At Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, we specialize in providing various regenerative joint therapies designed to help restore your body’s natural healing abilities. Our innovative treatments, such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, harness the power of your own cells to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process. Discover how regenerative therapy can help you overcome chronic pain and achieve greater joint mobility.
How Does Regenerative Therapy Work?
Regenerative therapy is a medical approach that seeks to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself and regenerate damaged tissues. One of the most important healing factors in our body is stem cells, which can divide and transform into specialized cells. Most regenerative medicines stimulate the production of healing and growth factors to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissue.
In addition to stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine can include treatments like PRP, which contains essential growth factors that promote healing. This type of therapy also encourages faster recovery from injuries, improved mobility, and reduced pain for patients who suffer from chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. We will discuss the different types of regenerative therapies we offer and how each treatment works.
Types of Regenerative Therapies Available at Our Practice
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that aims to repair damaged joints and eliminate pain. It works by stimulating the regrowth of ligaments and tendons and the proliferation of collagen, which provides structure and strength to connective tissues.
The injection solution used in prolotherapy comprises several constituents, including a local anesthetic (lidocaine or procaine), dextrose (a simple sugar), and nutrients such as vitamin B12. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the treatment process. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the dextrose serves as an irritant. Vitamin B12 contributes to the production of new epithelial cells and general tissue repair.
Once injected into the affected area, this solution initiates a locally controlled inflammatory process. This inflammation attracts the body’s attention, causing it to send blood and nutrients to the damaged tissue. This natural healing response allows for the repair and regeneration of the joint’s ligaments, tendons, and collagen, ultimately reducing pain and restoring function.
Ozone/Prolozone Injections
Ozone injection is a regenerative therapy that utilizes a reactive form of oxygen, known as ozone, to promote healing in damaged or degenerative tissues. Through tissue oxygenation, ozone boosts the healing process by providing the body’s cells with the essential oxygen they need for optimal function. One of the notable effects of ozone is stimulating the release of growth factors, which encourage the regeneration of damaged joints and degenerative discs to improve joint stability and pain relief.
Additionally, ozone helps boost the immune system, enhancing the body’s natural defence mechanisms against infections. Ozone also plays a significant role in controlling inflammation, leading to less swelling and pain. As a result, patients experience increased mobility and a better quality of life.
Prolozone, a specific type of ozone treatment, involves mixing an ozone solution with a proliferative agent such as amino acids and vitamins. This combination amplifies the ozone’s beneficial effects, leading to optimal tissue healing and regeneration. Ozone therapy can be paired with other regenerative treatments, such as stem cell therapy, PRP, or prolotherapy. Combining these treatments allows a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing pain, inflammation, and tissue repair.
PRP
PRP injections are a regenerative therapy that uses the patient’s own blood components (platelets and growth factors) to promote tissue repair and healing. Platelets are blood components that play a vital role in tissue injury response. They act by clotting blood at the injury site to prevent further bleeding and releasing growth factors to initiate healing.
Some examples of growth factors present in PRP include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).
These growth factors stimulate cell growth, collagen production, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) within the treatment site. This leads to improved wound healing and tissue regeneration, making PRP injections effective for chronic joint pain and conditions such as neck pain and disc degeneration.
Ozone Clot Matrix (OCM)
Ozone clot matrix is an augmented form of PRP. It utilizes ozone and nutrients such as amino acids and B Vitamins to create a highly concentrated mixture, which produces a highly ozonated clot matrix once injected into the treatment site. This matrix holds the PRP mixture in place, allowing it to stay active at the injection site for up to two weeks.
OCM combines the beneficial effects of both PRP and ozone therapy, creating a powerful treatment that can help with musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strains, tendonitis, joint pain, and arthritis. The combination helps to promote tissue regeneration and repair while improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types. These cells are derived from various sources, including bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. In stem cell therapy, the cells are injected at the injury site to stimulate cell replication and repair.
At birth, our stem cells possess an incredible ability to replicate rapidly. A single stem cell can multiply into 1 billion cells within just 30 days. However, as we age, our body’s healing capabilities decline. A single stem cell can only replicate into 200 cells within the same 30-day period by age 65.
This reduction in healing capabilities means our body loses its ability to repair itself adequately with age. Injecting stem cells can stimulate the repair of damaged tissue by promoting the growth of healthy cells. Moreover, stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating certain blood-related diseases and various types of cancer.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Regenerative Therapy?
Most people suffering from musculoskeletal problems are good candidates for regenerative therapies. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate. During this meeting, we will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options, and answer all your questions.
We are committed to providing our patients with the highest care and expertise, backed by research and years of experience in regenerative medicine. Our medical team will ensure you receive personalized and effective treatment.
How Long Does It Take for Regenerative Medicine To Work?
Regenerative medicine requires varying time frames to show results. PRP injections typically take four to six weeks for noticeable improvements. In stem cell therapy, expect at least one month before observing changes, with continuing progress for up to six months. Prolotherapy usually requires six to eight weeks to produce significant benefits.
Prolozone therapy may yield results within eight weeks; however, three and five injections separated by two-month intervals are necessary for optimal outcomes. Regenerative medicine timelines depend on multiple factors, including the specific treatment and the individual’s unique healing process.
Maintaining Proper Nutrition After Treatment
A balanced diet gives the body the necessary resources for repairing tissues and supporting cellular functions. Proteins are vital for tissue repair and regeneration, as they provide the building blocks for new cells. These proteins include lean meats, fish, dairy products, and plant-based alternatives like beans and lentils. Vitamins, such as vitamin C, play a significant role in collagen synthesis, strengthening new tissues and ensuring appropriate wound healing.
Other essential vitamins, such as vitamins A and E, reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Minerals such as zinc and iron also contribute to the healing process. Zinc boosts the immune system, while iron transports oxygen to the injury site, supporting tissue regeneration. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods like Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds reduces inflammation and promotes better healing outcomes.
Antioxidant-rich foods, like berries and dark chocolate, combat oxidative stress and can positively impact tissue regeneration. Adequate hydration is another important aspect of proper nutrition. Drinking sufficient water helps maintain healthy circulation, enabling nutrients and oxygen to reach the target cells effectively. Furthermore, hydration helps flush toxins and waste products that may hinder healing.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities by utilizing innovative techniques such as stem cells, ozone, and platelet-rich plasma injections. At Optimal Health and Wellness, we offer customized treatment plans tailored to your needs. With our expert knowledge in regenerative medicine, we aim to restore your body’s functions and overall health. Contact Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, to schedule your initial consultation today for an improved quality of life.
