Wellness Consultants of South Florida

Products And Services

• Regenerative Medicine

  The inevitability of age is that cells and systems in the body degenerate. This degenerative process leads to a variety of ailments, most often causing persistent pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. By regenerating and in some cases replacing damaged cells, organs and tissues, pain and injury can be reversed to a degree. Regenerative medicine encompasses those efforts to rescue or replace damaged, diseased or dead tissue in the body. Aside from the changes that accompany aging, regenerative medicine can also be applied to the treatment of sports injuries, chronic pain, joint pain, hormonal imbalance and many other issues. An experienced regenerative medicine professional works with you to develop an effective plan to restore well-being using your body’s natural ability to stimulate healing. TYPES OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE Regenerative medicine is a broad term covering a range of treatments. Hallmark therapies include: Stem Cell Therapy Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) IV Therapy Tissue Engineering Prolotherapy Exosomes Anti-Aging Treatments These treatments meet a wide range of needs and alleviate various symptoms. You can live a pain-free, more active life in most cases. While the use of stem cells is what most people associate with this field, there are actually many areas of study and clinical application. Other aspects of regenerative medicine involve organ and tissue transplants, scaffolding, devices and biomaterials. REGENERATIVE MEDICINE QUESTIONS You deserve clear answers about your treatment options. Contact us to get the full details on our services. WHAT DOES REGENERATIVE MEDICINE MEAN? Regenerative medicine focuses on obtaining, developing and delivering cells in order to restore or repair the normal functioning of body systems. WHAT CAN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE BE USED FOR? This branch of medicine has many applications, including the treatment of: Knee pain Back pain Neck pain Shoulder pain Sports injuries Arthritis Elbow pain Ankle pain Wrist and hand pain Hip pain Foot pain Toe pain and numbness This list is not exhaustive. During a consultation, you can find out whether the ailment, injury or illness can be addressed with these types of interventions. HOW EFFECTIVE IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? Regenerative medicine is effective for certain people experiencing certain ailments or diseases. Because there are so many therapies within regenerative medicine, the effectiveness of each branch has its own factors. Your regenerative medicine provider will discuss the studied effectiveness, risks and benefits with you as part of your consultation. ARE STEM CELLS USED IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? Yes, stem cells are an important part of regenerative medicine. Many people use the phrases interchangeably, and stem cells are the most common association with the term “regenerative medicine.” In fact, stem cells are just one of the very exciting areas in this field of research and clinical practice. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? This branch of medicine has many promising benefits as well as observed benefits: Reduces pain Enhances healing Jumpstarts the process of regeneration Increases collagen production, which in turn strengthens tissues May make it possible to avoid surgery and/or pharmaceutical drugs Harnesses the power of your body’s ability to heal and repair itself Focuses on the root cause of an ailment, not the symptoms alone May provide relief that you have not been able to achieve with other treatments Consulting an experienced provider is the only way to know if it will be beneficial for you specifically. WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE? You may be a good candidate for regenerative medicine if any of the following apply: Seeking an alternative to joint surgery or joint replacement Tendon or ligament injuries Joint pain Arthritis Pain in the hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, neck or back Spinal pain ACL/MCL tears Rotator cuff injury Meniscus tear Temporomandibular joint disorder Headaches caused by neck pain Limited range of motion in any of your joints In a consultation or over the phone, we can better determine your candidacy. Regenerative medicine can be a great way to address pain or degenerative diseases. SCHEDULE A REGENERATIVE MEDICINE CONSULTATION The next step in the process is scheduling your consultation with an experienced regenerative medicine provider. After listening to your concerns and reviewing your medical history, all therapeutic options will be reviewed with you.

  Link: Regenerative Medicine

• Anti-Aging Treatments

  The aging process is one of those things in life that is truly inevitable. Although nothing can stop you from getting older, you can take certain steps to age gracefully and age well. Taking good care of your body is a great way to encourage youthful vitality from the inside, out. While treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic effectively soften the signs of aging at a skin-deep level, a healthy lifestyle combined with regenerative therapy address aging at a cellular level. THE BEST ANTI-AGING: EATING WELL AND EXERCISE! Sometimes the most basic measures are the ones we don’t want to take. Eating well, staying active, limiting the unhealthy habits in your life – all of these basics are a good way to age well. In advanced age, it’s also important to stay socially connected. All too often our senior citizens become isolated. Stay in touch with old friends and seek out new friendships. It’s an important part of overall wellness. MICRO-NEEDLING FACIAL WITH PRP Platelet-rich plasma injections are used to stimulate healing in deteriorating or injured joints, tendons and ligaments. And PRP can also be used for facial rejuvenation! Your blood is made up of red and white blood cells, and platelets and plasma. By isolating the platelets, we can introduce concentrated growth factors directly to tissue. When applied to the skin, these platelets work to refresh, revive and stimulate firm, youthful skin. First, micro-needling is performed to open up the skin. A handheld device containing tiny needles gently creates micro-punctures in the surface of the skin. In so doing, micro-needling makes the skin more receptive to the topical application of PRP. HORMONE THERAPY Hormones – particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone – naturally decline as we age. These hormonal imbalances are in part responsible for some of the less desirable effects of aging: weight gain, sleeplessness, loss of lean muscle, fatigue, impaired concentration. By introducing specific hormones into the body, we can level out some of these imbalances. First, blood work must be completed to get accurate levels and to see which hormones could use a boost. Hormones may be administered via implantable pellet, a pill or a topical cream. Over time, you should start feeling a reduction in the undesirable symptoms listed above as your hormones are replenished. ASSESSING YOUR GOALS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS Arrange a consultation if you are ready to learn more about anti-aging treatments using regenerative medicine techniques. PRP, hormonal therapy and other methods may be the right way to restore youthfulness from the inside out!

  Link: Anti-Aging Treatments

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

  Your hormones play an important role in how you feel each day. These so-called “messengers” of the body regulate many different functions and processes, including those related to sleep, metabolism and reproduction. As you age, or as a result of certain health conditions, hormone levels decrease. Especially important are the levels of testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. They have a big impact on how you feel. The right balance of hormones keeps you feeling energetic and active. Hormonal decline leads to a wide array of undesirable outcomes: sleeplessness, fatigue, foggy thinking, low energy, weight gain and loss of lean muscle. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores the levels in order to improve the way you feel and to reduce the negative effects of hormone decline. WHAT ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES? Regenerative medicine practitioners most often utilize bioidentical hormones in their treatment protocols, as differentiated from other synthetic hormones. The differences come down to how they are made, what they are made with and their molecular structure. Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in a lab to be identical to naturally occurring hormones, which is why they are favored by regenerative medicine practitioners. They are most often sourced from plants. WHAT DO BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES DO? Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy as a way to alleviate: Lack of energy Poor sleep Decreased libido Lack of interest in sex Lack of interest in your favorite activities Weight gain or weight fluctuations Loss of muscle mass Difficulty concentrating Vaginal dryness Hot flashes High cholesterol High risk of heart disease Loss of bone density Thinning hair Once your baseline has been established through blood testing, we will be able to determine whether you can benefit from hormonal replenishment. Hormones may be administered in pill form, as a gel or cream, or as an implanted pellet. The dose is based on the symptoms you are seeking to alleviate, as well as your age and health history. Follow-up discussions are very important to monitor how the dose is working or not working for you. WILL I HAVE TO STOP HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AT A CERTAIN AGE? Not necessarily. There is not a predetermined age at which it is no longer safe. Instead, your health will need to be carefully evaluated to make sure you are still a good candidate. As a person ages, they may be more likely to have the risk factors that increase the side effects possible with HRT. ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES ONLY FOR WOMEN? Absolutely not. Men and women alike can benefit from HRT because both men and women experience hormonal imbalance and hormone decline. Oftentimes bioidentical hormones are offered as a remedy for certain changes caused by menopause, but post-menopausal women are only one group of many that can benefit. GET STARTED ON THE HRT PROCESS In some situations, stem cell therapy can be combined with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. But it also often makes sense to perform HRT as a standalone treatment. Schedule a consultation to find out what’s right for you.

  Link: Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

  Men experience a gradual reduction in testosterone, starting at about age 30. While this is completely normal and expected as you grow older, there are several undesirable physical and mental changes that accompany hormonal decline. Regenerative medicine provides a means of replenishing some of that which is lost to age, which may boost your energy and undo some of the age-related effects of testosterone depletion. HORMONE THERAPY AND ANDROPAUSE The term “andropause” refers to this gradual testosterone decline. It happens to all men, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do about it. Hormone replacement therapy – often using bioidentical hormones that are identical to the structure of the hormones in your body – may be the right way to address: Decreased sex drive Fatigue Low energy Loss of lean muscle mass Difficulty losing weight/weight gain Poor sleep Erectile dysfunction Mood swings Difficulty concentrating Hair loss Foggy or unclear thinking All of these things can leave you feeling less than spectacular. In a one-on-one consultation with you, it will be determined whether testosterone levels in your body could be causing these negative effects. HRT AND HYPOGONADISM This regenerative medicine therapy may be right for you if you have been diagnosed with hypogonadism. This condition is indicated when the testes do not produce normal levels of testosterone. Unlike age-related testosterone decline, hypogonadism can affect you as a younger man. Hormone therapy may be an effective way to replenish your testosterone. WHAT ARE BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES? Bioidentical hormones closely mimic the structure of the hormones in your body. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) replenishes levels of testosterone or other hormones lacking in a person’s body. This type of hormone is derived from plant materials. GET STARTED ON THE PROCESS First your current hormonal levels must be evaluated. After testing and assessment, we can determine if you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. It can be administered via implantable pellets, pills taken by mouth or creams used on the skin. The results can last several months to a year.

  Link: Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

• Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

  Getting older is part of life. While there are many great things about aging – wisdom, experience, friends, family, reaching your goals – certain physiological changes may feel less than great. Sleep disturbances, hot flashes, fatigue and lack of energy are just a few of the things you may wish you could undo. By replenishing certain hormones in your body, you may be able to reduce some of the negative side effects of aging. This area of regenerative medicine focuses on the natural depletion of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that naturally occurs with age. It is also well-suited to women experiencing hormonal imbalance as a result of hysterectomy or specific health conditions. Hormones are molecules that carry messages throughout your body to regulate functions like hair growth, metabolism, sex drive, sleep, etc. They affect your energy, how you look, how you feel and how your organs function. The levels of certain hormones in your body naturally decrease with age. HOW CAN BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY BENEFIT WOMEN? Men and women alike experience hormonal changes; however, some of the changes are specific to your biological sex. As a person with ovaries, your body will produce less ovarian hormones in the leadup to menopause and after menopause. These hormones include: Estrogen Progesterone Androgens (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone) While this regenerative medicine technique doesn’t necessarily seek a 1-to-1 replacement of hormones, it does seek to increase the levels. Working closely with a practitioner who first tests the baseline hormones in your body, you will receive a dose customized to you. In people with a female reproductive system, hormonal imbalance may lead to: Hot flashes Vaginal dryness Fatigue Low energy Poor sleep Mood swings Low libido Difficulty losing weight Difficulty building lean muscle mass Poor concentration and memory You want to feel your best, at any age and all stages of life. Whether you’ve noticed a change because of menopause, aging, a hysterectomy or for an unknown reason, restoring hormonal balance may improve your quality of life. You deserve to feel good.

  Link: Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

• BOTOX® Cosmetic

  BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. APPLICATIONS FOR BOTOX COSMETIC Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following: Forehead furrows Frown lines Crow's feet Skin bands on the neck According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies." BOTOX COSMETIC PROCEDURE AND RESULTS Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals. SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX COSMETIC Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following: Pain Infection Inflammation Tenderness Swelling Redness Bleeding Bruising Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.

  Link: BOTOX® Cosmetic

• JUVÉDERM® XC Injectable Gel

  JUVÉDERM® XC injectable gel is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved dermal filler that, according to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., is designed to "temporarily treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds" in people older than 21. Unlike the original JUVÉDERM injectable gel, JUVÉDERM XC is infused with lidocaine to make its injection more comfortable. JUVÉDERM XC is a smooth-consistency gel that restores volume to the skin, and smooths away moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. In terms of the skin, HA's role is to deliver nutrients and hydration, and act as a cushioning agent. Young, healthy skin contains a lot of HA, but factors that include aging and sun exposure reduce the amount, causing skin to lose structure and volume. JUVÉDERM XC is most effective in improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the bottom of the nose to the corner of the mouth on both sides of the face. JUVÉDERM XC INJECTABLE GEL PROCEDURE JUVÉDERM XC injections take about 15 minutes to administer in a doctor's office. A fine needle is used for the injection, which is given under the skin in the targeted area to add volume or fill in wrinkles and folds. Because JUVÉDERM XC contains lidocaine to improve comfort, an anesthetic may not be needed. However, a doctor may still elect to use a topical anesthetic on the area to be treated before giving the injection. Afterword, the doctor may gently massage the treated area(s). Once treatment is completed, patients can return, with virtually no downtime, to their regular activities. For the first 24 hours after treatment, to reduce the risk of complications, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS OF JUVÉDERM XC INJECTABLE GEL The results of JUVÉDERM XC are visible immediately after injection; any swelling and bruising, to which ice can be applied, should subside during the next few days. Results can last 6 to 9 months, and, in some cases, up to year. However, according to its manufacturer, "Results from injectable dermal filler vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental 'touch up' treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal correction of . . . wrinkles and folds." RISKS OF JUVÉDERM XC INJECTABLE GEL Although JUVÉDERM XC is considered safe, there is a risk of side effects. They are usually limited to the injection site, and include the following: Redness Pain or tenderness Firmness Swelling Lumps or bumps Bruising Itching Discoloration Infection For customized treatment, Allergan, Inc., offers two types of JUVÉDERM XC: JUVÉDERM Ultra XC, which is suitable for superficial facial lines and folds, and JUVÉDERM Ultra Plus XC, a stronger formulation that is used for deeper facial folds and lines. JUVÉDERM XC is the first HA filler that is FDA-approved for use on people of color.

  Link: JUVÉDERM® XC Injectable Gel

• Dysport® Injectable

  Prescription Dysport® injectable is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for temporarily lessening or eliminating moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport injectable is placed directly into the muscle underneath a furrow, weakening the muscle to the point where it cannot contract. Dysport, also known as Reloxin, is made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; it is the same neurotoxin used in BOTOX Cosmetic. APPLICATIONS FOR DYSPORT INJECTABLE Medically, Dysport injectable is used to treat excessive underarm sweating; symptoms of cervical dystonia, which include neck pain and abnormal head position; and muscle spasms. Cosmetically, Dysport injections are used to treat the following: Forehead furrows Frown lines Crow's feet Skin bands on the neck DYSPORT INJECTABLE PROCEDURE AND RESULTS Using a very fine needle, Dysport injectable is placed directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. No anesthetic is required, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to 4 months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals. CANDIDATES FOR DYSPORT INJECTABLE According to the manufacturer's website, candidates for Dysport injectable are "adults less than 65 years of age" who want "temporary improvement in the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)." It may not be suitable for those with the following: Allergies to Dysport injectable or its ingredients An allergy to cow's milk protein Surgical facial changes Very weak muscles in the treatment area A face that looks very different on each side Inflammation or infection in the area to be injected Droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds Deep facial scars Thick, oily skin Wrinkles that cannot be smoothed when spread apart Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a neuromuscular disease, should not receive Dysport injectable. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DYSPORT INJECTABLE AND BOTOX COSMETIC Although made from the same bacterium, there is anecdotal evidence that Dysport injectable may last longer, spread farther and take effect more quickly than BOTOX Cosmetic. SIDE EFFECTS OF DYSPORT INJECTABLE Side effects of Dysport injectable are usually mild and temporary, and normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections. Injection-site side effects include the following: Pain Infection Inflammation Tenderness Swelling Redness Bleeding Bruising Eyelids can droop when Dysport injections are made in the glabellar region; they usually return to normal within 3 weeks. Side effects of Dysport injectable are the same as those of BOTOX Cosmetic.

  Link: Dysport® Injectable

• Kybella®

  One of the most flattering things of a person’s profile is having a chiseled, defined chin. If you have excess fat under your chin or a double chin, then you may feel a bit self-conscious about your profile and overall appearance. But, unless you want to undergo surgery, you may think that you are stuck with your double chin. One thing that you may not realize is that you have another option to choose from including an injection called Kybella. WHAT IS KYBELLA? Kybella is an FDA approved injectable that is designed to help destroy fat cells under the chin. Once Kybella is injected into the fat under the chin it works to dissolve the fat and leave you with a more defined profile. HOW MANY KYBELLA TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? During your initial consultation with our staff, we will better be able to determine just how many treatments you will need. You may receive a total of six treatments, but on average, patients see visible results in just two to four treatments spaced one month apart. IS KYBELLA RIGHT FOR ME? Typically, Kybella is good for patients who are otherwise healthy and who: • Are bothered by the fat under their chin • Feel like their double chin makes them look older or heavier set than they actually are • Don’t want to go through surgery • Eat well and exercise a lot but can’t get rid of their double chin HOW DOES KYBELLA WORK? The main ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid which works to naturally breakdown and absorb dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella works to destroy the fat cells and give patients a noticeably thinner profile. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH KYBELLA? Kybella has been the central focus in over 20 clinical studies in which more than 1600 people were treated. HOW LONG DOES KYBELLA LAST FOR? One of the many benefits of Kybella, is that because it works to actually destroy existing fat cells, results should be permanent and no further treatment may be necessary for maintenance. IS KYBELLA EXPENSIVE? The cost of Kybella varies from provider to provider but if you want to save money on the overall cost of Kybella then enroll in the Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program which will allow you to earn points on each treatment and redeem them for savings on future treatments. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF KYBELLA? The most common side effects of Kybella are swelling, pain, numbness, bruising, redness, and hardness around the treatment site. Additionally, some patients experience problems such as ulcers, hair loss, bruising, trouble swallowing, injury to the jaw that can cause an uneven smile or facial weakness, and necrosis around the injection site. Does Kybella sound like something that you are interested in learning a little more about? Schedule your Kybella consultation and call our office today!

  Link: Kybella®

• Microdermabrasion

  Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin-exfoliation procedure designed to treat sun damage, scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, microdermabrasion helps to enhance circulation and lymph flow. Results are immediately visible, and there is no downtime for the patient, who can immediately resume regular activities. Performed in-office, microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, and can be combined with other procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatment. Microdermabrasion is a much less invasive procedure than dermabrasion, which is used to treat more serious skin problems. Dermabrasion, in which several layers of skin are removed, is considered a surgical treatment. THE MICRODERMABRASION PROCEDURE During the microdermabrasion procedure, which is usually performed by an aesthetician, a handheld device is used to transmit tiny crystals of aluminum oxide across the targeted treatment area. The crystals and dead skin are then suctioned away with a vacuum tool, revealing fresh underlying skin. A treatment session can last from five to 60 minutes. The results of a single microdermabrasion treatment are temporary. For continued improvement, treatment should be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks. RISKS OF MICRODERMABRASION Microdermabrasion is considered safe for all skin types, and is appropriate for Asian and dark-skinned patients who may be at risk for skin discoloration with other types of treatment. There are no serious risks associated with microdermabrasion, although some patients experience mild redness and irritation, and patients older than 70 may have a slightly escalated risk of bruising and skin abrasions. Avoiding sun exposure after microdermabrasion is important because it may have removed some of the skin's natural protection. In patients who have a history of cold sores, undergoing microdermabrasion may reactivate the virus that causes them. In those cases, avoiding treatment around the lip area and/or taking preventative antiviral medication prior to treatment may be recommended.

• IV Therapy

  Your body uses vitamins, minerals and amino acids to provide you with energy, health and wellness. IV therapy is a good way to get these nutrients into your body while bypassing the digestive system; IV therapy provides a direct route for nutrients to reach your bloodstream. This area of regenerative medicine is beneficial as a form of maintenance and rejuvenation, or as a way to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments for chronic illness. WHAT IS IV THERAPY? So what does IV therapy do, anyway? In short, it delivers vitamins and minerals into your body. While the food you eat and supplements you take must first be processed by the digestive system, intravenous delivery has an unfiltered route to your cells. IV therapy provides 100 percent absorption of the minerals and vitamins in the solution, whereas supplements taken by mouth can never be absorbed this completely. HYDRATION, VITAMINS AND MINERALS Depending on the specific ingredients you want to infuse in the solution, your IV therapy can deliver hydration as well as nutrition. The benefits are many: Replenishes nutrients Supports healthy immune system Boosts energy Promotes healthy aging Boosts physical stamina and performance Prevents dehydration Detoxes the system Soothes gut problems Eases chronic pain Reduces fatigue Prevents muscle aches The IV solution may help you sleep better and prevent mood swings. It may be the right way to sharpen your focus and concentration. IV solutions can help treat and prevent the common cold and the flu. WHAT’S INCLUDED? Common IV ingredients include: B vitamins Multi-vitamin Vitamin C Vitamin D Calcium Iron Potassium Folate Magnesium Zinc Folic Acid Selenium Glutathione Alpha Lipoic Acid The solution is customized and certain add-ins can be incorporated into an existing IV offering. You may also have the option of choosing the Myers’ Cocktail, named after Dr. John Myers, who developed the IV solution in the 60s. This IV cocktail contains vitamins B and C, magnesium and calcium. It is linked to an array of beneficial outcomes, including anti-aging. It has been used to address problematic digestion, fatigue, low energy and chronic disease symptoms. Whether you are an athlete wanting to boost recovery, a person wanting to cure a hangover, or someone who is dealing with the serious symptoms of chronic illness, a Myers’ Cocktail IV may be helpful to you. WHAT IS IV TREATMENT LIKE? The treatment itself is quite comfortable. You’ll be able to relax with an audio book, listen to a podcast or check your inbox while the solution is administered. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. You will get the appointment estimate ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. SCHEDULE AN IV TREATMENT Arrange an appointment today. First, you will choose the right IV solution for the symptoms or chronic illness you are experiencing. Afterward, you should feel more energetic and rejuvenated. Although scientific evidence is limited, IV therapy may boost your immune system functioning and help stave off colds, the flu, fatigue and other problems.

  Link: IV Therapy

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

  Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a non-surgical treatment for a wide range of injuries, ailments and chronic pain. This innovative approach uses growth factors and protein from your blood to speed healing and alleviate pain. It is a fast-growing area of orthopedics and sports medicine. These “autologous” injections are derived from your own blood, and are not synthetic or taken from a donor. WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA? Your body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. PRP therapy jumpstarts and nourishes that natural healing process using your own blood components. Your blood contains platelets and plasma, in addition to red and white blood cells. The platelets and plasma contain proteins and growth factors, which are the desired substances when it comes to therapy. Here is how the process works: Your blood is drawn from your arm The vials of blood are inserted into a centrifuge which spins them around at a high rate of speed The action of the centrifuge separates the various components of the blood, so that the plasma is isolated from the other components The isolated plasma contains many more platelets than a normal sample of blood The platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the treatment area The growth factors in the platelets kickstart the healing process, and kickstart the production of new cells, collagen and tissue. You should experience pain relief and injuries that heal faster as a result of your PRP treatment. It usually takes multiple sessions to get results, potentially stretching over several weeks or months. PRP therapy may make it possible to avoid surgery and the lengthy recovery that often accompanies surgery. PRP CANDIDATES Platelet-rich plasma injections are used for: Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc inflammation/deterioration/pain Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc injuries Spinal pain Tennis elbow Plantar fasciitis Osteoarthritis MCL injury Athletic injuries Gluteal tendinosis Chronic pain With PRP, it may be possible to avoid or reduce your use of pharmaceutical medications, in some instances. PRP FOR HAIR LOSS Platelet-rich plasma can be used to stimulate hair growth by injecting the blood directly into the scalp. The injections are a concentration of platelets from your own blood. While research is ongoing, the idea is that the blood and growth factors introduced to the hair follicles prompt the growth of hair. Find out if you are a candidate for this treatment if you are experiencing hair loss. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PRP WHICH SOFT TISSUE INJURIES CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP? Injuries and damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments are often treatable with PRP. Examples include: Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tendonitis Patellar tendinopathy and tendonitis Achilles tendinopathy and tendonitis Osteoarthritis of the knee Lateral epicondylitis Plantar fasciitis DOES PRP REALLY WORK? Studies are currently limited, but we do know that the injection of platelet-rich plasma is low risk and we have seen the benefits it can provide to proper candidates. PRP injections improve and speed the body’s ability to heal. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP INJECTIONS? Severe complications associated with PRP injections are not common, which may be because the injections are your own blood. Nonetheless, side effects are possible. After the injections, you may experience pain and/or soreness at the injection site. There is a risk of infection, as is the case with most injectable treatments. There are also risks of tissue damage and nerve injury. There is also the risk that the injections do not provide the relief hoped for. During your consultation, we review all of the possible risks and side effects possible. You have the right to make an informed decision about PRP injections. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PRP INJECTIONS TO START WORKING? It often takes about 6 months to get the full benefits of these injections. This timeline varies based on what is being treated and the individual person. DO PRP INJECTIONS HURT? You will likely feel a pinch as the needle is inserted. The level of discomfort depends a lot on the treatment area. Whether the joints, lower back, knees or ankles are being treated – all of those areas have different degrees of sensitivity. You may feel nervous about the injection appointments. We know each person has his or her own tolerance for and comfort with injections. Overall, PRP injections are not described as painful by our patients. ARE PRP RESULTS PERMANENT? Unfortunately, no. PRP results are not permanent but can last up to a year before you may need new PRP injections.

  Link: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)