Alternatives to Surgery: Exploring Regenerative Medicine
If you are dealing with joint issues, surgery is not always the only option. Rather than opting for procedures that involve removing tissue and the risks associated with surgery, consider approaches that focus on healing and rejuvenation. Treatments such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and prolotherapy are now available—not just to professional athletes, but to everyone. For more information, you can watch educational videos at stemcellinstitute.com or contact the Stem Cell Institute in West Los Angeles at 800-300-9300.
Welcome to Living Pain free
Welcome back to Living Pain free. I’m Dr. Thomas Grove, your host. As a board-certified physician with fellowship training in sports medicine, I specialize in orthopedics and musculoskeletal medicine. We emphasize the use of regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy, as powerful tools to help promote healing. Our primary goal is to keep you out of the operating room, help you return to your activities, and keep you healthy, fit, and active.
Common Questions about Regenerative Treatments
Is There a Guarantee?
A frequent question concerns guarantees for treatment outcomes. In medicine, and in life, beware of anyone guaranteeing specific results or timelines. We do not offer guarantees. Our approach is to support you through the healing process with evidence-based guidance. If I do not believe a treatment will help, I will not recommend it. Confidence in your care is important, but remember that outcomes depend on many factors, including individual healing responses and adherence to aftercare instructions.
Who Is a Candidate? Does Age Matter?
Another common concern is whether age is a limiting factor. While regenerative medicine is well-known among athletes, we treat patients of all ages, including those over 90. In the past, older patients may have required more treatments, but with advances in dosing and techniques, age itself is rarely a barrier. The success of treatment depends more on the extent of the injury and overall health rather than age alone.
How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of treatment results varies. Unlike medications that wear off as they are metabolized, regenerative treatments promote tissue healing. If you reinjure the same area, especially through high-impact activities, you may require additional treatment. Think of it like tire maintenance: gentle use extends longevity, while aggressive use may lead to earlier wear. Maintenance treatments are not always necessary but may be beneficial for individuals with ongoing risks or chronic conditions like arthritis. The need for future treatments is determined case by case.
Medications and Healing
It’s important to review all medications and supplements you are taking before treatment. Some medications, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and steroids, can block the inflammatory process necessary for healing. Common NSAIDs include Celebrex, Mobic, Toradol, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and Naproxen. Using these drugs can slow healing and may require more treatments. Steroid injections provide temporary pain relief but do not heal tissue and may actually damage cartilage or tendons with repeated use. Opioids, by blocking pain signals, also risk further injury by masking symptoms. For these reasons, we discourage the use of such medications during regenerative treatments.
Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol and Smoking
Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking are critical for optimizing healing. Alcohol acts as a toxin and can hinder tissue repair, while smoking negatively impacts blood supply and overall health. For best results, avoid these substances during your recovery period.
Returning to Activity
After treatment, many patients are eager to return to physical activity. We recommend a period of relative rest—typically at least two weeks for the treated body part. During this time, you can continue other exercises that do not stress the area. After two weeks, gradually ramp up activities, allowing time for healing. The healing process continues for several months after each injection, so patience is important. For some areas, such as the foot or ankle, a walking boot may help distribute force and speed recovery. Splints may be used for hands or wrists to remind patients not to overuse healing tissue. However, most cases do not require braces or orthotics.
Optimizing Recovery: Nutrition and Sleep
Nutrition plays a key role in healing. We recommend an anti-inflammatory diet based on whole foods, fiber-rich carbohydrates, colorful fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Limiting processed foods and alcohol is beneficial. Protein is especially important for tissue repair and maintaining muscle mass. Dietary adjustments, such as reducing dairy or gluten, should be tailored to individual tolerance. Sleep is the most critical factor for recovery. Good sleep hygiene—cool, dark, quiet environments, low stress before bedtime, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and managing hydration—supports tissue regeneration. Avoiding sleeping pills is also advisable, as they may disrupt restorative REM sleep.
Addressing Concerns about Stem Cells and Cancer
Some patients worry about cancer risks associated with stem cell therapy. The concern stems from past use of embryonic stem cells, which are now outlawed in the United States due to ethical and safety issues. Current treatments do not use embryonic stem cells, so this risk is not present today.
If Pain Returns After Treatment
If pain returns after a period of relief, it does not mean the treatment failed. Reinjury is a common cause, and regenerative treatments do not make you injury-proof. If new pain develops, a reevaluation is recommended to determine whether it is due to a new injury or another cause.
Topical Creams and Ointments
After treatment, avoid applying topical creams or ointments to the area for two weeks. This helps prevent infection and irritation, as the skin has been punctured during the procedure.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
For more information, appointments, or to receive a free book, call 800-300-9300.
Call for a free phone consultation with our staff 800-300-9300