Joint Rejuvenation Therapy

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin: The Non-Surgical Solution to Joint Paint and Arthritic Progression

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a multifaceted degenerative process. For many patients, the onset of Osteoarthritis is a result of an acute trauma to the joint. Joint trauma results in an aggressive increase of inflammatory cytokines, causing not only pain, but increased expression of protease enzymes that damage cartilage and destroy the cells that produce new collagen. As we age, our capability to heal is blunted as joints become largely avascular, trapping these joint damaging enzymes and inflammatory proteins within the joint capsule. Our capability to fight inflammation and repair tissue is further suppressed by a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to hormonal decline, reduced expression of anti-inflammatory enzymes and gene markers, a reduced number of endogenous stem cells, and a co-morbid metabolic disease process, such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, and Obesity.

What is Alpha-2-Macroglobulin and How Can it Help Arthritis?

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (α2M) is a naturally occurring protease inhibiting protein that can be found in blood and the synovial fluid of our joints. When available in sufficient amounts, Alpha-2-Macroglobulin inactivates all classes of proteases, reducing the cartilage destroying effects these enzymes have on tendons and ligaments, as well as the cartilage that serves as cushioning at the articulating surfaces of our joints.

Unfortunately, as we age, the α2M concentration within our joints drops, resulting in an insufficient amount available to render proteases inactive. The avascular nature of the joint capsule itself limits the ability of α2M in our blood from being delivered to the joint.

At Pinnacle Integrated Health, our team of Regenerative Specialists and Physicians have found the solution to joint paint by unlocking the healing potential of α2M. Utilizing a patient’s own blood, a special filtration process allows our team to collect naturally occurring α2M and deliver it directly to damaged joints. Intra-joint delivery of supplemental α2M is clinically proven to inactivate cartilage damaging proteases and increase collagen and cartilage production.

If chronic Osteoarthritis and joint pain are stopping you from enjoying the lifestyle you want, Alpha-2-Macroglobulin may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contact our office today for a free evaluation and find if you’re a candidate for non-surgical, non-narcotic pain intervention with α2M.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections involve using the healing potential in a person’s own blood to accelerate tissue repair. Plasma, the liquid component of blood, contains platelets responsible for blood clotting and essential growth functions. PRP is created by concentrating these platelets through a centrifuge, separating them from other blood components.

This targeted approach has been used successfully for a myriad of musculoskeletal problems, including but not limited to muscle damage, tendon tears, inflammation, and ligament sprains.

How it works

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections use a portion of the patient’s own blood to stimulate healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints by increasing the number of reparative cells your body produces. Beyond accelerating the healing process, a notable advantage to PRP treatment is that it can decrease the use of opioids and over the counter anti-inflammatory medication.

Injuries That Can Benefit From PRP Treatment:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Achilles Tendon
• Tendonitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Tennis and Golf Elbow
• Ligament and Muscle Injuries

What is Treatment Like?

Once we’ve determined you are a good candidate for PRP treatment, we take care of the process right here in our office. Our experienced nurse practitioner will draw your blood and pass it through a centrifuge that separates the various components.

Is the Procedure Safe?

Yes! The side effects of PRP injections are nearly zero as patients are utilizing their own blood and should have no adverse reactions. You’ll be comfortable to walk out of the appointment, although some relative rest is needed immediately following the procedure, with just 2-3 weeks of lighter activity before returning to business as usual.

The Pinnacle Difference

We strive to find new and innovative practices to enhance the efficacy of our procedures and ensure patient success. Traditional PRP and A2M procedures offered by most practices provide noticeable pain relief, unfortunately, these benefits are often short-term. At Pinnacle Integrated Health, we use a specialized bio-scaffolding that slowly releases product over five to six months – reducing the likelihood that patients will need to do multiple procedure and keeping our patients out of pain longer.