Last month, we answered 5 questions about regenerative treatment to help you better understand the benefits of this minimally-invasive therapy for treating chronic pain.
Because regenerative therapy will stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms to heal weakened and painful tissue, we would like to provide more answers to your frequently asked questions regarding this therapy so that you can take advantage of this viable alternative treatment for damaged ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Here are a few more answers to your questions on regenerative therapy:
- How do regenerative treatments compare to steroid injections?
Unlike steroid injections, regenerative therapy is meant to improve the actual cause of your pain and promote healing naturally, while providing pain relief.
Steroid injections are limited because they offer temporary, short-term pain relief and do not fix the problem.
- Can these treatments worsen my condition?
Not likely. Regenerative treatments are designed to strengthen tissue, while steroid injections tend to degrade tissue. Although individuals may experience discomfort after a treatment, it will pass within a few days. With any injectable treatment, there are risks of bleeding, tissue injury, pain, and no response.
- Will regenerative therapy cause tumors where they are injected?
Currently, there are no reports in medical literature (researched by many different medical centers in the world) stating that stem cells coming from your own body can cause cancer/tumors. Taking cells from a different person or embryo may have the risk; however, the Spine Institute Northwest does not do that.
In addition, stem cells that have not been manipulated in a lab (like the ones we use) have not been associated with an increase in tumors.
- How do you maintain patient safety throughout these procedures?
Patient safety is a priority when treating any medical condition. Standardized protocols help assure safety and efficacy of treatments used. Regenerative therapy uses guided imagery, which reduces risk – while targeting the damaged tissue that is causing your pain.
More importantly, our staff takes additional safety measurements to protect patients. Talk to your doctor to discuss additional treatment efficacy procedures and side effects.
- How do the different regenerative therapy treatments compare to each other?
Each medical facility uses the regenerative therapy treatments that they believe offer the best possible outcome for their patients. Here are the most common forms of regenerative treatments:
- Dextrose prolotherapy – the mildest treatment available and is a great alternative for those with mild to moderate problems. It typically takes 3 to 6 treatments to heal painful conditions.
- Platelet rich plasma – an effective, strong treatment that is typically used for moderate to severe conditions. It typically takes 2 to 3 treatments.
- Stem cells – most effective in strength and may be used for moderate to severe conditions. The benefits lasts longer compared to other regenerative treatments. Repeat stem cell treatments are evaluated at 6 to 12 months intervals.
If you have any more questions about regenerative therapy treatments, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Kamson today at
(208) 496-0630. He will provide the best medical procedures to reduce your chronic pain.