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.
