Jan 2, 2014 | Knee, Prolotherapy, PRP, Stem Cell Procedures
A recent clinical study found that Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) delivered significant improvement in knee function and pain to those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The study found that study participants receiving RIT treatment experienced an 29.5% improvement in knee pain, stiffness and function measured according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC score).[1]
This treatment is just one of many new options available in the fight against knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee usually occurs in knees that have experienced trauma, infection, or injury. The articular cartilage, which acts as a protective cushion, begins to deteriorate. What these new biological treatments accomplish is assisting and stimulating the growth of new cartilage. It’s an approach that does not simply mask the symptoms, but addresses the root cause of the condition.
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To maximize healing, Stem Cell treatments are used with other leading treatments in the field including Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Lysate therapy. In certain cases, a patient’s unique medical condition or circumstance may preclude utilizing the benefits of all treatments used together. In this case, a customized plan is developed using one or more of the treatments to obtain the best patient outcomes possible. While sometimes there is no good alternative to surgical repair, most often biologic repair offers a better option.
Stem Cell Therapy: The Process
Stem Cell Therapy makes use of the supply of stem cells available in the body to help repair injured and degenerated tissues. The easiest place to harvest these stem cells is from the back of the hip area, under ultrasound or x-ray guidance. This harvesting procedure is well tolerated by patients and not considered difficult as many patients claim it is not painful.
After bone marrow blood is drawn, it is centrifuged to concentrate and purify the stem cells, with each stem cell specimen custom designed to meet the needs of the specific injury. Utilizing either fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the stem cells are placed on the injured site precisely to improve the likelihood that stem cells will adhere to the damaged area and promote healing. After the stem cells are placed, concentrated platelets and other adjuvants are injected to stimulate the stem cells to multiply, and then transform into the repair cells needed to regenerate new cartilage. The platelets are injected again 2-5 days later to keep the stem cells activated and promote additional healing.
Prolotherapy
With Prolotherapy, a solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic (steroids are not used) stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair the cartilage, encouraging new growth and creating a positive environment into which the stem cells are placed. Prolotherapy treatments are usually scheduled every two to six weeks until the cartilage is regenerated.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelets initiate tissue repair by releasing growth factors. These growth factors start the healing process by attracting cells that repair us including critical stem cells. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy intensifies this process by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. The therapy involves a small sample of the patient’s blood placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into and around the point of injury, significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing. Our process for PRP is much different and sets us apart. Because our samples are all hand processed, we are able to produce PRP that is free of contaminating red and white cells, which can inhibit repair. This same special process also allows us to customize the concentration and volume for each individual and each injury type. This greatly improves outcomes.
Platelet Lysates
Platelets in the blood release powerful tissue growth factors that aid in the healing process. Normally this occurs slowly over time, but through the creation of a Platelet Lysate solution, a high concentration of growth factors can be released immediately into the body. The result is a targeted, faster healing process. Additionally, there are areas of the body where using traditional PRP may cause too much inflammation. Platelet Lysates are a better option where inflammation may become an issue.
A Real Solution to Regain Knee Function
These regenerative treatments are a promising revolution in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. While not a “cure,” these treatments can slow the progression of the disease, significantly reduce pain and restore knee function and mobility to the patient. When combined with short term knee bracing and physical therapy, the effects of this approach can be greatly magnified even further to restore quality of life to most patients.
[1] Richard Dumais, MD, Catherine Benoit, MD, Alex Dumais, MD, Lise Babin, MD, Rachel Bordage, BScN, Claire de Arcos, BScPT, Jacques Allard, PhD, Mathieu Bélanger, PhD, “Effect of Regenerative Injection Therapy on Function and Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Crossover Study,” Pain Medicine 2012; 13; 990-999; Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jan 2, 2014 | Knee, Prolotherapy, PRP, Stem Cell Procedures
According to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, out of 295 knee surgeries for Meniscus repair that occurred over a 9-year period, 37 needed subsequent surgeries to correct a failed repair. After a review of medical literature, the study found that the failure rate for this type of surgery could range anywhere from 5-45%[1].
One of the problems with this type of surgery is that when trying to repair these tears, surgeons are often removing Meniscus tissue surrounding the tear. The reason is if the location of the Meniscus tear is on the interior of the knee, the lack of proximity to a blood supply means that the tear may not heal properly. This approach unfortunately can lead to complications including increased arthritis in the knee in the future.
The Meniscus is living tissue acting as a shock absorber in the knee, which is why biologic regenerative treatments hold such promise to actually heal the injury instead of attempting to carve it out. The result is a less invasive procedure, with a quicker return to normal daily activity when compared to surgery. To maximize healing, Stem Cell treatments are used with other leading treatments in the field including Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Lysate therapy. In certain cases, a patient’s unique medical condition or circumstance may preclude utilizing the benefits of all treatments used together. In this case, a customized plan is developed using one or more of the treatments to obtain the best patient outcomes possible. While sometimes there is no good alternative to surgical repair, most often biologic repair offers a better option.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem Cell therapy makes use of the supply of stem cells available in the body to help repair injured and degenerated tissues. The easiest place to harvest these stem cells is from the back of the hip area, under ultrasound or x-ray guidance. This harvesting procedure is well tolerated by patients and not considered difficult as many patients claim it is not painful.
After bone marrow blood is drawn, it is centrifuged to concentrate and purify the stem cells, with each stem cell specimen custom designed to meet the needs of the specific injury. Utilizing either fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the stem cells are placed on the injured site precisely to improve the likelihood that stem cells will adhere to the damaged area and promote healing. After the stem cells are placed, concentrated platelets and other adjuvants are injected to stimulate the stem cells to multiply, and then transform into the repair cells needed to regenerate new tissue. The platelets are injected again 2-5 days later to keep the stem cells activated and promote additional healing.
Prolotherapy
Injected 2-5 days before the stem cells, Prolotherapy contains a solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic (steroids are not used). This solution stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissue, encouraging new growth and creating a positive environment into which the stem cells are placed.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelets initiate tissue repair by releasing growth factors. These growth factors start the healing process by attracting cells that repair us including the critical stem cells. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy intensifies this process by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. The therapy involves a small sample of the patient’s blood placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into and around the point of injury, significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing. Our process for PRP is much different and sets us apart. Because our samples are all hand processed, we are able to produce PRP that is free of contaminating red and white cells, which can inhibit repair. This same special process also allows us to customize the concentration and volume for each individual and each injury type. This greatly improves outcomes.
Platelet Lysates
Platelets in the blood release powerful tissue growth factors that aid in the healing process. Normally this occurs slowly over time, but through the creation of a Platelet Lysate solution, a high concentration of growth factors can be released immediately into the body. The result is a targeted, faster healing process. Additionally, there are areas of the body where using traditional PRP may cause too much inflammation. Platelet Lysates are a better option where inflammation may become an issue.
Eliminate the Risks of Surgery
Another recent study demonstrated that a group of patients receiving stem cell treatment experienced double the pain relief compared to a control group in the study over a 2 year period. In particular, one physician from the Mayo clinic monitoring the study noted that there were no adverse events related to the treatment[2]. That fact alone makes biologic regenerative treatments a very attractive option to patients dealing with a Knee Meniscus tear.
[1] Nicolas Pujol, MD, Olivier Barbier, MD, Philippe Boisrenoult, MD and Philippe Beaufils, MD, “Amount of Meniscal Resection After Failed Meniscal Repair,” The American Journal of Sports Medicine; August 2011; vol. 39 no. 8; http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/39/8/1648.abstract
[2] John Gever, Senior Editor, MedPage Today, Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD, Emeritus Professor
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Dorothy Caputo, MA, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, Nurse Planner “Stem Cells Show Promise for Meniscal Tears,” MedPage Today; Feb 10, 2012; http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAOS/31131
Jan 2, 2014 | Prolotherapy, PRP, Spine and Neck
It may start as an aching sensation in your neck or back that fades and returns. The pain may increase and last longer over time. You may begin to lose flexibility and stretching or turning your back might increase the pain. If you have these symptoms, you might be suffering from facet syndrome.
Facet syndrome is a common diagnosis for back, mid-back and neck pain. The facet is a joint that lies between each of the vertebra in the back. These joints are in constant motion, providing the spine with both the stability and flexibility needed to walk, run, bend, sit, and twist. The joint surfaces are lined with cartilage allowing them to glide easily over each other. The joint can be become damaged from an injury, or due to a degenerative condition, such as arthritis. When the joint cartilage deteriorates, friction between the bones leads to the tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. The muscles will also work harder to protect the injured area, becoming very tense and stiff.
Video: Understanding Facet Syndrome, Causes and Treatments:
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Symptoms of Facet Syndrome
- Pain that is often worse in the beginning and end of the day, or with a change in weather
- Lower back pain that is primarily at the waist level
- Neck pain that radiates into the shoulders, or head
- Headaches at the base of the skull, aching behind the eyes, and/or ringing in the ears
- The sound of bone rubbing on bone when you move
- Abnormal curvature in the spine
- Increase in pain when first standing, when sitting for long periods of time, or when bending or twisting
Risk Factors for Facet Syndrome
- Excessive weight
- Back overuse due to sports or heavy labor
- Family history of facet syndrome or back pain
- Presence of disease such as gout, other types of arthritis, or infections
- Damage from injuries, including whiplash, or sleeping with a twisted neck
- Any injury with a sudden jerk of the neck, twisting while lifting overhead, or trauma to the spine
Treating Facet Syndrome
A treatment plan for Facet Syndrome can start with physical therapy to improve strength, mobility and range of motion. MRIs and x-rays can help confirm the diagnosis, and the diagnoses can be confirmed further through an injection of anesthetic and cortisone into what is believed to be the affected joint. If there is a reduction in pain, then this confirms the true source of your pain.
Cortisone is also helpful in reducing inflammation around the facet joint. However, these treatments may not return the patient to the flexibility and comfort level desired. This is where biologic regenerative treatments, such as Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), are particularly effective in actually helping the facet joint to heal, instead of merely reducing the symptoms. These treatments actually help to restore the strength to the neck or back.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy contains a solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic (steroids are not used). This solution stimulates the body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissue, encouraging new growth and creating a positive environment into which the stem cells are placed.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelets initiate tissue repair by releasing growth factors. These growth factors start the healing process by attracting cells that repair us, including critical stem cells. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy intensifies this process by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. The therapy involves a small sample of the patient’s blood placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into and around the point of injury, significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing. Our process for PRP is much different and sets us apart. Because our samples are all hand processed, we are able to produce PRP that is free of contaminating red and white cells, which can inhibit repair. This same special process also allows us to customize the concentration and volume for each individual and each injury type. This greatly improves outcomes.
With treatments such as Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma, it is possible to restore the facet joint back to normal function. The muscles around the joint will begin to relax as a result, and the patient can return to the normal range of motion and flexibility experienced before the onset of Facet Syndrome.
Jan 2, 2014 | Platelet Lysate, PRP, Spine and Neck
Are You Still Suffering after Back Surgery? Gain Real Control Over Pain and Promote Your Own Healing
At StemCell ARTS, we see many patients seeking further medical intervention after they’ve had back surgery; especially when the surgery fails to deliver the mobility, activity level and quality of life that they were expecting. Patients who have had spinal fusion surgery tend to fall most often into this category.
After spinal surgery, the spine will lose some mobility in the repaired area, as it has been fused. This fusing forces additional stress in the areas above and below the fused section. If the areas of increased motion are not able to handle the additional stress, they can cause further injuries
Video: Treating Back Pain Following Surgery
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In many cases, the surgery may have actually been successful, in that it did repair the one issue that it was designed to address. The problem is that other issues in the back might still be present. For example, back surgery might repair a herniated disc, but miss a torn ligament, a damaged facet joint or a sacroiliac joint. These other problems, too often, can’t be fixed with surgery. The patient will often mistakenly feel that surgery was a failure, when the real answer is that it was not the solution to their problem. Alternative types of treatment must be considered in order to resolve these remaining issues and here, at StemCell ARTS we are at the forefront of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Lysate Therapy.
Currently, there are pain-specific diagnostic tools available to determine the true sources of continued pain after back surgery. To confirm whether additional back injuries are present, a local anesthetic or nerve block can be administered to accurately pinpoint whether a specific area is the source of the patient’s pain. If their pain is relieved by nerve block, then it confirms the diagnosis that the pain was in the desensitized area. Only after conducting a thorough review of a patient’s history, a physical examination and other comprehensive testing, can a diagnosis can be reached. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan, utilizing part or all of either PRP or Platelet Lysate Therapy, can be developed in order to promote healing.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelets initiate tissue repair by releasing growth factors. These growth factors start the healing process by attracting other cells that also repair, including critical stem cells. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) intensifies this process by delivering a high concentration of platelets. This therapy involves a small sample of the patient’s blood being placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into problem areas whether they are weakened ligaments, injured joints or poor muscle attachments. The process significantly strengthens the body’s own natural healing process. StemCell ARTS’ system for deriving PRP is much different than other PRP providers and sets us far apart. Because our samples are all hand-processed, we are able to produce PRP that is free of contaminating red and white cells, which can inhibit the repair process. This same innovative process also allows us to customize the concentration and volume for each individual and each injury type.
Platelet Lysates
In certain cases, a patient may have residual nerve pain. In those isolated cases, we can apply a Platelet Lysate solution, as it is a wonderful healing agent for nerves. Platelets in the blood release powerful tissue growth factors that aid in the healing process. Normally, healing occurs naturally over time, but through the creation of a Platelet Lysate solution, a high concentration of growth factors can be released immediately into the injured or damaged area. At StemCell ARTS, we inject the solution directly into the spinal canal, thus allowing the nerves to return to their original integrity that they were before they were after they’ve been traumatized from the initial injury. Studies show that these Platelet Lysate injections can work better and longer than Epidural Steroid injections.
The potential net result of either PRP or Platelet Lysate Therapy has proven to contribute to a significant improvement in the residual issues that a patient can have after surgery, and a return to a full quality of life and previous range of activities can be expected.
Dec 5, 2013 | Blog, PRP, Shoulder / Rotator Cuff
An excellent article was posted this month at The New Yorker’s online hub – newyorker.com
The article looks at PRP treatments, with the story of Chris Waddell, an athlete who was paralyzed in a college skiing accident, but went on to accomplish amazing athletic achievements including five gold medals in the Paralympic Games. After experiencing a rotator cuff tear and torn biceps tendon, he tried rehab, exercises and cortisone shots with limited success. Facing surgery, he decided to try PRP. His return to health has been remarkable.
Read the Story Here
StemCell ARTs offers the nations most advanced Stem Cell and PRP procedures. Learn more about how our PRP is different here.
