Regenexx® Pittsburgh Blog

PRP Vs. Corticosteroids

Dr. Jesse Sally January 27, 2023

Primum non nocere is a Latin phrase meaning “first, do no harm.” It is a reminder to physicians that their first priority is to protect their patients. However, this rule can get pushed to the side when the complicated issue of health insurance comes into play. Despite significant and mounting evidence that corticosteroids last only a short time and can actually worsen osteoarthritis, insurance-covered corticosteroid injections are sometimes favored over the less risky and better long-term pain reducing PRP option. Does this circumstance disregard primum non nocere? Read more.

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Google Rating

4.5

Based on 21 reviews

Regenexx Pittsburgh

4.5

Joe Schlimm

14:50 23 Jun 23

I want to share my experience with Regenexx. I had my doubts when I first learned of this science. Since then I have had both knees treated with stem cell and PRP treatments. I have seen remarkable progress over the past few months. The entire experience has been positive and I have been treated by doctors and staff with professionalism. I would recommend this process to anyone struggling with the discomfort of osteoarthritis in the knees

Brenda Hlavsa

16:11 14 Jun 23

I can’t thank Dr Lieber enough. I went to him with spinal stenosis and two herniated disc in my lower back. Dr Lieber answered all my questions and we decided to the PRP treatment. I am now without pain and can enjoy life. I would highly recommend Dr Lieber to anyone.

Mary Smith

16:16 17 May 23

Dr. Sally and his staff could not have been more professional, caring or effective! I had a great experience with the PRP treatment for my shoulder from Dr. Sally. I can't recommend the nitrous oxide enough! (I also recommend using stainless steal on the site after the treatment to reduce the pain. I know this is a very unusual idea but it works like a charm for bumps, bruises and even dental visits!)I am 4 months out from the procedure and am very confident that I will be swinging a tennis racket by summer!

MacKenzie L

12:16 02 May 23

Dr Sally always answers my questions, there's a bad review about only getting relief from an injection for a week. I'm in the same boat and insurance only covers it if you get certain % of relief. I had sacroiliac joint injection and got a weeks relief and slept better than I had in ages, but it was short lasting. But at least I know where the pains coming from now.Also he does great with my Botox injections and my trigger point injections, he is even a good sport a out me being a huge injection baby.

Clara Bueno

19:01 07 Feb 23

The doctor was very honest about my partner not qualifying for the procedures, which was good in a way. But they had us waiting in a room for 30m for someone to come check us out, which never happened. We ended up getting out of the room and finding a bunch of nurses talking between themselves and unaware of the situation.

Lori Stauffer

18:28 07 Jan 23

Regenexx Pgh --- Look no further if you need PRP therapy! Dr. Sally performed platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy on my left posterior tibial tendon. After the procedure I experienced some swelling and very little pain. The pain and swelling were so minimal that I did not take any Tylenol!Background:1. I am a 59 year old female who is fairly active.2. I had chronic posterior tibial tendinitis (5 years).3. I received steroid shots 5 years ago, physical therapy (dry needling, cold laser, etc.), orthotics, etc.4. My symptoms came back about a year ago because I did not realize the tendon did not fully heal. So, I had X-rays (ankle & feet) and a MRI that revealed damage to the tendon. I got another custom orthotic, but wanted to SOLVE the problem! (if possible) Plus, I didn't want to tear the tendon completely and have surgery!5. I started researching possible solutions. I spent numerous hours researching PRP therapy & other modalities. The data is all of the place (for PRP) because there is no "standard" procedure (in my opinion). After sifting through the data, I landed on the Regenexx procedure for many reasons. (I don't want to list them otherwise this review will be even longer! Go to the Regenexx site!)6. My sister lives in Pittsburgh and had several friends experience positive results with Regenexx Pittsburgh. So, I signed up for one of their webinars, spoke with their staff and made a telehealth visit with Dr. Sally. (I live in South Georgia.) Dr. Sally was very professional and answered all of my questions.7. Regenexx Pgh - They have this procedure fine tuned! From the moment I inquired about information, EVERY person responded in a timely, friendly, and professional manner. They answered every question and provided me with everything I needed to make my decision. I knew EXACTLY what it would cost, what to expect, success rate, etc. They were in constant contact with me.8. They provide you with an extensive list of preparations and videos so you can have the best possible outcome.Outcome:1. On the day of the procedure, I had my blood drawn (great phlebotomist/nurse) and a few hours later I had the procedure. Dr. Sally and his nurse were excellent. Dr. Sally was very patient with me because I asked a lot of questions and he explained everything so well.2. I cannot say enough about the Regenexx team in Pittsburgh. From the office staff, phlebotomist, nurses, consultants, & of course, Dr. Sally, this has been an exceptional experience.3. They use image-guided injections so they can pinpoint the location of the problem. I feel this is SO important for a successful outcome.4. I am in week 6 after the procedure and am probably at the 85% mark. I go to physical therapy twice a week and will continue with this care plan until my tendon is healed. (I do my physical therapy exercises at home too, wear a custom orthotic when needed, and eat a healthy diet. I am motivated!) I felt so good after the procedure, that it has been challenging for me to not become really active right away! It takes patience!5. I will have another follow up appointment with Dr. Sally in a few months.Bottom line: Regenexx Pittsburgh is where you want to go for a successful PRP procedure! I wish insurance providers would cover the cost of the procedure, because in my opinion, it is better to solve the problem early before the damage is too great and the patient needs surgery. Surgery is VERY expensive compared to PRP!

Joseph Kirven

16:33 06 Jan 23

The staff was professional and friendly! The doctor explained everything he would be doing and how it worked. My knee feels 100% better then before the procedure and probably the best it's felt in 20+ years. I would definitely recommend this procedure and would do it again if I need another joint done in the future.Thank you Dr. Lieber and your staff!!!

Stephanie Wilson

17:08 05 Dec 22

I have struggled with low back pain due to a disc herniation for over 10 years. The orthopedics I went to continued to recommend steroid injections for the pain and said I would need to continue getting them every couple of years for the rest of my life! Being in my early 30's, I didn't want to accept that for myself, so I looked for alternatives and found Regenexx. I'm so beyond pleased with the results! It made the biggest difference in jump starting my recovery. I was able to not only do the physical therapy exercises suggested in the past, but I built up strength in my back and returned to weightlifting I haven't been able to perform in years. Prior to my Regenexx procedure, I was extremely limited in the types of exercises I was doing (no squatting or bending over), had trouble sleeping and performing simple tasks around the house. I'm now about 6 months post procedure and I have no pain while sleeping and no restrictions in daily tasks. I can do any type of exercise I want and I'm building strength to prevent injury in the future. I recommend Dr. Sally and the whole Regenexx team to anyone who is looking for a long term solution to their pain. I can't put into words how happy I am that I made the decision to try Regenexx!

Brenda Wood

19:16 21 Oct 22

Very friendly and helpful staff . Would recommend to anyone looking for a stem cell treatment.

Denise Defazio

00:25 14 Sep 22

6 weeks ago I had PRP in both my knees and right thumb joint at Regenexx, Pittsburgh. I also had stem cells, my own, injected into my right knee which has been bone on bone for many, many years. It was a decision I had done much research on and spent many many hours reviewing information from other sites, not related to Regenexx as I did not want to be influenced by their information until I had researched and visited the others that I had considered. I truly was saving the best for last!!!. I had requested information from Regenexx approximately 6 years ago.My story is long and filled with much emotion. I will be brief---after the first of the three procedures, I felt no pain in the three sites that were cared for. It has been 6 weeks since all of this and I am still doing physical therapy and water therapy. I would do this again in a minute. My Dr was always professional, caring, and usually answered my questions before I ask as he was amazingly thorough. My calls and concerns were always answered immediately. I felt that my care was their ultimate concern. I looked at other places.... and none measured up to Regenexx. I would truly suggest each person considering this procedure do your own research, take your time, and visit Regenexx to compare any others that you may have considered. It's your health, its your life, its life changing. My deepest thanks to Dr Sally and his amazing staff.

Robin M

17:11 17 Aug 22

I am from Upstate NY. A friend had the knee stem cell procedure at Regenexx by Dr Sally. It turned out well, so I contacted Regenexx and was approved for a knee procedure also. This was last year.The staff were very kind. Dr Sally answered all my questions with great patience.The procedure went well. My kneeIs 95% better!The healing process took longer than I anticipated, and the swelling hindered me from being able to get around for a few weeks, but I came to realize people heal at different rates.I had a torn meniscus, with arthritis. Was using crutches before going there. I was in bad shape beforehand. So, it took longer to heal, I believe.It was worth the effort of going to PT and doing exercise at home to help my body recover. Going up and down stairs is much better now!I am in the process of deciding to have my other knee done, because of the arthritis.It was worth the 5 hour trip to travel there.I am comfortable with the Dr's ability to repair my knee!A hearty thank you to all involved in my care!

Elliott Baxter

15:15 12 Jul 22

Dr Lieber is great. Highly recommend.

Deborah Fajbik

04:56 04 Jun 22

They are the best!

Lindsay Bacchi

02:30 19 Apr 22

Really happy with the stem cell procedure. Staff spends plenty of time with you to look at options and know what the treatment and follow up will look like. I have already referred others to Dr. Leiber and this office.

Marti Carlin

19:04 13 Jul 21

I had to see Dr. Adelsheimer for an unusual condition involving tendons. He explained my issue thoroughly and what he could and couldn't do for me. I felt much better leaving the office (even though there wasn't much he could do), knowing what I needed to do moving forward. Provided answers when none of my other MD's were able to (or willing to). He took is time and was compassionate and thorough.

Vicki Palmer

12:04 15 May 21

My experience with Dr. Sally and Regenexx was delightful even with the pain! The staff are all courteous and showed real concern for my well being, efficient and thoughtful! The Doctor explained his every move and showed concern for my comfort, now to wait for results!

Scott S.

00:17 19 Mar 21

Dr. Sally and his staff are outstanding! It takes a strong, committed group of caring individuals to deliver quality service and a positive patient experience every time. I drive 2 hours each way to the Regenexx office because they are that good and my quality of life is important to me. I highly recommend Dr. Sally and his amazing team!

Renata Pytlak

17:23 18 Mar 21

You will not be disappointed.. Allow yourself to 'think outside of the box'. Today's medical advances offer so many more options that are less envasive..easier on your body and better for you!

Normajean Simpson

16:43 11 Mar 21

I was full of anxiety about my procedure. Every nurse from sitting there waiting and the ones in the surgery room were so caring and comforting. Everyone was very professional. It's only been two days but my procedure has really helped me. I'm looking forward to a healthy and quality life now. Thank you all!

Kathy Wolf

19:19 09 Mar 21

What an experience with Regenexx Pittsburgh!! After going through a total knee replacement/surgery/rehab, I was NOT going to do that again. After researching alternatives and talking to friends, I found Regenexx Pittsburgh! The staff and doctors were VERY informative, kind, and helpful. My procedures went so much better than I expected and my rehab was successful. I really can’t say enough good things about Regenexx Pittsburgh.....check them out!!!

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Phone: 412-963-6480

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