New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told reporters this weekend that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant considered retiring after last season because the pain in his right knee was nearly intolerable. Bryant’s blood spinning procedure on his knee allowed Bryant’s career to continue, Rodriguez said. The procedure, involves drawing blood from the patient’s arm and then drawing platelets from that blood. The platelets are then injected into the injured area to stimulate tissue repair.
“I know that he was hurting before, almost even thinking about retirement, that’s how much pain he was under.” Rodriguez said, repoorted by the LA Times.
The treatment seems to have worked. After playing just 33.9 minutes per game last season—the lowest since his second year in the NBA—Bryant is averaging 38.2 minutes this season and is scoring a league-high 28.4 points per game, up from 25.3 last season.
Per reports, Bryant recommedned the treatment for Rodriguez. “Now the thing is, if I can play as well as Kobe, we’re in business,” Rodriguez said. “My knee does feel a lot better,” he added.
The Orthohealing Center is excited that Regenerative Medicine injections are reviving the careers of top professional athletes and is proud to offer these procedures including platelet rich plasma (PRP) to keep our patients, whether professional athletes or weekend warriors, pain free and active!
Dr. Charchian specializes in Interventional Pain Management integrating Fluoroscopy (live X-Ray), in addition to treating an array of spine and joint disorders non-surgically. He has extensive training in electrodiagnostic studies to evaluate nerve injuries. He completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at UCLA and is currently a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
Lead researcher Scott A. Crow, MD, indicated that PRP may be an effective option to successfully treat partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in the elbow of athletes. Crow adds that there are still a number of questions that need to be answered, including optimal concentration, number, and timing of injections, as well as the role of ultrasound or image guidance when performing these injections.
For the study, 17 athletes with a partial UCL tear who had failed conservative treatment including rest and physical therapy were followed. The researchers gave each patient a single PRP injection at the UCL under ultrasound guidance. Results showed that during a follow-up occurring an average of 18 weeks after the injection, 16 of the athletes had returned to play with decreased pain scores.
“There is little information in the literature regarding non-surgical treatment of UCL tears,” Crow says. “Our results show that PRP may be an option to return players to the field without having to place them under the knife”.
The Orthohealing Center is proud to offer state-of-the-art regenerative techniques such as PRP as one of the many options patients have in hopes of avoiding surgery.
Dr. Charchian specializes in Interventional Pain Management integrating Fluoroscopy (live X-Ray), in addition to treating an array of spine and joint disorders non-surgically. He has extensive training in electrodiagnostic studies to evaluate nerve injuries. He completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at UCLA and is currently a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas recently underwent the same regenerative blood spinning treatments on his knees that the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez went through. According to sources close to the situation, he has worked his way into shape and is feeling better than he has in years after having the injections, now popularly referred to in the media as “Kobe Therapy”. Arenas also had the procedure done on his hips as a preemptive measure that is often used on athletes who, like Arenas, have a history of knee problems.
Arenas conducted a workout in the Los Angeles area Sunday that was attended by Lakers officials. He could become a well-timed addition for a Lakers team badly in need of scoring help and guard depth.
The Orthohealing Center is proud to be a world leader in the field of regenerative medicine, offering Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for a wide array of injuries to both elite athletes and people with pain that just won’t go away.
Dr. Charchian specializes in Interventional Pain Management integrating Fluoroscopy (live X-Ray), in addition to treating an array of spine and joint disorders non-surgically. He has extensive training in electrodiagnostic studies to evaluate nerve injuries. He completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at UCLA and is currently a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
Chronic plantar fasciitis is commonly diagnosed in patients, but can be a difficult condition to treat successfully. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is the injection of concentrated platelets that is abundant with cytokines (immunomodulation agents) and other growth elements. PRP injection was compared to cortisone injection when treating severe cases of plantar fasciitis that are resistant to the traditional non-operative treatments.
A sample of thirty-six patients was randomized into two study groups and prospectively evaluated. This sample involved 16 males and 20 females who were diagnosed with severe chronic plantar fasciitis and were non responsive to the traditional non-operative treatments such as rest, cam walker immobilization, heel lifts, night splinting, PT, local modalities, and NSAIDS. Before starting the treatment all of the patients had MRI and ultrasound studies which were consistent with plantar fasciitis. The first group was treated with a single 40 mg methylprednisolone ultrasound-guided injection of at the site of the injury. The second group was treated with a single un-buffered autologous PRP ultrasound-guided injection at the site of the injury. For the two weeks of the study the patients were immobilized fully weight bearing in a cam walker. Then they were started on home exercises after which they were allowed to return to their regular activities as their pain would permit without the extra support.
The study was judged based on The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) which is designed to evaluate the healing process of ankle and foot surgery. The first group originally had the OAFAS score of 52, which increased to 81 after three months, then decreased to 74 after 6 months and further decreased to 58 after 12 months. The second group had original score of 37 which then increased to .95 after 3 months and remained at 94 after 6 and after 12 months following the treatment.
These finding suggests that platelet rich plasma injection is a better and longer-lasting treatment than cortisone injection when treating severe chronic plantar fasciitis.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
A new article on PRP was published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine from the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. The piece discusses Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cells for management of osteoarthritis. The authors describe a synergistic phenomenon when combining the stem cells with PRP. The platelets help direct the stem cells to proliferate and coordinate repair of damaged cells. I expect more & more literature to emerge on the use of PRP & stem cells to address common orthopaedic injuries.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
According the the New York Post & ESPN news, NY mets baseball player Jose Reyes received a PRP injection to treat a hamstring tear.
“Reyes said he received a shot that has helped in the healing process. He also underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy, which entails removing blood from the affected area and injecting it back into the patient after “bad” components have been removed.
“It’s helping me out a lot — I feel better,” Reyes said.”
PRP may help cut rehabilitation time in half, thus accelerating return to play for high priced athletes. I have treated many professional athletes with similar hamstring tears & have found the injection to give these athletes a boost in the recovery process. Furthermore, PRP may potentially extend their athletic careers by treating the actual tear as opposed to masking it like cortisone does.
Many more professional athletes are receiving PRP treatment which is increasing awarenessto the public. Several studies are in the pipeline that will only continue to fuel demand from patients seeking natural based solutions to their injuries.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
Here’s an example of a PRP injection performed under ultrasound guidance. Using cutting edge technology we are able to deliver the platelets within a millimeter of a specific target.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
A study was done from Italy demonstrating clinical improvement in 16/20 male athletes who received a series of 3 prp injctions at 15 day intervals. They were followed up at 6 months. Interestingly 3 out of the 4 patients who failed to improve did not comply with the stretching & strengthening protocol following the injections.
Patellar tendinosis is a challenging condition because of poor blood supply, oxygen, & a lack of nutrition. Over half of athletes are forced to retire, & many continue to have pain after their retirement.
This speaks to the importance of post injection rehabilitation. I learned this firsthand after I tore my own Medial collateral Ligament in my knee after a surfing lesson.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
A PRP article was recently published from Spain reviewing current applications of PRP in orthopaedics. Most interestingly was the discussion surrounding use in professional sports. There is generalized confusion requiring rigorous definition associated with well characterized products and procedures. Currently US olympic athletes are able to receive the treatment under the WADA worl anti-doping agency; however must first apply for approval. There are no specific guidlines in other US professional sports organizations. PRP does not enhance performance & only treats a local injury & therefore should not be considered prohibited.
I expect more & more professional athletes to receive not only PRP but stem cell based therapies to accelerate recovery, both as injections & while undergoing surgery.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
Data was released from Krakow Poland at the International Meeting on the use of Autologous Growth Factors in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: “State of the Art” – Krakow, Poland – 24 April 2009. The study found that patients receiving cortisone showed a 40% improvement compared to PRP 75% at 12 months. This is the first head to head study. Cortisone is well known to carry a risk of weakening & rupturing a tendon & is often discouraged.
Founder of the Orthohealing Center, Dr. Sampson is a recognized expert on orthobiologics and regenerative medicine. He lectures internationally and spearheads OHC’s clinical research efforts. Dr. Sampson is a Clinical Instructor of Medicine at The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Western University of Health Sciences.
A new article on PRP was published in the 
A study was done from Italy demonstrating clinical improvement in 16/20 male athletes who received a series of 3 prp injctions at 15 day intervals. They were followed up at 6 months. Interestingly 3 out of the 4 patients who failed to improve did not comply with the stretching & strengthening protocol following the injections.
I expect more & more professional athletes to receive not only PRP but stem cell based therapies to accelerate recovery, both as injections & while undergoing surgery.
Data was released from Krakow Poland at the International Meeting on the use of Autologous Growth Factors in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: “State of the Art” – Krakow, Poland – 24 April 2009. The study found that patients receiving cortisone showed a 40% improvement compared to PRP 75% at 12 months. This is the first head to head study. Cortisone is well known to carry a risk of weakening & rupturing a tendon & is often discouraged.