There are different types of regenerative medicine treatments. The ones we currently offer are:
- Human Cellular Tissue (formerly called “stem cells”)
- Wharton’s Jelly Allograft
- Amniotic Tissue Allograft
- Nanoparticles (formerly called “exosomes)
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Prolozone Treatments
- Ozone Treatments
The first four on the list, Human Cellular Tissue, Wharton’s Jelly Allograft, Amniotic Tissue Allograft and Nanoparticles are all sourced from a lab. The lab gets the tissue from donors. The tissue comes from the birthing process. The labs work with OBY/GYN doctors to screen potential donors for this tissue. They will check the donors health history, among many other tests to ensure that the tissue being donated is of exceptional quality. For example, some labs won’t take tissue from a donor that has a tattoo, for fear of toxicity due to the tattoo chemicals. That is how scrupulous they are.
The FDA has regulations for how this tissue is acquired and stored. There are guidelines that the labs need to follow. Some will try to exceed these guidelines. The labs also need to register the tissue with the US government. Every vial has a serial number, so it gets registered with the US Tissue Bank so they know where the tissue came from, and to whom it was given to. This is a similar process to what is done with other tissue donations, like hearts, kidneys, liver, etc.
Platelet Rich Plasma (“PRP”) comes from the patient. We draw one test tube of blood, or more, depending on the quantity needed for the treatment, and then spin it in a high speed centrifuge until the plasma separates from the red blood cells. You can see it is ready when you look at the test tube. On the bottom, you will see the accumulation of red blood cells, and on top is a liquid similar to the color of straw. That is the PRP. Typically, it takes about 15 minutes. The medical professional will draw up the PRP and use it for treatment. The rest is discarded.
Prolozone is created right in our office. We combine Traumeel, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, multivitamins and B-12 vitamins in a syringe. We then follow it up with an ozone injection. It can be done on any joint. This treatment is considered regenerative because it increases blood flow to the area.
Ozone is created right in our office as well. We have special equipment that creates medical grade ozone that can be used for a multitude of treatments.