PRP Treatments – What Are They Used For?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a material prepared from the patient’s own cells
and used to trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms during the treatment of
musculoskeletal problems, such as injuries sustained by the muscles, tendons,
ligaments and joints.
Modern medicine has been long researching the processes through which the human
body can heal itself and science has come up with several treatment options that use
the patient’s own cells to promote healing. PRP uses plasma, the liquid portion of the
blood, composed of water and various types of proteins and platelets, the cells in the
blood that are responsible for healthy coagulation and healing. Regenerative stem cell therapy Denver providers affirm that PRP injections are prepared from the patient’s own blood and are injected into the body tissue that has
been injured or is diseased. The growth factors released with the injections stimulate
the body’s ability to regenerate.
The main benefits of PRP treatments are accelerated healing, breaking down of scar
tissue, and the almost complete lack of side effects. The body takes a very short time
to react to the injections and as the injections are prepared from the patient’s own cells,
the risks of rejection or of adverse effects are kept to the minimum. The treatment
method also reduces the necessity to take pain medications, thus improving not only the patient’s mobility, but also the quality of life in general.

Healthy Habits to Start in 2021

The new year is the perfect time to start new habits to improve your health – here are
some favorite Downtown’s Healthcare tips for you:
– Clean your diet, one step at a time – switching to a healthy diet from one day to
the next might be very difficult, so try to implement the changes one step at a
time. Start reducing your intake of sugar gradually, while also including more
fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. When you are comfortable with the new
way to eat, try to reduce the amount of cooking oil that you use and also limit the
amount of semi-prepared meals that you consume;
– Replace sugary beverages with water – staying properly hydrated will reduce
your appetite and will improve your digestion, so make sure to drink at least 8
glasses of plain water per day;
– Start exercising – if your physical fitness needs improvement, starting small is the
best way. Start with daily walks around the block, then increase the intensity of
your walks gradually. Do it for a couple of weeks, then you can introduce jogging
or a little home exercise, too;
– Get enough sleep – we need around 7-9 hours of good quality sleep, so try to
reduce the time you spend watching TV in the evening and make sure that there
are no electronic devices in the room in which you sleep.

Reasons Orthotics Can Help Your Body

– Orthotics are prescription medical devices worn inside shoes or on other parts of
the leg, such as the ankles or the calf, and used to correct a wide range of
biomechanical foot problems, such as flat feet, hammer toes, neuropathy, lost
sensation in the feet caused by diabetes, high arches, heel spurs as well as
various injuries. The most common, simplest types of orthotics are insoles and
ankle-foot devices for patients who need support around the ankles and on the
calves, too. Knee pain treatment Denver therapists confirm that some knee injuries are also treated with orthotics devices made from metal or carbon fiber wrapped into suitable cushioning.

– Orthotics are often used as a stand-alone treatment device or are used in
conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as physical therapy exercises, the
use of kinesiology taping and the administration of anti-inflammatory
medications. Orthotics devices help the body by correcting the posture and the
position of the bones in the feet. They also provide support and cushioning in the
affected areas of the legs and feet, such as the ball of the foot, the toes, the heel
or for joints that have sustained some sort of injury or damage, thus reducing
pain, improving the mobility of the affected area and promoting healing.

The Most Common Causes of Headaches

We all know headaches, some of us get them more often, others only occasionally.
While very common, headaches are not normal. In most cases, headaches do not
indicate serious health problems, but they are a sign that something is going on that
requires your attention. – here are the most common causes:
– Stress – excessive stress can cause the muscles of the neck and in the head to
contract and it can also cause blood pressure fluctuations, which can lead to
headaches. Stress relief methods, such as yoga, meditation, exercise or just a
walk-in nature can help a lot with stress-induced symptoms;
– Dehydration – many of us tend to forget to drink water, dehydration being one of
the most causes behind headaches. If you have not consumed enough liquids
during the day, have a big glass of water and your headache will go away almost
instantly;
– Eyesight problems – headaches can signal worsening eyesight even before you
become aware of your vision problems. If your headache persists and you cannot
pinpoint the cause, pay a visit to an ophthalmologist;
– Bad posture – this issue can affect the nerves in the neck, which can lead to
frequent headaches; regular chiropractic adjustments with the best chiropractor Denver offers will help to correct the posture, and may eliminate this cause of headaches.
– Not eating regular meals – during stressful periods, we tend to forget to eat, too.
Not having a bite every few hours can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels,
which can cause headaches. The solution is simple: keep some healthy snacks
with you at all time.

Types of Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

Regenerative medicine is relatively new, but it has huge potential. According to Denver stem cell treatment specialists, the therapies of the future will be based on the body’s immense ability to regenerate. In the future, regenerative medicine will focus on four main areas: cell therapies, in which stem cells play a central role, gene therapy, obtaining 3D tissues and organs, and process stimulation therapies.

Of these, PRP therapies are used to stimulate the body`s own repair processes and widely used in sports medicine.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) technique – The procedure has the effect of cell regeneration, by locally injecting a platelet concentrate into the affected tissue, a concentrate obtained from one’s own blood. Also known as “Vampire Therapy”, the PRP technique consists of  collecting a blood sample from the patient which, is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the blood. The plasma is then separated into the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The PRP is then injected into the affected tissue, helping to stimulate all stages of regeneration simultaneously.

Top Sports Injuries

Professional sports have two sides. The first, the glamorous one, involves winning, fame and the adoration of enthusiastic fans. The second, invisible, involves very hard daily work, tiring workouts, and immense physical and emotional stress.

Professional sports are quite traumatic. According to statistics, sports injuries account for about 21% of the total number of injuries. The most dangerous sports in this regard are rugby, hockey, boxing, and wrestling.

As for the most common types of injuries among athletes, they include:

• Patellofemoral syndrome

Most sports injuries involve the lower body, especially knee injuries. According to specialized knee pain Denver doctors, one of the most common injuries to the knee is the patellofemoral syndrome. This diagnosis can be given in case of a slip or fall on the knee, swelling of the knee joint, or a muscle imbalance.

• Shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries cover a large number of sports injuries caused by dislocations, displacement, muscle strains, and ligament sprains.

The shoulder is the weakest joint of the body and is subjected to strong forces during sports activities. Many shoulder injuries can be caused by a lack of flexibility, strength, or stabilization.

• Stretching the femoral muscles

The femoral muscles are located on the back of the thigh. Unfortunately, these muscles can be tense, and are susceptible to overuse, which can lead to muscle strains, improper training techniques, or lack of gradual exercises can cause a break /stretch.

Refresh Your Appearance with these Common Skin Care Procedures

In addition to daily cleansing and hydration – which are mandatory! – according to expert vampire facelift Denver doctors, there are other common skin care procedures that can refresh your appearance.

Skin exfoliation

The upper epidermis is renewed every 28 days. What remains are the dead cells that make the skin look uneven and pale. These can be removed by exfoliation, and the skin remains smooth and clean. The skin will acquire a slightly pinkish hue, becoming radiant and free of impurities. The blood circulation is also stimulated and the skin regenerates faster, becoming soft and velvety, without imperfections.

In the case of normal skin, exfoliation is recommended at most once a week, so as not to expose the skin to too much stress. Dry skin can be exfoliated once a month, because it is very sensitive. In the presence of dermatological problems, such as rosacea and inflammation of the epidermis, exfoliation should be avoided. On the other hand, oily skin with a lot of sebum can be exfoliated even twice a week. This process opens clogged pores and removes impurities and excess sebum.

Apply moisturizing masks with refreshing effect

Another solution you can use to refresh your appearance is to apply moisturizing masks. Like exfoliation treatments, moisturizers should be used no more than twice a week.

 

6 Tips to Save Your Skin from Cold, Dry Winter Weather

It is good to know that low temperatures outdoors, combined with high temperatures indoors have unwanted effects on the skin, which may become dry and sensitive to various aggressions and therefore certain dermatological diseases, such as eczema and skin allergies, can worsen. In addition, the cold weather also has a vasoconstrictor effect – blood vessels reduce their volume, in order to keep the body temperature high, but blood flow is also reduced.

So, when the thermometer shows very low values, blood circulation in the skin is slower and the tissues do not get so much oxygen, which affects the aspect of the skin. The cold even causes water to freeze in the superficial tissues and thus the skin may crack. Therefore, we should use moisturizing creams and lotions with a protective, repairing effect and avoid hurting our skin unnecessarily.

Here are some tips from trusted vampire facial Denver skincare specialists to save your skin from cold, dry winter weather:

• Avoid products (especially toxic lotions) that contain alcohol – which is known to dry the skin excessively.
• Avoid rough scrub that hurts the skin, as well as fragrant cosmetics that can sensitize it.
• Use mild soap or shower gel
• Do not forget to use moisturizing lotions daily
• Maintain an optimal temperature in the house, but not too warm. If the air in the house is too dry, use a humidifier.
• Choose non-greasy moisturizing lotions to avoid clogging your pores.

 

Benefits of Knee on Trac Technology

The Knee on Trac technology is based on non-invasive therapy for knee pain, offering a healing alternative for people who live with chronic knee pain. This system is designed to isolates the knee and provide safe mechanical traction that is expected to decrease pain by decreasing the inflammation, increasing the range of motion and allowing re-hydration. All these will eventually speed up the healing process.

Knee on Trac equipment is revolutionary and offers effective knee decompression – a great benefit for those suffering from chronic knee pain due to post-surgery complications, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, sub-acute muscle strain or osteoarthritis.

There are studies revealing that mechanical traction has a higher efficiency at decreasing pain than ultrasound and exercise, which is great news, as knee pain causes a lot of sufferance and affects literally each step you take. In this context, getting some pain relief is of utmost importance.

How long is the treatment?

Specialists recommend 24 sessions, scheduled gradually. You will start with 3 sessions per week, then two and finally one session per week, by the end of the treatment. That`s because the cartilage needs an adequate amount of dosage, as well as time to heal. Each session will last about 10 minutes per knee.

5 Knee Strengthening Exercises

It is important for the knees to be strong, as they support a considerable weight. They ensure balance and help you move from one place to another. That is why it is important to take the necessary measures to take care of them. Here are some knee strengthening exercises recommended by knowledgeable knee pain treatment Denver physical therapists that you can do at home.

1. Leg extensions

• Sit in a chair with your back straight.
• Slip your right foot under the chair as far as you can. The thighs should be tense during this exercise.
• Hold the position for 10 seconds, then return to the original position.
• Repeat with your left foot.

2. Stretching the lower body

• Lay down, face up, on a mattress and bring your knees to your chest.
• Hold your feet with your hands and hold the position for 15 seconds.
• Another option would be to stretch just one leg, keeping the other straight or bent. Then repeat with the opposite foot.

3. Lying down on a chair

• Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor.
• Raise your right leg and stretch it until it is parallel to the ground. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then slowly lower your leg down.
• Repeat the movement with the left foot.

4. Knee bends

• Stand with your feet apart, at shoulder level. Keep your back straight.
• Gently bend your knees and lower your torso as far as you can, holding the position for 10 seconds.
• Perform 10 repetitions.

5. Knee thrusts

• Stand with your feet close together and your arms close to your body.
• Take a big step forward with your right foot and bend your left knee to lower your torso.
• After 5 seconds, return to starting position and repeat with the opposite foot.

What is Patellar Tracking Disorder

The femoral-patellar joint can be a source of pain when it fails to function properly. Improper alignment or excessive stress on the joint can lead to cartilage wear and the apparition of the Patellar Tracking Disorder. It causes pain, joint stiffness, and swelling of the knee joint. Several different problems can affect the patella in people of all ages.

One of the most common causes of knee pain is the way the patella moves in the femoral groove when flexion-extension movements are performed involving the knee. Leading knee pain Denver doctors tell us that Pallet tracking disorder is most common in patients who play sports that involve knee bending, jumping or squatting.

The quadriceps help control the patella to stay in place. If part of the quadriceps is atrophied, a muscle imbalance can occur, which causes the patella to move toward the part where the muscle is more toned. This way, it causes more pressure on the articular cartilage, and femur-patellar stress occurs. Over time, this pressure can damage the articular cartilage.

Atrophy of the muscles around the hip can also indirectly affect the patella and can lead to Patellar Tracking Disorder. Atrophy of the abductor muscles of the hip can lead to imbalances in the alignment of the entire limb – including the knee joint. This leads to abnormal movement of the patella in the femoral groove, and eventually to pain around it.

3 Causes of Knee Pain

Every day, our knee joints are put through a lot of pressure. In addition to supporting our body weight, the knees allow us to perform all kind of movements (running, jumping, flexing, turning around etc.), with the help of the bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilages. Between the bones and the tendons that are constantly rubbing against each other, there are some small fluid-filled sac, called bursae, which protect them from cracks and wear.

Knee pain may occur, in principle, from three types of causes: accidents, medical conditions or overwork.

• Accidents

We often hurt our knees because we get injured on the sports field or at the gym, we stumble and fall or slip on the ice. Stretching, incomplete rupture or complete and sudden rupture of the knee ligaments causes sprains. Squatting or twisting around can lead to rupture of the meniscus, while falling directly to the knee or hitting it with a hard object can cause a patella fracture. The dislocation of the patella appears as a result of an exaggerated flexion of the calf.

• Medical conditions

If we experience knee pain that does not improve and does not go away, we should go to a highly regarded knee pain treatment Denver   specialist because it may hide more serious conditions, such as arthritis, gonarthrosis, osteoporosis, gout, lupus, Osgood-Schlatter disease, cysts or infections.

• Overworking the joints

Knee pain caused by overexertion of the joints usually occurs in athletes who train too much, but also in people who do not train properly.

 

What Conditions do Chiropractors Treat

Chiropractic was discovered by Daniel Palmer, a Canadian who cured a patient’s hearing problems by restoring spinal vertebrae to their normal position. Subsequently, he studied in detail the role of the spine, and observed that it coordinates virtually the entire body, and maintains it in the position necessary for proper functioning. Thus, it was concluded that the skeletal system, the basis for the spinal cord, the circulatory system, muscles and organs, can influence general health.

Chiropractors use their hands and physical strength to perform certain movements on different parts of the human body. The technique involves pulling, rotating and pushing, of light or medium intensity, which aim to release tension from the bones and muscles. These techniques can vary among these specialists, so make sure you seek out the best chiropractor at Denver Downtown’s Healthcare https://downtownshealthcare.com/.

Chiropractic is especially recommended for joint, muscle or bone conditions, Over 70% of patients who go to a chiropractor suffer from diseases and deformities of the spine: kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis, and other forms of treatment fail to reduce pain and the degree of spinal deformity. Chiropractors can also relieve severe headaches, low back pain, hernia, arthritis, rheumatism, dizziness and even digestive problems.

A chiropractic session generally does not last very long, because the treatment is applied gradually, step by step, until complete healing, and later to prevent the recurrence of the disease. In 15-20 minutes, the specialist applies some sudden movements, very well planned and located.

 

Sleeping Positions that can Minimize Back Pain

Back pain not only affects our daily life, but also our sleep quality. But did you know that the way you sleep can aggravate or even cause these inconveniences? The reason is that some resting positions can put unnecessary pressure on the neck, hips, spine, leading to these uncomfortable back pains. Alternative chiropractic Denver experts say it is important to maintain the natural curvature of the spine when lying in bed, that is, to make sure that the shoulders, head and hips are aligned and that the back is properly supported.

Therefore, sleeping on your back, facing the ceiling is considered the best position to minimize back pain.

This posture evenly distributes the weight over the entire length of the largest surface of the body. It also ensures proper alignment of the head, neck and bones in the torso, by minimizing pressure points.

However, many people sleep uncomfortably this way, or this position makes them snore. Fortunately, there are other options for all those who want to rest better and relieve low back pain in the lower back.

One of them is the fetal position.

For people with a herniated disc, this position can bring relief during the night. This is due to the fact that lying on one side, with the knees close to the chest, reduces the bending of the spine and helps to relax the joints.