Do You have Any Doubts
About Regenerative Medicine?
Here You Can Find The Most Popular Answers To Regular Questions
Stem Cells
Human cell tissue like we use at Douglas Primary Care Centers contains mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells are undifferentiated, meaning they haven’t “decided” what cell to turn into. These cells hold the secret to life. Stem Cells both make and maintain our bodies. When a sperm and egg come together they create the ultimate Stem Cell. This cell, in turn, undergoes multiple divisions into cells that differentiate to form our bodies and all the organ systems. Once the body is formed, the organs have Stem Cells that allow the body to repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
Our bodies experience physical damage and are exposed to toxins every day. We all have an innate ability to heal and regenerate damage to our bodies. When cell tissue is introduced into the body, the cells have a “Homing” characteristic that sends them directly to the areas of inflammation and damage. They release a chemical that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal. Research shows that human cell tissue can decrease inflammation and modulate the immune system.
Human cell tissue can only be called a “stem cell” if it comes from the patient’s own body fat or bone marrow extracted; is cleansed and then injected back into the body. But research shows that the human cell tissue that is harvested from the Umbilical Cord tissue from healthy births and donated by the mom.
Science has proven that the highest proliferation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC’s) come from Wharton’s Jelly. MSC’s are the “Gold Bullion” of human cell tissues and are what every Doctor is looking for. MSC’s attach themselves to the micro-capillaries of damaged tissue and they release a “Magical Soup” that causes your own body to heal and regenerate itself.
At Douglas Primary Care Centers, we use human cell tissues for musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions like back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, post-surgical pain, pain from failed surgeries, and arthritic pain.
Human cell tissue can be beneficial for almost anyone. Our bodies are in a chronic state of degeneration or inflammation and as we get older, we are in a state where the regenerative capabilities of our bodies are overwhelmed by the underlying disease process. This is why human cell tissue transplants can be beneficial to almost anyone with chronic joint pain.
The discipline of Regenerative Medicine is a game-changer in modern medicine. Regenerative Medicine physicians focus on the body’s innate potential to regenerate itself, to heal itself and to cure disease. We view Medicine as having three main practice areas: Surgery, Pharmaceutical Medicine and Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine seeks to heal the body, not medicate symptoms, and many regenerative therapies are capable of delaying, or eliminating altogether, the need for surgery.
At Douglas Primary Care Centers we have a Three Step Process.
- We exclusively use Wharton’s Jelly Cord Tissue for our patients. Science proves that Wharton’s Jelly has the highest proliferation of MSC’s in the Umbilical Cord.
- We offer, at no extra charge, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in all of our joint injections which saves you $700 – $900/joint. Science confirms that PRP is an excellent anti- inflammatory all on its own. PRP contains an abundance of healing factors and proteins, which enhances and stimulates the activation of the human cell tissue in your injured body part.
- We incorporate Nutritional Plan into the Therapy Process. Our Nutritional Plans focus on getting your body all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to work its best. This increases the regenerative benefits of your human cell tissue transplant.
Questions to ask a healthcare provider before getting a human cell tissue transplant or stem cell injections
- Am I getting Wharton’s Jelly? Science proves that Wharton’s Jelly harvested from the cord tissue has the highest proliferation of MSC’s in the Umbilical Cord.
- What Lab will my Human Cell Tissue come from? We are totally transparent. We tell you the lab we use, we explain and detail the product you will be receiving, and you receive a brochure, so you can do your own research.
- How many MSC’s will I get per Injection? We tell you how many MSC’s you will be receiving in total and specifically by joint/injection. If you are told that you are getting “1 CC in the left knee” with no quantities; that is a red flag.
- Will my Human Cell Tissue or Stem Cells be Free of Blood and clean and free of infectious diseases? Our Lab stands behind their product and has confirmation that each lot is safe and clean.
If the Doctor and Clinic you are considering receiving your Stem Cell Therapy can check all of these boxes, then you are in a good facility.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a regenerative procedure where natural irritants are injected into the site of an injury.
This promotes your body to kick start an immune reaction which activates your body’s natural healing response.
No. Prolotherapy is not a surgical treatment. It is a non-surgical tendon and ligament regeneration.
Low back pain, mid back pain, degenerative disk disease, wrist or hand pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal pain or injuries.
Patients normally tolerate the procedure very well. There may be some discomfort at the injection site post procedure. A local anesthetic agent is used during the time of injection to help with the pain.
It works by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanism. This is done by direct injections to an injury site which triggers the body to go through an inflammatory phase. This results in the tightening of weakened ligaments and tendons and allows for a gradual build-up of tissue to restore joint function.
An initial assessment will be done by the Physician to determine if you are suitable for the procedure.
Your Physician will examine imaging results, x-rays and another health history prior to the start of treatment.
Individual treatment plans will vary from patient to patient. An average of 4-6 treatments is necessary with treatment intervals every 3-6 weeks.
An initial consultation is required to determine what your individual cost will be. Once a consult is performed, the Physician will review your treatment plan along with associated costs.
Prolotherapy is typically not covered under health insurance, however, some insurances may cover the cost of your Initial Consultation.
PRP
(Platelet Rich Plasma) are plasma injections with a concentrated amount of platelets used to stimulate
healing using your own blood. First, the physician will draw your blood. It is then placed in a centrifuge
to separate your platelet poor plasma, your platelet rich plasma, and your red blood cells.
The platelet rich portion is then extracted along with some of your other blood components and injected into the site of injury. Injections are guided using an ultrasound machine to ensure proper placement. Research suggests that these injections stimulate repair and regeneration of tissues, tendons, or ligaments. The number of injections you receive will depend on the severity of your case.
Typically, 4 to 6 injections are needed.
Arthritis, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Shoulder Injuries, Knee Bursitis, Tennis Elbow, Chronic Ankle Pain, Achilles, Bicep Tendonitis, Acute Sports Injuries, amongst many others.
An Initial Consultation will be required before the start of any treatment. This involves a comprehensive review of your complaints, medical history and diagnostic results if needed. Patients with low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, severe anemia, and active infections are normally not good candidates for PRP.
Depending on the site and severity of the injury, most procedures take between 45 minutes to an hour.
The procedure is usually tolerated very well, however, there may be some discomfort and soreness after the injections are performed. Swelling and soreness are expected during the first 48 hours.
Medications will be given to alleviate your discomfort.
Patients typically express relief of symptoms gradually over the course of 3 to 6 weeks. There are some individuals who report an increased level of overall health to the site of injury up to 9 months post injection. Healing process will vary from patient to patient.
One of the greatest advantages of PRP is the use of your own blood components. No foreign substances are injected which reduces the risk of complications or rejection. As with any types of injections, there are small risks associated with the procedure, such as site infection, bleeding, increased pain or discomfort, tendon or ligament injury, blood vessel injury, bruising and site tenderness. If you experience any of these symptoms, please discuss it with your Physician.
An initial consultation is required to determine what your individual cost will be. Once a consult is
performed, the Physician will review your treatment plan along with associated costs.
PRP injections are typically not covered under health insurance, however, some insurances may cover the cost of your Initial Consultation.