Frequently Asked Questions

This page will provide a brief explanation to the most commonly asked questions we receive. Links to more detailed information is also provided. You can also use the contact form on this page to ask more detailed questions. 

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet Rich Plasma or more commonly known as PRP therapy is a type of Regenerative Injection Therapy that doctors use to treat many injured or degenerative joint and spinal injuries issues.

Much like taking a blood test, PRP preparation begins with a blood draw from a vein in your arm. Once the tube is filled with the blood, it is placed in a centrifuge to spin out and separate the blood platelets  from the rest of the blood cells and components.

A solution of platelet rich plasma is then prepared to inject into the areas that are causing you pain and loss of function.The goal is to jump start the body to start healing damaged tissue.

We have published research on the possible effectiveness of this treatment in peer review journals. We invite you to review this research at these links.

What is Bone Marrow Aspirate or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate?

In our practice, Bone Marrow Concentrate is used as a treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. We treat degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease of the spine, and tendon and ligament injury. The bone marrow concentrate, also known as “Autologous stem cells” which means they come from you, are taken in a simple extraction procedure from the iliac crest of the pelvic bone.

The bone marrow derived stem cells are “de-differentiated pluripotent” cells, which means that they continue to divide to create more stem cells; these eventually “morph” into the tissue needing repair — for our purposes, collagen, bone, and cartilage.

We have published research on the possible effectiveness of this treatment in peer review journals. We invite you to review this research at these links.

The use of bone marrow-derived stem cells was first tested in the 1960s. Even then, doctors knew that stem cells had unique regenerative powers due to their ability to morph into bone and cartilage and migrate to the site of damage once introduced into the body. Using stem cells from a patient’s own bone marrow was particularly interesting, because these types of autologous stem cells are readily available without ethical (embryonic) problems in their use. In musculoskeletal medicine, stem cells provide an answer to the conundrum of cartilage and other soft tissue rejuvenation.

Some research suggests that the introduction of stem cells into the joint also reawakens and revitalizes the stem cells already present in the synovial fluid of the knee, as well as in the cartilage and bone.

This “supercharges” the healing process of all structures in and around the joint (cartilage, menisci, ligaments, and tendons). Stem Cell Therapy is considered a solution with limited side effects. 

Where Do We Get the Stem Cells for Therapy?

For each treatment, stem cells are taken from the patient’s iliac crest at the back of the pelvis. These cells are valuable because they are undifferentiated cells, meaning that they do not have a tissue type but can grow to become other, more specialized types of cells. If a joint, cartilage, tendon, ligament, or muscle needs regeneration, stem cells can supply the building material.

How is the procedure performed

The bone marrow aspirate or stem cell therapy injection procedure is a very simple, in-office procedure with no general anesthesia, as it involves very little to almost no pain. Moreover, it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. During bone marrow Stem Cell Therapy, a practitioner will inject lidocaine at the top of the buttocks, at or near the posterior superior iliac spine, to numb the area. A tiny incision (which heals quickly after the procedure) is made to allow insertion of a needle to aspirate bone marrow.

No stitches are necessary. The solution obtained is spun in a centrifuge. The stem cells are then harvested and injected into the target area or joint under ultrasound guidance when required.

Although bone marrow aspiration is typically painful during other procedures such as bone marrow transplantation, it is nearly pain free in this case. A relatively small amount is collected.

Other Medical Conditions for Regenerative Medicine Treatments

What are the Conditions we See?

Ankle / Achilles pain

Back Pain

Elbow Pain

Foot Pain

Groin Pain

Hand pain

Hip pain

Pain related hormonal issues

Knee pain

Neck pain

Shoulder Pain

TMJ Pain

Wrist Pain

Hair and Cosmetic

Other conditions

Am I a candidate for these treatments for my condition?

Before we book a consultation with you we may contact you for more information to assess your situation and to make a realistic determination if we can help you. A “hands-on” physical examination with Dr. Darrow is required before any treatment may take place. Once your medical history is reviewed and the examination has been performed we can discuss treatment options with you including your realistic candidacy for treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Whether being treated with PRP or bone marrow concentrate the answer to how many treatments will be needed is dependent on the level of your injury or degenerative condition and your goals of treatment.

 

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