Healing takes time, and it’s not always a straight path. 

But with the right information and support, you can feel confident at every stage.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we help patients not only get relief from spinal stenosis but also recover stronger with the help of regenerative medicine and customized care.

Let’s walk through what spinal stenosis surgery recovery looks like, week by week, and how to make the process smoother.

GET HELP RECOVERING FROM SPINAL STENOSIS

What Is Spinal Stenosis Surgery and Why Is It Needed?

Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine narrow and press on your nerves. 

It can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, often in your back, neck, arms, or legs.

When physical therapy, injections, or other non-surgical treatments no longer help, surgery may be the next step. 

Common procedures include:

• Laminectomy: removes bone or tissue pressing on nerves
• Spinal fusion: joins two or more bones in the spine to provide stability
• Minimally invasive surgery: uses smaller incisions and typically offers faster recovery

If you’re not sure whether surgery is right for you, we also offer non-surgical spinal stenosis treatments at Orthobiologics Associates, including PRP and stem cell therapy.

Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery Timeline

Every recovery is different, but most people follow a general timeline. 

Here’s what you can expect after surgery, from the first few days to a full return to daily life.

Week 1: The First Few Days After Surgery

You’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to four days. 

During this time:

• Pain is managed with medication
• You’ll start standing and walking with help
• Nurses will monitor your wound and help prevent infection
• You’ll receive basic instructions for care at home

Even if you’re tired or sore, getting up and moving a little each day helps jumpstart your recovery.

Weeks 2 to 4: Getting Comfortable at Home

This early phase is about healing and protecting your spine.

• Light walking every day helps improve circulation and mobility
• Physical therapy usually begins during this time
• Avoid lifting, bending, or twisting
• Pay attention to any signs of infection or unusual pain

If you had minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgery, you might notice faster progress during this stage.

Weeks 4 to 8: Building Strength and Confidence

You’ll likely feel more independent and mobile by now.

• You may be able to drive again, depending on your comfort level
• Physical therapy focuses on core strength and posture
• You can do light chores, like cooking or walking short distances

It’s important to stay consistent with your exercises and give your body time to adjust.

Two to Three Months: Back to Daily Life

For many people, this is when things start to feel more normal.

• Desk work or remote work is often possible
• Most pain should be manageable without heavy medications
• Low-impact activities like yoga or walking can be part of your routine

While you might not be 100 percent just yet, this phase usually brings major improvements.

Three to Six Months: Resuming Your Usual Activities

Now you’re rebuilding strength and returning to things you enjoy.

• More dynamic movements and moderate exercise are usually okay
• Physical therapy may taper off, with home exercises continuing
• You may feel well enough for hobbies, travel, or light sports

Listen to your body and pace yourself, especially when reintroducing higher-intensity movement.

Six to Twelve Months: Long-Term Recovery

For those who had spinal fusion surgery, it can take up to a year to fully heal.

• Bone fusion continues to solidify
• Long-term habits like good posture and regular activity help keep pain away
• Any lingering stiffness should gradually improve

By this point, many patients are back to their regular lives with better mobility and less pain.

Lumbar vs Cervical Spinal Stenosis Recovery

Recovery can vary depending on the part of the spine that was treated. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Lumbar (lower back): You may have more leg and back pain before surgery, but recovery tends to allow for quicker return to walking and mobility.
• Cervical (neck): This area is more delicate, and healing may involve more neck support and focus on arm or shoulder function.

Your recovery timeline may differ slightly depending on the surgery and area of the spine involved.

How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help You Recover Faster

At Orthobiologics Associates, we understand that surgery is just one part of the journey. 

Recovery matters just as much. 

That’s why we support patients before and after spinal stenosis surgery with options like:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for spinal stenosis to promote soft tissue repair
• Stem cell therapy for spinal stenosis to encourage faster healing
• Personalized physical therapy plans
• Non-surgical pain relief options

Whether you’re planning surgery or already healing, we’ll help you get back on your feet with a plan that fits your life and goals.

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Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home

Let’s take a look at some tips that can help you recover:

• Set up your space before surgery—keep essentials close and remove fall hazards
• Walk every day, even short distances, to build stamina
• Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich meals that support healing
• Take breaks and avoid pushing through pain
• Ask friends or family for help when needed

A little planning and self-care can go a long way during recovery.

Start Your Recovery with Support You Can Trust

Spinal stenosis surgery is a big step, but it’s one you don’t have to take alone. 

At Orthobiologics Associates, we help you recover with less pain and more support through a mix of traditional care and advanced regenerative medicine.

If you’re preparing for surgery or looking for ways to recover more naturally, we’re here to help. 

Reach out today to schedule a consultation and start your personalized recovery plan.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

FAQs: Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery

How do you take care of someone after spinal surgery?
Helping someone recover from spinal surgery involves assisting with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and preparing meals, especially during the first few weeks. It’s important to encourage walking, manage medications properly, watch for signs of infection, and make sure the recovery space is safe and easy to move through.

What can you not do after spinal stenosis surgery?
After spinal stenosis surgery, patients should avoid bending, twisting, lifting anything heavy, or sitting for long periods without breaks. High-impact activities, driving (while on pain medication), and strenuous movements should also be avoided until cleared by a doctor or physical therapist.

How long does it take to walk after spinal stenosis surgery?
Most patients are encouraged to start walking with assistance within 24 hours of surgery. While it may be limited at first, walking daily, even for short distances, is typically safe and beneficial throughout the recovery process.

What are spinal stenosis exercises to avoid?
Exercises that involve heavy lifting, deep twisting, high-impact movement, or excessive spinal extension should be avoided, especially early in recovery. Sit-ups, leg presses, and contact sports can place too much stress on the healing spine and should only be reintroduced under medical supervision.

Can spinal stenosis also cause hip pain?
Yes, spinal stenosis can cause hip pain. When nerves in the lower back are compressed, it can lead to referred pain in the hips, buttocks, or legs. This is especially common with lumbar spinal stenosis and may improve after decompression surgery.

The post Spinal Stenosis Surgery Recovery appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

But here’s the good news: most herniated discs don’t require surgery. 

With the right treatment, you can reduce pain, restore movement, and get back to your life—without going under the knife.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in non-surgical herniated disc treatments that help your body heal naturally. 

Whether it’s physical therapy, regenerative medicine, spinal decompression, or alternative therapies, there are many ways to manage pain and recover without invasive procedures.

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What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped or bulging disc, happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through its tough outer layer. 

This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing:

• Lower back pain or neck pain
• Sciatica (pain that shoots down the leg)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs

Many people recover with non-surgical herniated disc treatment that focuses on relieving pressure on the spine, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Best Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatments

Let’s take a look at some of the best non surgical herniated disc treatments:

1. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Targeted exercises help strengthen your core and improve spinal stability, reducing pressure on the injured disc. 

A good physical therapy program includes:

• McKenzie extension exercises to help reposition the disc
• Core-strengthening movements to support your lower back
• Gentle stretching routines to improve mobility

Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for herniated discs because it addresses the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms.

2. Medications for Pain Relief

Certain medications can help manage pain while your body heals.

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce inflammation
• Muscle relaxants help ease tension and spasms
• Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief for severe inflammation

These medications don’t fix a herniated disc, but they can make movement more comfortable while you go through a treatment program.

3. Regenerative Medicine: PRP and Stem Cell Therapy

Regenerative medicine is changing the way we treat spine conditions. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy tap into the body’s ability to heal itself by repairing damaged tissues and reducing inflammation.

• PRP therapy for herniated discs uses concentrated healing factors from your own blood to stimulate tissue repair. Studies show that PRP therapy has positive effects on herniated disc symptoms.
• Stem Cell Therapy encourages regeneration in the injured disc, potentially improving long-term function.

 At Orthobiologics Associates we offer advanced regenerative treatments to help speed up recovery and provide long-lasting relief.

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4. Chiropractic Care and Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic care can relieve pain by improving spinal alignment and reducing pressure on pinched nerves.

• Gentle spinal adjustments can help reposition herniated discs
• Manual therapy techniques can improve mobility and reduce stiffness
• Posture correction strategies can prevent further injury

At Orthobiologics Associates our chiropractors provide safe, effective adjustments tailored to your needs.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Herniated Discs

Making a few simple adjustments can prevent future flare-ups and support long-term healing.

• Improve your posture by sitting and standing with a neutral spine
• Stay active with regular low-impact movement, like walking or swimming
• Manage your weight to avoid extra stress on your spine
• Lift correctly by bending your knees instead of your back

When to See a Specialist For Herniated Disc Treatment

If your symptoms aren’t improving or you’re experiencing:

• Severe pain that won’t go away
• Weakness in your legs or arms
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (this is a medical emergency)

It’s time to see a professional. 

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and may help you avoid surgery altogether.

How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help With Non Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment

At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in non-surgical herniated disc treatment designed to help you heal naturally.

• Comprehensive treatment plans that combine physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and alternative therapies
• Advanced regenerative medicine options, including PRP and stem cell therapy
• A patient-focused approach to treating back pain without surgery

If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, there are effective, non-surgical solutions available.

Schedule a consultation today to start your recovery journey.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Conclusion: Non Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc doesn’t have to mean surgery. 

With the right non-surgical treatment plan, you can relieve pain, restore movement, and get back to doing what you love.

If you’re looking for an experienced team to guide your recovery, Orthobiologics Associates is here to help.

Book an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

BOOK A APPOINTMENT

FAQs: Non Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment

Can PRP help with a herniated disc?
Yes, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can help with a herniated disc by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. PRP is made from your own blood and contains concentrated healing factors that support the regeneration of damaged disc tissue. Many patients experience pain relief and improved mobility after PRP treatments.

What is a bulging disc vs. a herniated disc?
A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc extends beyond its normal space but remains intact. A herniated disc happens when the disc’s inner gel-like core breaks through the outer layer, often compressing nearby nerves. While both conditions can cause pain, a herniated disc is usually more severe and more likely to lead to nerve-related symptoms like sciatica.

Is walking good for a herniated disc?
Yes, walking can be beneficial for a herniated disc. It promotes blood circulation, keeps the spine mobile, and helps strengthen the surrounding muscles. However, it’s important to walk with good posture and avoid long periods of standing or sitting in one position. If walking increases your pain, consult a specialist to ensure you’re following the right movement strategies.

What are the signs a herniated disc is healing?
Signs that your herniated disc is healing include gradual pain relief, reduced nerve symptoms like tingling or numbness, improved flexibility, and better overall movement without discomfort. As the inflammation decreases and the disc begins to stabilize, you’ll notice a steady improvement in your ability to perform daily activities.

Will a herniated disc heal without surgery?
In most cases, a herniated disc can heal without surgery through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, PRP therapy, spinal decompression, and chiropractic care. Many people recover within a few months by following a structured treatment plan that reduces inflammation and strengthens the surrounding muscles.

What makes a herniated disc worse?
A herniated disc can worsen with poor posture, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, sudden movements, and lack of physical activity. Ignoring symptoms and continuing activities that strain your spine can lead to increased pain and nerve irritation. Managing your movements, staying active with gentle exercises, and following a treatment plan can prevent further damage.

What is the fastest way to heal a herniated disc?
The fastest way to heal a herniated disc is to follow a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy, spinal decompression, anti-inflammatory therapies like PRP or stem cell therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Staying active with safe exercises, avoiding activities that aggravate the injury, and seeking expert care can speed up recovery and reduce pain.

The post Non Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment: What You Need To Know appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Many people think surgery is the only way to fix it, but there are other options. 

This article will explore how to fix spinal stenosis without surgery and how Orthobiologics Associates can help.

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What Is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in your spine get too narrow. 

This can squeeze the nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is often caused by age-related changes in the spine. 

Other causes can include:

• Arthritis 
• Herniated discs 
• Thickened ligaments  
• Injuries that damage the spine

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms

Some common symptoms of spinal stenosis are:

• Pain in the back or neck
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Trouble walking or standing for a long time

Spinal Stenosis Surgery Risks

Surgery for spinal stenosis can be risky. 

Some risks include infection, blood clots, and long recovery times. 

Surgery might not always work, and sometimes it can even make things worse. 

That’s why it’s important to know about non-surgical options.

Non-Surgical Spinal Stenosis Therapies

There are many ways to treat spinal stenosis without surgery. 

Here are some options:

DiscSeel Spine Procedure 

The DiscSeel procedure uses a special sealant to repair damaged discs in the spine. 

This can help reduce pain and improve function. 

The sealant works by closing up small tears in the discs, allowing them to heal properly. 

Orthobiologics Associates is a leading provider in the DiscSeel procedure, and is happy to help you get rid of your spinal stenosis pain for good!

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells can help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. 

This therapy can be very helpful for people with spinal stenosis. 

Stem cells are special cells that can turn into different types of cells needed for healing. 

They can be injected into the affected area to help repair the spine and reduce pain, and there are very few disadvantages of stem cell therapy.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we use stem cell therapy for back pain, knee pain, and much more, focusing on stem cell research to get the most benefits out of it. 

Physical Therapy 

Exercises can help make your muscles stronger and more flexible, which can reduce pain. 

A physical therapist can teach you exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening your back and leg muscles. 

These exercises can help you move better and feel less pain.

Medications & Pain Management 

Medicines can help manage pain and inflammation. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. 

Sometimes, doctors may prescribe stronger medications if needed. 

Pain management specialists like us here at Orthobiologics Associates can also offer the newest treatments for spinal stenosis to help reduce pain and get you back to pain-free living.

Epidural Steroid Injections 

Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

A doctor will inject a steroid medicine into the space around your spinal cord. 

This can help reduce swelling and pressure on your nerves, which can make you feel better.

Treating Spinal Stenosis With Orthobiologics Associates

Orthobiologics Associates specializes in treating spinal stenosis without surgery. 

We use advanced therapies like the DiscSeel procedure and stem cell therapy to help our patients, creating personalized treatment plans to make sure each patient gets the best care possible.

Many patients have found relief from their symptoms and improved their quality of life with these treatments – call us today to learn more about how we can help you!

Conclusion

If you’re wondering “how do you fix spinal stenosis without surgery,” there are many effective options available.

Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and advanced procedures like the DiscSeel and stem cell therapy can help. 

Orthobiologics Associates is here to provide these treatments and help you find relief from your pain. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

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FAQs

How do you fix spinal stenosis without surgery? 

There are several non-surgical treatments for spinal stenosis. These include physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles around your spine, medications to manage pain and inflammation, epidural steroid injections to reduce swelling, and advanced therapies like the DiscSeel procedure and stem cell therapy offered by Orthobiologics Associates.

What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis? 

The best treatment for spinal stenosis varies depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. For many, a combination of physical therapy, medications, and minimally invasive procedures like the DiscSeel procedure or stem cell therapy can provide significant relief.

At what point does spinal stenosis require surgery? 

Surgery for spinal stenosis is typically considered when non-surgical treatments have failed to relieve symptoms, or if there is severe pain, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action.

What is the best way to live with spinal stenosis? 

Living with spinal stenosis often involves managing symptoms through a combination of treatments. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and following a physical therapy regimen can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Pain management techniques and non-surgical treatments can also play a big role.

How do you stop spinal stenosis from progressing? 

To help stop spinal stenosis from progressing, it’s important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, particularly activities that strengthen the core and improve flexibility, can help. Avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the spine and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on the spine.

What worsens spinal stenosis? 

Certain activities and conditions can worsen spinal stenosis. These include poor posture, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, high-impact sports, and being overweight. It’s important to avoid these factors and follow your doctor’s recommendations to manage the condition effectively.

The post How Do You Fix Spinal Stenosis Without Surgery? appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Spinal stenosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing significant pain and discomfort due to the narrowing of the spinal canal.

Traditional treatments often involve invasive surgeries or long-term medication use, which can come with their own set of complications and side effects.

However, advances in medical technology have introduced new, minimally invasive treatments that promise better outcomes with fewer risks.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the newest treatments for spinal stenosis, including stem cell therapy, acupotomy, Discseel, and lumbar interspinous distraction decompression.

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What is the Newest Treatment for Spinal Stenosis?

Recent advancements in medical technology have introduced several new treatments for spinal stenosis that aim to provide relief without the need for invasive surgery.

These treatments focus on using the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and alleviate pain, which is one of the answers to “how do you fix spinal stenosis without surgery?”

Among the most promising are stem cell therapy and Discseel, both of which are gaining traction for their efficacy and minimal invasiveness.

Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Stenosis

Stem cell therapy is a groundbreaking treatment that utilizes the regenerative properties of stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues in the spine.

This therapy involves extracting stem cells from the patient’s own body, usually from bone marrow or adipose tissue, and injecting them into the affected are – there’s stem cell therapy for knees, stem cell therapy for back pain, and much more.

The stem cells then work to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

1. Extraction: Stem cells are harvested from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue.
2. Processing: The extracted cells are processed and concentrated in a laboratory.
3. Injection: The concentrated stem cells are injected into the affected area of the spine.

Benefits

• Natural Healing: Stimulates the body’s own repair mechanisms.
• Minimally Invasive: Lower risk compared to surgical options.
• Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Targets the root cause of pain.
• Quick Recovery: Patients can often return to normal activities sooner.

Stem cell research pros and cons show how powerful stem cell therapy can be with minimal disadvantages, making it an excellent treatment option.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer stem cell therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment plans for spinal stenosis.

GET STEM CELL THERAPY FOR SPINAL STENOSIS

Discseel for Spinal Stenosis

Discseel is an innovative treatment designed to repair damaged spinal discs using a biologic fibrin sealant.

This sealant works to close tears in the disc, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.

How Discseel Works

1. Diagnosis: MRI or other imaging techniques are used to identify damaged discs.
2. Injection: A biologic compound is injected into the damaged discs.
3. Sealing and Healing: The compound seals tears and stimulates the natural healing process.

Benefits of Discseel

• Non-Surgical: Avoids the risks associated with traditional surgery.
• Effective Pain Relief: Targets the source of pain directly.
• Quick Procedure: Typically completed in an outpatient setting.
• Long-Lasting Results: Provides durable relief from symptoms.

Orthobiologics Associates is one of the leaders in Discseel treatments, offering expert care to anyone.

Acupotomy

Acupotomy is a relatively new treatment that combines acupuncture and surgical techniques.

This minimally invasive procedure involves using a specialized needle to cut and release tight tissues, thereby reducing pressure on the spinal nerves.

How It Works

1. Assessment: Detailed imaging studies are conducted to identify the problematic area.
2. Procedure: A specialized needle is inserted into the affected area to release tight tissues.
3. Recovery: Patients typically experience immediate relief and can resume normal activities within a few days.

Benefits

• Minimally Invasive: Reduced risk compared to traditional surgery.
• Immediate Relief: Many patients experience relief right after the procedure.
• Quick Recovery: Minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.

Lumbar Interspinous Distraction Decompression

Lumbar interspinous distraction decompression is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a device between the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

This treatment is particularly effective for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis – plus, it doesn’t require opening the spinal canal, reducing complications.

Conventional vs. Newer Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

When it comes to treating spinal stenosis, patients have several options ranging from conventional methods to newer, minimally invasive therapies.

Understanding the differences between these approaches can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Conventional Treatments

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve mobility and strength.
• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI): Reduces inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: Decompressive laminectomy, spinal fusion, and other invasive procedures.

Newer Treatments

• Stem Cell Therapy: Uses the body’s own cells to repair damaged tissues.
• Discseel: Seals and heals damaged intervertebral discs.
• PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote healing.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses heat to reduce nerve pain.

Sometimes, a combination of treatments is used, such as physical therapy and stem cell therapy.

This all depends on your unique journey with spinal stenosis, which is assessed to determine the best rehab plan by our expert healthcare providers.

What is The Best Treatment For Spinal Stenosis?

The best treatment for spinal stenosis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer a range of treatments to ensure that each patient receives the most effective care possible.

Factors to Consider

• Severity of Condition: Mild cases may respond well to non-invasive treatments, while severe cases may require more advanced interventions.
• Overall Health: Patients with other health conditions may need to avoid certain treatments.
• Personal Preferences: Some patients may prefer non-surgical options, while others may be open to more invasive procedures.

Can Spinal Stenosis Improve Without Surgery?

Yes, spinal stenosis can improve without surgery, especially with the arrival of new, minimally invasive treatments.

We offer a range of non-surgical options that have been proven to be effective in reducing pain and improving function.

Non-Surgical Options

• Stem Cell Therapy: Promotes natural healing using the body’s own cells.
• Acupotomy: Reduces pressure on spinal nerves through a minimally invasive procedure.
• Discseel: Repairs damaged discs using a biologic fibrin sealant.
• Lumbar Interspinous Distraction Decompression: Relieves pressure on spinal nerves through a minimally invasive procedure.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, improved posture, and ergonomic adjustments.
• Nutritional Counseling: Diet modifications to reduce inflammation
• Peptide Therapy: Using peptides to promote healing and reduce pain.

When to Consider Surgery

While non-surgical treatments are highly effective for many, there are cases where surgery may be necessary.

Patients with severe spinal stenosis, debilitating pain, or neurological deficits may require surgical intervention.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Spinal stenosis is a challenging condition, but advancements in medical technology have introduced new treatments that offer hope for relief without the need for invasive surgery.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we are dedicated to providing minimally invasive therapies that harness the power of living cells to stimulate and accelerate the healing of dysfunctional and damaged tissues.

Whether through stem cell therapy, Discseel, or other innovative treatments, we strive to improve the quality of life for our patients.

Our multispecialty team works together to deliver seamless, safe, and effective patient care, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For more information on the treatments we offer and how they can help you, please visit our website or contact us to schedule a consultation.

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FAQs

What is the most successful treatment for spinal stenosis?

The most successful treatment for spinal stenosis can vary depending on the individual case. At Orthobiologics Associates, we utilize a range of minimally invasive therapies that harness the power of living cells to stimulate and accelerate the healing of dysfunctional and damaged tissues. Treatments such as stem cell therapy, PRP therapy, and epidural steroid injections (ESI) have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for our patients.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis?

The best non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the patient’s specific needs. At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer treatments like PRP therapy, functional rehabilitation, and epidural steroid injections. These therapies aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance mobility without the need for surgical intervention.

What is the breakthrough for spinal stenosis?

Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of spinal stenosis include advanced therapies such as stem cell therapy and the Discseel procedure. These treatments leverage the body’s natural healing processes to repair and regenerate damaged tissues, providing a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.

What is the single best exercise for spinal stenosis?

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all exercise for spinal stenosis, many patients find relief through exercises that strengthen the core and improve flexibility. Specific exercises should be recommended by a medical professional based on an individual’s condition and overall health.

Who is the best doctor to treat spinal stenosis?

The best doctor to treat spinal stenosis is one who specializes in minimally invasive therapies and has a comprehensive understanding of degenerative diseases and chronic pain management. At Orthobiologics Associates, our multispecialty team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.

What worsens spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis can be exacerbated by activities that put excessive strain on the spine, such as heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or standing, and high-impact exercises. It’s important to follow a tailored treatment plan and avoid activities that may aggravate the condition.

What not to do with spinal stenosis?

Patients with spinal stenosis should avoid activities that involve heavy lifting, high-impact sports, and prolonged periods of inactivity. It’s also advisable to avoid positions that put undue stress on the spine, such as slouching or bending forward for extended periods.

Is a heating pad good for spinal stenosis?

A heating pad can provide temporary relief from muscle tension and pain associated with spinal stenosis. However, it should be used as part of a broader treatment plan, including therapies like PRP or stem cell treatments, to address the underlying causes of the condition.

What makes spinal stenosis feel better?

Spinal stenosis symptoms can be alleviated through a combination of therapies that reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. At Orthobiologics Associates, treatments such as stem cell therapy, PRP therapy, epidural steroid injections, and personalized rehabilitation programs have been effective in helping patients manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

The post What is The Newest Treatment For Spinal Stenosis? appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Orthobiologics is an exciting field of medicine that leverages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to treat injuries and degenerative conditions

They are used to help relieve pain, treat different conditions, enhance the body’s ability to heal, and can even speed up recovery after surgeries.

This article will explore what orthobiologics are, their uses, the different types of orthobiologics, the conditions they treat, how safe they are, and more!

Let’s jump in!

What Are Orthobiologics Used For?

Orthobiologics are used to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.

They are typically used to treat musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, and degenerative diseases.

The therapies involve using substances naturally found in the body, such as cells, growth factors, and proteins to expedite the healing process of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Orthobiologics are particularly beneficial for people looking for non-surgical treatment options.

They can help:

• Reduce pain
• Improve body repair/regenerative functions
• Delay or eliminate the need for surgery

What Are The Different Types of Orthobiologics?

There are several types of orthobiologics, each with unique properties and uses.

They can be taken from humans, animals, or micro-organisms, and are made up of sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, or a combination of those things.

Here are some of the most commonly used orthobiologic treatments:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:
  • fPRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from the patient’s blood and injecting them into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
• Stem Cell Therapy:
  • Stem cell therapy uses undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types. These cells can be harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue and injected into the damaged area to stimulate repair and regeneration. It’s used for many things, including stem cell therapy for knees, stem cell therapy for back pain, and much more! The way we do it, there are very little disadvantages of stem cell therapy.
• Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA):
  • Bone marrow aspirate (BMA) is a procedure that involves extracting bone marrow from the patient and concentrating the stem cells and growth factors. This concentrate is then injected into the injured or degenerated tissue to promote healing.
• Peptide Therapy:
  • Peptide therapy uses short chains of amino acids to signal cells to perform specific functions like lowering inflammation or promoting tissue repair.
• Prolotherapy:
  • Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution, often containing dextrose (sugar), into the injured area to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and strengthen weakened tissues.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy nerve tissues that are causing pain, providing relief for chronic pain conditions.

What Conditions & Injuries Do Orthobiologics Treat?

Orthobiologics can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer treatments for the following:

• Ankle Pain
• Back Pain
• Bursitis
• Chronic Pain
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
• Hip Pain
• Labrum Tears
• Meniscus Tears
• Neck Pain
• Nerve Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Runner’s Knee
• Sciatica
• Tendonitis
• and more!

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that we can address a range of musculoskeletal issues, providing all-encompassing care tailored to each patient’s unique situation.

GET SAFE & EFFECTIVE ORTHOBIOLOGICS

Are Orthobiologics Safe?

Orthobiologics treatments are generally considered safe because they use substances derived from the patient’s own body, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and infections.

However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, such as temporary pain or swelling at the injection site.

Our team of medical professionals at Orthobiologics Associates is dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of our treatments. We conduct detailed evaluations and use advanced technology to deliver precise and effective care. We’re also committed to empowering our patients with information and options, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Is Orthobiologics For Me?

Deciding if orthobiologics is the right treatment for you involves a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, medical history, and treatment goals.

Orthobiologics may be an excellent option if you:

• Prefer Non-Surgical Treatments: Orthobiologics offers minimally invasive alternatives to surgery, which can reduce recovery time and associated risks.
• Seek Personalized Care: Our treatments are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a customized approach to healing.
• Value Advanced Medical Technologies: We utilize the latest advancements in medical technology to provide effective and cutting-edge treatments.
• Experience Chronic Pain or Degenerative Conditions: Orthobiologics can help manage and alleviate symptoms associated with chronic pain and degenerative diseases.
• Are Proactive About Your Health: Patients who are proactive and engaged in their healthcare often find orthobiologics to be a beneficial addition to their treatment plan.

Get Professional Orthobiologics Treatments

At Orthobiologics Associates, our mission is to improve the quality of life for our patients using the most advanced technology available.

We believe in a collaborative approach to patient care, ensuring seamless, safe, and effective treatments.

By understanding what orthobiologics are and how they can benefit you, you are taking an important step toward achieving optimal health and wellness.

Our team at Orthobiologics Associates is here to support you every step of the way!

Contact us or call us at (877) 381-4200 for a free case review to see if you qualify.

The post What Is Orthobiologics? Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

But, with new research constantly coming out, there’s strong evidence that not nearly as many ACL tears need surgery as there currently is…

That begs the question: how long does an ACL tear take to heal without surgery?

We’ll dive into everything you need to know about ACL tears and how you can fix them with non-surgical treatments.

Let’s jump in!

GET NON-SURGICAL ACL TEAR TREATMENT

What Is An ACL Tear?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. 

ACL injuries are common among athletes but can occur in anyone, and often happen during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping, and landing.

An ACL tear is a significant injury that can cause knee pain, swelling, and instability. 

These symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs. 

Understanding the nature of an ACL tear is very important for deciding on the appropriate treatment method.

What Are the Different Types of ACL Tears?

ACL injuries can vary quite a bit in severity, generally categorized into three types:

1. Grade I Sprain: This is a mild injury where the ligament is slightly stretched but still able to help keep the knee joint stable.
2. Grade II Sprain: Often referred to as a partial tear, the ACL is stretched to the point where it becomes loose. 
3. Grade III Sprain: This is a complete tear of the ligament. The ACL has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.

Each type of tear has its own implications for treatment and healing, so professional guidance is key.

ASK US IF YOU’RE RIGHT FOR NON-SURGICAL ACL TREATMENT

Do ACL Tears Require Surgery?

Not all ACL tears require surgery. 

The need for surgery depends on several factors including the severity of the tear, the patient’s lifestyle, and their age. 

For example, a young athlete involved in high-demand sports might need surgery to safely return to sport. On the other hand, an older adult who leads a less active lifestyle might manage their injury through non-surgical means.

It’s not necessarily that black and white – athletes can manage their ACL tears without surgery in many cases as well.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we assess each patient’s unique situation to recommend the best treatment options.

Our focus is on providing minimally invasive therapies that enhance the body’s natural healing process to avoid the risks and long rehab times of surgery. 

Non-Surgical ACL Tear Treatments

For those opting for non-surgical treatment or those not suitable for surgery, several effective options are available:

• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercise programs can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve its stability, and promote healing.
• Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can help stabilize the knee and prevent further injury. Early bracing is often a key factor in healing ACL tears.
• PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the injured ACL to stimulate healing.
• Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: Utilizing stem cells extracted from your bone marrow or fat tissue can help in regenerating damaged ACL tissue. This is similar to stem cell therapy for back pain.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Adjusting activity levels and incorporating low-impact exercises can help reduce strain on the ACL and promote recovery.

These treatments are part of the comprehensive care approach at Orthobiologics Associates, where we use advanced technologies to treat and manage ACL injuries effectively.

How Long Does An ACL Tear Take to Heal Without Surgery?

The healing time for an ACL tear without surgery can vary widely depending on the injury’s severity, the treatment approach, and the individual’s overall health. 

Generally, complete recovery can take anywhere from several months to a year. 

Here’s a typical timeline:

• Initial Phase (1-4 weeks): Focus on reducing swelling and pain while bracing the knee, gradually moving on from the knee bracing once cleared by a physician.
• Middle Phase (5-12 weeks): Graduated physical therapy exercises to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility.
• Late Phase (3-6 months): Continued strengthening exercises and gradual return to more strenuous activities as tolerated.

It’s important to note that each person’s recovery will be different, and the timeline above can vary a lot as well as include multiple more phases.

Our team works closely with each patient to personalize treatment plans that optimize your healing processes and help you return to your daily activities safely and effectively.

Where Can I Get Non-Surgical ACL Treatment?

Orthobiologics Associates offers effective non-surgical ACL tear treatment.

Using detailed assessments, we’ll determine your best course of action for healing your ACL tear.

We’ll create a tailored recovery program for you, utilizing all our services to get you up-and-moving as if the tear never happened!

TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Conclusion

ACL injuries are a significant concern, especially for athletes and active individuals. 

While surgery is often recommended, especially for complete tears, many cases can be effectively managed with non-surgical treatments. 

Understanding the nature of the injury, exploring all treatment options, and committing to a personalized treatment plan are crucial steps toward a successful recovery.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we are committed to leveraging our expertise in orthobiologics to provide treatments that not only address the symptoms but also promote long-term healing and well-being. 

Whether you are dealing with an ACL injury or other condition, our team is here to support your journey to recovery with cutting-edge, patient-centered care.

CONTACT US

FAQs

Can ACL fully heal without surgery?

An ACL injury can heal without surgery through the use of regenerative treatments. This may depend on the extent of damage. Contact us to see how we can help!

Is it OK to leave a torn ACL?

It is possible to leave a torn ACL untreated if the individual leads a sedentary lifestyle or performs activities that don’t involve significant knee stress. However, for active individuals or athletes, treatment is recommended to prevent further joint damage and improve functionality.

Can I bend my knee with a torn ACL?

Yes, you can bend your knee with a torn ACL, but you might experience pain, swelling, or instability depending on the severity of the tear and your overall knee condition. ACL tears are typically braced and locked initially.

Can I walk with a torn ACL?

Many people are able to walk with a torn ACL, especially with the help of a knee brace or other supportive measures. However, the knee may feel unstable and it is important to avoid sudden movements or activities that could worsen the injury.

How to tell if an ACL is torn or sprained?

To differentiate between a torn ACL and a sprain, medical professionals use physical exams, symptoms assessment, and imaging tests like MRI. Symptoms of a torn ACL include a popping noise at the time of injury, severe pain, rapid swelling, and a feeling of instability when bearing weight.

The post How Long Does An ACL Tear Take To Heal Without Surgery? appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

It is no secret bodies change with age. You may feel yourself slowing down, experiencing a general loss of vitality, strength, and even cognitive function.  Some people have trouble falling and staying asleep.  Many of these changes are symptoms of a decrease in hormones occurring naturally with age.  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a simple, natural way to treat this decline in hormone production.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers affecting daily functioning.  These messengers are secreted by endocrine glands and travel in the bloodstream to target tissues and cells with specific surface receptors. Think of receptors as locks and hormones as the keys that unlock them.  These hormones are metabolized, activated, or inactivated, in the liver. Optimal hormone function requires the hormone (key), nutrients to activate the hormone (key) and a functional active receptor (lock).

Daily functions that are affected by hormones are growth and development, cognitive function, mood regulation, sexual/reproductive health, and metabolism.  A hormonal imbalance can affect the way the gut processes food, as well as overall health and wellbeing.

Before looking at how bioidentical hormones improve health, let’s identify each endocrine gland, location, the hormones produced there and hormone function.

Endocrine glands:

Hypothalamus– located at the base of the brain where it secretes hormones regulating the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, in addition to controlling sleep, temperature, appetite, blood pressure and water balance.

Pineal body-located in the middle of the brain producing melatonin, helping the body know when it is time to sleep.

Pituitary-pea sized gland located below the brain controlling the function of other endocrine glands with the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenals to secrete cortisol and growth hormone (GH), regulating growth and metabolism.

Thyroid and parathyroid- located in front of the neck below the voice box, regulating metabolism and calcium balance.

Adrenal gland- sits on top of each kidney producing and releasing corticosteroid hormones and epinephrine maintaining blood pressure and regulating metabolism.  One major component of the steroid hormones produced here is cortisol, the fight or flight hormone. Cortisol has many functions; controls the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, suppresses inflammation, regulates blood pressure, increases blood sugar and can also decrease bone formation.

Pancreas-located in the abdomen behind the stomach plays a role in digestion, and hormone production.  Hormones produced here are insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar and somatostatin which prevents the release of insulin and glucagon.

Ovary-in females these almond shaped organs are located on both sides of the uterus producing estrogen and progesterone.  Fat tissue produces small amounts of estrogen, and the adrenal glands also produce a small amount of estrogen and progesterone.

Testes-located in a pouch outside the body in males producing testosterone and sperm.  The adrenal glands also produce a small amount of testosterone in both sexes. Hormones are incredibly complex and important.  An imbalance in these vital hormones may lead to uncomfortable symptoms, greatly affecting quality of life.  This imbalance often leads people to seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve their quality of life.

We offer a personalized, bioidentical hormone treatment plan.  The hormones utilized most often in this plan are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

What exactly is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and how can it help you?

Hormones are produced and secreted in small, specific amounts creating a delicate internal balance.  This balance is necessary for proper bodily functioning.

Even the smallest increase or decrease in hormones can lead to an imbalance, setting the stage for disease. Hormones in the endocrine system function in what’s called a feedback loop, meaning an alteration in production of one hormone affects production of the other hormones, creating imbalance.

BHRT utilizes hormones that are chemically identical to the ones produced naturally in the body and are derived from plant compounds.  These hormones are designed to mimic the functioning of the body’s regular hormones making them a safer alternative to traditional synthetic hormones.

BHRT can be used to treat men and women experiencing hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Brain fog
• Issues staying and falling asleep
• Low libido
• Loss of muscle mass
• Fatigue
• Hormonal acne
• Frequent headaches
• Heavy, painful menstrual cycles

Optimizing hormones is the goal of BHRT.  Optimal hormone levels along with proper diet and nutrition, improve the symptoms listed above along with overall health and prevent disease.   The amount of time it takes to see results varies between each person ranging from 2 weeks to several months.

BHRT is one of the main pillars of functional medicine.  After a thorough medical evaluation utilizing health questionnaires along with blood and saliva testing, an individualized plan is created to help you achieve your wellness goals.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, we can help!  Don’t let a hormonal imbalance keep you from living your best life.

Call us at 877-381-4200 to see if BHRT is right for you.  Schedule your consultation today!

The post All About Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

The shoulder is one of our most powerfully complex joints and is important in almost all areas of life. Without the proper mobility and strength of the shoulder we would not be able to do things such as brushing our teeth, doing our hair, driving, eating, showering, playing sports, and working out. When the shoulder is out of commission, everything is affected. Every year many people who suffer from shoulder injury resolve themselves to living in pain because they think that invasive surgical procedures are their only option for treatment.

Cellular therapy can help with discomfort and improve mobility from injuries such as rotator cuff tear and resulting nerve damage by healing the damaged tissues thus reducing and removing pain and restoring function. In this post we’ll discuss your options when it comes to treating your shoulder pain and look at one of the most common injuries to the shoulder we treat: a rotator cuff tear.

We’ll also explain how Cellular therapy for shoulder pain and injury works and why you should consider it as an amazing option to keep you away from complicated surgeries that often don’t work.

How Does Your Shoulder Work, and Why Is It So Complex?

Shoulder injuries are some of the most common sports and activities related injuries we see. While most people think of the shoulder as one lone joint, it is a combination of four. These are the glenohumeral joint, which is the main ball and socket component, the scapulothoracic joint space, and finally the subacromial joint space. Injury can happen in any one of these spaces leaving you in pain.

The shoulder is what we refer to as a “ball and socket joint”. Much like the hip, it has such a complex range of motion due to a shallow socket, or what’s known as the glenoid, and a larger ball component that is four times bigger than the socket. This socket is deepened by a thickened fibrous cartilage, called the ‘Labrum’, which provides increased stability. The bones of the shoulder joint are also surrounded by other structures such as ligaments, blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is made up of four large muscles and their corresponding tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The muscles that make up the rotator cuff form a covering around the top of the Humerus (arm bone) and help to lift and to rotate the arm. They also help to stabilize the ball of the shoulder joint we spoke about earlier.

We know the muscles of the rotator cuff by the abbreviation “SITS”. This stands for the supraspinatus muscle, the infraspinus muscle, the subscapularis muscle, and the teres minor muscles. Each one of these muscles attach to the familiar shoulder blade through one single thick tendon.

What Happens When the Rotator Cuff Is Injured?

A tear in the rotator cuff is one of the most common sports injuries out there, and often happens with repeated shoulder movements. The rotator cuff keeps your entire arm stable and is responsible for the generation of power that comes with movements such as pitching a baseball. Additionally, the rotator cuff can become torn during sudden movement during an accident. A rotator cuff tear involves an injury to one of the cuff tendons and can either be partial or full thickness (meaning the tear goes all the way through and separates from the bone).

Slow degradation over time is also a large cause of rotator cuff injury. This can happen as a result of bone spurs, repeated motion of the shoulder, or the loss of adequate blood supply. A rotator cuff tear (either partial or complete) is diagnosed by x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.

You May Have A Torn Rotator Cuff If You Feel Any Of The Following Symptoms:

• Pain with movement
• Inability to raise your arm and hand over your head
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Pain that is either sharp or dull and persistent
• A cracking or popping sensation deep in the shoulder with movement
• A hard time with falling and staying asleep
• Swelling in the shoulder
• Feeling as if your arm just goes limp (especially if there is corresponding nerve damage)

You May Have a Rotator Cuff Tear – What Can You Do About It?

Simply put, a rotator cuff tears and gets worse without treatment. Without seeking help, you may eventually lose functioning of your arm. Nobody likes to live in pain either.

Typical treatment for rotator cuff repair includes:

• The use of a supportive sling
• Rest
• Physical Therapy
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pan and reduce swelling
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Open shoulder surgery
• Reverse shoulder replacement
• Total shoulder replacement

The sad fact is that conventional treatment of rotator cuff injury has a very small success rate. Invasive surgeries can leave you with greater pain and lessened mobility than when you were injured. Each of these procedures has real and significant side effects.

It is calculated that roughly 75% of patients who undergo some type of shoulder surgery to fix a torn rotator cuff experience results that are comparable to not having surgery at all. This means that the surgeries do not result in less pain overall. In short, the surgeries simply did not work- even though they cost thousands of dollars, and many months if not years of recovery and therapy time. This lack of effective outcomes is concerning.

Patients who are told that they need surgery can avoid these procedures through ultrasound guided injections of their own donated platelets and stem cells that reduce pain and increase mobility and function.

Cellular Therapy Provides Direct Healing Without Surgery

Cellular therapy for an injured rotator cuff allows for a completely natural solution that works with the body AND gets results. This is because of the healing, regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties that allow for real healing of the body to begin. Of all the cell types- your body’s own stem cells can specialize and become any type of cell that they need to allow for holistic regeneration of damaged tissues that works directly with your body’s own wise healing processes.

Cellular therapy is an amazing healing option because it can be done without surgery and all the complications that come with it. Injections are done with the cells from your own donated bone marrow and happen right here in our office. Cellular therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option that allows our shoulder patients to recover quickly and without all the damage that comes from surgery in and of itself and is done over the course

If you are currently experiencing pain from a shoulder injury such as a rotator cuff tear can help! There is no reason for you to live in pain or to spend thousands of dollars and hours of your life trying to heal. We know you live an active life that you want to get back to.

Give us a call today 877-381-4200 to learn more and get scheduled for your appointment!

The post Cellular Therapy to Treat Shoulder Pain appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. But what happens when an acute injury turns into something more serious? You might be thinking that steroid injections or surgery, such as a microdiscectomy or laminectomy, are the only ways to treat low back pain. We’re here to tell you that there is another way!

Low back pain is one of the top health conditions that lead people to seek medical treatment and is a major cause of disability. With an ever-increasing number of Americans reporting some kind of low back pain, it’s no wonder so many are desperately seeking relief. This debilitating pain can often start as an acute injury to the soft tissues surrounding the disks and vertebra of the spine such as muscles, ligaments, and even nerves. When pain such as this persists for more than six months, it is considered a chronic issue. As we age or incur traumatic injury, spinal structures can begin to weaken causing spinal instability

How Do You Know that Your Low Back Pain Has Become a Problem?

As we said above, when low back pain persists for more than six months it is considered a chronic, or long-term condition. This means that your low back pain may even be felt during the most commonplace activities, such as standing, sitting, or walking. Activity that calls for repetitive movement will also tend to cause a painful problem and lifting your legs up and down could even prove difficult.

Low back pain is usually easy to diagnose. Through a physical exam and health history, the cause of low back pain can usually be determined. In the case of a more serious injury, you may need an X-ray, MRI, or C-T scan. These images will give your doctor a clear picture of the cause and location of your pain. In many cases, low back pain is caused by issues with the soft disks that are in between each of the vertebrae of the spine. This is what causes a common condition known as sciatica – a leading cause of low back pain.

Traditional Approaches to Healing the Cause of Your Low Back Pain:

In today’s medical world treatment for low back pain is focused primarily on one thing: symptom reduction by removing a part of the body’s anatomy. This is all well and good except for the fact that it does nothing to truly help the body heal. Modern treatment of low back pain usually looks like a cascade of interventions that almost always leads to invasive surgery. What this does is cause increasingly serious problems and even more pain in the long run. Not something you want!

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already gone over the traditional medical options to treat low back pain such as:

• Rest
• Over the counter or prescription pain medication
• Decreased activity
• Epidural steroid injections
• Invasive surgeries such as discectomy, laminectomy, and decompression

We know that you’re wondering if you’ve got other options. The answer is YES, you do! If you were under the impression that these are the only ways to treat your low back pain, keep reading!

The Problem with Surgery

Two main surgical interventions to treat low back pain are discectomy and laminectomy. A diseconomy is performed on the disks of the spine to remove the herniated portion of the disk. A laminectomy is performed to remove a portion of the lamina, which is the back portion of the vertebrae covering the spinal canal.

What happens after these surgeries is a weakening of the structures around the spine – something we call degenerative instability, which causes joints to become sloppy and move too much in a way that they shouldn’t. This can cause further painful complications such as an even greater disk herniation or a nerve root compression, both of which are very painful. When this happens the need for more surgery is inevitably created and a long-term problem develops into increasingly serious interventions.

Opting for a Truly Healing Alternative to Your Low Back Pain:

At Ortho-biologics Tampa, we offer an alternative to back or spinal surgery called PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedures. This cutting-edge therapy is helpful if you find yourself diagnosed with a bulging or herniated disk, sciatica, arthritis in the lower back, lumbar back pain, or any other degenerative disk disease.

For many years, injections have been used to treat low back pain and inflammation from slipped or herniated disks. These injections typically contain a mix of steroids and other pain medication. The problem with these is that results are usually varied and once started, typically have to be continued in increasing frequency and usually just lead to surgical intervention when they fail to work.

Unfortunately, the success rate of these steroidal infections is very low.

How Can Cellular Therapy Help Solve Your Low Back Pain?

Cellular Therapy involves taking the healing tissues of your own body and injecting them over the area of injury or pain. These injections have a high concentration of your own platelets (which you will donate yourself) and stem cells which works to revitalize and heal damaged tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and joints that are injured. Because stem cells have strong growth factors that are great for natural healing infusing, injecting a high concentration of them over an area that needs healing puts your injury on the fast track to healing.

Platelets also contain a special protein that signals your body’s own stem cells to gather around an injury and help to regenerate new healthy tissue. This helps to repair the damage right where it’s needed so pain can be relieved and normal function can be restored. During this therapy, we will take a small sample of your blood and place it into a centrifuge machine that separates the platelets from other blood components.

This allows us to use stem cell therapy for back pain as an effective alternative to surgery.

We will also perform what’s called an aspiration to obtain many millions of your body’s healing cells. We then inject the concentrated platelets and cells right into the area of your low back where they are needed in order to help your body heal. Cellular Therapy is an amazing way to improve overall function and restore your health. It provides the right conditions for the body to repair itself leading to longer-term relief.

We would love to see you here at Ortho-Biologics Tampa and get you back on the road to living your life free from the consequences of low back pain.

Give us a call today at 877-381-4200 and we will get you on the road to feeling like yourself again!

The post Low Back Pain appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Chances are you’ve had to deal with a headache at some point or another- probably many times in fact! This is because headaches are a very common symptom that can arise due to many different issues such as fever, illness, allergic reactions, swelling and injury. Headaches can have many different causes, but what most people don’t realize is that headaches-especially migraines-are often the result of an injury to the head, neck, and spine.

Cellular therapy is an important holistic intervention that can provide relief from many conditions including chronic migraines and headaches that do not respond well to typical treatments. Before we look at how cellular therapy works to treat even the most stubborn of recurring migraine headaches let’s look at the difference between different types of headaches and where they originate from.

Not All Headaches Are Treated Equally.

There are several varying types of headaches that a person can experience, but they can generally be broken down into two types. These are symptom-based headaches, also known as primary headaches and secondary headaches which are a result of an outside cause which may include things such as illness and injury.

A Primary headache is when the headache itself is the main problem-not a symptom of an underlying condition or disease. While the pain from a primary headache can knock you off your feet, these types of headaches are not life threatening in any way. Since the brain itself does not feel pain, the pain from a primary headache originates from the inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body in and around the head and neck such as the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments. This inflammation if left untreated can lead from the average everyday headache that goes away easily to chronic recurring migraines that do not respond well to typically offered treatments.

We categorize primary headaches into four categories which are:

• Cluster headaches
• Tension headaches
• Hypnic headaches
• Migraine headaches

Secondary headaches are much more rare than primary headaches. They are caused by a pathological condition that is not normally found in the body. These types of headaches are caused by conditions that trigger a large pain response, also in pain sensitive areas such as the head and neck. A secondary headache, while rare, is a warning sign of a much larger underlying issue. A secondary headache often comes on suddenly out of nowhere and can be a result of conditions such as:

• Aneurysm
• Brain tumors
• Neck and spine injury
• Bacterial or viral meningitis which comes from a bacterial or viral infection of the brain and spine.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are a common, debilitating type of headache that are characterized by an intense throbbing pain that makes it hard to carry out daily tasks and functions. To be considered “chronic” a person must have migraine symptoms for at least 15 days out of a single month. Symptoms of a migraine typically progress through four stages which are:

The prodrome stage- this stage starts a few hours before the migraine sets in and comes with warning signs such as neck pain and stiffness. People often feel mood changes, hunger thirst, or fatigue

The aura stage- here people tend to see flashes of light, bright spots, bright shapes, and have vision loss and difficulty speaking. It can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after the onset of the aura stage that the migraine truly sets in

The migraine stage- here is when harsh, throbbing, stabbing like pain starts on one or both sides of the head. This is the most intense stage where vomiting, dizziness, and neck pain also occur.

The postdrome stage- This stage brings on a feeling of weakness, tiredness, and confusion can last after the pain of the migraine stage has subsided. This can last for several hours to a few days.

This cascade can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Traditional treatment of migraine headaches includes pain medications such as NSAIDS, narcotic drugs, drugs containing caffeine, and medication to treat nausea. Oftentimes patients will be prescribed medications such as beta-blockers and antidepressants to attempt to keep migraines at bay. The problem with this approach to treatment is that these all have negative consequences on other areas of the body, and oftentimes do not work effectively to manage pain.

Pain from neck injury can be a precipitating factor in the onset of a migraine due to chronic inflammation

For those who have tried every traditional option for relief and are still experiencing migraine headaches, cellular therapy is an amazing option. Cellular therapy is a natural method of regenerative medicine which works with the power of your body’s own cells to promote healing. Using cells from a person’s own donated bone marrow allows for a treatment which helps to reduce pain at the source by reducing inflammation and helping to rebuild any damaged tissues because of injury.

Cellular therapy works to treat this underlying inflammation which so often is one of the root triggers of migraine headaches. We see this inflammatory response most often because of the body’s attempt to protect itself after an injury has been sustained. Cellular therapy provides the body with what it needs to heal itself.

Our treatment process begins with an initial consultation to assess the source of your migraine headaches and includes a tailored number of treatments through a series of injections. This allows for a high concentration of cells to experience healing at a much higher rate. We help many people recover from the debilitating pain of migraine headaches.

Call us at 877-381-4200 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and helping you find relief.

The post Finding Help for Migraine Relief appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Neck pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions anyone can endure. Reported by over 20% of people in The United States it is a major roadblock to enjoying life to its fullest. Neck pain can be caused by several different things such as injury or trauma, muscle strain, and spinal disease.

All these things can irritate sensitive nerve roots causing inflammation and pain. Finding yourself in this condition can leave you out of commission without warning!

No matter the cause, it can make life simply miserable. Neck pain can even be accompanied by a tingling sensation or weakness that can travel down the arms. We know that you’ve probably tried everything to alleviate your life altering symptoms pain. Maybe your doctor has even recommended surgical procedures such as micro-discectomy or laminectomy. If you’re trying to avoid surgery at all costs, you’re not alone. And if you’re looking for treatment options that don’t involve surgery then you’ve come to the right place.

Before We Discuss How Ortho-biologics Cellular Therapy Can Help Treat Your Neck Pain, Let1s Take a Look at the Neck’s Anatomy:

The neck, otherwise known as the cervical spine, is made up of seven vertebral segments. The cervical spine houses bones, ligaments, nerves, and muscles that all work together to create movement and receive signals that allow us to do things such as feel and swallow.

This area of the spine also houses the spinal cord that allows messages to travel from the brain down to the rest of the body. It also allows the head and neck to move in all directions. As you can see it is a very important part of our anatomy and should be treated with great care! It is easy to see how chronic neck pain can negatively affect every aspect of one’s life.

The cervical spine also facilitates the flow of blood to the brain, supports the head and its movement, and protects the delicate tissues of the spinal cord. With so many important structures in such a small space, it is important to treat the neck with care!

The Traditional Approach to Treating Chronic Neck Pain:

For those suffering from chronic neck pain surgical intervention to relieve pain is typically done for several reasons which include:

1. To decompress the spinal cord
2. To decompress a pinched nerve root by removing a damaged structure such as a disk or piece of bone
3. To stabilize the cervical spine

Physical assessment and diagnostic imaging are used in combination to assess the exact cause of the pain and surgery typically follows. The downside to this is that additional weaknesses are created with any structural change in the body. This eventually leads to more and more surgery that increases in severity. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this! Here at Ortho-biologics Tampa, we are on the cutting-edge of medical technology, offering you new ways to help heal the actual cause of your neck pain and not just cut things off or out.

Two of the most common surgical procedures for neck pain are micro discectomy and laminectomy. A micro-discectomy is typically performed for a herniated disk. During the procedure, a small part of the herniated disc is removed to relieve pressure off of a nerve root.

In a surgical laminectomy, the lamina, or the bone that coverers the spinal canal, is removed in order to take pressure off the nerves of the neck. These surgeries can even lead to another more complicated surgery called an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which is a procedure that removes the entire soft disk between your spinal vertebrae and fuses the top and bottom vertebrae together.

Surgery, while extremely common, is not without very serious risks such as:

• Weakness of the limbs
• Lingering tingling sensation
• Dural leak
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Further nerve root damage
• Spinal cord damage
• Further surgeries
• Greatly limited range of motion- Painful and lengthy recovery that may take up to a year

How Does Cellular Therapy Work to Treat Chronic Neck Pain?

Stem cells are the body’s natural healers. When there is an injury in the body, its first response is to send platelet cells to aid in the healing process. These platelet cells help repair and restore the damaged area. They also assist in the activation and attraction of stem cells, which also help the injury repair itself. Therefore, once stem cells and PRP (platelet rich plasma) are injected into the area of the neck where there are worn, inflamed, or damaged tissues, they will begin a healing cascade that greatly reduces pain while increasing the natural ability of the body to heal itself.

What’s so amazing about platelets and stem cells is their ability to signal your body’s own healing and help facilitate the growth of new healthy tissues. This helps to reduce inflammation and long-term pain by getting at the root cause… the damage. At Ortho-biologics Tampa, we always use cells from your own body and never ones that have been donated. This is done using a simple blood draw and aspiration process at our office in one visit. Your blood will be put in a device that separates the different types of cells and the aspirate is activated to ensure viability of your stem cells. This allows us to then inject the platelet-rich plasma and stem cells directly where it is needed most – your injury.

The Benefits of Cellular Therapy to Treat Chronic Neck Pain Include:

• Very little downtime
• In-office treatment – there is no need to go to a separate facility for your procedure
• Results that create a healing response in your body (not just cut something out)
• A decrease in over the counter and prescription pain medication
• Delaying or avoiding surgery altogether
• Treatment only takes about an hour
• Reduced inflammation that allows pressure to subside from structures such as the nerve root
• Relaxation of the surrounding muscles that have been working to compensate for the injury

If you are suffering from chronic neck pain, we are offering the latest in technological and procedural advancements when it comes to PRP Therapy treatment. After your PRP injection, you should notice a gradual reduction of symptoms over a period of a few weeks. This procedure is safe, quick, and relatively painless. You’ll be back on your feet in as little as 24 hours.

Call us at 877-381-4200 to schedule an appointment and let us help you end your chronic neck pain.

The post Neck Pain appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

You’ve probably heard of the term “whiplash” but maybe you aren’t exactly sure what it means or what it is. Whiplash is a type of injury that commonly happens during high impact experiences such as contact sports injuries, falls and car accidents-with car accidents being the highest cause on the list.

While they are often felt right away, whiplash symptoms can show up weeks even months after the initial injury-which unfortunately means that many people have serious complications from under treatment such as increased scar tissue, and painful immobility.

There are several treatments we use for people who come to us with whiplash. Before we talk about that, let’s look at the dynamics of this commonly known injury so we can have a better understanding of just what is happening in the body during a whiplash injury.

The Anatomy of Whiplash

The neck is made up of seven bones known as the cervical vertebrae. At the base of the head are the first two vertebrae known as the atlas and axis. The first vertebrae are known as the Atlas after the Greek hero who held up the world. This is appropriate because this ring-shaped bone holds your head upright. The Second vertebrae are known as the Axis and allows the head to move side to side in a “no” movement left and right. The remaining five vertebrae are all regularly shaped. All seven of the vertebrae of the neck are connected at the back of each bone by what are called facet joints. These facet joints allow for the twisting and forward and backward movements of the neck.

In-between each vertebrae is a shock absorbing disk that acts as a cushion in between each bone. The cervical spine is also protected and surrounded by many muscles and ligaments which help with movement and support. They also act to protect the delicate spinal cord.

As you can see the neck is very complex!

Whiplash is a common term given to a sudden injury to the bones, nerves, and muscles of the neck
that happens when they are thrown forward and backward or side to side quickly and forcibly. The area of the neck that is injured will depend on the way in which this injury happened. Did the neck move forward and back, or did it twist side to side? This abrupt force of impact will cause the head and neck to overextend beyond what they are able to do normally which will also strain and injure muscles and ligaments. In certain cases, there can even be damage to nerves and vertebrae or a resulting traumatic brain injury in the form of a concussion.

Signs And Symptoms of Whiplash

The force of motion which causes whiplash is painful and disruptive to the entire head and neck and can cause many physical and emotional issues. But how can you tell that the symptoms you may be experiencing are whiplash?

There are many signs and symptoms which include:

• Depression
• Trouble staying or falling asleep
• Pain with movement in the neck and head
• Frequent lasting headaches
• Visual impairment or sensitivity to bright lights
• Neck instability- a feeling as if it’s too hard to hold your head up
• Emotional stress, frequent crying, feelings of being hopeless
• Tendonitis and ligament sprains

We asses for whiplash injury by looking at:

• The range of motion of your head and neck.
• The degree of motion at which you feel pain
• The reflexes and strength of your arms and hands
• If you have any tenderness in your head, neck, or shoulders

If you are having sharp pain, numbness or tingling that radiates down your neck to an arm or leg call 911 or get to an ER right away as this could be the result of nerve compression from the force of your accident.

Traditional Treatment of Whiplash

Typically imaging such as x-ray and MRI will be done to get a picture of the head and neck. Often these do not account for the micro tearing to muscles and ligaments that occur with whiplash, which can cause scar tissue and pain if it is not treated.

Typical treatment of whiplash focuses on:

• Pain management with over the counter or prescription medications
• Hot or cold therapy
• Rest
• Prescription muscle relaxers
• Injections of numbing medications such as Xylocaine

While all these tools can be helpful it is common for people to continue to have pain down the line, or even develop something known as whiplash syndrome. This happens when symptoms persist over six months. Without treating the micro tearing that happens in the muscles and ligaments with whiplash the body will begin to lay down scar tissues over the strained areas. This causes further stiffness and pain.

Trigger points may also develop in the muscle tissues as a means for your body to compensate. These can also refer to pain in other parts of the body.

How We Can Help

There are several ways we can help you treat whiplash after an injury or resulting from an accident. It’s important to know that we can give you an assessment even if you are feeling no symptoms (remember how we said these can sometimes take weeks or months to show up?) We can also help fit you with a proper brace that supports your neck as it heals.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) can also help heal your injury by targeting pain at the source of your injury. We use a mixture created from your own blood that floods the injury with platelets and other proteins that stimulate your body’s own healing. Platelets release growth factor that also help your injury heal quickly.

This will help the body promote and mobilize stem cells which will aid in the healing process in three main ways:

• Improved joint mobility and functionality
• Decreased pain
• Lessening of the time it takes to heal
• Greater tissue strength

This helps prevent painful scar tissue from forming and aids in the healing of the micro-tearing of muscle and ligaments.

An injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) can be done quickly and simply in our office. This procedure typically takes one hour and can be done multiple times. Each injury will require an individual plan of care and may need up to 3-4 treatments before an injury is fully healed.

Call us at 877-381-4200 to schedule an appointment to help your whiplash injury heal as quickly as possible. We look forward to seeing you and to getting you back on your feet!

The post What exactly is whiplash appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Our knees are vital aspects of our body’s make-up. Without them, we would not be able to walk, stand, move around, or enjoy the mobility that lets us live life to the fullest.

But what happens when the pain from conditions, such as osteoarthritis, takes us out of the game of life and relegates us to the spectator’s seat? How can we use modern methods to avoid the cascade of treatments that so often lead to joint replacement surgery?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common afflictions impacting Americans today and is a condition that is often responsible for chronic knee pain. Symptomatic osteoarthritis occurs in 13% of women and 10% of men over the age of sixty in America. This equates to millions of people nationwide trying to navigate the management of this condition. Contrary to popular belief, aging is only a small factor when it comes to developing osteoarthritis. Things such as gender, obesity, knee injury, and repetitive use of the joint through running or twisting are also key players.

Fortunately, we are moving away from the days of cortisone shot after cortisone shot and joint replacement as the only treatment road to travel down. At Orthobiulogics Associates, we practice safe, effective, and non-surgical management of knee pain caused by osteoarthritis with proven sulutions that are derived from your own body’s natural healing ability. Before we look at what Cellular Therapy Ortho-Biulogic treatment can do for your knee pain, let’s dive into what osteoarthritis is and what causes it.

What is Osteoarthritis?

This kind of arthritis is most commonly known as “wear and tear arthritis” due to the loss of cartilage within a joint over a longer period of time. This wear and tear can be exacerbated by obesity, repetitive motions seen again and again in labor-intensive jobs, and in long-time athletes.

When cartilage tissues are healthy, they function as a specially lubricated and completely smooth surface, which allows two parts of a joint to work together seamlessly. As this cartilage degrades it becomes dry and rough, and often disappears completely, leaving the joint in a painful bone-on-bone state. Due to its weight-bearing nature and location within the body, the knee joint is one of the most common places for this type of osteoarthritis to show up. As the cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, debilitating pain develops, leading to a cascade of pain medication, cortisone shots, surgeries, and eventually, total joint replacement.

Symptoms include

• Stiffness and loss of mobility upon waking in the morning
• Loss of joint flexibility
• Decreased range of motion
• Pain that increases after activity
• A buckling sensation in the knee which can even lead to falling
• Sudden sharp pains that can develop into pain that lasts for days after any weight-bearing activity
• Pain that calms down when you rest

Traditional Medical Approaches to Osteoarthritis Include:

• Hot and culd therapy
• Knee braces
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription medication for more advanced cases
• Cortisone injections
• Surgical intervention, such as an osteotomy (where a cut is made through the tibia bone to realign the top portion of the bone), cartilage grafting, joint clean out with arthroscopy, and total joint replacement.

The issue with these methods of treatment, as far as we see it, is that they do not work to heal osteoarthritis at the root cause. The invasive nature of these treatments only leads to a cascade of interventions that requires additional treatment over time. This requires lots of recovery time and is both costly and frustrating. You may be surprised to know that even a total joint replacement can fail when it comes to pain relief. 1 in every 3 people who undergo replacement surgery still report pain long after their post-op period has officially completed.

The Problem With Cortisone Shots:

Many people turn to cortisone shots only to find that the relief for their knee pain caused by osteoarthritis is minimal. The bottom line with cortisone shots is that they offer little if any long-term relief of symptoms. This is because as multiple cortisone shots are given over long periods of time cortisone actually causes further deterioration to the cartilage that surrounds and lubricates the joint. This is completely contrary to your healing goals.

Cortisone shots are typically the first step, in a cascade of procedures, that lead to long recovery times and the need for increasingly greater interventions.

Here are a few regenerative medicine sulutions we offer at Orthobiulogic Associates to help you find relief from your chronic knee pain:

• We offer a new minimally invasive stem cell therapy that uses cells from your own body to help heal your osteoarthritis. This is a great option as there is a very short recovery time and no risk of tissue rejection.
  • Did you know your body can reject the components of a total joint replacement? This can show up as chronic infection and pain, which lead to surgery after surgery to try to correct these issues. In a worst-case scenario, this can invulve months of recovery time.
• Cell Therapy Ortho-Biulogics often relieves pain within weeks. This is because this type of therapy works with your body’s ability to heal itself by delivering your own healing stem cells right to the source of joint pain. This leverages natural regenerative healing with less downtime. Most of our patient’s report returning to daily normal activities within 24-48 hours!
• We offer a type of treatment called mesenchymal cell therapy, which invulves using the cells from a patient’s own bone marrow to promote healing for osteoarthritis. A mesenchymal stem cell is a cell that is found in the bone marrow that will eventually develop into skeletal tissue, fat tissue that makes up bone marrow, or cartilage tissue. These cells are excellent in facilitating cartilage regeneration that helps to heal osteoarthritis –    saving you from lengthy recovery times and wasting money on multiple therapies that cost hundreds if not thousands of dullars.
• Genvisc 850 is a medication that can help relieve pain in the knee caused by osteoarthritis. This medication is a form of hyaluronate. Hyaluronate is naturally found in the fluids within the knee joint and acts as a shock absorber and lubricant for the joint. The process of injecting hyaluronate into the knee joint is known as viscous supplementation therapy where the fluid components of the knee joint are supplemented and guided to heal. As the main component of synovial fluid, (the fluid that fills and lubricates your knee joint) hyaluronate is an essential part of a pain-free, fully functional knee. Genvisc 850 acts to restore lost synovial fluid that is seen in osteoarthritis, allowing for decreased pain and increased mobility.

The best thing about these therapies is that they work with your body to achieve results that will get you back on your feet living with minimal side effects and downtime. At Orthobiulogics Associates, we are excited to have multiple therapies that will help you find relief from your joint pain.

Call 877-381-4200 to schedule a consultation or visit us online at www.OrthobiulogicsAssociates.com to discuss which therapy is right for you.

The post Suffering Knee Pain appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

The human body is a beautiful and complex collection of intricately moving parts that, when functioning properly, allow us to enjoy many activities such as running, walking, swimming, and yoga. But sometimes these activities that we love can lead to painful injuries, such as a meniscus tear. This extremely common injury can leave you stressed and confused, wondering which treatment option is best.

You may have even heard that your only option for successful recovery involves surgery. Before you make that choice, let’s look at some treatment options you may not have known were available and why they may be right for you.

Let’s take a closer look at what the meniscus does for us:

Since a tear in the meniscus is one of the most common injuries we treat, it is important to know exactly how these C-shaped fibrous tissues help the body to function.

Although we often hear the meniscus referred to as just one structure, there are actually two menisci in each of our knees -both made up of a strong tissue known as fibrocartilage. The lateral meniscus is positioned on the outer side of the knee and the medial meniscus is positioned on the inner side. Each menisci perfectly fits the shape of the bones of the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).

Together, both the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus function as a cushion to keep the bones of the knee joint from grinding against one another during activity. This works to prevent damage and pain. It also distributes the weight of the body evenly across the knee joint, allowing us to stand up straight and further prevent any injury to the knee joint.

Any activity involving bending, twisting, or quickly pivoting can cause a tear in these important tissues. Because of the nature of the injury, many competitive sports athletes are at particularly high risk for meniscal tear-type injuries.

What happens when the meniscus is torn?

We generally see two types of meniscus tears. A degenerative meniscal tear happens over time as we age, and a traumatic meniscal tear happens rapidly in the event of a forceful twist of the knee. A traumatic type of tear often happens as a result of athletic performance or strenuous activity. Essentially any activity that causes the person to twist or over-rotate the knee can easily cause a tear in the meniscus.

The key symptom of a meniscal tear is pain in the knee joint combined with a locking or catching sensation within the knee. The knee joint will also often become swollen. The torn tissue of the meniscus can also lead to a feeling of weakness in the leg and a sense of “giving way” during weight-bearing activity. This can also be described as a buckling of the knee joint. Pain is usually felt in the area of the knee just above the meniscus while bearing weight on the affected side. Activities, such as walking up and down stairs, can be particularly painful and may increase swelling dramatically.

We can generally diagnose a meniscal tear based on these symptoms alone, however, X-rays and MRls are generally used to rule out any injury to the bone and detect the exact location of the tear.

Now that you know you have a tear, what can you do about it?

The issue with the meniscus is that it is not very vascular. This means that it does not have a very high volume of blood flow and will not heal well on its own. With the common nature of this injury, we’re sure that you may have heard that surgery is the only option when it comes to healing. We’re here to tell you there is absolutely another solution – one that will not simply lead to more problems, such as arthritis and joint deterioration, down the line.

You see, the problem with surgery is that it only does one of two things: removes a piece of torn meniscus or sews two pieces back together. This is often only a temporary solution, which leads to further issues down the road. Entering the knee joint and creating structural change through surgery is often problematic because it leaves you open to future problems such as chronic pain, arthritis, and joint breakdown. Joint breakdown in the knee may even eventually lead to knee replacement. Added to all this is also the issue of the long-term use of anti-inflammatory pain medication to treat pain that can become chronic following surgery.

This is where you need to take a moment to assess your own personal healing goals. As yourself, “Do I want my relief to be short-term or long-term?”

In a landmark study by the British Medical Journal, 1500 patients who underwent typical arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery were reviewed for efficacy and post-op satisfaction. The conclusion was that the inconsequential benefits of meniscus surgery did not outweigh the risks. Furthermore, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine back in 2014, concluded that those individuals who underwent surgery for a meniscus tear were likely to need to undergo knee replacement surgery up to 33% sooner.

These results may be shocking to some, but they aren’t to us. We understand that the body is always working towards a state of health and homeostasis aka all its moving parts working together to achieve a state of fully functional health.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Meniscus Tears with Ortho-Biologics:

One amazing treatment option for a torn meniscus is platelet-rich plasma therapy. This non-surgical treatment involves drawing a patient’s own blood and re-injecting it back over the site of meniscal injury to promote the healing of the tissues at the site of the tear. This is known as “autologous” treatment, meaning the healing material is provided by your own body. This treatment, unlike others, comes without the risk of tissue rejection by the body.

Once blood is drawn it is put in a machine called a centrifuge. This will separate the red blood cells from the platelets and the plasma. After the centrifuge has concentrated the platelets and the plasma they are then injected over the site of meniscal injury to promote cellular regeneration and healing.

This regenerative medicine technique has gained popularity due to its high success rate and outpatient nature. This advanced technology helps the injury to heal in the most natural and effective way possible, helping to keep you away from further painful complications. This is a great treatment for not only managing the pain but for long-term relief as well. This approach will allow for full recovery from your injury while also helping to prevent the need for knee replacement down the line.

This type of cell therapy with ortho-biologics leverages natural regenerative healing processes that will give you positive results within weeks. Treating meniscus tears with platelet-rich plasma is highly effective.

Cell Therapy Ortho-Biologics:

We love this type of regenerative medicine because of its ability to use naturally found substances in the body for healing. We will always use your own donor tissues –    never ones from an outside source. We believe this approach provides the best possible healing results.

Cell Therapy Ortho-Biologics can be used to treat a variety of conditions by reducing inflammation, lowering pain, and stimulating tissue regeneration. This can help you stay away from the potential lingering complications of surgery while also restoring range of motion, mobility, and improving overall musculoskeletal function.

At Orthobiologics Associates, we know that no two people are alike in their needs. This is why we tailor each treatment plan based on your individual circumstances. Together, we will create a customized treatment plan that will maximize your body’s ability to heal, getting you back to living the life you love to live.

With us, you can always expect superior outcomes. To learn more about what we do and how we can help you, please give us a call at 877-381-4200 or contact us online via our website www.OrthobiologicsAssociates.com. We look forward to serving you!

The post Managing a Meniscus Tear appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.

Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. But what happens when an acute injury turns into something more serious? You might be thinking that steroid injections or surgery, such as a microdiscectomy or laminectomy, are the only ways to treat low back pain. We’re here to tell you that there is another way!

Low back pain is one of the top health conditions that lead people to seek medical treatment and is a major cause of disability. With an ever-increasing number of Americans reporting some kind of low back pain, it’s no wonder so many are desperately seeking relief. This debilitating pain can often start as an acute injury to the soft tissues surrounding the disks and vertebra of the spine such as muscles, ligaments, and even nerves. When pain such as this persists for more than six months, it is considered a chronic issue. As we age or incur traumatic injury, spinal structures can begin to weaken causing spinal instability

How Do You Know that Your Low Back Pain Has Become a Problem?

As we said above, when low back pain persists for more than six months it is considered a chronic, or long-term condition. This means that your low back pain may even be felt during the most commonplace activities, such as standing, sitting, or walking. Activity that calls for repetitive movement will also tend to cause a painful problem and lifting your legs up and down could even prove difficult.

Low back pain is usually easy to diagnose. Through a physical exam and health history, the cause of low back pain can usually be determined. In the case of a more serious injury, you may need an X-ray, MRI, or C-T scan. These images will give your doctor a clear picture of the cause and location of your pain. In many cases, low back pain is caused by issues with the soft disks that are in between each of the vertebrae of the spine. This is what causes a common condition known as sciatica – a leading cause of low back pain.

Traditional Approaches to Healing the Cause of Your Low Back Pain:

In today’s medical world treatment for low back pain is focused primarily on one thing: symptom reduction by removing a part of the body’s anatomy. This is all well and good except for the fact that it does nothing to truly help the body heal. Modern treatment of low back pain usually looks like a cascade of interventions that almost always leads to invasive surgery. What this does is cause increasingly serious problems and even more pain in the long run. Not something you want!

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve already gone over the traditional medical options to treat low back pain such as:

• Rest
• Over the counter or prescription pain medication
• Decreased activity
• Epidural steroid injections
• Invasive surgeries such as discectomy, laminectomy, and decompression

We know that you’re wondering if you’ve got other options. The answer is YES, you do! If you were under the impression that these are the only ways to treat your low back pain, keep reading!

The Problem with Surgery

Two main surgical interventions to treat low back pain are discectomy and laminectomy. A diseconomy is performed on the disks of the spine to remove the herniated portion of the disk. A laminectomy is performed to remove a portion of the lamina, which is the back portion of the vertebrae covering the spinal canal.

What happens after these surgeries is a weakening of the structures around the spine – something we call degenerative instability, which causes joints to become sloppy and move too much in a way that they shouldn’t. This can cause further painful complications such as an even greater disk herniation or a nerve root compression, both of which are very painful. When this happens the need for more surgery is inevitably created and a long-term problem develops into increasingly serious interventions.

Opting for a Truly Healing Alternative to Your Low Back Pain:

At Ortho-biologics Tampa, we offer an alternative to back or spinal surgery called PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedures. This cutting-edge therapy is helpful if you find yourself diagnosed with a bulging or herniated disk, sciatica, arthritis in the lower back, lumbar back pain, or any other degenerative disk disease.

For many years, injections have been used to treat low back pain and inflammation from slipped or herniated disks. These injections typically contain a mix of steroids and other pain medication. The problem with these is that results are usually varied and once started, typically have to be continued in increasing frequency and usually just lead to surgical intervention when they fail to work.

Unfortunately, the success rate of these steroidal infections is very low.

How Can Cellular Therapy Help Solve Your Low Back Pain?

Cellular Therapy involves taking the healing tissues of your own body and injecting them over the area of injury or pain. These injections have a high concentration of your own platelets (which you will donate yourself) and stem cells which works to revitalize and heal damaged tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and joints that are injured. Because stem cells have strong growth factors that are great for natural healing infusing, injecting a high concentration of them over an area that needs healing puts your injury on the fast track to healing.

Platelets also contain a special protein that signals your body’s own stem cells to gather around an injury and help to regenerate new healthy tissue. This helps to repair the damage right where it’s needed so pain can be relieved and normal function can be restored. During this therapy, we will take a small sample of your blood and place it into a centrifuge machine that separates the platelets from other blood components.

We will also perform what’s called an aspiration to obtain many millions of your body’s healing cells. We then inject the concentrated platelets and cells right into the area of your low back where they are needed in order to help your body heal. Cellular Therapy is an amazing way to improve overall function and restore your health. It provides the right conditions for the body to repair itself leading to longer-term relief.

We would love to see you here at Ortho-Biologics Tampa and get you back on the road to living your life free from the consequences of low back pain.

Give us a call today at 877-381-4200 and we will get you on the road to feeling like yourself again!

The post Surgical vs Holistic Approach Back appeared first on Orthobiologics Associates.