REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

Regenerative Medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses different therapies: Prolotherapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, and Connective Tissue Supplementation. These therapies can be used to treat chronic pain by supplementing or replacing damaged tissue.

HOW DOES REGENERATIVE MEDICINE WORK?

As an alternative to medications and surgery, regenerative medicine is a non-addictive, minimally-invasive approach to treating chronic pain. This area of medicine aims to address the root cause of pain, rather than masking the symptoms.

Chronic pain, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain, is pain that persists or recurs for longer than three months and affects more than 20% of people worldwide.

While our bodies have the capacity to heal themselves after an injury, this incredible self-healing power diminishes over time. A 65-year-old who scrapes his knee will recover much slower than a 4 year-old with the same injury. With age, the body’s capacity to repair damaged tissues becomes less efficient. This is where Regenerative Medicine can help. Our therapies supplement and aid the body’s natural ability to heal.

wHAT CONDITIONS CAN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TREAT?

Regenerative Medicine can treat structural defects that cause the body to experience chronic pain. A defect is a missing or damaged tissue in the body. When the body is missing or lacking vital tissues, it often compromises the structural integrity of its surrounding area causing debilitating, long-lasting pain.

Regenerative Medicine may treat a variety of structural defects. Click on the diagram below to see which areas are most commonly treated.

WHAT DOES A REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TREATMENT INVOLVE?

Our office takes a whole-body approach to Regenerative Medicine. That means when you meet with one of our providers, they will hear your concerns, learn about your pain, and discuss customized treatment options. Together, you will address all aspects of your lifestyle that may contribute to your pain including diet, supplementation, stress, hormonal imbalances, and more.

Based on the condition of your structural defect and degree of degeneration, one of our providers may suggest that Regenerative Medicine will be beneficial for you. As mentioned above, these treatments include Prolotherapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP), or Connective Tissue Supplementation. A treatment typically consists of ultrasound-guided injections to the site that is causing your chronic pain. Your treatment plan may also include orthopedic bracing to support your recovery. Read on to learn more about each of these treatments.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE SUPPLEMENTATION

Connective Tissue Supplementation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of Wharton’s Jelly directly to the site of a defect. Wharton’s jelly is a structural tissue that comes from inside the umbilical cord. As the name suggests, Wharton’s Jelly is a gelatinous substance named after Thomas Wharton, the 17th-century anatomist who first discovered it.

Wharton’s Jelly, also known as Umbilical Cord Tissue (UCT), is rich in hyaluronic acid, growth factors, anti-inflammatory cytokines, collagen, and Mesenchymal Stem Cells. In parallel to its role inside the umbilical cord, Wharton’s Jelly provides structural defects with cushioning, lubrication, and structural support. This nutrient-rich substance helps repair, replace, or supplement missing or damaged tissue. A Wharton’s Jelly tissue transplant can help relieve chronic pain and restore the body’s original function.

Our Wharton’s Jelly products are ethically-derived and do not contain any material from an embryo or fetus. All products are derived from healthy, consenting mothers after full term, live, planned, C-section deliveries. Donors are also pre-screened to test for infectious diseases.

Wharton’s jelly is safe to use because it is “immune privileged” meaning that it rarely evokes an immune response in the recipient, reducing the risk of an adverse reaction. Additionally, when Umbilical Cord Tissue is injected into a damaged area it changes the environment from degenerative to a regenerative environment. In addition, it decreases inflammation, cartilage damage, and scar tissue. UCT also promotes collagen synthesis which helps growing new, improved joint tissue.

Wharton’s jelly is often administered in conjunction with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) as it gives the body even more growth factors to help with the healing process.

Various types of injuries and diseases can be treated with UCT. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common disease and is due to wear and tear on the joints of the body. Accelerated causes of the disease include: being overweight, surgeries and/or steroid injections to the affected joint, pain medications, overall inflammation in the body, and the laxity of the ligaments surrounding the joint.

Ligaments connect bones to bones and are responsible for specific environment inside of it. A good example is to picture your joint as a balloon and the balloon has a specific environment inside of it. When a person has OA, the environment inside of the joint favors degeneration. Due to this degenerative environment and laxity of the ligaments, all the cartilage wears away, losing all of the cushioning inside the joint. Once cartilage is lost. pain worsens and eventually leads to joint replacement. Commonly, patients who have OA are unable to lose weight due to joint pain, thus worsening their condition.

A recent study reviewed 30 patients who had diagnosed knee OA. The patients received 1 injection of Umbilical Cord Tissue (UCT). The results of the study showed a significant reduction in knee pain and physical disability, with 77.8% of the patient’s reducing or eliminating their pain medication. “This study demonstrated that the injections were effective for 6 months, however we have continued to follow these patients over the course of 2 years. We have observed that many go beyond 24 month of relief compared to baseline with just one application.”

Timmons, Ruben Berrocal, et al. “Homologous Use of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Tissue to Reduce Knee Pain and Improve Knee Function.” Life, vol. 12, no. 2, 9 Feb. 2022, p. 260, 10.3390/life12020260. Accessed 14 June 2022

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA THERAPY

Did you know your blood has a vast amount of health properties? Platelet-Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is the plasma and concentrated platelets found in every person’s blood. These platelets contain therapeutic growth factors and bioactive proteins that accelerate tissue repair.

In a PRP treatment, a sample of the patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a medical device called a centrifuge. The spinning motion separates the platelets from the other components of the blood, and it concentrates them within the plasma. This plasma solution is then injected into the structural defect, such as an injured joint, tendon, or ligament. Once PRP is injected into the site of injury, it can stimulate the healing process, shorten healing time, decrease pain, and encourage cell/tissue growth.

On average, PRP requires 1-3 rounds of treatment, spaced 10 weeks apart, for a patient to reap the full benefits depending on the degree of their injury. PRP injections can be administered alone or in conjunction with other procedures.

PROLOTHERAPY

Prolotherapy, aka Proliferative Therapy, is the original Regenerative Injection Therapy and was introduced in the 1950’s by Dr. George Hackett. Although the term was introduced then, the principles behind Prolotherapy date back until the time of Hippocrates, who is known as the father of medicine.

Pain often results from a traumatic or overuse injury that causes microtears where ligaments and tendons attach. These ligament and tendon attachments are rich in nerve supply and low in blood supply. When these attachments are injured, they lead to increased pain, instability, and muscle spasm, eventually leading to degeneration.

Prolotherapy involves the injection of dextrose, a natural irritant solution, into an area of chronic pain. This creates a beneficial inflammatory response with the intent of stimulating the body’s own natural healing process. This targeted stimulation causes new cells to migrate to the structural defect, while also increasing blood flow and encouraging the growth of new tissue.

Depending on the degree of injury, Prolotherapy requires somewhere between 4-6 rounds of treatment, spaced one month apart, to reap the full benefit, with some improvement occurring from just one injection.

PERCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION

WHAT IS PENS?

The Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (PENS) is a small medical device worn behind the ear that combines the benefits of acupuncture with electrotherapy. The device administers low-voltage electrical pulses to nerve endings in the external ear. PENS can dramatically decrease pain for up to six months, and many patients have felt their pain levels significantly reduced after just a few days.

The PENS device is an FDA-cleared, class II medical device that may be covered by Medicare and most major PPO insurances. PENS is becoming more in-demand as patients are choosing low-risk pain management techniques as opposed to long-term medication use with its associated risks.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN PENS THERAPY TREAT?

Chronic Pain
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Sciatica
Vascular Insufficiency
Cervical and Lumbar Pain
Craniofacial Pain
Depression and Anxiety
Neuropathic Pain
Migraines
Fibromyalgia

HOW DOES PENS THERAPY WORK?

The pulses produced by the PENS device travel from the nerve endings in the ear through the nerve tracks into the central lobe of the brain. The stimulation causes the brain to release endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. This generates a pain-relieving effect, making the affected nerves less sensitive to pain.

IS PENS THERAPY SAFE?

Nerve stimulation therapy is designed to be minimally invasive and has virtually no side effects. Patients with the following conditions do not qualify for the treatment and should speak with one of our providers to discuss possible alternatives: Pacemaker, Hemophilia, Pregnancy, Heart Monitor, Deep Brain Stimulator, or Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PENS THERAPY?

The PENS device is administered in-office through a simple, minimally-invasive procedure. Prior to placement, the device is programmed through a Programming Technical Unit (PTU) based on the provider’s diagnosis creating an “ear map.”

On the day of the treatment, the provider utilizes a nerve finder to identify the precise location for placement of the device. They then place four titanium electrode arrays into the subcutaneous, fatty layer of your external ear. Our patients have described this procedure to be comfortable and painless, only reporting feeling light pressure. The treatment typically lasts 30 minutes and there is no down time afterwards.

You can expect to wear the device for a period of 10-12 days, and then return to the clinic to have the device removed by the provider. The results of the PENS therapy can offer you up to six months of pain relief. 70% of patients report a reduction of pain, many times coupled with a significant reduction in opioid prescription use.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY THERAPY

WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. Many patients with peripheral neuropathy experience numbness, tingling, prickling sensations (paresthesia), sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, or burning.

In most cases of neuropathy, the nerves that are located the farthest away from the brain and spinal cord malfunction first. Symptoms can then progress into the central part of the body. Pain and other symptoms often appear symmetrically. Many people with diabetic neuropathy experience this pattern.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy:

Physical Injury/Trauma
Diabetes Mellitus
Vitamin Deficiencies
Environmental Toxins
Alcoholism

HOW CAN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE HELP NEUROPATHY?

Regenerative Medicine can promote neurogenesis, the growth and development of new neurons (nerve cells). Regenerative medicine also helps peripheral neuropathy through angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels are formed.

OUR APPROACH TO TREATING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Our providers take a whole-body approach to managing peripheral neuropathy. They will discuss with you the benefits of treatment as well as lifestyle changes that can encourage faster healing. Our providers encourage the following:

Anti-inflammatory diet
Detoxifying the body
Adding enough vitamins and minerals to make a therapeutic change
Regenerative Medicine injections

This approach allows us to achieve results with our patients that they have not found elsewhere.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION THERAPY

WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection. This condition affects 1 in 3 men between the ages of 40 and 60. Although it is a common condition, ED is not a normal part of aging and may be a sign of a more serious health problem. Many patients are choosing to resolve their ED with Regenerative Medicine as a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that involves no down-time and minimal pain.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?

Those with Erectile Dysfuntion may experience the following:

an unfulfilled sex life
strained relationship
depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
inability to get a partner pregnant

HOW CAN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE TREAT ED?

The Priapus-Shot (P-Shot), named after the Greek god of male regenerative power, is a nonsurgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The P-Shot utilizes injections of the patient’s own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to stimulate cellular regeneration and tissue repair. This rejuvenating treatment helps to improve blood flow to the penis, thus improving the size, girth, and firmness of an erection as well as improving the overall sexual experience.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE P-SHOT TREATMENT?

The P-Shot is an in-office, minimally-invasive procedure that lasts up to one hour and requires no downtime. On the day of treatment, the patient’s blood is drawn and spun to make Platelet-Rich Plasma. The penis is numbed with a lidocaine cream and PRP is injected into the base of the patient’s penis. Some patients report sensing slight pressure to mild discomfort during the treatment.

After the procedure, patients can resume normal activities. Some patients experience immediate improvement while others notice the effects after several weeks. The longevity of the P-Shot’s effects is different for every patient. It is common to have second doses after several weeks to further enhance results.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE P-SHOT?

The P-Shot can benefit an individual beyond treating Erectile Dysfunction:

Improved immunity
Greater energy levels
Less joint pain
Improved sexual health
Better sleep patterns

Schedule a consultation with one of our providers to learn more and see if this is the right option for you. We will discuss treatment options and give you personalized lifestyle recommendations to help you move forward.

HAIR RESTORATION

WHAT IS HAIR RESTORATION?

Hair restoration is a treatment for those who are experiencing unwanted hair loss or hair thinning. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) can be used to treat the scalp where hair is thinning or receding.

WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS?

At some point in their lives, most individuals show signs of balding or hair loss. Factors such as genetics, harsh styling techniques, chemicals, stress, menopause, or alopecia may cause undesirable hair loss. Other causes might include:

A lack of nutrients like certain vitamins and protein
Hormonal changes after giving birth or going off birth control
Surgery, illness, or physical trauma
Sudden weight loss
Anemia

HAIR RESTORATION TREATMENT

PRP hair restoration makes use of the natural healing powers of your body. As mentioned above, PRP therapy involves collecting a small sample of your blood and spinning it into a medical device that concentrates the blood platelets within the plasma. This platelet-rich plasma consists of a high concentration of growth factors and therapeutic proteins.

This nutrient-rich plasma prevents infection, restores damaged skin, and promotes natural healing. As PRP is applied to the scalp, multiple growth factors are released directly into the hair follicles which stimulate growth and regeneration in the hair cycle.

HAIR RESTORATION BENEFITS

The benefits of PRP hair restoration include minimal complications, low risk, and no downtime. Some additional advantages include:

Decreased hair shedding
Increased hair growth and length
Repair to damaged hair
Does not use foreign materials for therapy
High success rate
Fast, visible results
No scarring
No medication

Is PRP hair restoration right for you? Our experienced medical providers can determine if you are an ideal candidate during your consultation.

FACIAL REJUVENATION

FACIAL REJUVENATION & FACIAL FILLERS

If you are interested in all-natural, non-surgical solutions to effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, consider our cosmetic treatment with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Our providers are experienced in PRP therapy, a revolutionary treatment which works with the natural healing capacity of your own body.

WRINKLE REDUCTION & SKIN REJUVENATION

Do you want your skin to be clean, youthful, and rejuvenated quickly without surgery? A PRP Facelift is an outpatient procedure that harnesses the natural healing and regenerative properties of your body to restore a youthful, glowing look. A facial PRP treatment is one of the best, natural wrinkle reduction and scar removal treatments available today. This treatment uses your blood’s own growth factors and potent anti-aging properties to activate collagen and elastin fibers promoting long-lasting skin regeneration.

Anti-wrinkle PRP injections are an option if you want to know how to naturally reduce wrinkles. Platelet-rich plasma injections can help improve your skin’s appearance by:

Reducing signs of aging
Healing damaged skin such as acne scars
Diminishing lines and wrinkles
Enhancing areas of volume loss
Reducing skin discoloration

Ultrasound Guided Sterile Injections

At Spokane Spine and Disc, most of our joint, soft tissue, and spine injections are performed with image guidance to ensure that the injection is placed in the correct anatomical structure that is generating pain. Many research studies have shown that the success of a procedure is based upon accurate needle placement. The majority of other clinics in this area use simple, “blind” injections or low sophistication-level ultrasound technology. In our clinic, we use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to ensure our patients are receiving the most accurate care that they deserve.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic manipulative therapy is an effective, rapid pain relief treatment. It is a healthy, secure, and successful way to manage pain while offering long-lasting health benefits. It could be used to treat:

Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Joint pain
Hip pain
Headache
Leg pain

Elbow pain
Sprains
Tears
Tendonitis
Arm pain
Whiplash
And more

We understand the challenges that you may face in handling a painful injury. That is why we offer a variety of rehabilitation techniques using the latest tools and equipment to release muscle restraints and improve joint function. We combine a variety of techniques during your treatment sessions to relieve your symptoms and assure your progress throughout rehabilitation.

Massage Therapy

Witness the rejuvenating effects of massage therapy and explore its positive effect on your body and well-being. Therapeutic massage is a procedure which is medically proven to help your health and wellness. You will reap advantages of:

Relief from back and neck pain
Reduced stress
Increased circulation
Improved range of motion
Stimulation of the lymph system
Release of endorphins
Relaxation of injured and overused muscles
Reduced muscle spasms and cramping
Increased joint flexibility
Pain relief from migraines
Reduced post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduced scar tissue

How often should I receive a massage?

One massage per month is normal for those who use massage as preventive care or to relieve daily stress. Weekly sessions may be ideal if you get massage therapy as relief from injury or to relieve chronic tightness that interferes with your daily life. Most people use massage therapy for optimum pain relief at least twice a month.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic clinical conditions. Class 4 laser therapy can be safely used as an adjunct or replacement for pharmaceutical drugs. This pain relief treatment is FDA cleared and enables patients to have an alternative to drugs or surgery.

Benefits of Class IV Laser Therapy Treatments:

Reduce inflammation

Decrease pain

Improve range of motion

Accelerate tissue regeneration

Decrease scar tissue and fibrosis

Accelerate wound healing

Minimize recovery time

Non-invasive

What can it help with?

Muscle Strains
Sprained ligaments
Stress reactions & fractures
Open Wounds
Tendonitis/Synovitis
Golfers elbow or tennis elbows
Back pain

Neck pain
Runners knee
Inflammatory issues
Shoulder impingement
IT band pain
Plantar fasciitis
Rotator cuff injuries
Scar tissue

Non-Surgical Decompression

Spine surgery is incredibly risky, let alone highly invasive. Luckily there are less invasive alternatives available. Non-surgical decompression of the spine, also called lumbar decompression, is the method of non-surgical back pain relief. Distraction forces are applied directly to backbone components, such as injured disks, followed by partial relaxation periods.

There are many causes of back pain, from injuries to degenerative joint diseases. Lumbar non-surgical decompression is aimed at chronic back problems, including:

Bulging or herniated discs
Sciatica
Injured nerves or joints
Neck pain
Leg pain
Degenerative disc disease
Lumbar facet syndromes

How Does Lumbar Decompression Work?

Non-surgical decompression requires interference forces being applied to the spine. This stretches the spinal discs and in a “vacuum effect” takes off pressure from the area. There’s a period of relaxation after the vertebrae are separated by interference forces.

The decompression and partial recovery process allow for nutrients such as water, oxygen, and other fluids to enter the injured spine region. The processing of new nutrients supports the process of healing.