Find Out What Physician’s Assistant Melissa Erin Has To Say!

Physician’s Assistant Melissa Erin has had the pleasure of working alongside the amazing staff of RAPS for the last 11 years. She’s seen the practice grow and change over the last decade. Her favorite part of working at RAPS has been the team atmosphere – which Dr. Lieber, Dr. Adelsheimer, and Dr. Sally promote.

We asked Melissa a few questions about the stem cell procedures she helps conduct in the office. This is what she had to say!

What is your favorite part of the Regenexx procedures?

Seeing patients return feeling better!

Here at RAPS, we absolutely love to see so many patients come in after their treatments. Patients like Tom, Joe, Maureen and Lee. There isn’t a shortage of patient testimonials from these life changing procedures.

There isn’t a shortage of patient testimonials from these life changing procedures.

 

Why do you believe in the Regenexx stem cell and PRP treatments?

I believe in them because they’re great alternatives to major surgery and joint replacements. Stem cell and PRP treatments are a natural way to help make bad joints healthier.

 

In your words, what makes Regenexx different from other stem cell procedures?

Regenexx uses the patient’s own bone marrow as the source for stem cells.

In recent year, there has been an increase in the number of offices (especially in the Pittsburgh area) offering stem cell therapies in the form of prefilled syringes. Not only are there no long-term studies on the effects of using other’s stem cells, but it’s been proven that there are no living stem cells in these “therapies”. We urge you to take a moment and watch this video.

Many other clinics use stem cells derived from adipose tissue, aka fat. They do this because the stem cells are plentiful, easy to get to and that’s usually all they know how to do. Research has shown that stem cells, from a patient’s own bone marrow, prove to be superior in helping orthopedic conditions.

You’ll also see other clinics using an automated centrifuge to prepare your stem cells. Regenexx technicians extract your stem cells at our office and isolate 10-20 times the number of stem cells you’d get from using an automated centrifuge. And, unlike other clinics, Regenexx counts the stem cells in order to tailor the treatment to our patient’s specific needs. This is something that other clinics do not, and cannot, do.

Want to learn more about how Regenexx is different? Check out this video!

 

What is the biggest drawback of using stem cells that are not your own?

If a patient uses someone else’s stem cells, there is the risk of potential foreign body reaction.

What is a foreign body reaction? It is a protective response by the immune system which includes chronic inflammation and formations around the foreign cells. When you use your own stem cells, you do not have to worry about rejection. Your body won’t reject its own cells! You’re taking your cells from one area of the body and injecting them into the part that needs extra attention. If anything, your body will thank you for the help!

 

What is the biggest benefit you see your patients receiving from the Regenexx procedures?

The ability to resume activities that patients had to stop because of pain.

Take Guy for example. He always led an active life, but the pain and paralysis he experienced from his herniated disks prevented him from doing what he loved. After Regenexx, he was able to get back to running and completing Ironman Triathlons! (Read his whole story here)

So take it from Melissa, who has had the pleasure of seeing countless patients reap the benefits of these treatment protocols. Regenexx is not only a great alternative to orthopedic procedures, but it’s something that she firmly believes in!

 

Want more from other RAPS staff members? Click here to hear from Stefanie, our Regenexx Liaison.

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About Regenexx Pittsburgh COVID-19 Protection Zone

At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we are foremost committed to the health and safety of our patients. Our team adheres strictly to COVID-19 protection protocols and ALL staff wear masks and are COVID-19 vaccinated.

Advanced IOF Certifications

Certified at the highest level for Ankle / Foot, Wrist / Hand, Hip, Knee, Shoulder, and Spine Intradiscal

Specialized Certifications

Top available certifications in Diagnostic Ultrasound, Bone Marrow and Adipose Aspirate, and Nucleated Cell Counting

Educational Certifications

Our doctors have earned both General Instructor as well as Spine Instructor certifications.

Knee

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Knee Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Meniscus Tears
  • Patellofemoral
  • Syndrome/Chondomalacia
  • ACL Tears + PCL, LCL & MCL Tears & Sprains
  • Patellar Tendonitis
  • Pes anersine bursitis
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Instability
  • Hamstrings Tendinopathy & Biceps Femoris Insertional Tendinopathy

Lower Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Lumbar Facet Injury
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Herniated or Bulging Disc
  • Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
  • SI Joint Syndrome
  • Many More Disc and Low Back Issues

Foot & Ankle

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Foot & Ankle Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Ankle Instability
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Peroneal tendon tear or split
  • Ligament sprain or tear
  • Sub-talar arthritis or instability
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Bunions

Cervical Spine

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Spine Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Cervical Instability
  • Cervical Facet Injury
  • Neck, Back or Rib Instability
  • Many More Disc and Cervical Issues Causing Pain

Shoulder

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Shoulder Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Arthritis of the shoulder joint
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Labral tears or degeneration
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis & tendonosis
  • AC Joint Separation
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations

Elbow

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Elbow Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow
  • Nerve entrapment (ulnar nerve)

Hip

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions. View Details About Hip Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinopathy
  • Labral / Labrum Tear

Hand & Wrist

Regenexx® Procedures are non-surgical injection treatments that are intended to help reduce pain and improve function for those who are suffering from pain due to common injuries, arthritis, and overuse conditions.

View Details About Hand & Wrist Treatments >

Commonly Treated Conditions:

  • Hand Arthritis
  • Basal Joint Arthritis or CMC / Carpometacarpal
  • Arthritis
  • Instability
  • TFCC Tear
  • Carpal Tunnel SyndromeTrigger Finger