More and more physicians are offering regenerative procedures as treatment options in their practices. With so many physicians to choose from, how do patients determine what sets one regenerative medicine practice apart from another?
The physicians at StemCell ARTS go through extensive training to be part of theRegenexxnetwork of physicians. The regenerative procedures, performed at StemCell ARTS, are all done with image guidance. That means all injections use fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound to determine exactly where the sample is being injected. The ability to perform image-guided injections requires additional knowledge, skill, and training.
The skill and expertise of the StemCell ARTS physicians has established them as the area’s foremost regenerative medicine experts in the field of interventional orthopedics. This reputation has earned bothDr. Rodney Dade, Dr. MayoFriedlis andDr. Robert Wagnerthe honor of being named Northern Virginia Magazine 2018 Top Doctors.
It is no secret that regenerative procedures are gaining popularity in the field of medicine. Physicians have an increased awareness of just how successful these regenerative treatment options can be in treating a myriad of ailments. Unfortunately, there are those looking to capitalize on the success of regenerative treatments at the expense of potential patients looking to see if these treatments can benefit their medical condition.
Companies are advertising amniotic “stem cells” that can be utilized for in office use. These companies are claiming that these products offer millions of stem cells. Physicians or chiropractors may buy into this sales pitch without performing their due diligence to determine whether or not these claims are substantiated. Luckily, there are physcians who took the effort to determine if these products were really what they seemed, or if they were too good to be true.
Independent research done by the Interventional Orthopedics Foundation (IOF) and other independent physicians concluded that these products offered no live stem cells. Not only were there no live stem cells, there were no living cells present at all. This makes sense when one considers the harvesting and processing that these cells need to undergo.
While the physicians and chiropractors who offer these amniotic “stem cell” products profit, the patients are the ones who receive the short end of the stick. Patients are shelling out money for ineffective products and procedures performed by ill-equipped providers. Patients are urged to do more research on the topic of amniotic “stem cell” procedures, prior to having one of these procedures performed. The video below offers some information regarding results from the research and testing of these amniotic “stem cell” products.
At StemCell ARTS, we love to hear patients provide their experience following regenerative procedures with our practice. It is extremely rewarding to hear tales of patients returning to the activities they love. Mark, a patient under the care of Dr. Rodney Dade in theTysons Corner, VA office, was an avid runner who had been sidelined with knee pain. Mark provides his experience after undergoingthe stem cell series of injections to treat his knee condition, bilaterally.
“This has given me a second chance that I didn’t think I’d ever have. I believe I’ve found the ‘Fountain of Youth.’ I’m extremely glad I decided to do it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. There are other options besides surgery.”
I was seen in August for my 2nd PRP treatment. I am thrilled to say that I can really see and feel the difference since my last treatment. Initially it was crazy sore and quite miserable but after about 6 weeks I started to really improve. I was able to travel lugging my own suitcase and back pack throughout London, Paris and Scotland on /off trains /metros / etc. I was so surprised at how well my neck and back did throughout the whole time.
No muscle relaxers or Advil needed the entire trip . I wanted to send a big thank you to Dr. Newton as I have been struggling with pain for over 11 years since my accident.
Our StemCell ARTS team recently received amazing recognition from Maria, a patient under the care of Dr. Robert H. Wagner in the Tysons Corner, VA office. Maria explains her experience after undergoing the Stem Cell series of injections to treat knee arthritis.
“I have started taking walks and even joined a line dancing group thanks to your work. Every now and then I have pain to the point where I slow down and have to take it easy, at least for a day. With both the right and left knees affected by osteoarthritis I can’t really complain about the mobility that I have at this point on both knees. I am thankful that I had the injection done in the right knee and the stem cell on the left, both treatments have helped me up to this point.”
If you are a Washington DC sports fan, you might have seen the injury heard around the DMV. Bryce Harper with the Washington Nationals baseball team slipped on a wet base, went airborne, and landed on his side, clutching his knee in agony. An MRI found that found it was a ‘bone bruise’ and not anything more serious such as a torn ligament or tendon. Symptoms of bone bruises include: stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and possible fluid build-up. Although still touted as fairly serious, he is slated to return before the end of the season. Harper is considered lucky in comparison to many professional athletes who suffer career-ending injuries.
Treatments Available
Not all bone bruises are serious and can be treated at home with rest and ice. However, for those that require more complex treatments, we are able to offer minimally invasive procedures to help speed up the healing process. These areas are weakened and more likely to suffer from micro fractures and are more susceptible for degeneration. According to the International Orthopedic Foundation, no athlete with diagnosed bone swelling returned to play after their ACL surgery. Stem cells and platelets would be able to help heal the bone bruise, and strengthen the area to protect it against future injuries. Since there is little down time for these treatments, athletes are able to return to their sport faster.
Check out Dr. Centeno’s blog regarding ACL surgeries with bone bruises, and some of the interesting data they’ve collected on the downside of surgical interventions!
StemCell ARTS is an Affiliate of National Spine and Pain Centers
If the regenerative treatment options offered by StemCell ARTS are not right for you, National Spine and Pain Centers provide more traditional treatments for spine and joint conditions.
