Tampa Prolotherapy and PRP Treatments
Regenerative Injection Treatments that work
Prolotherapy, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), and growth factors and biological allografts are non-surgical, regenerative injection treatments that stimulates the body’s own healing process to heal acute and chronic tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries such as torn meniscus, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis and golfer’s elbow among others. It is believed than many injuries are a result of ligament and tendon laxity which cause instability and pain in our joints.
Regenerative injection treatments are usually used when other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and surgery are not an option or have failed to provide benefit but can be used as first line treatment for these conditions as well.
During prolotherapy treatment, a precise injection of a mild irritant solution such as lidocaine mixed with sterile dextrose and water is injected directly on the torn ligament, stretched tendon, or injured cartilage, creating a mild or controlled injury that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This controlled inflammation increases blood flow to the area and naturally stimulates the body to repair itself. This process brings growth factors and healing blood cells that encourage the growth of new ligament or tendon fibers. This process results in a stronger, tighter tissue structure that corrects instability and removes the source of pain.
During PRP treatment, a patient’s blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. The Plasma is then injected directly into the area of injury using the same injection technique as Prolotherapy. Plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors and healing blood cells so, not only are you stimulating the body’s natural healing process with the injection, but you are delivering a high concentration of the bodies natural healing cells directly to the site of injury and pain. These areas typically have little blood flow which is why they fail to completely heal at times and can turn into chronic injuries and pain. PRP is being widely used by professional athletes to recover from injuries quickly and without surgery.
Growth Factors and biological allografts that are obtained from placental tissue can be injected in the same way PRP and prolotherapy solutions are. Sometimes a combination of these treatments are used. These treatments are done in a targeted fashion with the goal to regenerate and repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Although not currently approved by the FDA, biologic allografts and growth factors are being widely used worldwide for musculoskeletal disease and injury and provides a great alternative to conventional treatments such as surgery. The goals of all of these treatments are to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function, reduce medication, possibly lessen or eliminate the need for surgery
Ozone gas is used as sole treatment or more commonly as an addition to prolotherapy, PRP, for growth factors and biological allografts. Ozone provides injured tissue with concentrated levels of oxygen, one of the main requirements needed for healing. It also stimulates the immune system, increases circulation and reduces inflammation all of which helps to accelerate healing and reduce pain.
A single prolotherapy or PRP treatment sets the stage for healing but the regenerative and strengthening that occurs continues for months after treatment. Although some patients may only need a single injection session, treatment usually consists of a series of injections every 2 – 4 weeks until the desired result is obtained. Response from treatments depend on health and nutrition status of the patient, severity of the injury and how long the injury has been present.
What to expect after Regenerative injection treatment
Patients can expect to experience mild to moderate pain and inflammation after Regenerative injection treatments. This is normal and expected as the body goes through the normal inflammatory and injury repair process as if the area has a new injury. Pain subsides after 3 – 4 days and may be treated with non – anti-inflammatory medication such as tylenol or a prescription pain medication. It is important not to use anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin as they will inhibit the healing process. After the initial discomfort, patients may feel benefit right away but may take a couple weeks to start feeling improvement. The repair process however can go on for 1 – 2 years after the treatment. Patients can generally return to activity within a week after treatment.
Injuries and conditions commonly treated by our regenerative procedures include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- ACL injuries
- Biceps tendinosis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Ligament injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sports injuries
- Tennis elbow
Joint Rejuvenation Protocol
Avoid or Delay surgery with Dr. Heim’s Joint rejuvenation program!
Arthritis and injuries such as meniscus or cartilage tears that traditionally may require surgery may now be treated successfully with Stem Cell Treatments. These protocols may allow you to heal without the need for surgery or allow you to delay surgery for years and avoid the time-consuming recovery that comes with it.
Dr. Heim has developed a proprietary joint rejuvenation protocol using a combination of treatments including Stem Cell, PRP and ozone administration, Nutritional supplements and a diet program designed to maximize your bodies ability to heal and regenerate. The Heim Rejuvenation protocols do not just involve injecting stem cells into a joint and hoping for the best. Over many years, Dr. Heim has developed a strategy that gives your body the tools to heal and regenerate.
Just as a garden does not thrive without proper care, the body does not easily repair itself without the proper tools. A thriving garden takes proper soil preparation, nourishing seeds with nutrients and water and protection from the elements. Likewise your body requires the same thoughtful care.That is why Dr. Heim will analyze all areas of your health including diet, hormones, sleep, exercise and stress and make specific recommendations to maximize your health and ability to heal. By preparing your body prior to treatment with a low inflammation diet, nourishing your joints with a proprietary nutritional supplement program, and treating the areas of injury and pain with concentrated doses of Stem cells and other healing nutrients Dr. Heim creates the optimal environment for healing and regeneration. Injections are performed under ultrasound guidance to allow for maximum accuracy
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The Heim Regenerative Medicine difference
There are more and more practitioners adding PRP treatments to their practices. The training to truly understand and apply the principles of regenerative medicine however is crucial to to getting results. Many providers are simply injecting PRP into the joint space of the knee for instance, when in reality, treatment must be targeted to the structures that maintain the integrity of the joint as a whole. Whereas one provider might perform a single injection to treat a knee, Dr. heim will many times inject as many as 10 or more sights on the same knee in addition to injecting into the joint space. The injection techniques used with regenerative medicine is truly an art that takes many hours of training in order to perfect. In the last 12 months alone, Dr. heim has attended over 100 hours of training including ultrasound guided injection training on human cadavers. In addition, he attended an intensive week long course/medical mission trip where the 20 providers who attended, under the supervision of experts in the field, treated over 700 patients in 5 days. Dr Heim is dedicated to continuing education in the field of regenerative medicine so you can be confident that you are getting the best treatment available.
Another benefit of treatment at Heim Regenerative Medicine Center is the global approach to helping your body heal. The best injection technique in the world cannot provide results if your body is unable to heal itself properly. Hormone imbalance and nutritional deficiencies can inhibit healing and leave you susceptible to re injury. Dr. Heim can analyze your blood work to determine a program that can optimize your ability to recover. Treatments might include hormone replacement, nutritional supplements and IV nutrition therapy that can specifically target tissue healing. To learn more about Heim Regenerative Medicine’s unique approach to Regenerative injections, read Dr. Heim’s blog.
For more information, schedule an appointment with Dr. Heim– or – call (813) 384-3107