Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a nonsurgical regenerative injection technique that stimulates the body’s healing processes to strengthen and repair injured and painful joints and connective tissue. It is based on the fact that when ligaments or tendons are stretched or torn, the joint they are holding destabilizes and can become painful. Prolotherapy introduces small amounts of an irritant solution (dextrose, combination of minerals and homeopathics) to the site of the painful and degenerated tendon, joints and ligaments during several treatment sessions to promote the growth of normal cells and tissues. The whole procedure evokes various reactions which can be divided into three major phases: inflammation, proliferation, remodeling.

Great for treating:

• Joint instability of the ankle and shoulder

• Osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder and other joints,

• Tendinopathies

• Sports injuries such as Golfers elbow, Tennis elbow

• Sprains & ligament injuries

After the procedure some soreness, discomfort, pinpoint bleeding and bruising may occur. After your injection you will have some restrictions on exercise and other activities for a few days following your treatment.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses patient's own blood plasma with a high concentration of platelets which contain growth factors and cytokines that promote angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and wound healing.

Platelet-rich plasma therapies consist of a series of injections that are used to treat musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries such as ligament, muscle and tendon tears and tendinopathies. PRP has been shown to reduce pain associated with lateral epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy, osteoarthritis of the knee and rotator cuff injuries. PRP has also been demonstrated to improve function and reduce pain in people who have tendonitis or chronic tendonosis conditions.

After your injection you will have some restrictions on exercise and other activities for a few days following your treatment. The most common side effects are mild to moderate pain, redness, and pinpoint bleeding in the injection sites. You might also have some discomfort or minor swelling for a few days.

Platelet rich plasma is not ideal for patients who have systemic inflammation diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, smokers and diabetics.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a small handheld device that uses very fine disposable needles that causes microinjuries to the skin which accelerates skin regeneration(collagen, elastin, proteoglycan). It is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment.

Microneedling has been legally authorized by the FDA to improve the appearance of facial acne scars and facial wrinkles. Other benefits include improve appearance of skin, give skin a smoother feel and makes skin look more luminous. Doctor Valencia may use different regenerative serums while you are getting microneedled. Be aware that you may need more than one procedure to get the desired improvement.

Possible risks include redness, itchiness, peeling, discomfort ,bruising, bleeding, crusting, dryness and peeling.

Microneedling is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders, immune deficiency, diabetic, active skin infection, active rash, history of keloid scars, cancer or taking isotretinoin or anticoagulant medications.

Microneedling is a valuable alternative to more invasive procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and deep chemical peeling.

Hair restoration

Uses platelet rich plasma (PRP) a nonsurgical hair-loss treatment during which platelets extracted from your own blood are injected into areas of your scalp, to restore thinning hair. Dr. Valencia also uses microneedling with PRP to help with hair restoration.

This therapy is not FDA approved however current research suggests that PRP can be effective for both age-related hair loss and alopecia areata. PRP to hair isconsidered safe and a less invasive alternative treatment option than hair transplant surgery.

Injected into the scalp, PRP increases blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulates some new hair growth (though not in every patient), and lengthens the anagen (active) growth phase of existing hair, to slow hair loss. You’ll need an initial series of treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. To achieve optimal benefit you may need to do maintenance treatments every few months after your initial series.

Results are dependent on many factors such as the amount and spacing of your hair loss and how recently it started. The sooner PRP can be administered after the discovery of hair loss, the better. 

The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and pinpoint bleeding in the injection sites. You might also have some discomfort or minor swelling for a few days.