Sports Injury Doctor Rockville, MD

For those who have endured a sports-related injury, a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, at Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can provide further insight about stem cell therapy as a possible treatment option. Playing sports can help keep you in terrific physical shape, build leadership skills, and help you develop new friendships. It is a fun way to stay active and healthy, encouraging positive habits such as maintaining a healthy diet to optimize your performance. However, playing sports frequently can put a lot of stress on your body and make you more susceptible to injuries. You can sustain an injury during a game, a training session, or while you’re doing stretches if you’re not careful. Sometimes an injury occurs even when you have been taking precautions to avoid them. Head injuries and leg injuries are some of the most common injuries athletes can suffer from while playing sports. Some of these injuries are difficult to recover from and can impede your performance. Although stem cell therapy still isn’t considered standard practice for treating sports injuries, more and more athletes are turning to our injury doctors at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center to learn more about the benefits of this treatment. It has had promising results in several patients with various injuries or medical conditions. Stem cell therapy works differently for everyone, so be sure to ask a doctor if you would be a good candidate for the procedure. 

Where Do These Stem Cells Come From?

The stem cells used in sports medicine come directly from the patient who is being treated. Stem cells can be taken from several different sources. These cells are typically harvested from the bone marrow, blood or fat of the patient. This can dramatically reduce the risk of infection and rejection. Stem cells are unique in that they can transform into other cells based on where and how a doctor administers them. In a certain setting, stem cells divide into cells called daughter cells, which then turn into new stem cells or become specialized cells with distinct functions, like muscle cells or bone cells. Stem cell therapy, or otherwise referred to as regenerative medicine, can be an excellent alternative for conditions that would otherwise necessitate surgery to fix. Many doctors use stem cell therapy for certain diseases and injuries. Because of their versatility, they can be applied in several ways to promote and accelerate healing. For example, patients who have rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and degenerative conditions may observe that stem cell therapy yields better results while avoiding the side effects of surgery. 

What Can Sports Injuries Be Treated With Stem Cells?

Athletes can endure a wide variety of sports injuries while on the field. Some of these injuries are relatively easy to recover from, while others can make athletes miss an entire season. Athletes may use stem cell therapy for many types of injuries. Stem cells may be able to treat damage to the muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. The cells encourage the growth of new cells to replace the damaged ones. With stem cell therapy, an athlete may recover from serious injuries more quickly, even ones with extensive tissue damage. A doctor at Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can discuss whether your injury can benefit from stem cell treatment.

How Are Stem Cells Applied to the Injured Area?

During stem cell therapy, a Maryland sports injury doctor in Rockville from the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can apply the cells to the injured area through:

• Injection: A doctor injects stem cells to the affected area with a needle.
• Surgical Application: A doctor applies stem cells to the injured tendon, bone, or ligament through a surgical procedure.
• Sutures: A doctor stitches together a damaged ligament or tendon with a material that contains stem cells.

How Do You Prepare for Stem Cell Therapy?

Like any other medical procedure, it’s essential to prepare for your stem cell therapy thoroughly. Here are some tips a doctor may recommend when getting ready for your appointment:

• Eat Healthy Foods: If you maintain a healthy diet before your therapy, you will be more likely to produce better-quality stem cells. Eat foods like fish, chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages that contain alcohol.
• Don’t Take Certain Medications: medications like antibiotics and steroids can have adverse effects when taken with stem cell therapy. Talk with a doctor about the medications you’re currently taking. He or she can determine if you can safely stop taking them.
• Get Plenty of Rest: Even though most stem cell therapies are minimally invasive, you should get a good night’s sleep before your procedure. If you arrive well-rested to your appointment, you will feel a lot better.
• Arrange a Ride Home: While you won’t be going under general anesthesia for stem cell therapy, it’s still a good idea to ask a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. You may feel a little sore and tired, and it helps to have someone nearby.

Undergoing any medical procedure can induce feelings of anxiousness. It is natural to be nervous the day before your appointment. However, you must stay calm and try to be relaxed. If you are considering stem cell therapy, contact a doctor from the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center right away for a free consultation.

 

 

 

 

 Is Stem Cell Treatment Right for Me?

The method of stem cell therapy is unique in that it uses the patient’s own stem cells to take the place of withering cells while regenerating damaged tissues and reducing pain. Stem cells are gathered from the patient’s bone marrow or fat tissues via a surgical procedure. The cells are spun in a centrifuge in a laboratory to become isolated, then injected into the site that requires healing. Our doctor will likely collect stem cells and administer them directly to the area in pain that same day to ensure the most effective results possible. With all this being said, some patients may wonder if stem cell therapy is right for them. Depending on your health and diagnosis, stem cell treatments may be able to benefit your health in a truly positive way. Here our doctor has answered several questions that patients may ask when deciding whether to try this treatment approach:

What conditions can stem cell therapy treat?

If you are unsure whether your condition could benefit from stem cell therapy, you may want to consult with a doctor about your options. You may be able to find more information about the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in patients with a similar injury or condition. You may have several questions about the procedure and the research behind it. While research is still being conducted in laboratories and medical facilities across the globe, certain conditions stem cell treatments have shown to be helpful for, including the following:

• Back and neck pain
• Ligament and tendon pain
• Osteoporosis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Joint pain
• Sports injuries
• Diabetes (helps produce insulin)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Other neurological conditions
• Heart attacks (aids during recovery)

How does stem cell therapy work exactly?

Stem cell treatments provided by our doctor may be able to accelerate the patient’s instinctive healing system, in addition to alleviating pain. Stem cell therapy facilitates the repair of damaged or diseased cells. When the human body becomes injured, adult stem cells are released to the area to regenerate healthy cells. However, sometimes the amount of cells dispatched to the site is not enough. To address this shortage, stem cells are used to aid in regeneration.  So, these much-needed cells are collected and injected into the area requiring more intervention through stem cell therapy. Because stem cells can become specialized cells with specific functions, they are highly valuable and can heal different organs within the body. Stem cell therapy can improve the health of tendons, ligaments, fibrous connective tissue, and bones.

 What makes stem cell treatments most appealing for patients?

Stem cell therapy administered by our doctor can be a great alternative to hefty and expensive pain medications, steroid injections, and invasive procedures. Some patients may not be comfortable with taking medication that they may experience harmful side effects from. While stem cell therapy involves collecting the cells through a surgical process, the overall healing is more natural since the body uses its own mechanism and not man-made prescription medication. Stem cell therapy is beneficial since the body’s natural cells are being used to treat the injury or condition, thus promoting the growth of healthy new tissue. Patients do not have to be concerned about whether they will have an adverse reaction because they are not undergoing an invasive procedure or taking a risky drug. Every patient is different, as some may take only a couple of weeks to see results, while others require up to a month or longer.

 What do patients who receive stem cell treatments struggle with most?

Our trusted sports doctors know that most patients who seek stem cell therapy are struggling with severe pain and discomfort. Patients may be on prescription painkillers that come along with undesirable side effects. Many patients are drawn to the concept of stem therapy in that they are using their own body’s cells to treat ailments.

 How often do I need to come for stem cell therapy?

Once a stem cell procedure is performed, the stem cells will start to form new cells in that area for as long as twelve months. But, this doesn’t mean that it will take a year for the patient to notice positive changes. Many patients report seeing an improvement only after 1-2 weeks after a stem cell therapy session. The results differ for each patient as the length of time to see improvements from the therapy depends on the severity of the injury. If you do not see results right away, it does not mean that the procedure was unsuccessful. It could mean that your body is just taking a longer time to form new cells. As a doctor at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center may suggest, patients should continue with other treatments such as physical therapy to enhance the positive effects of the stem cells.

 What other methods may be used as treatment?

In conjunction with stem cell therapy treatments, a doctor may suggest other approaches, such as massage, lifestyle changes, hot/cold compresses, ultrasound therapy, chiropractic adjustments, exercises, stretches, and more. Using a combination of these treatments can aid in your healing and recovery. Every patient is different, so what may work for one person may not be sufficient for another. At our clinic, we have a variety of care methods and will create a comprehensive treatment plan based on the patient’s individual needs. Ask a doctor about which treatments after stem cell therapy may be suitable to incorporate in your recovery plan. 

 Can stem cell therapy help my injured knee?

If you were injured due to a sports-related activity or were involved in an accident and you have knee pain, then we suggest coming in for an exam so we can take a closer look. Stem cell therapy may help knee injuries that include pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased mobility, deterioration, surrounding tissue damage, ligament tears, and loss of function. Many patients come to our offices to inquire about whether we can help their knee condition as a way to avoid surgery hopefully. Often, their primary physician has recommended surgery, and that patient may explore other options first. Stem cell therapy can be a successful alternative to a surgical procedure.

 Are there any side effects to be aware of?

In general, stem cell therapy is considered a non-invasive treatment where side effects are minimal. After a treatment session, some patients may have mild swelling and discomfort around the area; however, we can use local anesthetics to make the injection experience and hours afterward more comfortable. You may be surprised to hear that most patients who receive stem cell therapy have no adverse side effects. This may be because, in theory, the stem cells coming from your system significantly reduce the chances of infection or the body rejecting the treatment.

 What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulators are thin wires and a small pacemaker. Essentially, the thin wires, or electrodes, are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae in the epidural space. The generator is placed underneath the skin, near the buttocks or the abdomen. These stimulators allow patients to send electrical impulses using a remote when they feel pain. Both the remote and the antenna are outside of the body. Traditional spinal cord stimulators replace the sensation of pain with a tingling, which is called paresthesia.

What is Paresthesia?

Paresthesia is the familiar feeling of pins and needles when your arm or leg falls asleep. This sensation happens due to pressure that’s being placed on the nerve in question. Most paresthesia is temporary and resolves after you remove stress from the affected limb. However, paresthesia can feel like numbness, weakness, tingling, burning, or extreme cold.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation Used to Treat?

Spinal cord stimulation is used the most after nonsurgical pain treatment options fail to provide relief. Spinal cord stimulators may treat or manage various chronic pain, and some of those pains include:

• Back pain, such as pain that continues after back surgery, otherwise known as failed back surgery syndrome.
• Post-surgical pain of various kinds.
• Arachnoiditis, which is a painful inflammation of the arachnoid, which is a thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord.
• Heart pain, such as angina that is untreatable by other means.
• Nerve-related pain, like cancer-related neuropathy from radiation, surgery, or chemo.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Complex regional pain syndrome.
• Pain after you’ve had a limb amputated.
•  Visceral abdominal pain and perineal pain.

Spinal cord stimulation helps to improve the quality of life, sleep and reduce the need for pain medications. It’s used with other pain management treatments, such as medications, exercise, physical therapy and relaxation methods.

What Can Lead to Acquiring a Sports Injury?

Sports injuries encompass any injury sustained while exercising or playing a sport. They can occur in anyone, from a dedicated athlete to someone who engages in light or moderate exercise. Nobody is exempt from potentially needing to visit a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, like one of the doctors at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center. While you cannot always prevent an injury, it can be helpful to know some of the causes in order to take precautions. Here of some common things that can lead to acquiring a sports injury.

Playing Contact Sports

Contact sports include football, soccer, hockey, rugby, and other sports that involve being close to other players frequently or at high speeds. These types of sports raise the risk of being injured because you are susceptible to crashing into other players and getting bruises and concussions. While contact sports are great for practicing teamwork and getting exercise, take precautions and wear protective equipment when needed. 

Overuse

Working out too much, or doing too much of an activity before your body is used to it, can lead to getting injured. While it can be healthy to push yourself to hit a goal, pushing yourself too hard is counterproductive and can set you back. It is essential to listen to your body and consult a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, if you feel any new or unusual aches or pains after beginning a new sport or starting a new training regimen. 

Not Warming Up

Not warming your muscles properly before beginning an activity can put you at greater risk for sprains and strains. Take a few minutes to do light jogging or jumping jacks before engaging in a higher intensity workout. Properly cooling down after a workout is equally as important as the warmup. Post-workout is the best time to stretch your body, which will help you relax and leave you prepared for your next workout.

Ignoring Pain

The adrenaline from exercise can often make pain feel less serious than it actually is. Try to resist the urge to ignore the pain and see a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, if the pain lasts for more than a couple of days. It is well worth it to get checked out and avoid making an injury worse.  Exercising is one of the healthiest things someone can do, but contact the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center if you think you have an injury due to working out. 

7 Common Sports Injuries

1. Concussion

Concussions are the most common sports-related injury. Concussions are caused by collisions, impacts to the head or violent shaking. Concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries and can impair cognitive function. Multiple concussions can cause long-term problems with executive function and memory. If you have concussion symptoms, it is important to be evaluated by a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD.

2. Injuries to Elbow Tendons

The most common elbow injures are lateral epicondylitis, known as tennis elbow, and medial epicondylitis called golfer’s elbow. These conditions are caused by small tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone at the elbow joint. They are caused by repetitive motions, such as swinging a tennis racquet or golf club. If you are experiencing pain or loss of motion in the elbow, you may need to see a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD for a diagnosis.

3. Finger Injuries

Fingers can get jammed, dislocated or broken due to impacts in contact sports, such as football, or contact with equipment in sports such as baseball. Swelling and pain are common symptoms of finger injuries. Some injuries resolve on their own, others may need treatment at the Pain Arthritis Relief Center.

4. Thigh Injuries

Muscle strains, tears or pulls can happen in the hamstring, adductor and quadriceps muscles of the thigh. Hamstring injuries are common in sports that involve high-speed running, such as track and field and soccer. Injuries are caused when the muscle is stretched too far, causing a tear.

5. Ankle Injuries

Ankles sprains are the most common sports injury involving the ankle joint. Sprains are caused by sudden twisting or sideways movements of the foot. These injuries often occur when an athlete lands awkwardly after jumping or is running on an uneven surface. Repeat injuries commonly occur. Treatment at Pain Arthritis Relief Center may help prevent reinjury of a sprained ankle.

6. Shoulder Injuries

Tearing or inflammation of the rotator cuff is the most common sports injury to the shoulder. However, other issues, such as a labral tear or frozen shoulder can cause similar symptoms. Rotator cuff injuries may occur from wear from repetitive motions, such as pitching or an injury caused by falling on an outstretched hand.

7. Wrist Injuries

The small bones of the wrist are the most commonly broken bones in athletes. Wrist fractures can be caused by falls or impacts, such as being struck by a pitch.

Types of Spinal Cord Stimulators

There are three types of spinal cord stimulators that your spinal cord stimulation physicians in Washington DC may recommend:

1. Conventional implantable pulse generator, or the IPG, is a battery-operated spinal cord stimulator. This means a battery is placed on the spine during surgery, and when it runs out, you have to have another surgery to replace it. This is a good choice for people who have pain in just one spot in their body because it’s got lower electrical output.
2. Rechargeable implantable pulse generator works very similarly to the conventional one. The difference is that the battery can be recharged, requiring fewer surgeries. The energy source is rechargeable, which means these energy sources put out more electricity at one time. This is a better option for someone with pain in their lower back or legs because the signal reaches further.
3. Radiofrequency stimulator uses a battery that is not in the body. This stimulator is a rare one to see today because of advances made in technology. However, it does have rechargeable batteries and is good for people with pain in their lower back and legs due to its power.

Reach out to a clinic or physician to learn more about spinal cord stimulation. A good doctor will walk you through every single step that you’ll need to undergo to get a spinal cord stimulator, and will ensure you’ve tried everything else first.

Call the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center Today

Have you recently been injured? Are you wondering whether stem cell therapy, spinal cord stimulation, or other chiropractic approaches can effectively treat your condition? If so, call the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center to consult with our MD sports injury doctor in Rockville today.

Understanding Knee Pain

Our sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, should be one of your first calls when dealing with knee pain. Whether you are physically fit, a conditioned athlete, or someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle, knee injuries are all too common. Knee pain can be challenging to make sense of, especially when engaging in daily activities. The knee is complex and susceptible to injuries, and at Pain & Arthritis Relieve Center, our practitioners can assist with knee injuries and a variety of other issues. Relief from pain and physical recovery will be one of your top priorities, one that we can help with. 

The Complexities of the Knee

The knee is incredibly complex and the largest joint in the body. The knee joint connects the femur, patella, and tibia, allowing a person to extend the leg when participating in physical and everyday activities. The knee joint is made up of an intricate amount of tendons and ligaments, and, when injured, a person’s ability to move their leg or even bear weight can be impactful. Knee pain can happen from an injury or accident, making the reason for problems reasonably apparent. However, when degenerative issues are present, it may be more challenging to pinpoint the problem or understand why the knee may be causing you pain. Regardless of how you obtain the injury, if you notice any of these signs, seeking care from our Rockville, Maryland sports injury doctor will be imperative: 

• Swelling 
• Stiffness
• Difficult Bearing Weight
• Limited Range of Motion
• Knee Buckling
• Difficulty Extending the Leg

There are preventative measures that one can take, such as lifestyle changes and strengthening exercises, that may help to reduce the risk of injury and subsequent pain. However, in some situations, know that further treatment may be necessary. 

Common Knee Injuries

There are a variety of ways the knee may sustain an injury. When this occurs, treatment early on from a professional can assist with managing symptoms and recovery. The knee is comprised of several components: tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bone. When one of these is not functioning correctly, severe knee issues may arise. Common knee injuries that may require treatment include:

• Patella Fracture
• Torn Tendons
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament
  • Medial Collateral Ligament
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament
• Knee Dislocation
• Torn Meniscus
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Bursitis

Diagnosing potential knee damage will be critical, and in addition to gaining a complete understanding of medical history, along with a physical examination, it may also be necessary to undergo an X-ray or MRI before outlining an entire course of treatment. 

4 Most Common Types of Sports Injuries

Any time you engage in physical activity, you run the risk of a sports injury. Anyone from amateurs to professionals can sustain a sports injury, whether you play every day or are a weekend warrior. A sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, may be able to treat your injury. Here are some of the sports injuries that occur most often.

1. Concussion

A concussion occurs when the brain lurches around inside the skull due to a sudden impact. Concussions are most common in football and other contact sports. However, they can also occur in a sport such as gymnastics if you take a fall. You should have a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD, perform an evaluation if you have any signs of concussion after a blow to the head, such as temporary loss of consciousness, dizziness, or headache. Do not return to playing until you get a doctor’s approval. Concussions can range from mild to severe, but complications can be life threatening if you sustain another brain injury before the first concussion has healed.

2. Muscle Strains

A strain occurs when a muscle moves in the wrong direction or stretches farther than it should. You may be able to prevent strains by warming up your body with stretching before beginning your activity. A strain usually doesn’t require extensive treatment by a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD. It usually resolves on its own with rest.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries

When playing sports, there are often certain motions that you perform over and over again. If you are a runner, your feet are always pounding the pavement or running surface of your choice. If you are a baseball or softball pitcher, you are always throwing the ball either overhand or underhand. The frequent drills and exercises you perform as part of your sport can take a toll on the parts of the body that get the most use. For example, athletes who perform a lot of running are susceptible to painful shin splints in the lower legs if they do not stretch properly before engaging in any activity. A lack of arch support in your shoes can result in pain in your feet from plantar fasciitis. Sports that require frequent flexion or extension of the wrist can result in epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow although a sports injury doctor in Baltimore, MD, can tell you that there are other sports that can cause it.

4. Sprains

A ligament is a type of tissue in the body that holds bones together at the joint. A sprain is an injury to the ligament in which it becomes stretched or torn. Common types of sports-related sprains include wrists, ankles, and knees. A sprain usually results from an acute trauma. They can take a long time to heal and may be susceptible to future injury. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Trying to ignore it may mean that you end up making it worse. If you experience pain or other troubling symptoms while you are playing, stop right away and consult with a sports injury doctor in Rockville, MD at Pain Arthritis Relief Center.

Experiencing Relief

Pain & Arthritis Relief Center offers treatments to ensure that our patients experience the best possible recovery based on their needs. Our staff will work closely with you to understand your injuries and develop a specified treatment plan. Whether you have suffered an injury playing sports or fallen victim to an injury from an accident, our team is available to help you. Take control of your recovery with our Rockville, Maryland sports injury doctor today.