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is obtained by drawing the patients’ blood and spinning it down in a centrifuge at a high rate of speed to concentrate the platelets found in whole blood. These platelets are prepared and injected back into damaged tissue where they release healing proteins and growth factors to speed the healing process in the injured area. PRP improves the quality of healing tissue, promotes new vascular growth and protects articular cartilage from further breakdown.
Stem Cells have all the bio-active elements that PRP has, however, they also have progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and other adult cells that have the unique ability to differentiate into other cell types such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and tendon. Stem cells have the ability to regrow/regenerate deficiencies in cartilage. Stem cells are found in bone marrow, fat tissue and from donor cells.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AFTER RECEIVING PRP?
For the first 48 hours, swelling and discomfort are typical in the injected area. Patients can ice as needed after the injection. Pain medication is not typically needed however if a patient does request, they can be provided. After about 2 weeks you may start physical therapy to optimize PRP affects. You will then follow-up with your provider in about a month to evaluate improvement using ultrasound evaluation as well as symptom relief questions.
WHEN CAN I RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITY?
Stem and PRP therapies begin the repair process immediately. Most patients report a decrease in pain symptoms after a few days to a week however, it may take 6 -8 weeks before patients may notice a significant improvement in their functional symptoms.
IS THERE ANY EXCLUSION CRITERIA THAT INHIBIT SOMEONE FROM GETTING PRP?
Severe anemia, low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, active systemic infection, active cancer, the presence of a tumor, metastatic disease, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are all contra-indications.