Over the past several years, stem cell and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection therapies have become highly sought after treatment options, as a non-surgical, and non-drug alternative for many common orthopedic problems.
Indications include:
- Shoulder pain from rotator cuff tears,
- Joint pain from arthritis, especially knee pain and meniscus tears,
- Instability from knee related ACL ligament tears,
- Persistent tendonitis,
- Back pain or sciatica from herniated discs,
- As well as many other chronic orthopedic complaints.
PRP and stem cell injections are natural and safe and have the potential of re-growing or strengthening damaged tissue, improving function, and sometimes eliminating the need for surgery.
Two years ago, I was faced with daily knee pain and the dilemma of what to do. Back in 1990, I blew out my right knee downhill skiing. Five knee surgeries later, I had developed advanced osteoarthritis in my right knee. I was having pain with walking (anything beyond 2 miles), though I was still able to bicycle and use an elliptical machine without any discomfort. I had started to dread the idea of long walks. I was looking for low risk, long term treatment options.
Fortunately, I have been invited to speak at medical conferences on a variety of topics, and over the last decade I have likely given nearly 200 medical presentations. At these meetings, I’ve been listening to co-speakers and following the research on stem cell therapies with increasing interest. The most impressive talks and research discussions on stem cell therapy for orthopedic issues invariably came from speakers who work with an organization called Regenexx.
In 2015 I decided to bite the bullet and try a stem cell treatment protocol. It took about 3-6 months, but I can say that I had a clear 70% improvement in my symptoms. I haven’t gone back to running, but I now can walk several miles without any knee pain, and I can do about anything I want to do. I’ll plan on getting a yearly platelet injection to maintain my improvement, and I’ve been very happy with my results thus far.
Since 2005, Regenexx has led the way in advancing this new field of Interventional Regenerative Orthopedics with a fervent commitment to researching and publishing the much needed scientific and clinical data –- more than 50% of the world’s nonsurgical orthopedic stem cell literature has been published by Regenexx and greater than 44,000 Regenexx procedures have been performed. A team of professional researchers also tracks all of the patients for safety and outcomes. This is crucial to be able to discuss chances of improvement and realistic expectations. All Regenexx affiliates are highly trained in use of image guidance (ultrasound and fluoroscopy) for precise injections into the damaged tissue.
There are many misconceptions and mis-information about PRP and stem cell procedures out there.
I recently interviewed Dr. James Leiber with New ReGenerations Orthopedics, during this interview we discussed:
- Indications for stem cell and platelet therapy.
- Who is a good candidate to receive them?
- Medications that limit the benefits of stem cell therapy
- Other stem cell controversies and concerns
If you would like to WATCH the interview I had with Dr. James Leiber D.O., a Regenexx certified physician from Sarasota, Florida, CLICK HERE!
If you prefer to LISTEN to this interview then, click below!
Dr. Leiber is Regenexx’s first Florida affiliate – founder and medical director of New ReGeneration Orthopedics of Sarasota, Florida.
For more information, visit: www.regenexx.com and www.newregenortho.com.
I wish you the best of health!
Steven Masley, MD, FAHA, FACN, FAAFP, CNS