Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Pain and Joint Injuries

Scientists and doctors have made tremendous advances to make tissue regeneration a reality in treating many diseases. Through regenerative medicine, a person can take advantage of their body’s ability to heal itself by using the healthy adult stem cells and platelet rich plasma that can be found throughout the body. It is possible to restore lost, damaged or aging cells and effectively regenerate tissue in the body, relieving chronic pain and healing even long-term injuries.

Our board-certified interventional radiologists are early adopters of regenerative medicine because they have seen the results of stem cell and PPR treatments firsthand, and the extent to which they have changed patients’ lives.

Discover An Alternative to Surgery

If you’ve been exploring your options for treating a chronic injury, you’ve likely learned about surgery and whether it’s time to consider more invasive treatment.

Before taking that significant step, learn more about whether PRP or stem cell therapy could be right for your needs. We offer complimentary consultations so that you can meet with one of our physicians, discuss your unique case and learn more about whether regenerative medicine may be appropriate.

We have treated a wide range of injuries for our patients. Some of the most common treatment sites are the knees and shoulders as those are prone to injury and joint pain. Reach out today to request your consultation and take the first step toward pain relief.

What is a stem cell?

Stem cells come from a variety of areas of the body and have a diverse range of applications. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

• Embryonic stem cells – These cells come from 3-5 day old embryos (blastocysts). Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can develop into nearly any type of cell found in the human body.
• Adult stem cells – Adult cells (also known as somatic cells) have developed in a particular type of tissue. They typically generate new cells of the same tissue type to replenish dying or damaged cells in the area. These cells can also replicate and create more than one cell type, but the number of types is far more restricted than with embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are typically taken from the bone marrow. The mesenchymal stem cells found in the bone marrow can replicate to create structural cells for the musculoskeletal system. This makes them ideal for healing tendons, ligaments and cartilage. These are the types of cells most often used in stem cell therapy.
• Other types of stem cells – Scientists have discovered processes that transform regular adult cells into stem cells with pluripotent capabilities. They have also found stem cells in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. More research is necessary before these cells can be reliably harvested and used medically.

What is platelet rich plasma?

PRP is an exciting, state-of-the-art technology being used to treat medical and aesthetic concerns ranging from prematurely aging skin to musculoskeletal injuries to sexual dysfunction, using natural methods to eliminate the risk of side effects or allergic reactions.

Your blood consists mainly of liquid plasma, with smaller amounts of solid components like red cells, white cells and platelets. Platelets help to clot blood, and also contain important healing proteins. Dr. Alkadri creates platelet rich plasma by drawing a small amount of a patient’s blood, and then spinning it in a centrifuge to separate platelets from the other components. This concentrated plasma can then be used in a variety of treatments to encourage healing and stimulate cell growth.

What treatment areas and injuries can be treated?

What is the stem cell treatment process?

1. Your doctor will give you preparatory instructions based on your condition. The most important precaution to take is to avoid taking any NSAIDs at least two weeks prior to your procedure. This is because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have an impact on stem cell replication.
2. Your doctor cleans and numbs the area from which stem cells are being extracted. This is most often the hip region, with the stem cells extracted from the pelvic bone. A needle is injected into the iliac crest, which is close to the surface of the skin. A special syringe is used for bone marrow aspiration and a sample is withdrawn.
3. The sample of bone marrow is spun in a centrifuge to separate concentrated stem cells from other cells in the sample.
4. Your doctor then numbs the treatment area. With the assistance of x-rays, he injects the stem cells at the appropriate sites.
5. The procedure typically takes less than one hour, and you are able to return home the same day.
6. Most patients are able to return to work the following day, as long as they are able to avoid physical strain. Patients should avoid load-bearing activities for 2 weeks following treatment. NSAIDs should also not be taken for 2 weeks following, but patients can take acetaminophen as needed.
7. The time frame and intensity of results will vary depending on your condition and treatment area. Your docttor will provide you with personalized treatment expectations at your consultation.

What is the platelet rich plasma treatment process?

1. First, your doctor takes a sample of your blood.
2. The sample is then processed so that the different components separate.
3. The resulting platelets are highly concentrated.
4. These platelets are then reintroduced to the blood’s plasma, and injected into the specific treatment area.
5. As the injections contain such a high concentration of platelets (between 5-10 times more than standard blood), the PRP encourages rapid healing and cell growth.

Have more questions?

Schedule a complimentary consultation at one of our three offices in Munster, Crown Point or Valparaiso. Meet with one of our physicians and discuss your treatment goals to learn more about potential next steps. We look forward to meeting you and assisting you in moving past chronic pain.