When individuals face sports injuries or chronic pain, conventional treatment methods may not always provide substantial pain reduction or restore full functionality. Luckily, at MVM Health – Pain, Vein, And Wellness, we provide regenerative medicine options for diverse health conditions. Our range of regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and innovative treatment methods, presents alternatives to traditional prescription medications and invasive surgical procedures. We strive to offer comprehensive solutions that prioritize your well-being and promote natural healing processes.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine encompasses cutting-edge therapies and treatments aimed at leveraging the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By stimulating the natural self-healing response, regenerative treatments facilitate pain reduction and the restoration of lost function caused by factors such as aging, disease, or injury. Among the prominent modalities within regenerative medicine are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and injections that utilize specialized cells with regenerative properties. These innovative approaches open doors to new possibilities in enhancing well-being and promoting healing without resorting to invasive procedures.
At MVM Health, we are proud to offer the following regenerative solutions to patients:
- PRP Therapy for Shoulder Pain
- Regenerative Medicine Therapy for Shoulder Pain
- Prolotherapy Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain
- PRP Therapy for Hip & Knee Arthritis
- Stem Cell Therapy for Hip & Knee Pain
What Are Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?
PRP injections involve the injection of a concentrated solution of platelets into an injured area. Platelets are cells in the blood that are responsible for clotting and healing. When injected into an injured area, they help to speed up the healing process. PRP injections are often used to treat conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, ligament injuries, and muscle injuries.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins the blood to separate the different components. The platelet-rich plasma is then collected and injected into the injured area
What Are Stem Cell Injections?
Stem cell injections involve the injection of stem cells into an injured area. Stem cells are immature cells that have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body. When injected into an injured area, they help to promote healing and regeneration. Stem cell injections are often used to treat conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, ligament injuries, and muscle injuries.
Stem cells can be obtained from a variety of sources, including bone marrow, fat tissue, and cord blood. In most cases, the stem cells are collected from the patient’s own body. This is done by performing a procedure called liposuction. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of fat tissue from the body. The fat tissue is then processed to extract the stem cells. A hollow needle may also be used to obtain stem cells from the bone marrow in the hip bone.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a form of regenerative medicine in which an irritant, commonly dextrose (sugar) or saline (salt), is injected into the body to jumpstart its natural healing ability and reduce pain. Prolotherapy is most commonly used to address conditions affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues. Prolotherapy is distinct from PRP or stem cell injections in that this form of regenerative medicine does not use substances from your own body. MVM Health offers prolotherapy for chronic knee pain, and this form of treatment is also used to address pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Regenerative Medicine FAQ
Did You Know?
PRP and stem cell injections are both regenerative medicine therapies that work differently. PRP assists with healing damaged tissues by releasing growth factors. Stem cells, on the other hand, regenerate new tissues to replace or repair damaged tissues. PRP injections are typically used to treat acute injuries, while stem cell injections are often used to treat chronic injuries. Additionally, PRP injections tend to be less expensive than stem cell injections.
Regenerative Medicine for Treatment-Resistant Injuries
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, joint pain, sports injuries, or any other condition that has not responded to traditional treatments, you may be a candidate for regenerative medicine therapy. However, the first step is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider at MVM Health: Pain, Vein, & Wellness to see if you’re a candidate. Once you’ve been evaluated and determined to be a good candidate for regenerative medicine therapy, your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.
What Can I Expect When Receiving Regenerative Medicine Therapy?
When receiving regenerative medicine therapy, your expectations can vary slightly depending on the source being used. As mentioned above, PRP is obtained through a blood draw, while stem cells are obtained through liposuction or bone marrow harvesting. Once the source has been obtained, it will be processed and placed into a syringe for injection.
The injection process is the same for both PRP and stem cell injections. First, the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area and an ultrasound may be used to provide visualization of the joint. Once the area is numb, your doctor will insert a needle into the joint and inject the medication. In some cases, fluid build-up may also be removed before injecting the medication. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted.
After the injection, you will be asked to remain still for a few minutes so that the medication can be absorbed. You should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 48 hours after the injection. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for the injection site. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your doctor.
How Long Do The Effects Of Regenerative Medicine Last?
After receiving regenerative medicine therapy, you can expect to see some improvements within a few weeks. However, it may take several months to see the full effects of the therapy. Additionally, the effects of regenerative medicine therapy tend to be long-lasting, but they may not be permanent. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and discuss reasonable expectations.
Regenerative Medicine at MVM Health
MVM Health is proud to provide regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy, PRP injections, and prolotherapy treatments for patients of Lehigh Valley, East Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and beyond. Our clinic features innovative technology and equipment that makes it possible for our physicians to provide exceptional patient care. Let your pain and anxiety be a thing of the past. Contact MVM Health – Pain, Vein, and Wellness at (570) 445-2200 for more information.