May 17, 2024
Hand and wrist pain can be a debilitating condition that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. This type of pain can stem from a variety of causes, including:
- Overuse injuries, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic injuries, such as sprains, strains, or fractures
- Nerve damage or compression
The severity of hand and wrist pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts daily activities and quality of life. Seeking appropriate treatment is essential for managing and relieving this type of pain.
One innovative treatment option that has gained attention in recent years is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This regenerative approach offers a promising solution for those seeking to alleviate hand and wrist pain without the need for invasive surgery or long-term medication use.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a non-surgical, regenerative treatment that utilizes the patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue repair. The process involves the following steps:
- A small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm.
- The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the various components of the blood, including the platelets.
- The concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then extracted and prepared for injection into the affected area.
Platelets are known for their high concentration of growth factors and signaling proteins, which play a crucial role in the body’s natural healing process. By injecting the patient’s own PRP directly into the site of injury or degeneration, PRP therapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to reduced pain and improved function.
How does PRP Therapy work for Hand & Wrist Pain?
PRP therapy has been found to be particularly effective in treating various types of hand and wrist pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the thumb, fingers, or wrist
- Tendinitis, such as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis or tennis elbow
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chronic wrist pain
The growth factors and other bioactive molecules present in the PRP can help to:
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Stimulate the regeneration of damaged or degenerated tissues
- Improve blood flow and circulation to the affected area
- Promote the formation of new, healthy tissue
By targeting the root cause of the pain, PRP therapy can provide long-lasting relief and potentially delay or even prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as surgery.
Benefits of PRP Therapy for Hand & Wrist Pain
PRP therapy offers several key benefits for individuals suffering from hand and wrist pain:
- Minimally Invasive: PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment that does not require general anesthesia or lengthy recovery times.
- Utilizes the Body’s Natural Healing Process: By using the patient’s own blood, PRP therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
- Potential for Long-Lasting Relief: Many patients experience significant and long-lasting pain relief and improved function following PRP therapy.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: PRP therapy has a low risk of adverse effects, as it uses the patient’s own biological materials.
- Avoidance of Opioid Medications: PRP therapy can provide pain relief without the need for addictive opioid medications.
Recovery and Results of PRP Therapy for Hand & Wrist Pain
The recovery process following PRP therapy for hand and wrist pain can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual’s response to the treatment. In general, patients can expect the following:
- Immediate Post-Treatment: Patients may experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
- Short-Term Recovery: Most patients can resume light, non-strenuous activities within a few days to a week, as tolerated.
- Long-Term Recovery: The full benefits of PRP therapy, such as reduced pain and improved function, may take several weeks to several months to become fully apparent, as the body’s natural healing process is stimulated.
The results of PRP therapy for hand and wrist pain can be quite promising, with many patients reporting significant improvements in their symptoms and a reduced need for pain medication or other interventions. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and some patients may require multiple treatments or a combination of therapies to achieve the desired outcomes.
Alternative Treatments for Hand & Wrist Pain
In addition to PRP therapy, there are several other treatment options available for individuals with hand and wrist pain, including:
- Conservative Treatments:
- Rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy and hand/wrist exercises
- Splinting or bracing to immobilize the affected area
- Corticosteroid Injections:
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- Provide temporary relief of inflammation and pain
- May be used in conjunction with other therapies
- Surgical Interventions:
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- Arthroscopic or open surgical procedures to repair or remove damaged tissues
- May be considered for severe, chronic, or unresponsive cases
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the individual’s specific condition, symptoms, and overall health.
Is PRP Therapy right for you?
If you are struggling with persistent hand or wrist pain, PRP therapy may be a viable treatment option worth considering. To determine if PRP therapy is the right choice for you, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in regenerative medicine or orthopedic care.
During the consultation, your provider will:
- Perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess the underlying cause of your pain
- Review your medical history and any previous treatments you have tried
- Discuss the potential benefits and risks of PRP therapy, as well as any alternative treatment options
- Develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals
If you are interested in exploring PRP therapy for your hand or wrist pain, schedule a consultation with our team of experts today. We are dedicated to providing innovative, evidence-based treatments that can help you regain your quality of life and get back to the activities you enjoy. Contact us now to learn more and take the first step towards lasting pain relief.
Apr 29, 2024
We are pleased to announce that San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group physicians, Dr. Christopher Rogers and Dr. Mary Ambach were first in the US to publish on the safety and efficacy of a GMP-manufactured stem cell product for patients with osteoarthritis. 1 This FDA / IRB approved study was sponsored by Personalized Stem Cells (PSC), a leader in stem cell research for orthopedic conditions. 2
Patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis who had not responded to standard medical care were treated with PSC-01, an autologous, adipose-derived cell product, also known as stromal vascular fraction.
Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is obtained from a patient’s own adipose tissue (fat) using a simple in-office procedure. Prior clinical trials outside the United States have shown that SVF therapy is safe and effective for knee osteoarthritis. In several clinical trials, adipose-derived cells have demonstrated a superior ability to reduce pain, improve function and promote cartilage regeneration than bone-marrow derived cells. 3, 4, 5
In this clinical trial, the treatment was shown to be safe, well-tolerated and effective. Most of the subjects had been advised to consider joint replacement surgery, however at one year follow-up, 79% were satisfied and able to avoid surgery altogether. In addition, a single treatment was shown to decrease pain, increase function and improve quality of life for up to 2.5 years.
Treatments that use a patient’s own cells represent an exciting advancement in the field of orthopedic regenerative medicine. SDOMG and PSC are committed to the responsible development of medical products that use a patient’s own cells to safely decrease pain and improve function. While SVF products require FDA approval, this treatment offers real hope to all patients who suffer with joint pain.
To learn more about your current treatment options for orthopedic conditions, please schedule a consultation with one of our physicians today:
San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group
6125 Pasel Del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 909-2355
https://sdomg.com
[email protected]
REFERENCES
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11036882/pdf/scd.2024.0008.pdf
- https://personalizedstemcells.com
- https://www.thekneejournal.com/article/S0968-0160(21)00192-7/abstract
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465211014500
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465211053893
Apr 19, 2024
Join Dr. Choll Kim from Excel Spine and Dr. Chris Rogers from San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group as they chat golf and back pain. Chances are, your back isn’t messing up your swing – it’s golf that’s messing with your back.
Golfing strains your back in unnatural ways. A golf swing using all the inner core muscles, compresses the spine disc and joints. The discs, joints, and ligaments in your back are meant to give you stable motion, but if the motion is disrupted, pain occurs.
Watch the full video HERE
Apr 5, 2024
Join Dr. Evangelista to learn more about Platelet Rich Plasma in a free webinar. For patients seeking treatment with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Dr. Evangelista will discuss:
Time: 12pm PDT
When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Dr. Evangelista has a special interest and extensive training in Regenerative Medicine (using the body’s own cells to stimulate the healing and repair of injured tissues). He believes these treatments have tremendous potential for treating a variety of orthopedic and pain conditions.
Click Here to Register
Mar 6, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Ambach who is one of the investigators in this landmark study and co-author of the paper. This is a multi-center randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial using platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Bone marrow derived cells to treat degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine. These cells were derived from the patient’s own blood and bone marrow. The study was able to show safety and superiority of PRP and Bone marrow derived cells over placebo in treating low back pain due to degenerative disc.
Read the full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38285032/
SEE MORE: The Safety and Effectiveness of Orthobiologic Injections for Discogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Feb 22, 2024
Knee pain can be debilitating, affecting an individual’s mobility and quality of life. Whether it’s caused by injury, arthritis, or other underlying conditions, finding an effective treatment for knee pain is crucial. One innovative solution gaining popularity is MFAT (Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue), a minimally invasive procedure that uses a patient’s own fat tissue to promote healing and relieve knee pain. In this article, we will explore the causes of knee pain, introduce MFAT as a treatment option, delve into how MFAT works to relieve knee pain, discuss the benefits of this procedure, and provide an overview of the MFAT procedure for knee pain. If you’re suffering from knee pain and seeking an effective solution, read on to discover if MFAT is the right choice for you.
Understanding Knee Pain and Its Causes
Before diving into MFAT as a treatment option, it’s essential to understand the causes of knee pain. Knee pain can arise from a variety of factors, including injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis. Injuries like ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures can lead to acute knee pain that requires immediate attention. On the other hand, chronic knee pain caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions can develop gradually over time and worsen with age. Identifying the root cause of knee pain is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
Introduction to MFAT Treatment for Knee Pain
MFAT is a cutting-edge regenerative medicine treatment that offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from knee pain. This innovative procedure utilizes the patient’s own adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, to promote healing and alleviate pain. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on managing symptoms, MFAT targets the underlying cause of knee pain by harnessing the regenerative potential of fat tissue. By introducing a concentrated dose of adipose-derived cells into the affected knee joint, MFAT stimulates the body’s natural healing process and reduces inflammation, resulting in pain relief and improved function.
How Does MFAT Work to Relieve Knee Pain?
MFAT works by harnessing the therapeutic properties of adipose tissue to promote healing and alleviate knee pain. The procedure begins with a minor lipoaspiration technique, where a small amount of fat tissue is harvested from the donor site (such as the abdomen or buttocks) using a specialized cannula. The harvested fat tissue is then processed using innovative technology, which gently cleanses and concentrates the adipose-derived cells while preserving their regenerative properties. Once processed, the concentrated adipose-derived cells, along with their surrounding extracellular matrix, are injected into the affected knee joint. These cells release growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances, stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and ultimately relieving knee pain.
Benefits of MFAT for Knee Pain Relief
MFAT offers several advantages over traditional knee pain treatments, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking long-term relief. Firstly, MFAT utilizes the patient’s own natural fat tissue, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or rejection. Since the adipose-derived cells used in the procedure come from the patient’s own body, there is no need for foreign substances or synthetic materials. Additionally, MFAT is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, minimizing the risks associated with more invasive surgical interventions. The recovery time is shorter compared to traditional surgery, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
MFAT Procedure for Knee Pain
The MFAT procedure for knee pain is a relatively simple and straightforward process. It begins with a thorough consultation with a qualified physician who specializes in regenerative medicine. During the consultation, the physician will assess the patient’s knee pain, review medical history, perform a physical examination, and determine if MFAT is a suitable treatment option. If deemed appropriate, the lipoaspiration procedure will be scheduled. On the day of the procedure, the patient will undergo a local anesthetic to numb the donor site. A small incision is made, and the fat tissue is gently suctioned out using a specialized cannula. The harvested fat tissue is then processed, and the concentrated adipose-derived cells are injected into the affected knee joint using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance. The entire procedure typically takes less than two hours, with minimal discomfort and downtime for the patient.
Is MFAT the Right Solution for Your Knee Pain?
Knee pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, limiting mobility and causing discomfort. If you are seeking an effective solution for knee pain, MFAT may be the answer you’ve been looking for. This innovative regenerative medicine treatment offers a minimally invasive approach that targets the underlying cause of knee pain, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. With its numerous benefits, including the use of the patient’s own adipose tissue and shorter recovery time, MFAT provides an appealing alternative to traditional knee pain treatments. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s essential to consult with a physician to determine if MFAT is the right solution for your specific condition. Take the first step towards relieving your knee pain and regain your mobility by scheduling a consultation with a regenerative medicine specialist today.
Schedule a consultation with a regenerative medicine specialist at San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group today to explore if MFAT is the right solution for your knee pain. Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer.
