The field of stem cell orthopedics encompasses therapies with Prolotherapy, PRP and PRP and stem cells. These are all different types of regenerative solutions with different use-cases. However, the diagnostic methodology and injection techniques are the same. The only thing that varies is the type and regenerative power of the solution used.
Prolo is a dextrose-based solution that has been used for the last sixty years to help tighten and heal micro-tears in ligaments and tendons.It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or to set the stage and prime an area for stem cell application. PRP is platelet rich plasma which are growth factors spun down from a patient’s own blood. Again they can be used as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with stem cells to help support and invigorate a patients stem cells. Stem cells are cells taken from a patient’s own fat or bone marrow and if injected properly can become any type of tissue. Although many doctors have tried using umbilical preparations from donors, in my own practice I have found that using freshly prepared, DNA-matched stem cells from a patient’s own fat have far more active mesenchymal calls and are much more effective at rebuilding orthopedic structures such as ligaments, tendons, joint capsules and cartilage.
This whole website explores and explains how stem cells and these ancillary regenerative solutions can be used to help heal almost any orthopedic structure in the body. The most common applications are for knee arthritis or degeneration, disc problems and low back pain, shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff, ankle or wrist arthritis or pain, sports injuries of all types and many other conditions. Generally speaking the success rate, if properly done, exceeds 80%. (This means that 80% of patients will achieve at least 80% resolution of their problem).
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of regenerative treatments vary according to the type of solutions used and how many sessions are required. A primer dextrose-based solution on the knee might start at $1000. per session and may require three or four sessions to resolve a problem. PRP might cost between $1200-$1500. per session and will usually require three or four sessions to solve an issue. Stem cells and PRP for a single joint is $7000. But stem cell/PRP gets less expensive as you do more areas. For example, two knees might be $10,500. Etc. Although the initial cost is more, stem cells and PRP may require only one main session with or without a single booster session (for $1200) for complete resolution. In the end, depending on the severity of the issue, this may be a much faster, more effective and expedient way to heal an issue rather than dabbling along with multiple Prolo and/or PRP treatments..
Also, please note that patients often check competitive prices and compare the costs of umbilical stem cells versus DNA matched stem cells from your own fat. This is like comparing a chevy to a tesla. At Regenortho our goal is to offer the highest quality and most powerful stem cells available. If resources are limited, a patient may be far better to have two or three Prolo sessions (primers) done properly rather than a single poorly done stem cell treatment that fails to use palpation guidance to find the critical spots and uses umbilical cells or poortly prepared stem cell preparations.
Regardless of what solution and regenerative strategy patients select, It is vitally important that patients find an experienced, properly trained regenerative specialist who can properly diagnose and prioritize the pain generators using the technique of palpation interrogation (discussed elsewhere on this site or in my book!). The outcome of any regenerative treatment totally depends on the quality of the solution used and the precision with which the relevant pain generators are injected. Optimal results can only be achieved if the injections are precise and approximately within a centimeter of the structure which is the pain generator. (note: most patients have multiple pain generators so a proper treatment session entails peppering the relevant areas with the proper solution. If stem cells are used, one session may very well be sufficient but if Prolo or PRP alone are used, four or five sessions are usually required for complete resolution, although two or three may make a huge difference!).
