Stem Cell & PRP Treatment FAQs
Redding / Northern California

What are the Potential Benefits of Treatment?

Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms….specifically pain, strength and range of motion. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery.

How many stem cell/PRP treatments are needed? How often is this therapy performed?

While responses to treatment vary, most people will require 1-3 sets of injections. Each set of treatments is spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have. The risks and side effects do not change with the number of injections.

Are stem cell/PRP treatments right for me?

If you have any chronic painful condition that has not responded to rest or physical therapy then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues. There will be an initial evaluation with the doctor to see which, if any, therapy is right for you.

Are there any special instructions?

You are restricted from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week prior to the procedure and throughout the course of treatments.

Initially the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Most patients are given a prescription for a mild narcotic to be used as needed for the first 1-2 days. Many patients require no pain meds at all or some extra-strength Tylenol to help alleviate discomfort for the first 48hrs. Ice may be applied to the area as needed after the first 72 hrs.

Within the first week after the procedure, patients will be set up with a physical therapy program to aid in their healing and recovery.

How soon can I go back to regular physical activities?

You may return to regular physical activity as soon as you feel ready! Dr. Goodman may restrict certain specific activities but in general he wants you active as soon as possible…typically in 2 days. PRP/stem cell therapy helps regenerate cartilage,tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels….but it is not a quick fix. This therapy stimulates the growth and repair of damaged tissue. It requires time and rehabilitation to get functional repair. The ultimate healing time is typically 3-6 months.

What types of problems can be treated?

Chronic pain conditions, fractures that have failed to heal, joint/cartilage problems, partial tears of tendons, muscles, or ligaments, chronic bursitis, avascular necrosis of the bone. Most recently Dr. Goodman is able to successfully treat erectile dysfunction/sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Stem cell injections in the scalp have also been used to restore hairloss.

What body areas have you treated?

Knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, elbows, hands, feet, necks and backs have all been successfully treated. We have also successfully performed PRP and stem cell injections into the penis to treat erectile dysfunction in men, and into the clitoral region/"G-spot" in women to treat sexual dysfunction.

What is the success rate?

Approximately 95% of the patients who responded said that they were satisfied with their treatment and would do it again.

Is a bone marrow draw for stem cells painful?

Because we extensively numb the area, patients say that the marrow draw was not painful and would do it again.

How long does a marrow draw take?

Using Dr. Goodman's special technique the bone marrow extraction should take approximately 5 minutes. The total stem cell transplant procedure may take between 1 ½ to 2 hours. A PRP procedure usually takes 1 hour.