Blog Archives - Phoenix Regenerative Medicine

Recovering from an Injury: Choosing PRP Over Surgery

An injury can be really frustrating. Not only can it cause you pain and loss of mobility, it may keep you from getting back to your normal activities. You may need an extended amount of time off from work after you have been hurt. You just want to get your body back to where it was before you were sidetracked by your injury. When it comes to a speedy recovery, you have options that can help you. In the past, surgery may have been the only option to get your body back on track after you have been hurt. Now, you have another option; you may be able to benefit from PRP.

Why Choose PRP Over Surgery?

PRP is a treatment that is based on platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. PRP is a component of your blood that takes care of repairs when something is damaged in your body. These treatments can make a difference in the speed and efficacy of your body’s natural healing ability. Our professional will take a small blood sample and separate the blood into its various parts. Platelet-rich plasma will be extracted from this process and administered in concentrated amounts as an injection. You’ll get a much higher amount of PRP exactly where you need it, targeting your injury. This will help your body to start repairing itself more quickly. You can choose this method over surgery to have a faster recovery.

It Can Make Your Healing Process Easier

When you weigh your options for treatment after an injury, you may find that PRP is the most promising alternative. Surgery will likely mean downtime and additional healing. This alternative route will trigger your body’s own healing processes. You will be on the mend as new cells develop and circulation improves. You will need to give yourself time, but your body will get on track when platelet-rich plasma is sent to key areas that are in need of repair. You will be able to get back to what you enjoy doing most with help from your own blood.

Talk to Us About PRP for Injury Recovery

To learn more about PRP and find out if it can help you to recover from your injury, we warmly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Phoenix Regenerative Medicine! At our convenient location in Phoenix, AZ, our dedicated team of friendly professionals will be happy to evaluate your injury, explain your options for treatment, and advise you on the best direction to take. Contact us today to set up your consultation!

Try Thermo Electric Cooling for Pain Relief

When you are looking for an effective means of pain relief, especially for discomfort that is caused by musculoskeletal issues, osteopathic disease or joint surgery, it can be difficult to find an appropriate and effective treatment modality. Many people use medications, which might work well for the short-term. However, many medications cannot be used long-term because they can become addictive. Others do not provide complete relief because they do not focus only on the one injured area of the body. Instead, they work systemically. Other means of pain relief may not work for individual issues for one reason or another. However, one treatment that we have found to be particularly effective as a part of regenerative medicine for pain relief is thermo electric cooling, or TEC.

What is Thermo Electric Cooling?

Rather than using cryotherapy or other forms of cold therapy that can injure the delicate tissues that are trying to heal, TEC uses a solid-state heat pump to move heat from one side to the other. By using electrical impulses, TEC can be used either to heat or to cool. In fact, this therapy is so effective that it can decrease the temperature by tens of degrees.

What are the Benefits of This Therapy?

When you use the thermo electric cooling machine, you will see several benefits that you would not see with other types of therapy for analgesia. First, you will not have to worry about frostbite or damage to your tissues from extremely cold temperatures as you would with other forms of cryotherapy. Second, this is a generally comfortable treatment that combines compression with cooling to provide you with relief right where you need it.

Third, because it is so user-friendly, it is simple for you to use yourself in the convenience of your home as you heal following a surgery or injury. Finally, TEC therapy can speed up healing by decreasing cellular damage and decreasing inflammation that is typically associated with most tissue injuries.

While thermo electric cooling is an amazing treatment for regenerative medicine and pain relief, it may not be right for everyone. You will need to speak with our practitioner at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Phoenix, AZ before using this therapy machine to understand exactly how to use it and whether it is the best option for you. However, we have generally found that this machine is incredibly safe and easy for our patients to use, especially after surgery or following an injury. Contact our office today to learn about the many treatments and therapies we offer!

Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is an outpatient non-surgical treatment option in which stem cells from the patient are used to help repair injuries and damaged tissues. The procedure is fast, simple, and effective in the treatment of several conditions. It has provided relief for individuals with injuries that are difficult to heal or suffering from chronic pain. We at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine are proud to offer this option to our patients and invite you to learn more about its benefits.

The Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy can help prompt the body’s natural regenerative process to accelerate healing. Some of the benefits associated with this treatment include supporting the repair of soft tissue, promoting soft tissue reconstruction, reducing the formation of scar tissue, and minimizing pain and inflammation.

The types of diseases capable of being treated are unlimited and currently being researched. Stem cells have an amazing ability to help with regrowth. This makes it an excellent approach in the treatment of various concerns, such as tendonitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, ligament sprains, soft tissue injuries, back and neck injuries, ACL injuries, muscle tears, ankle sprains, chronic plantar fasciitis, repetitive motion injuries, and osteoarthritis of the hip, elbow, spine, shoulder, and knee.

Contact Us to Find Out More

If you believe stem cell therapy may be able to help you, we encourage you to reach out and make an appointment at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine! At our office in Phoenix, our dedicated team of compassionate professionals will be happy to explain your options in full, address any questions or concerns you may have, and help you get back to an active and healthy life. Contact us today to set up your consultation!

Tennis Elbow Treatment: How PRP Therapy Works

Tennis elbow is a painful condition that can affect anyone, even if you’re not a tennis player. Any repetitious elbow movements may overload or stress tendons in one or both elbows, which is why plumbers, chefs who regularly slice and dice or stir, and people who frequently make repetitious computer mouse movements may develop tennis elbow. If initial treatments haven’t proven effective and you’re hoping to avoid surgery, you may benefit from PRP therapy. At Phoenix Regenerative Medicine, we are proud to provide this revolutionary tennis elbow treatment and help you learn more about its benefits.

What is PRP?

Blood contains red cells, white cells, platelets, and a clear liquid called plasma. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a concentrated form of plasma that includes a higher than usual amount of platelets. These cell fragments bear an abundance of bioactive proteins and growth factors that play a key role in the healing process, making this a highly advisable option for tennis elbow treatment.

How PRP Therapy Is Performed

PRP therapy starts with the collection of a small sample of blood. After the blood is spun at very high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge, what’s left is a mixture that contains a high concentration of platelets. This PRP is the administered into the affected region in the elbow, where it works to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. PRP therapy is an outpatient treatment with no set procedural downtime, and results may vary from one patient to the next.

Results from PRP Therapy for Tennis Elbow

PRP can be effective for certain types of injuries, including tennis elbow, muscle tears, back and neck pain, and more. It’s believed that the specially prepared concentration of platelets and growth factors facilitates the body’s natural healing and tissue regeneration within the elbow.

If you think PRP therapy may be the best tennis elbow treatment for you, reach out to Phoenix Regenerative Medicine and book an appointment with us! At our office in Phoenix, our team of dedicated professionals will be happy to evaluate your situation, answer any questions you may have, and help you regain both comfort and function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Rotator Cuff Tears Treatment: PRP

A rotator cuff tear is a common injury in sports or occupations that require the same movement repeatedly. A rotator cuff tear may be a partial tear where the tendon at the top of the shoulder is partially frayed or damaged. Or you might experience a full rotator cuff tear in which the tear goes all the way through the tendon, or the tendon separates from the bone. Rotator cuff tears are often a result of wear and repeated movement, but can occur from a fall or heavy lifting. PRP therapy is one of the treatments we offer for this injury.

Rotator Cuff Tear Symptoms

Rotator cuff tears are common in baseball and tennis players. They are also often seen in occupations like painting, window cleaning, and trash pickup. There may little or no pain with the condition. However, symptoms vary.

Weakness in the affected shoulder is common.
Pain may occur when you lay on the shoulder.
Lifting may become difficult.
Popping or clicking may be heard with movement.
You might have trouble raising your arm.

Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are treated in many different ways. Conservative approaches are often effective, helping patients avoid surgery. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and help you decide which treatment will best resolve your condition.

Surgery for Rotator Cuff Tears

If conservative treatment is not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are several different types of surgery used to treat rotator cuff tears. The type you need will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.

If you are dealing with a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Mattalino and his friendly staff at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine are proud to offer various treatments options such as PRP therapy and stem cell therapy. If you would like to learn more about rotator cuff tears, PRP therapy, or your other options for treatment, reach out to make an appointment with us in Phoenix, AZ! Rotator cuff tear treatment can get you back to your normal lifestyle and eliminate your pain. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

PRP for Osteoarthritis Treatment: How It Can Help

People who suffer from the symptoms of osteoarthritis have traditionally attempted to manage the condition with anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and surgery. One of the more recent therapies for osteoarthritis treatment that scientists and physicians have researched is centered around platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The therapy is based on the presence of growth factors found in blood platelets. Professionals who offer PRP therapy assert that injecting growth factors into an injured part of the body will cause new tissues to grow. The interaction between the growth factors and local cells signals cell reproduction, and the cells eventually form new tissues.

Patients are considered to be good candidates for PRP therapy if they have previously not been able to manage their condition through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Patients who are interested in considering a potentially groundbreaking alternative osteoarthritis treatment may wish to consider PRP injections.

We perform the procedure by first drawing blood from the patient. Next, the blood is placed into a centrifuge, which separates the sample into white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. After the PRP is extracted, it is then introduced into the site of the osteoarthritis.

One of the major upsides to receiving PRP therapy is the blood and growth factors come from the patient’s own body, thus minimizing any side effects or complications. The body readily readmits what it recognizes as its own materials. Overall, the risks associated with PRP for osteoarthritis treatment are very low; therefore, patients who wish to opt for this therapy are generally encouraged to do so.

If you’re seeing osteoarthritis treatment and wish to know if you are a good candidate for PRP therapy, get in touch with Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more!

ACL Injury Treatment: What are My Options?

An ACL injury is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Ligaments are tough tissue bands attaching bone to bone. The ACL is one of two ligaments that criss-cross in the middle of the knee and connect the tibia to the femur to help maintain balance. If you have a torn ACL, it’s important to seek ACL injury treatment as soon as possible.

Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Most ACL injuries occur during sports activities such as football, basketball, soccer, or tennis. Movements involving jumping, pivoting, or sudden stops often result in a torn ACL. If you live in the Phoenix area and have experienced a knee injury, we can provide diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the symptoms of an ACL injury include:

An audible “pop” or sensation of “popping”
Feeling of “giving” way when weight bearing
Intense pain
Swelling within hours of event
Limited range of motion

During an appointment at our office, we will check your knee for swelling and/or tenderness. We might manipulate the knee to check the range of motion and assess joint tenderness. A diagnosis may be made on the basis of a physical exam, but further testing may be needed before an ACL injury treatment plan can be created.

Regenerative Medicine vs. Surgery

Many doctors may recommend surgery for your ACL injury. During such a procedure, the surgeon removes the injured ligament and replaces it with a piece of tendon called a graft. The surgery can be successful, but it is quite involved.

Regenerative medicine procedures like PRP and stem cell therapy can actually encourage the body to repair and revive itself. Who wouldn’t want the benefits of professional ACL injury treatment without the surgical aspect?

If you live in or near Phoenix and would like to learn more about your options regarding ACL injury treatment, make an appointment at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine. Contact us today to book your appointment in Phoenix.

Tendonitis Treatment in Phoenix: What to Expect

If you are suffering from tendonitis here in Phoenix, there’s probably one thing on your mind: What will tendonitis treatment be like, and how is the recovery?

Let’s begin by exploring exactly what tendonitis even is. An inflammation or irritation of the fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone, tendonitis leads to both pain and tenderness just outside the affected joint. The condition can occur anywhere in the body that tendons can be found, but is most common in the hands, knees, and shoulders.

Some cases of tendonitis can be cleared up with rest, physical therapy and over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, but if the condition is severe or the tendon has been ruptured as a result, stem cell therapy or PRP therapy tendonitis treatment may be beneficial in repairing the damage.

It is relatively easy to determine if you have the condition. The signs and symptoms of tendonitis include:

A dull ache, especially when the affected joint is moved
Tenderness
Mild swelling

While you may be able to treat some cases of tendonitis yourself, you should seek professional tendonitis treatment if your symptoms last longer than a few days and negatively impact your daily routine.

Although the condition can be caused by a sudden injury, most cases of tendonitis are caused over time by repetitive motion. Most people develop tendonitis due to jobs or hobbies that place stress on the tendons.

Other risk factors for developing the condition include age. As people grow older, tendons naturally become less flexible, making them more prone to injury. Tendonitis is also more common in people whose jobs require repetitive motion, lots of overhead reaching and forceful exertion.

Our team at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Phoenix can determine which treatment option is the best for resolving your tendonitis. Contact us today to book a consultation and get started.

PRP Injection for Knee Injuries

Unfortunately, knee injuries are all too common. They happen to star athletes, they happen to weekend warriors, and they happen to sedentary people. Knee injuries can range from severely torn ligaments and tendons to minor meniscus tears. However, even a minor knee injury can make it difficult to perform normal everyday activities and can prevent individuals from exercising or returning to competitive sports. The addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to a regimen of physical therapy with or without surgical repair can dramatically speed healing. PRP injection treatments are only becoming more and more popular, and for good reason.

Addressing Knee Injuries

Once a knee injury occurs, the first step is a diagnosis. We will use a history, a clinical examination, and imaging (ultrasound, MRI, and/or arthroscopy) to determine what has been damaged and the extent of the damage. In some cases, surgery is necessary, but in all cases, physical therapy is vitally important to restore normal knee function. The recovery from a knee injury normally takes months, regardless of whether surgery was performed. A PRP injection treatment can speed recovery and help to restore full function to injured knees.

What Is PRP?

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood. A normal blood sample is taken in a quick in-office procedure and the platelets are concentrated and isolated from the blood cells. Platelets are small, formed elements that aren’t actually cells; instead, they are basically pouches full of clotting factors, growth factors, and cytokines. When ruptured during an injury, they induce clotting and healing and attract immune cells and stem cells to the site of the injury. Doctors have found that if platelets are concentrated and applied to surgical sites or injected into injured joints, they release their growth factors and cytokines and induce healing of the local area.

Is the Treatment Safe?

Since PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of a reaction or of transmitting infections. PRP injection treatments are generally believed to be very safe. Talk to our team at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine to learn more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Phoenix.

Stem Cell Injections: Who Is a Candidate?

Stems cells are created by your body in order to heal and restore itself. Depending on how they’re needed, they can turn into blood cells, skin cells, or anything in between. In recent years, researchers have discovered that stem cell injections can help alleviate pain associated with your joints and back. Whether this pain is caused by an injury or by a condition like arthritis, this revolutionary new procedure shows great promise as an effective and long-term pain reliever.

If you’re dealing with joint pain of your own, how do you know if this is the right treatment option for you? Here are three signs that you might be a good candidate for a stem cell injection.

Other Treatment Options Have Been Ineffective
If you’ve been dealing with joint pain for any significant amount of time, it’s likely that you’re already familiar with a number of different treatment options. If, for whatever reason, your previous attempts to alleviate pain have not been successful, stem cell injections could be the answer you’re looking for.

Unlike traditional methods of treatment that attempt to impose an external solution on an internal problem, these injections treat joint pain from the inside out. By using stem cells harvested from your own body, the injections allow it to restore itself from within.

You Want to Avoid a More Invasive Procedure
For many years, if you were dealing with major joint pain, the only viable treatment option was replacement surgery. However, the prospect of undergoing such an invasive procedure has led some patients to do nothing at all. For them, the risks and cost of surgery were harder to bear than the pain they experienced on a daily basis.

Pain is keeping you from doing the things you love.
Many patients who turn to stem cell injections were once active, outgoing people. But as their pain worsened, they found themselves unable to participate in the activities that they loved and that gave purpose to their lives. If you’re tired of pain holding you back from the things you want to do, stem cell injections can help you reclaim your mobility and your life. Pain doesn’t have to hold you back forever—help is possible.

Are you ready to learn more about the exciting ways that stem cell injections can help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life? Contact us today to speak with a specialist to see if you’re a good candidate for this innovative new procedure! Phoenix Regenerative Medicine is conveniently located in Phoenix, AZ.