Can cell therapy help back pain?

Back pain affects millions of people in our country and sometimes comes from simple things like muscle strain. But as we grow older our spine changes and other causes of pain become common. The problems that come with aging are called degenerative disease.

These can be more difficult to treat and include:

  • spinal stenosis
  • degenerative disc changes
  • herniated discs
  • facet disease (arthritis)
  • cysts
  • spondylolisthesis (slipped bones)
  • fractures

Typically these issues are treated with medications, therapy, or even surgery. Unfortunately outcomes for back surgery fusion have been poor and many of these patients continue to suffer with chronic pain.

 

What Can Regenerative Medicine do to help?

Regenerative Medicine is being used to treat acute and chronic spine pain and patients are experiencing improvement!

The spine is a complex structure with bones, joints, discs, nerves and soft tissues like ligaments and tendon attachments. Any of these can cause pain. Typical steroid injections block swelling, but rely on the tissue to heal on its own. Sometimes that never happens.

Regenerative Medicine takes a different approach and uses cells that can heal tissues. Stem Cells have the ability to become any type of cell and can heal injuries and degenerated tissue.

In a back fusion, the surgeon assumes the disc to be the source of pain and tries to remove it and replace it with bone. Often the patient continues to hurt. Sometimes this is from a faulty diagnosis and other times, even with disc pain, fusion fails to stop pain.

Regenerative medicine may help patients who have failed surgery as well as those trying to avoid it.

Up until now we have had no way to treat acute and chronic disc pain except with medications and surgeries like fusion. But over the last several years doctors trained in regenerative medicine techniques have begun to experiment with intra-discal injections of PRP and/or cell therapy in the hopes of healing the injured disc. We also use these products in the other parts of the spine.

An FDA approved Phase III adult stem cell study is currently in progress to test a treatment for chronic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease.

Does Regenerative Medicine Work for the Spine?

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic published the following:

In a systematic review …….. we identified intradiscal MSC transplantation as a safe and effective way to address the underlying cause of disk pathology in DDD that traditional conservative, interventional and surgical treatments fail to address.

There is still research to be done, but learly there is evidence that the use of stem cells to treat discogenic pain has credence and is safe.

Apart from disc pain, back pain and neck pain may come from joint injury in the posterior part of the spine. This too, can be treated with regenerative cells.  It was this type of pain that led one of the greatest professional golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, to undergo stem cell treatment for his back pain.  Published reports note Mr. Nicklaus thinks this treatment cured his back pain.

Spine problems can be disabling but Regenerative Medicine can help

There are some doctors who will state that there is not enough evidence for stem cell in the treatment of spine pain. While there is ongoing research and we need more published studies, that will come in time. Right now it is clear that there is both lab and clinical evidence stem cell can help spine pain.

I have treated spine patients for twenty years and it is very clear that our currents methods of treatment are inadequate. Injections and medications often fail, and spine surgery has poor outcomes, leaving patients in pain.

Regenerative Medicine will one day be the primary way we treat spine pain!

When that day comes, we will then spare patients the misery of surgery and long recoveries.

There is much, much work to be done with clinical studies, but there is also much reason to believe that these treatments can help, and many case reports of successful patient treatments!

If you have chronic spine pain, let us guide you to your best treatment options.

At Southcoast Regenerative Medicine we can help you. Take your first steps to less pain and  Set up an appointment today.

 

How to find the right Doctor to help with your spine or joint pain?

The use of cell therapy is becoming more popular.

As Patients have treatments and get better, they spread the word! Patients are beginning to realize the incredible potential of these “Orthobiologic” treatments and social media is letting the world know about these improvements.

As more and more patients turn to advertisements about “stem cell treatments” they are left to wonder……WHICH CLINIC DO I CHOOSE?

 

 

Many stem cell clinics are run by Chiropractors….. not doctors

It is important to understand that in South Carolina and other parts of the U.S., it is Chiropractors who are the leading stem cell providers. Unable to do injections themselves because of legal restrictions, they hire a doctor to do stem cell injections in their office. The doctor, often with no experience in the treatment of joint and spine disease, and with no knowledge and training in the use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy, comes to the office and injects donor cells blindly into the “area” where the patient has a problem.

Some doctors have little experience

There are also medical providers with no experience in the treatment of spine and joint disease, and no training or experience with image guidance, who begin to offer “stem cells” because they see it as the “next best thing” and they see patient demand. These physicians can often be recognized by the way they offer a variety of self pay products such as hormones, laser treatments, vitamins and have a virtual marketplace for patients. They are always getting into the latest new thing on the market, knowing a little about a lot of things and a lot about nothing.

The problem with unqualified providers

Chiropractors are are an asset and they help people daily with spine and joint pain, and doctors who rely on the “next best thing” provide a service too. But there can be real issues using these providers for stem cell.

These providers:

  • Don’t have the experience to recognize when a patient is a poor candidate
  • Don’t have the experience to treat the joint or spine with the best methods
  • are not always able to get the cells where they need to go
  • may not be prepared to deal with complications
  • typically “sell” patients on donated cells, because it is easier, not because it is better.

 

Qualifications of the best Orthobiologic doctors

At this point there are few residency programs in regenerative medicine, and those that are available have to be taught by someone who learned this specialty on his own. The best provider for regenerative medicine is one who has developed a genuine interest in stem cell and other regenerative treatments because they view it as a better option for patients they have been treating for years. He or she will have:

  • medical license in good standing
  • a history of treating joint and spine disease, and experience with traditional treatments
  • experience with ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance
  • training by experienced personnel
  • affiliations with large groups of physicians with similar experience in stem cell
  • the ability to enter patient outcomes in a database, and follow patients long term

Stem cell injection using ultrasound guidance.

There are excellent, experienced physicians you can turn to for cell therapy, but you must assess each clinic for appropriate qualifications.

Regenerative Medicine is the future. It can work to relieve pain.

At Southcoast Regenerative Medicine we are well qualified to offer the best regenerative options to patients with joint and spine disease. We believe that these treatments are the future of medicine and although much research is still needed, there are many reasons to believe it is reasonable option for spine and joint pain now.  Come see us today and let us help you.

Should you try Cellular therapy?

How good would cell therapy treatments have to be in order for you to consider it?

Think about this question.

You have arthritis. You have dealt with the pain, limited activities and poor sleep, and you know that you must do something.  However, you also know the risk involved in undergoing surgery, have friends who have had the surgery and still have chronic pain,  and have read studies stating that one out of four patients who have total knee replacement continue to have pain. This means that a full 25% of patients who have knee replacement don’t get what they are looking for with the surgery, namely pain relief. Though this is never advertised, the outcomes in knee surgery are not so great. So then, how good does stem cell have to be before you should consider it as an alternative to joint replacement surgery?  Before you read further, think about this question. How effective would cell treatments have to be before you would say “YES, I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING I SHOULD TRY”.

When comparing cell therapy treatments to knee replacement:

  • would a 25% as effective rate be reasonable?
  • would you think 50% as effective as knee surgery would make stem cell something you would consider?
  • or perhaps would you demand that stem cell treatments be at least 75% as effective as knee replacement before you would consider it?

Dr. Hernigou found “Stem Cell treatments” for Knee Arthritis were better than surgery

Interestingly, the question of how cell therapy compares to knee replacement surgery has been asked, and answered and stem cell treatments came out BETTER.

That’s correct. Cell therapy treatments were better than knee replacement in providing pain relief, as judged by patients who had both!

I have referenced this paper earlier, but not in detail and it does in fact deserve to be presented in detail. Phillipe Hernigou, an orthopedic surgeon and stem cell researcher at Val de Mame in France, compared outcomes with knee arthroplasty and stem cell treatments.  Dr. Hernigou wanted to determine if patients who underwent total knee replacement might have done better with stem cell treatments. He found out they did.

Details of the Knee Arthroplasty vs. Stem Cell treatment study

Dr. Hernigou found 30 patients who had severe knee arthritis in both knees. He had the patients agree to participate in a study to compare stem cell treatments and joint replacement surgery.  Each patient would agree to have surgery on one knee and stem cell on the other knee. Hernigou, though an Orthopedic Surgeon, was an early adopter of stem cell therapy but is a researcher at heart.  He had already done research showing injected bone marrow cells can revitalize and remodel necrotic bone. But now he wanted to see if this treatment worked well for knee arthritis.

In this study of knee arthritis Hernigou used  bone marrow cells from the same patient (the same treatments we use at Southcoast Regenerative Medicine), injecting them into the knee to treat knee arthritis. He wanted to compare this to the surgical knee on which he was operating. Hernigou followed these patients for up to 16 years post procedure. In 2018 He published his paper in the International Journal of Orthopedics.

Results of knee surgery vs. cell therapy treatments

In the end, patients with stem cell therapy did show improvement in cartilage and 21/30 patients felt the stem cell knee was better than the total knee replacement.

LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN…… 70% of PATIENTS PREFERRED  CELL THERAPY  TREATMENT TO KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY!

Conclusions from the study: “Subchondral autologous bone marrow concentrate was an effective procedure for treating young patients with knee osteoarthritis following secondary ON of the knee related to corticosteroids, with a lower complication rate and a quicker recovery as compared with Total Knee Arthroplasty”.

 

What does this data mean for the use of cell therapy in the treatment of typical Knee Arthritis?

I think it is clear, this data speaks for itself.  For osteonecrosis, cell therapy use can work.  While typical knee arthritis is not osteonecrosis, it is a very similar issue and there is no doubt this paper makes us think that using cell therapy in that setting is worth consideration.

Osteonecrosis is more rapid form of arthritis in which more bone cells die. The patients were younger than the typical arthritis patient but the disease process is essentially the same in both groups. This study not only shows that patients with arthritis can get pain relief from using their own stem cells, it also shows that patients prefer this treatment to surgery!

No treatment is perfect and like any therapy there can be failures with cell therapy. But as research progresses there is more reason to believe it can work to treat knee arthritis.

 

IF YOU HAVE PAIN AND DISABILITY AND WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE……..TAKE THE FIRST STEPS NOW!

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
  • OR SIGN UP FOR A SEMINAR
  • LET US GUIDE YOU TO YOUR BEST TREATMENT OPTION
  • HAVE A SHORT, RELATIVELY PAIN FREE PROCEDURE
  • BEGIN YOUR NEW PAIN FREE LIFE!

Don’t wait too late

Arthritis can be treated with cell therapy. But don’t wait too long to do so or the damage may be irreversible.

Arthritis can be a crippling disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation it affects 31 million people. Much of our thinking about the development of arthritis has changed in recent years, and now there are promising new treatments that might even help us prevent arthritis even after serious injury. If you have arthritis pain, you should consider cell therapy treatment now rather than later. If you wait too long, the damage may be irreversible.

If your arthritis issues are mild to moderate you may have found that changing your lifestyle and limiting activities is enough to decrease your pain. But as noted in the publication Arthritis Health, stem cells are thought to stop arthritis progression.  So Should you consider these treatments now?

Reasons you need to consider Cell therapy Sooner, rather than later

1. Arthritis is a Progressive Disease

Once we develop arthritis, our joints continue to change. The enzymes destroy cartilage leading to worsening of the structural changes.

Knee has four classifications that show these changes:

grade 0: no radiographic features of OA are present
grade 1: doubtful joint space narrowing (JSN) and possible osteophytic lipping
grade 2: definite osteophytes and possible JSN on anteroposterior weight-bearing radiograph
grade 3: multiple osteophytes, definite JSN, sclerosis, possible bony deformity
grade 4: large osteophytes, marked JSN, severe sclerosis and definite bony deformity

As the pain and stiffness progress and patients “feel” more symptoms, it is likely that the joint changes are progressing as well. The cartilage certainly continues to degrade, and subsequently the bone underneath the cartilage (subchondral bone) begins to develop more serious changes, including bony swelling and spur formation.  Once this has happened, stem cell treatments may still help, but complete recovery becomes less likely.

There is no doubt that Regenerative techniques have a greater chance of success when used earlier rather than later.

2. Cell therapy Can Block Inflammation

Our own cells have remarkable characteristics. They have the potency to develop into many different cell types. They are self replicating and have the ability to orchestrate repair. But one of the more fascinating characteristics is that they have the ability to stop inflammation. We also believe that Orthobiologic treatments may halt arthritis progression.

3. Cell therapy can Work, but the benefit may take time

There is little doubt that cell therapy can repair many different tissues, but this repair takes time. Cells arrive on the scene of injured tissue and immediately begin to lay down a barrier to inflammation, replicate, and conduct the orchestra of healing cells.

Orthobiologic treatments may cause changes in other cells. These other cells then begin to perform new duties in their efforts to repair injured tissue. But these repairs take time. There is much data to suggest that many weeks to months are required for significant tissue improvement.

4. Cell therapy can Decrease Pain

We have already discussed how the cells used have so many unusual characteristics. They have incredible ability to self replicate, they stop inflammation, they change and direct other cells, but they also have another characteristic and that is the ability to decrease pain.
Stem cells actually have the ability to attach to mu receptors (similar to pain medications). This attachment then causes the patient to feel less pain. So even before repair begins to occur, patients may feel much improvement in their symptoms.

Orthobiologic treatments can repair arthritic tissue and stop pain. But don’t wait……these cells work better if done earlier.

IF YOU HAVE PAIN AND DISABILITY AND WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE……..TAKE THE FIRST STEPS NOW!

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
  • LET US GUIDE YOU TO YOUR BEST TREATMENT OPTION
  • HAVE A SHORT, RELATIVELY PAIN FREE PROCEDURE
  • BEGIN YOUR NEW PAIN FREE LIFE!

Pro Athletes use Cell therapy

Pro Athletes use Cell Therapy. Shouldn’t you consider it?

We at Southcoast Regenerative Medicine know that cell therapy has therapy has the potential to resolve joint and spine pain. Professional athletes know this too and have used these treatments often.

Throughout this website we share the evidence that cellular therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for arthritis and spine disease. We do this in an effort to help patients better understand why we offer these treatments, and thus make an informed decision on how they might use these therapies. There are however doubters when it comes to Regenerative Medicine, and some of these are doctors. Patients are left wondering who they should believe.

Sometimes when we face these type of decisions, it helps us to know what others in similar circumstances have done. We often look to famous individuals and athletes, wondering what they have done with their unlimited budgets. Professional athletes use cell therapy for healing. Shouldn’t you consider it?

This list of famous athletes who have had cellular treatments is long.  You can find more at Stem Cell the magazine.

Below are a few based on current publications:

  • Jack Nicklaus, golf (spine)
  • Alex Rodriquez, baseball (knee)
  • Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer (knee)
  • Garrett Richards, baseball
  • Rafael Nadal, tennis (knee)
  • Dara Torres, swimming (knee)
  • Terrell Owens, football (ACL injury)
  • Kobe Bryant, basketball (knee)
  • Bartolo Colon, baseball (elbow / shoulder)
  • Chris Johnson, football (knee meniscus)
  • Peyton Manning, football
  • A.J. Foyt, racing (ankle / shoulder)
  • Knowshon Marino, football (knee)
  • Sidney Rice, football (knee)
  • Hines Ward, football (hamstring)
  • Josh Hamilton, baseball (knee)
  • Pau Gasol, basketball (knee)

A personal testimony from professional soccer player Diego Lugano

Diego Lugano, captain of the Uraguay Soccer team, presented his testimonial at The Ortho Biologic conference (TOBI) in 2018 in Las Vegas. Here is his story.

A knee injury playing soccer

Diego was a long time Professional soccer player, quite famous in Uraguay, who tore his medial collateral ligament in 2014.
He then developed knee arthritis with intense pain. His MRI showed damage to the underlying bone in June of 2014 and he was advised
to “STOP PLAYING SOCCER”! Diego  was told to he needed knee surgery.

Like many of us, Diego knew the negatives of major joint arthritis surgery. He knew his career would be over. He knew that he had
a good chance of suffering chronic pain post surgery. He did not want to stop soccer, nor to have knee arthritis surgery.
So instead, Diego Lugano saw Dr. Steve Sampson October 2014 and asked about the possibility of stem cell treatment.
He decided that Stem cell was the right answer for him, and he had the stem cell knee arthritis procedure.

What happened next?

What happened next was what Diego’s Orthopedic surgeon did not expect.  Diego improved.  His pain resolved. Diego continued to play soccer.

Diego still plays soccer and as I write this he has NOT had knee surgery.
At the TOBI conference in front of hundreds of physician guests, Diego testified that the stem cell procedure gave him pain relief. He has no more knee swelling, no more pain, good motion and since the procedure he has played more than 100 consecutive games without pain.

In summary, this professional soccer player suffered pain and swelling in his knee daily from arthritic changes. He was advised to STOP playing soccer, but he did not want to do so. In light of that he sought other opinions and finally chose to have bone marrow cell therapy (the same thing we use), which he attributes with prolonging his career by years.  Diego says this therapy relieved his knee pain and swelling without surgery.

If Cell therapy can work for professional athletes why can’t it work for you?

IF YOU HAVE KNEE ARTHRITIS PAIN OR HIP ARTHRITIS PAIN AND YOU HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH PAIN AND DISABILITY, ISN’T IT TIME FOR YOU TO ACT? TAKE STEPS TO SOLVE YOUR ISSUE.

Maybe you should listen to DIEGO LUGANO, professional athlete, and follow what he and countless other professional athletes have done. Consider Cell therapy.

Cellular therapy treatments for arthritis can work.

ISN’T IT TIME FOR YOU TO TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS NOW?

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
  • LET US GUIDE YOU TO YOUR BEST TREATMENT OPTION
  • HAVE A SHORT, RELATIVELY PAIN FREE PROCEDURE
  • BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE WITHOUT PAIN!

 

Can PRP Cure Hair Loss?

PRP effectively treats hair loss in men and women

Can Regenerative Medicine Cure Hair Loss?

The physicians and staff at UCLA Medical Center believe so, and the physicians from the hit TV show “The Doctors”, particulary Dr. Jennifer Ashton, believe it as well.

What is PRP?

Regenerative Medicine is an idea that has been present many decades, but in reality this specialty began in the 1980s and 90s with the use of Platelet Rich Plasma. Researchers recognized that PRP has healing properties linked to cytokines and growth factors.  We now realize that PRP also has the potential to activate stem cells”.

Can Stem Cells and PRP grow hair?

Embryonic Stem Cells have the theoretical potential to become any cell. As adults we no longer have embryonic stem cells, but we do have Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Stem cells from ectoderm and endoderm that have the potential to grow into different cells. These stem cells can regenerate tissue that is injured or diseased, and this includes skin and hair follicles.

UCLA Medical Center is a premier institution in our country now using PRP in the treatment of male and female pattern baldness. Additionally, many positive research papers have been published on this topic and there are many satisfied patients who have had this treatment for hair loss. One of those patients is Dr. Jennifer Ashton, from the hit TV show THE DOCTORS. She had hair loss and credits PRP with growing new hair.

See her story below:

Does research support hair growth with stem cell and prp?

Research papers do indeed support the use of PRP for hair growth.  Some citations from papers are listed:

  • “Overall, the use of PRP injections in patients with androgenic alopecia seems effective with respect to promoting lost hair regrowth, decreasing hair loss and increasing hair thickness. The effects appear to be progressive from the first injection session, to peak after 3 to 5 sessions and to be attenuated in the absence of further injections. No major adverse effect was reported in the 14 clinical studies.”
  • “Our data clearly highlight the positive effects of PRP injections on male pattern hair loss and absence of major side effects. PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option against hair loss; more extensive controlled studies are needed.”
  • “Hair loss reduced with evidence of new hair growth. Digital image analysis showed an overall improvement in hair density and quality as lanugo-like hair became thicker, normal hair. An improvement in hair density, quality and thickness on trichoscopy was noted.”
  • “Our data suggest that PRP injections have therapeutic effect on male pattern hair loss with no major side effects and high patient satisfaction overall.”
  • “This review found beneficial effects of PRP on androgenic alopecia.”

 

Major Medical Institutions like UCLA offer prp for hair growth

UCLA Medical Center is one of the institutions offering this treatment for their patients. Below is a lecture on the process, given by one of their staff physicians.

Is the use of PRP for hair growth difficult?

In addition to having laboratory and clinical evidence behind the use of PRP for baldness, the use of PRP in the treatment of hair loss is associated with almost no side effects. PRP is simply a portion of the patients own blood that is derived via centrifugation after a blood sample is drawn. There is little risk involved since this comes from the patient. The procedure is rapid, with minimal pain, and the results are validated.

Are you a man or woman losing your hair?  Does it cause a lack of self confidence? Are you ready to do something about it?

We at Southcoast Regenerative Medicine are excited to offer PRP for hair loss. If this is something that might help you or a friend, please come see us today and let us guide you through this simple procedure.

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS NOW

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
  • LET US EXPLAIN THE USE OF PRP IN HAIR LOSS AND EVALUATE YOUR NEEDS
  • HAVE A SHORT, SIMPLE, NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURE
  • IN A FEW SHORT WEEKS NOTICE YOUR OWN HAIR GROWTH AND BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE

The FDA and Stem Cells

Can Cell Therapy Work for Me?

Are you thinking of having a stem cell procedure? If so there are lots of things to consider like who is offering the procedure? What is their experience? And most importantly, is it reasonable to believe  stem cell therapy can work?

One other thing you might wonder is What does the FDA think about stem cell treatments?

THE FDA and STEM CELL THERAPY

First, it is important for you to understand that the only “FDA approved” stem cell therapy is the one used to used treat cancers like leukemia. However comments made by former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, suggests that the FDA recognizes the incredible potential of cell therapy. 

Scott Gottlieb, while chairman of the FDA, made his thoughts on stem cell clear:

We’re at the beginning of a paradigm change in medicine with the promise of being able to facilitate regeneration of parts of the human body, where cells and tissues can be engineered to grow healthy, functional organs to replace diseased ones; …… adult stem cells can generate replacements for cells that are lost to injury or disease.

The ability to facilitate the regeneration of parts of the human body is no longer the stuff of science fiction, the cell based therapies and their use in regenerative medicine is one of the most promising fields of science already producing improbable advances.

Clearly the commissioner understands the incredible promise of stem cell.

FDA REGULATION OF POOR CLINICS

Even though the FDA may recognize the enormous potential of cellular therapy, their first mission must be to protect the public. The number of stem cell clinics in the U.S. has risen exponentially over the past few years and many of these clinics are run by poorly qualified providers (often non-physicians) with little experience. Some clinics make ridiculous comments suggesting they have the ability to heal dementia, multiple sclerosis, and even blindness. Because of this, in 2017 the FDA issued guidance on how clinics can operate, under what conditions, and using which products.

The FDA recognizes the industry built around regenerative medicine and stem cells needs to be regulated. With that in mind, the FDA commented in the fall of 2017, giving their long term regulatory plans. In those documents, the they suggested that in the future they will only allow autologous and homolgous stem. Now what exactly that means is still a question to many of us, but it may mean only a patient’s own cells may be used, and only for the “purpose originally intended”. If you are confused, don’t feel alone.

FDA GRACE PERIOD

Beginning in November 2017 the FDA allowed a 36 month period, in which they will not seek to enforce these directives. Their statement suggests that soon the only cells doctors can use will be cells from the patient, unless providers of allogenic (donated cells) can show studies similar to that which drug manufacturers must show, proving their product is safe and efficacious.  Will clinics using a patients own cells be allowed to remain in business?  Well at this point, no one is sure, but most providers believe this is likely.

You can read the complete FDA documents below:

 

 

THE USE OF STEM CELL IN THE TREATMENT OF SPINE AND JOINT PAIN IS THE FUTURE!

In our practice, above all else, we believe in the ethical practice of medicine. I have spent over twenty years treating spine and joint pain and have seen the poor surgical outcomes and miserable options that we offer patients now. I see regenerative options as an incredible breakthrough with the potential to help many patients. PRP has proven effective in many applications but I think the potential of bone marrow (and possibly fat) cellular therapy is even greater. We constantly review the literature to look for the newest, safest, best options, and studies like the one Hernigou published last year strongly suggest that cell therapy is a reasonable option.

The FDA clearly has the need to police medicine, but it is our hope that reasonable treatments like those studied by Orthopedic surgeon Phillipe Hernigou will continue to give patients a chance for pain relief without surgery.

 

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS NOW:

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION or call or ask for more information. At Southcoast we are board certified physicians whose primary goal is to offer patients only the best and safest treatment options available.

Are You Skeptical about Stem Cell?

SHOULD PATIENTS BE SKEPTICAL ABOUT STEM CELL TREATMENTS?

Recently I had a discussion with a patient who was considering the use of stem cell for knee pain. She was unsure that stem cell could relieve her pain and improve her mobility, when nothing else had worked.

She said she knew about stem cell treatments from the news, and she even thought it possibly could help in arthritis. However she was concerned about unethical clinics promising things they could not deliver. She didn’t know who to believe.

I could not help but sympathize with her.

Patients are looking for help without surgery

Many patients come to me sharing similar concerns. Arthritis is something we all will deal with at some point. Most of us get arthritis with age, but some patients have to deal with the pain and disability sooner. And some individuals will end up in a wheelchair without treatment.

Arthritis limits our daily activities making us unable to do the things we love.  The pain can keep us from sleep.

Medications and therapy may help, but often these fail as the disease progresses. Patients find themselves being told they need joint replacement surgery or they will have to live in pain and refrain from doing the things they love.

WHY WE BELIEVE STEM CELL CAN WORK

Six Reasons to Believe Stem Cells Can Improve Arthritis Joint Pain

  1. Stem Cells Regrow Cartilage
  2. Stem Cells Regrow Bone
  3. Stem Cells Heal Meniscus and Ligament Tears
  4. Stem Cells Limit Inflammation
  5. Stem Cells Survive and Replicate, and Their Effect May Last forever
  6. Patients with surgery and stem cell, prefer stem cell 2 to 1

 

1. There is Clear Evidence that Stem Cells Can Regrow Cartilage

The major issue in arthritis is a loss of cartilage. This happens because enzymes destroy the cartilage and it does not grow back! This removes the slippery surface between bones, and leads to painful bone on bone motion. Doctors have believed this cartilage never comes back. But laboratory Studies have proven that Mesenchymal Stem Cells CAN regrow cartilage.  In addition, there is clinical evidence of pain relief and cartilage regrowth in patients.

2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have the Potential to Regrow Bone

The ability to regrow cartilage is the “Holy Grail” of arthritis treatment, but there is more to joint pain than loss of cartilage. There are also abnormalities in the surrounding tissues. With this in mind, there is much data to show that mesenchymal stem cells can grow bone. In a 2013 study titled “mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration” , Knight and Hankenson, showed that these cells were quite capable of turning into bone cells and growing new bone.

3. Stem Cells Have the Potential to Heal Ligamentous and Meniscal Injuries

Although the obvious issue in arthritis is a loss of cartilage, ligament, meniscus and tendon issues cause problems as well.  Stem cells can heal ligamentous and meniscal injuries. In the 2015 publication Meniscus repair using mesenchymal stem cells, Dr. Yu concluded that “A comprehensive review of the literature suggests that MSCs …..contribute to meniscus healing.”

4. Stem cells Have an Unbelievable Capacity to Self Replicate, and Their Effect May Potentially Last Indefinitely

Stem Cells can reproduce at an incredibly high rate. The act of doing so, supplies more of this healing army of cells for tissue repair. The other aspect of mesenchymal stem cells that is remarkable is that their effects last indefinitely. This can lead to tissue repair over very long periods of time.

5. Stem Cells Limit Inflammation

Stem cells can limit inflammation. Inflammation, is what initially leads to the destruction of proteins which can cause arthritis long term. Stem cells can stop this.

6. Clinical Studies Have shown Stem Cell Superior to Knee Arthroplasty

Phillipe Hernigou, an orthopedic surgeon and stem cell researcher in France, compared outcomes with knee replacement surgery and stem cell in treating knee problems. Patients agreed to have surgery on one leg and stem cell on the other and in the end 21/30 Patients favored the stem cell knee.

 

ARE YOU READY TO TRY STEM CELL?

Perhaps this has encouraged you to consider the use of stem cell for your painful problem. If so, you’re not done yet. It is not enough to decide to try stem cell. You now have to decide where to have your treatment. We encourage you to consider us. We offer patients more options, from more experienced, ethical physicians, at reasonable cost.

IT IS EASY TO BE SKEPTICAL OF NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS, BUT STEM CELL IS THE FUTURE. IT WORKS!

LOOK AT THE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE USED STEM CELL WITH SUCCESS INCLUDING DIEGO GARCIA PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER!

READ THE WORDS OF FDA COMMISSIONER SCOTT GOTTLIEB

GET STARTED NOW

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS TOWARD THIS EFFECTIVE NEW TREATMENT NOW

  • SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
  • LET US GUIDE YOU TO YOUR BEST TREATMENT OPTIONS
  • HAVE A SHORT, RELATIVELY PAIN FREE PROCEDURE
  • BEGIN YOUR NEW PAIN FREE LIFE!

Before and After Procedural Instructions:

 What do I need to do before my procedure?

Please ask your physician any questions you may have about your diagnosis and treatment plan. We wish to be sure you understand all aspects of your care.

  • If you are taking any NSAlD’s (ie: Motrin, Naprosyn, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, etc.) please discontinue 5-7 days prior to treatment.
  • The night before and the morning of your procedure, wash with anti-bacterial soap.
  • Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, sports bra or shorts depending on site treated.
  • Your doctor typically may prescribe an antibiotic to be taken prior to, and/or after the procedure. Let us know if you have any drug allergies.
  • If you have any anxiety regarding your procedure, please call at least 2 days before your procedure for an oral sedative prescription. If you take an oral sedative, a driver is required to take you to/from your procedure.
  • If you are currently on Coumadin, Plavix, Lovinox, Pradaxa, Brilenta, Xarelto or another blood thinner we ask you to see your PCP/ Specialist and receive their permission to discontinue this medication for several days prior to treatment and resume the evening after treatment. Discuss the risk of stopping these medications with your cardiologist or primary care physician and be sure there is agreement that these medications can be discontinued.
  • Alert the staff if you have an allergy to anesthetics, bandages or skin preparation solution. Please let us know this well before the procedure
  •  We need to know if you are pregnant or think you could be.
  • Follow your normal daily routine on the day of your procedure; make sure to drink plenty of water on the day prior and day of your procedure

 

What should I expect after my treatment?

The harvest sites and the areas treated will be numb at first, then mildly uncomfortable after your procedure.
Refrain from strenuous activities, but gently moving the treated area will decrease soreness and stiffness.
BMAC and Lipoaspirate graft patients: No submersion in water for 48 hours. You may shower. Leave initial bandage over bone marrow and fat graft harvest sites for 24 hours. It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding or drainage from these sites – replace the bandage if your dressing becomes soaked. At 24 hours post procedure remove these bandages and clean with anti-bacterial soap, apply antibacterial ointment and cover with new bandage. Keep covered until incision has closed and change your bandage daily thereafter.

You will have small band-aids on your area(s) treated. Change this after 24 hours and use antibiotic ointment.
It is typical to experience increased pain in the treatment area for 4-5 days after your procedure. Return to baseline pain takes 7-14 days.
Some people experience a low-grade fever after treatment. Call if your temperature is above 100.4°, or if you have other issues of concern.
Use Extra Strength Tylenol or prescription medication provided for pain. Apply ice for pain and or swelling (10-20 minutes every 2-3 hours). Make sure to place a barrier between your skin and the ice.

No anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve) should be used for 4 weeks post-treatment.
You may experience the “roller coaster” syndrome where you feel great one day and for no apparent reason, the area(s) treated starts to hurt again. This is normal in the healing process.
Follow the instructions given for exercises post-treatment. Start your physical therapy or home exercise program 2 weeks after treatment.
If a lower extremity was treated take 325 mg Aspirin daily for 7 days after your procedure. This reduces any risk of blood clot. Also remember to walk and move the leg to some extent often to maintain blood flow.

A follow-up phone call or appointment with our nurse will be scheduled for 6-8 weeks post-procedure.
You may be scheduled to have a PRP therapy 10-12 weeks after your initial BMAC depending on your issue.
It can take up to 12 months for normal collagen to form and for the graft to mature completely, but we often hope for relief around 10-12 weeks.

Your physician’s goal for improvement in your pain and function has been outlined. You may or may not need more than 1 treatment to reach that goal. In some cases, a series of 2-3 treatments are needed to achieve complete healing, but that is most often not the case.

Call the office at the number listed between 8am – 4pm if you experience any concerning symptom or have a medical question that needs immediate attention.

In the event for any reason, you could not reach us and had a serious concern, go to the E.R. and have them call us. In case of a medical emergency call 911 immediately.

Our office number is 803 226 0102 (if no one answers and it is not an emergency, please leave a message)

Our fax number is 803 226 0384

Our email is Southcoastspine0102@gmail.com

It is our hope that all patients will have great success, pain relief and do well in the long run. Risks are involved in these procedures, including, but not limited to, the risks of bleeding, infection, nerve injury and the risk of failure of therapeutic benefit. We at Southcoast believe that biologic therapy is the future of medicine and do our best to provide patients with the best option for their issue.