Regenerative Injections

We specialize in a variety of injections that assist the body in healing injuries or regenerating tissue.  Arthritis can be reversed in some cases while most patients with even advanced arthritis can find relief from pain along with improved mobility.  Injured or inflamed tendons, ligaments or muscles respond very well to injection therapies.  The various injections we provide are a great non-surgical option, and a much healthier alternative to the standard, ultimately harmful steroid injections.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is derived from the Latin word “proli” which means to regenerate or rebuild.  The traditional technique involves injecting a natural substance directly into the injured tissue in order to produce an inflammatory response which is then followed by a natural healing phase.  This is a very successful, and affordable procedure, but it typically involves multiple injections over time in order to produce results.  We primarily use these injections to tighten ligaments or joints to improve function and stability.

For more information on traditional prolotherapy, see What is Prolotherapy? from The American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medicine.

Ozone

Ozone injection directly into joints or soft tissue will help stimulate healing and regeneration as well as reduce or eliminate pain.  Nearly any joint or injury can be treated.  A nutrient solution is first injected followed by ozone gas.  Most patients report an immediate 50-75% reduction in pain.  After a few weeks, the pain is typically 20-30% better, and so on with each successive injection until the pain is gone.  Usually, this takes only 3-5 treatments a few weeks apart.  With severe chronic pain, maintenance injections 3-4 times/year are usually necessary.

For more information about ozone and links to research on ozone injections click here.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy involves drawing the patient’s blood and processing it right in the office to produce a concentrate of platelets, which are then “activated” to release the growth and healing compounds.

Injecting PRP into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates the natural repair process.  On average, patients can expect to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks.  Depending on various factors including the patient’s age and overall health, combined with the exact condition being treated, a series of up to 4-5 injections may be required, although one can typically expect to see measurable progress with each injection.

For more information about PRP and links to research on PRP injections click here.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to self-replicate and some may change into any specific cell type in the body.  Once stem cells reach the target tissue they begin repair of the injury or disease by releasing growth factors and immune modulators that assist in the body’s natural repair process.

Injecting stem cells into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates the natural repair process.  We typically give the stem cells a full 6 months to measure their effectiveness.  While not mandatory, we recommend injecting ozone first to jumpstart metabolic systems and prepare the joint for the stem cells.  We also recommend mixing the stem cells with some of the patients’ platelet-rich plasma as there is a stabilizing and synergy effect.

For more information about stem cells and links to research on stem cell injections click here.

Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin

Hyaluronic acid  (HA) is a polysaccharide that is the main constituent of cartilage and synovial fluid. It is responsible for the mechanical properties of the joint by allowing shock absorption, lubrication and cartilage protection. Chondroitin is an important structural component of the extracellular cartilage matrix. It can prevent the breakdown of cartilage and stimulate repair mechanisms.

HA/Chondroitin injections should be given weekly 2-4x for the most benefit.  Studies have shown a 77% reduction in pain, 78% improvement in mobility and 74% reduced consumption of analgesics with use of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

Injection Fees

We charge a flat fee of $250 for injections of a single joint or area, and $100 for additional joint/area during the same visit.  There is no additional charge for traditional prolotherapy or ozone.  PRP injections add about $250-350, stem cells add about $2500-$4000, and HA/Chondroitin adds about $100 for the cost of the injection materials.

Note that if you are a new patient to our clinic you will need to establish care with one of our providers before proceeding to injections.  This requires a 15-30 minute new patient visit in order to take a detailed health history and do relevant examinations or studies prior to the injections.  Our scheduling coordinator will assist in fine tuning this new patient visit such that we are often able to follow it with your first injection visit.

Most insurances, including medicare, do not cover regenerative injections.  This is according to our regional insurance coding and billing expert as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  See MedicareFAQ for a good review of this issue.

Beware of clinics that suggest insurance will cover regenerative injections.  Check carefully with your insurance before committing to these procedures.  In some cases you might get reimbursement, but again check carefully.  We do provide you an invoice with itemized procedure and material codes to use for possible insurance reimbursement.

Who’s doing the injections?

Dr Rollins has done injections almost every day over decades of general practice and has had extensive training with injection technique and regenerative therapies.   He has performed thousands of injections and we take pride in making the injection process quick and easy.  Our physician assistant, Katie McCloud, also has considerable experience with injections and under our direct training continues to add to her techniques.

Our injection procedures usually take only 15-30 minutes and patients are often surprised at how easy the injection procedures really are.  Again, do your research on clinics offering regenerative injections, especially noting the training, experience and skill of the person doing the injections.

Additional services to augment your treatment

We specialize in treating the whole person.  This means we can help with other therapies and lifestyle modifications to augment your regenerative injections.  Consult with our health coach and nutritionist to help with nutrition and activity to accelerate your recovery.  We can also guide you to various supplements, peptide or hormone therapies that may help.