Regenerative Medicine Heals Instead of Masking Symptoms
Whether you suffer from acute injuries or chronic pain, LifeBridge Health's Center for Pain Treatment and Regenerative Medicine can help. The center features a wide array of pain management and regenerative medicine procedures, including: platelet rich plasma injections (PRP), adult stem cell therapy, prolotherapy and pulsed radio frequency neuromodulation (PRF).
"Regenerative medicine is a truly cutting-edge area in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal problems because it stimulates and accelerates the body's natural ability to heal," says Edward Soriano, D.O., a board-certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management.
Our body's first response to injury is to increase blood flow to the area. Platelets secrete growth factors and attract stem cells to the injured area. In PRP therapy, a sample of the patient's blood is processed to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are injected at the point of injury, promoting the healing process. PRP is used to treat knee and shoulder arthritis, tendinosis and torn disks.
Adult stem cell therapy is a similar concept to PRP. A physician performs a minimally invasive procedure to remove cells from a patient's bone marrow. These cells are processed and injected into site of the damaged tissue. Stem cells give a patient's natural healing abilities a boost.
Prolotherapy, considered the "mother of regenerative medicine," uses injectable dextrose to stimulate the healing of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules. The ensuing inflammation attracts platelets and restarts the healing process. Prolotherapy can help sacroiliac joint dysfunction, chronic ankle sprains, TMJ dysfunction and more.
"These treatments allow physicians to naturally treat and heal painful conditions rather than masking the symptoms," says Soriano. "They help us to provide non-surgical, long term solutions rather than short term "˜Band-Aids.'"
Chronic neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult conditions to treat. PRF is an innovative treatment for pain that stems from damaged or irritated nerves. During PRF, the application of a pulsed radiofrequency electrical field blocks a nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. RFP is already a popular form of pain treatment in Europe, but it's used less extensively in the United States.
"These minimally invasive procedures relieve pain without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, hospital stays or prolonged recovery periods," says Scott Brown, M.D., chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sinai Hospital.
"Our goal is to help you decrease your level of pain and suffering to return you to your maximum level of functioning and independence, and to help restore quality of life," Brown concludes.
For more information, or to see if you are a candidate, call 410-601-WELL (9355).