Page 44 - LIN JAN 1-51.indd

2 SERVICES

Stem Cells, PRP, 1 CENTRAL LOCATION

And Regenerative Medicine

by Dr. Glenn Flanagan

How can PRP help manage my pain?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. This is
obtained from a simple blood draw from your Your own cells work
vein, spun in a bedside centrifuge to separate it,
very well in your own body.
and the PRP portion is isolated so it can be used
as treatment. PRP contains millions of platelets
after your blood is concentrated, and when Where are Stem Cells and PRP injected?
injected precisely near injuries these platelets help boost a strong,
After obtaining these from your body, regulations require
natural, healing process to aid in tissue recovery and preservation.
Dr. Flanagan to treat you that same day. The strongest evidence
supports injections directly into injured areas. Common areas that
What else is in PRP? respond well to these injections include degenerative discs, joints,
There are also several other proteins and factors responsible rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears, ligaments and tendons (like golfer’s
for growth and healing that are mixed in with the concentrated or tennis elbow) and soft tissue like the plantar fascia.
platelet rich plasma. Together, these products reduce chronic
painful inflammation, while initiating a fresh healing response to
What about injecting Stem Cells or PRP
boost regeneration. into my blood so they can “go everywhere” and heal me?
These products should not be injected into your blood. They are
Are my Stem Cells too old to use for treatment? not miracle cells that find a way to all your problems to cure them.
No!! Studies tracking outcomes in patients treated with stem The PRP came from your blood, so it makes no sense to simply
cells for spine and joint problems have shown repeatedly that the age inject it back in there! Stem cells obtained from your bone or fat
of the cells is not the most important factor. Severe chronic disease could have serious unwanted side effects if they are injected into
causes people to heal poorly, but a healthy patient can respond your blood leading to your lungs, heart and brain.
favorably to injections with their own stem cells into their 80s and 90s.

The regenerative treatments need to be
Can I get better results with “younger” Stem Cells?
injected directly in & around the injured areas
No!! First, all the pre-packaged products from sources like a
of your spine and joints.
placenta, amniotic tissue, Wharton’s jelly, or umbilical cord products
have been shown in multiple studies to contain no live cells. So,
using these products is not a stem cell treatment, no matter how
they are marketed. Plus, there are no human studies showing these If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Flanagan and his pursuit of
products have any benefit in orthopedic applications. At best, they preserving your orthopedic health without steroid shots, pills, and surgeries,
contain growth factors that you can also get with your own PRP or you can check for his article in last month’s December issue of Life in Naples,
with your own stem cells. At worst, these pre-packaged birth tissue visit his website for more information at naplesregenerativeinstitute.com
products can be contaminated, and patients have ended up or call 239.276.7074.
hospitalized after receiving them due to sepsis from bacterial
infections like E. Coli.
He’s looking forward to hearing from you!

44 Life in Naples | January 2020
44