Non-Surgical Injury TreatmentOoltewah, TN

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy or proliferation therapy, is an alternative procedure that has been in practice for thousands of years. The procedure involves injecting a natural irritant into the soft tissue of an injured joint. There are multiple types of prolotherapy, such as dextrose prolotherapy, sucrose prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment, and hyaluronic acid injection treatment.

Prolotherapy activates the healing response, strengthening and repairing the joint's damaged ligaments. Gradually, this will stabilize the joints, causing the pain to disappear. Conditions treated by prolotherapy include, but are not limited to:

• Arthritis of the knees, hips, and fingers
• Degenerative disc disease (osteoarthritis)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lax or unstable joints
• Some types of headache
• Sprains and strains
• Tendon, muscle, and ligament problems

PRP Treatment

Plasma makes up most of the blood. It is full of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hundreds of growth factors essential in healing. Moreover, plasma is absolutely necessary for clotting blood. PRP treatment, or platelet rich treatment, is a therapy that uses plasma with an exceptionally high platelet count. 

Consequently, the concentration of growth factors of plasma used in PRP treatment may be at least five to 10 times richer than in "normal" blood. PRP treatment entails drawing the patient's blood and separating their platelets from the other blood cells. We concentrate these platelets via a process known as centrifugation. Then, Dr. Lewis injects the PRP into the injured area to enhance cellular growth and reduce inflammation cells. Conditions treated by PRP treatment include, but are not limited to:

• Acute ligament and muscle injuries
• Chronic tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Knee arthritis

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment

Hyaluronic acid injection treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body, and it is an essential part of the fluid cushioning and lubricating the joints. Osteoarthritis causes the hyaluronic acid in the affected joint to thin. Hyaluronic acid injection treatment, also known as viscosupplementation, helps replenish the supply.

Though doctors cannot predict who hyaluronic acid injections will help, several studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injection treatment may be more beneficial than painkillers for some osteoarthritis patients. They may also work equally as well as corticosteroid knee injections. 

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy, the most popular form of regenerative medicine, uses the cells which generate all other cells with specialized functions. In other words, this therapy uses the cells from which all other cells "stem." Furthermore, under the appropriate circumstances, these cells can divide to form more cells. These are known as daughter cells.

Daughter cells may either self-renew or become specialized cells with a more specific function. For instance, they may become blood cells, bone cells, brain cells, or heart muscle cells. Our team can help guide daughter cells into specialized functions, allowing them to facilitate healing and regenerating damaged or diseased tissues.

We can harvest stem cells from the patient's own tissues, usually bone marrow or fat. According to recent research, adult stem cells may be able to create other types of cells. Consequently, fat stem cells may create bone cells and vice-versa. Adult cells altered via genetic reprogramming can also generate stem cells.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors are alternative healthcare professionals who diagnose, prevent, and treat neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine. They focus on the intertwined relationship between the nervous system and the spine, believing that any derangement of the spine can negatively affect the nervous system (and vice versa).

An initial chiropractic examination for lower back pain will be similar to an initial examination at any doctor's office. First comes the consultation, where the patient will tell Dr. Lewis about any symptoms they are experiencing. Then, we will go over the patient's medical history and concurrent conditions. Finally, the patient will undergo a thorough physical examination, which may involve X-rays to locate subluxations or other devices to identify areas needing manipulation.

Call Us Today

If you are dealing with everyday pain, surgery does not have to be your only answer. We at Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine can help. Call us today at 423-424-1529 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can stem cell therapy treat?

Stem cell therapy is highly versatile and can treat a wide variety of conditions. However, it is most effective when targeting disorders caused by at least one faulty cell.

Is hyaluronic acid injection treatment for me?

Hyaluronic acid injection treatment is especially beneficial for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, for whom other, more conservative pain management treatments (such as medications, physical therapy, and more) are not enough. Dr. Lewis can discuss all your options with you during a one-on-one consultation.

How long do the effects of PRP treatment last?

It depends on the patient. Repeat injections are not uncommon, but they may be spaced out by months or even years. Factors to account for include the underlying disease process and whether there has been another (or recurrent) injury to the treated area.

Does prolotherapy hurt?

Since prolotherapy involves an injection into the skin, it is not uncommon to feel a little pain during the procedure. However, any pain should be minimal and pass quickly. Some patients experience some bruising and tenderness after the injection.

Will my health insurance cover chiropractic care?

The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most health insurance plans will at least partially cover the cost of seeing a chiropractor. Talk directly to your insurer for the best idea of what to expect.