Many individuals are curious about the risks and benefits of regenerative therapy. Continuing our article last month, we are providing more information to answer your questions on the latest “minimally invasive” treatments available to treat those who suffer from chronic pain.
The best part about regenerative therapy is that it causes the body to heal itself naturally. Regenerative therapy will stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms to heal weakened and painful tissue. These new, cutting-edge therapies provide a viable alternative for treating damaged ligaments, tendons, and cartilage while reducing your pain.
Keep reading to find the answers that you are looking for to see if regenerative therapy is right for you!
- Are regenerative treatments better than steroid injections?
Steroid injections are limited because they offer temporary, short term pain relief and do not fix the underlying problem. Unlike steroid injections, regenerative therapy is meant to improve the actual cause of your pain and promote healing naturally, while providing pain relief as well.
- Can regenerative therapy treatments make my condition worse?
Not likely. Steroid injections tend to weaken tissue while regenerative treatments are used to strengthen tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissue. Although individuals may experience discomfort after a treatment, it will pass within a few days. With any injectable treatment, there are risks of bleeding, tissue injury, pain, and no response.
- Can regenerative therapy treatments cause tumors?
There is no medical literature (and the research has been extensive) stating that regenerative therapy can cause tumors if the stem cells are taken from your own body. If cells are taken from a different person or embryo, there may be risk; however, the Spine Institute Northwest does not do that.
In addition, stem cells that have not been manipulated in a lab (like the ones we use) have not been associated with an increase in tumors.
- How do you keep your patients safe using regenerative therapy procedures?
Because regenerative therapy is a minimally invasive treatment, it is already considered safer than surgery. Standardized protocols are meant to assure safety and efficacy of treatments used. Regenerative therapy uses guided imagery, which reduces risk – while targeting the damaged tissue that is causing your pain.
More importantly, each treatment facility takes additional safety measurements to protect patients. Talk to your doctor to discuss additional procedures and side effects.
- What are the different types of regenerative therapy and how do they compare to each other?
The most common forms of regenerative therapy treatments include: Dextrose prolotherapy; Platelet rich plasma; and stem cells. However, each medical facility selects treatments that are suited to provide the best outcome for their patients. Here are a few more details so that you can compare the benefits and longevity of each therapy.
- Dextrose prolotherapy: Usually takes 3 to 6 treatments to heal painful issues. It is a viable alternative for those who suffer with mild to moderate pain problems.
- Platelet rich plasma: Typically takes 2 to 3 treatments. This regenerative therapy is a stronger treatment that is typically used for moderate to severe conditions.
- Stem Cells: Benefits usually last longer compared to other regenerative treatments and are evaluated at 6 to 12 month intervals. Stem cells are most effective in strength and may be used for moderate to severe conditions.
If you would like to know if one of these regenerative treatments is right for you, call Dr. Kamson at (888) 712-0318 and make an appointment.