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January 2023

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In Health

Regenerative Medicine and How It Works

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Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Clifton regenerative medicine uses techniques like stem cell injections and platelet-rich plasma injections to regenerate damaged tissues in your body. The treatment plan is highly-effective for pain management and a good alternative to surgery.

What issues can regenerative medicine address?

If you have chronic pain, especially at joints like the hips, shoulders, or knees, your specialist can recommend target area injections to ease your pain. Other people who can benefit from regenerative medicine include athletes who can get sports injuries like muscle strains and sprains.

How does regenerative medicine work?

There are two primary types of regenerative medicine; platelet-rich plasma injections and stem-cell injections.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy involves using a platelet-concentrated solution to stimulate your body to produce healthy cells to heal damaged tissues. Your specialist will inject the affected area with the solution, and then you will wait for your body to start the new cell production. It might take a few weeks to months for your symptoms to reduce.

During the treatment, your specialist will draw a sample of blood from your arm. Then they will prepare it in a centrifuge, separating platelets from the red blood cells. They will inject the platelets into the affected area using a syringe.

Stem-cell injections  

There are two main sources of stem cells in your body: bone marrow and adipose or fatty tissue. Your doctor might perform a minimally invasive surgical technique to harvest the adipose tissue or bone marrow through an incision in your abdomen. Once the harvesting is complete, they will put the tissues in a centrifuge to separate them and get the stem cells.

During treatment, your specialist might apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area to ease your discomfort. Next, they will inject the stem cells into the affected area. They might use ultrasound during the procedure to guide them.

Benefits of regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine can eliminate the possibility of having surgery. If you have chronic pain in the knees or shoulders, you might think surgery is your only way out. However, stem-cell injection and PRP therapy can relieve pain without going under the knife.

Unlike surgery and other treatment options, regenerative medicine requires minimal to zero downtime. Regenerative medicine does not need you to take time off from your daily routine, but resting on the treatment day can help you relax as you resume your duties the next day.

How long do the results last?

Your results can last several months or years, depending on your condition and treatment. If and when the pain comes back, you can talk to your doctor about another treatment to maintain your pain-free lifestyle.

If you have joint pain due to repetitive strain or injury or don’t want surgery, visit Garden State Pain & Orthopedics for regenerative medicine. Your pain specialist can offer customized treatment depending on your condition and its symptoms. Call or book an appointment online and improve the quality of your life.

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In Health

3 Prevalent Sports Injuries That May Benefit From PRP Therapy

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that treats various injuries among professional athletes and weekend warriors. Your Genesis Regenerative Sports and Aesthetic Medicine doctor will extract a small blood sample, spun in a centrifuge machine to separate your red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The resulting solution of plasma has a high concentration of platelets. Your health provider then injects the rich concentration of platelets into the area affected by an injury.

Platelets or thrombocytes are cell fragments from the bone marrow and are essential for forming clots and stopping or preventing bleeding. Platelets also contain growth factors, cytokines, and nutrients that promote tissue repair and regeneration. Growth factors are vitamins and hormones that support cell and tissue restoration, reduce swelling, improve cell growth, and enhance immune system communication. Cytokines are small proteins that control the growth and activity of blood cells and immune system cells.

Consequently, below are common sports injuries that may benefit from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

  • Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition resulting from overloading the elbow tendons due to repetitive and straining motions of your wrist and arm, especially when you play tennis. You can still develop tennis elbow if you have a job that weakens your elbows, such as plumbing and carpentry. Mechanics, climbers, butchers, and painters are also at risk of inflaming the tendons of their forearms.

Tennis elbow may benefit from platelet-rich plasma injections because the tendons in your forearm receive a limited supply of blood and nutrients. Therefore, healing of the tendons happens slowly.

Other potential treatment options for tennis elbow include ice therapy, resting, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff consists of a group of tendons and muscles holding the shoulder joint in its correct position, allowing you to move your shoulder and arm freely. However, repetitive movements and overuse of your upper arm, like when you shoot baskets or throw a baseball, may lead to irritation and damage to the rotator cuff. You may also injure your rotator cuff due to an accident such as a fall.

A rotator cuff tear may cause pain, weakness, and reduced range of arm and shoulder motion.

Partial tears and inflammation of the rotator cuff can benefit from PRP treatment. But, if you have a completely torn rotator cuff, you must undergo surgery.

  • Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous ligament that connects your heel to the ball of your foot and toes. Exerting too much pressure on your feet can cause the degeneration and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which causes plantar fasciitis, also called the policeman’s heel. Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain; therefore, it is common among runners and those who play sports.

You risk heel spurs when you do not subject your plantar fasciitis to platelet-rich plasma injections or other effective treatments. 

Other sports injuries that may also get relief from platelet-rich plasma injections include hamstring injuries, golfer’s elbow, and jumper’s knee.

Contact Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine today to schedule an appointment with sports medicine specialists.

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In Dental Care

Why Are Dental Implants The Best Option To Perfect Your Smile?

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Although many people perceive missing one or more teeth as an aesthetic issue, it is typically more than that. Teeth loss doesn’t only affect your oral functionality but also how you speak and eat. While your smile is unique, unavoidable circumstances like tooth decay, injuries, and infections can result in tooth loss. Thankfully, dental implants Carthay procedures are custom to your precise needs. Dental implants make unimaginable improvements beyond looks, regardless of your condition. These artificial, natural-looking teeth serve the same purpose as your original teeth making your smile more glamorous. It’s no wonder why dental implants are a popular choice. Whether missing one or numerous teeth, here are five reasons you should get dental implants.

Implants perfectly look and function like your natural teeth

Unlike other tooth replacement procedures, dental implants blend seamlessly with your teeth and function better like your lost teeth. This is because implants are aesthetically appealing, making it difficult for others to notice you are not wearing them. Moreover, dental implants work similarly to your teeth, meaning you can comfortably eat, brush and floss like before.

Implants come in handy in preserving your remaining teeth

Once you consider an implant, you will benefit your overall oral health. Your teeth are naturally designed to support each other, and if one or more is missing, you’re at risk for more long-term dental issues. For instance, with a gap in your gums, your teeth will shift or become weak, making them vulnerable to dental problems. However, with implants, the replacement is done strategically to strengthen your teeth and fill the gap susceptible to oral infections.

Implants are substantial and can last a lifetime

When it comes to durability, dental implants are unique. Typically, implants are crafted in a manner they tightly fuse with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. For this reason, your dental implant is intended to be permanent. Although the crown sitting on top of your implant requires replacement, an implant can last a lifetime.

Implants are instrumental in improving your appearance and confidence

In most cases, having a missing tooth lowers your self-consciousness and appearance. Similarly, facial sagging is another consequence of jawbone volume loss resulting from teeth loss. Nevertheless, implants can give you a reason to smile once again. When your teeth alignment is reclaimed, you can effectively smile, boosting your facial and overall look.

Dental implants are versatile and convenient

Despite your number of missing teeth, implants are effective in replacing them at your convenience. Implants don’t require messy adhesives and overnight soaking compared to other teeth replacement procedures. Also, implants are easy to floss and maintain, making eating and talking convenient.

Tooth loss can cause embarrassment, especially when you have been fond of comfortably eating or smiling. However, that doesn’t mean your situation is inevitable! At Smile Perfector Dental Group, Dr. David Shouhed and his team offer top-notch implants to ensure you regain your lost gorgeous smile. In addition, our team tailors an individualized plan that fits all your needs. If your smile affects your quality of life, consider booking your appointment with Dr. Shouhed today!

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In Feature

Varicose Veins Surgery Success Tips

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The bulging veins beneath your skin, commonly in the legs, may be harmless. Sometimes, varicose veins can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and painful. In such instances, you may want to eliminate them, restore your striking looks, and maintain an active life. El Paso general surgery is an effective path to varicose veins treatment. So, how do you prepare and facilitate a successful varicose veins surgery? Read on for straightforward tips.

Consultation is vital

The first step towards a successful general surgery is gathering as much information as possible. Consult your doctor and ask as many questions as you need to form a solid understanding basis. This helps you avoid falling for myths and misconceptions, preparing you for a successful varicose veins surgery.

Follow the doctor’s recommendations

The doctor may direct you to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory options. Such medications increase the risk of bleeding. Following other recommendations, such as ensuring better hydration levels and avoiding or limiting caffeine intake, also helps. When well hydrated, the veins won’t constrict, making it easier to access them during treatment.

Caffeine is a diuretic. This means it increases water being flushed out of the body, yet you don’t want to keep going for a bathroom break during the procedure. Other recommendations include keeping the legs warm to dilate the veins and wearing compression stockings. Following the recommendation facilitates a more productive treatment, supercharging your quests to eliminate the unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins.

Plan for the recovery

Accounting for downtime is essential as you plan for varicose vein surgery. The downtime is dictated by factors such as the treatment option and extent. If you are planning surgery on two legs and covering many veins, you can expect your mobility to be significantly lower following the treatment.

Plan to take some days off work and have someone around to help with activities of daily living. You might need someone to take you back home after the procedure, even when it only includes local anesthesia. Since the leg (s) can feel a little bruised and may need to wear a stocking or compression bandage, having someone around will help avoid extra pressure and fast-track the recovery.

Know the likely side effects

Before the surgery, remember that you will likely experience uncomfortable effects. Expect mild but temporary discomfort, which may require taking painkillers. Mild tenderness is also common, and taking some anti-inflammatory medication may help. Knowing what to expect prepares you since you can tell what the normal effect of the treatment is or when to call a doctor.

Exercise

Exercise before and after treatment is recommended. After the treatment, frequent but light exercise, such as walking, is ideal. A 15 minutes walk, four or more times a day after the treatment, is good. After a few days, you can engage in more intense workouts such as hard cycling and running. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles, supporting the veins to push blood back against gravity. This makes it easier to avoid new varicose veins.

Varicose veins could see you dreading that beach day due to the unsightly effect. They can also cause pain and discomfort, impacting how you go about your routine. Surgery can help, and you are closer to realizing great results with the above pointers. Call or visit Desert West Vein & Surgery Center for more about varicose veins and treatment options.

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