Focus on REJUVENATION - Florida Health Care News
Transcription
Focus on REJUVENATION - Florida Health Care News
South Tampa Edition For additional health care information, visit us on the web at TAKE ME HOME! www.ifoundMYdoctor.com Spring 2015 Featured ARTICLES FACIAL COSMETIC/OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY Focus on REJUVENATION 2 6 PHOTO FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM Physician offers a state-of-the-art facility within the charming warmth of a historic South Tampa building. I Health Care Patron Carrier-Route Pre Sort PRSRT.STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tampa, FL Permit No.2397 n October of 2011, William P. Mack, MD, and his wife, Stephanie, officially opened a new, state-of-the-art facility in South Tampa offering the charm of a historic site, the beauty of classic design and the comfort of home. “We knew we wanted to be able to offer our patients an atmosphere that emanated warmth and relaxation,” remembers Dr. Mack, a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in eyelid and facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. “It took us almost a year to find the perfect location: a 1923 colonial located on the corner of West Azeele Street near MacDill Avenue. “We didn’t want a traditional office environment. Instead, our goal was to find a location where cosmetic and surgical patients would feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome.” It appears they accomplished their goal. “We wanted to preserve the ambiance of the building while converting it into a leading-edge medical facility,” explains the doctor, “and while we were mainly concerned with the aesthetics of our new center, we were also motivated by the need for expanded office space.” Aware that the practice was growing, Dr. Mack was happy to learn that the lovely vintage building offered enough room for an innovative surgical/procedure room, three beautiful exam rooms, a welcoming reception room, a large check-in desk and plenty of employee office space, along with a separate guesthouse that has been converted into a multi-room skincare facility. Dr. Mack admits that the renovation and restoration appeared to be somewhat of a challenge: “Part of preserving the buildings’ character depended on restoring the floors to their original condition and refinishing the solid wood stairs, banister, handrail and trim.” Then there was the business of obtaining the permits and variances that would allow a medical center to operate in such a historic location. Fortunately, thanks in part to the doctor’s wellrespected reputation, it was determined the center would be an asset to the area. With its opening, this new premier center not only better enables Dr. Mack to serve his patients in a more inviting, accommodating environment, but it also adds to the beauty and historic integrity of his neighborhood. Look good, feel good Within the beautiful Mack Center, Dr. Mack and his staff work to help patients look and feel their best. Treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers, administered by a facial cosmetic specialist, are an excellent way to look younger, rejuvenated and refreshed. For Abby McLaughlin, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “What many people don’t realize about BOTOX Cosmetic is that it’s an effective preventive measure against the signs of aging,” relates Abby. “What I want to do is a little early intervention to keep the wrinkles from getting deeper over time, like rewinding or pausing the aging process.” BOTOX Cosmetic is a nonsurgical treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, wrinkles on the forehead and wrinkles at the outside corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). Treatments can last up to four months. Dr. Mack expounds: “One of the most commonly treated areas is around the forehead, the glabellar area between the eyebrows, which is a muscle system just like any other. If you work it consistently, frowning and lifting the eyebrows repeatedly, those muscles get stronger over time, and that contributes to deeper lines and wrinkles. “BOTOX Cosmetic treatments help (see Focus on Revitalization, page 4) 11 Bay Area Eye Institute ReSTOR® Your Vision Infinity Medical Institute Lost Energy Restored Your Desired Smile Out of This World Smile Also In This EDITION 3 5 8 8 9 10 12 Edward G. Mackay, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT Where Medical Pros Go Regenerative Orthopedic Institute Connections Restored South Florida Eye Clinic Eye Floaters? HemRelief Stop Hemorrhoids Now Minimally Invasive Spine Care West Florida Pain Management, P.A. Avoid Spine Surgery Urology Specialists of West Florida Life After Prostate Cancer Physical Medicine Center, Inc. PRP for Knee Pain For more information, scan the barcode to the right with your mobile device to visit us online. Page 2 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition OPHTHALMOLOGY ReSTOR® Your Vision A Specialized lenses help cataract patients see near, far and in between without glasses. t age 54, Jeanine Martins couldn’t believe that she had developed cataracts. Though she had several telltale symptoms of the common condition, such as cloudy vision and difficulty seeing at night, she thought that she was much too young for it. CRAIG E. BERGER, MD “It was as if I were looking through gauze,” she recalls. “My right eye was very bad, but in my left eye the cataract was right in the center of my eye, so it was really affecting my vision. I knew something was wrong, but I [thought I] was just too young [for cataracts]. I was kind of in denial.” The condition also affected one of her passions − golf. “Sometimes, I would stand in the tee box, and I would look down the fairway and put a hand over one eye, and it was white,” she confides. “I don’t even know how I was doing anything. It was scary.” Jeanine, who works as revenue operations manager for a small company in Tampa and spends a lot of time on the computer, finally decided to have her eyes checked last summer. Her first stop was a local optometrist. “She kept asking me how old I was,” she remembers, “and she said, Oh my gosh, you’ve got the biggest cataract.” Jeanine went home, did some research online and talked to a friend who had had cataract surgery several years ago. Later, she visited an eye surgeon who recommended Craig E. Berger, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmic surgeon at Bay Area Eye Institute in Tampa. About cataracts FHCN FILE PHOTOS “Cataracts are the result of a protein Jeanine Martins The Lenstec Softec HD is an example of a specialty IOL offered at Bay Area Eye Institute. This particular lens comes in quarter-diopter steps versus the more commonly used halfdiopter step implants. “You can think of it like a shoe size. Shoe sizes come in one-half increments – seven, seven and a half, eight and so on. Instead of just half sizes, this lens comes in seven and a quarter, seven and a half, seven and three quarters, eight and so on. Smaller size increments allow for a better fit for your eye,” confirms Dr. Berger. The Lenstec Softec HD provides a greater level of precision, with clinical outcomes up to three hundred percent better in some cases. buildup in the lens of the eye, which makes the vision look cloudy and prevents light from passing through,” explains Dr. Berger. Symptoms include cloudy or foggy vision, glare, difficulty seeing at night, loss of color intensity and double vision. Cataracts are common, and most are related to aging. By age 75, according to the National Institutes of Health, most people will have developed cataracts to the point that it affects their vision. However, other factors, such as diabetes, too much exposure to the sun, smoking and a family history, can cause the condition to develop at a younger age. Surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and involves removal of the affected lens and replacement with a new, artificial lens called an intraocular lens. One eye is done at a time, usually a few weeks apart. While finding an excellent cataract surgeon is essential, it’s also important to find a doctor who, like Dr. Berger, is experienced at determining the most appropriate lens implant for his patients. “Lenses come in many different sizes, with a variety of features and benefits,” he explains. “No one lens is ideal for every patient. It’s important that I have an appreciation of my patient’s lifestyle before making any recommendation.” ReSTOR lenses Bay Area Eye Institute features stateof-the-art equipment for diagnosing cataracts and calculating intraocular lens implants, allowing Dr. Berger to make the most accurate and appropriate lens selections for his patients. Moreover, the practice offers intraocular lens implant options not frequently offered in every ophthalmology practice. These include Lenstec Softec HD™, Crystalens®, toric lenses that correct astigmatism and ReSTOR multifocal lenses. “I encourage patients to take time to gain a clear understanding of the benefits of each of the different intraocular lenses before making a choice,” Dr. Berger notes. “He did a great job,” recalls Jeanine. “He was very explanatory about everything and didn’t try to rush me through any appointments. He answered all my questions, and there was no pressure. He just gave me the information and let me make the decision.” After doing some research and Jeanine says, “Cataract correction has helped my game!” consulting with Dr. Berger, Jeanine, who only needed glasses for reading, opted for ReSTOR intraocular lenses. ReSTOR lenses help cataract patients see near, far and everything in between without the need for reading glasses or bifocals after surgery. The lenses are unique in that they feature a “pupiladaptive design that precisely allocates light to the retina more like the natural human eye,” according to the manufacturer. In fact, after having ReSTOR lenses implanted in both eyes, 78 percent of patients reported not needing glasses at six months post-op, and 93 percent said they would have the procedure again. Commitment to care Dr. Berger’s commitment to care does not end the moment the patient’s cataract surgery is complete. It continues into the post-operative healing process as well. “Post-operative patients are given my personal email and cell phone number so they can ask questions and keep me Craig E. Berger, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmic surgeon. After receiving his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Florida, he received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in 1995. Dr. Berger served his internship at the Mayo Clinic in 1996 and his ophthalmology residency at the Tulane School of Medicine. Board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Berger spent an additional year at Tulane for sub-specialty training in cornea and refractive surgery. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Florida Society of Ophthalmology and the Florida Medical Association. In 2000, Dr. Berger returned to Tampa to accept a position as assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida Eye Institute. In that role, he teaches doctors how to perform cataract, pterygium, and cornea transplant surgery. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Berger spends time each week treating veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Administration. Dr. Berger opened Bay Area Eye Institute in 2007, specializing in the treatment of dry eye disease, cataract surgery, and cornea transplant surgery. He has performed a wide variety of refractive surgeries, including PRK, LASIK, INTACS, and no-injection, sutureless cataract surgery. Dr. Berger is one of the first surgeons in the Tampa Bay area to offer the advanced cornea transplant surgery Decemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). Visit Bay Area Eye Institute on the web at www.CraigBergerMD.com. updated about their recovery,” he says. “We put patient satisfaction at the center of everything we do in this practice,” continues the doctor, who, in addition to his practice at Bay Area Eye Institute, is an adjunct assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida Eye Institute. He also spends one morning per week treating military veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa. “He’s very thorough,” relates Jeanine, who had her procedures in August. “His staff was very pleasant.” Following her procedures, Jeanine noticed improvement in her vision right away − and her golf game has definitely gotten better. “My friends tell me my putting is improved,” she says, “because I can actually see the line of the putt now. “I still reach for my glasses out of habit and realize that I don’t have to have them,” she adds. “My vision is good.” FHCN–Melanie Casey Two offices to serve you better Dr. Berger is proud to offer his patients the convenience of two Bay Area Eye Institute office locations in Tampa: 4600 North Habana Avenue, Suite 7, and 14462 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just north of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Dr. Berger is currently accepting new patients, consults and second opinions, with available appointments within two days, if not the same day. Emergency patients can often be seen the same day. The caring staff at Bay Area Eye Institute welcomes your questions regarding ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery. To schedule an appointment, please contact Bay Area Eye Institute at (813) 265-6940. South Tampa Edition | Spring 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 3 VASCULAR SURGERY Where Do Medical Pros Go for Problem Veins? I After an RN develops varicose veins in the leg, he consults a vein treatment specialist known both for his expertise and his national reputation. t’s not unusual for medical professionals to know something about their own problems, and such was the case for Gerry Connors, RN. EDWARD G. MACKAY, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. MACKAY BEFORE AFTER DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO IS TREATING YOUR VEINS? Dr. Mackay is: • Board certified in vascular surgery • Voted one of the top 25 Most Influential Venous Professionals • A world-renowned speaker, author and trainer for vein treatments • Co-director of one of the largest vein congresses in the world • The developer and holder of patents for new products related to vein treatments • The first in FL to perform innovative radiofrequency (RF) vein treatments • The first in the Tampa Bay area to perform EVLT • The first in FL to perform ClariVein treatments Gerry Connors About varicose veins Varicose veins occur when otherwise healthy veins stretch and lose their elasticity, and arise from leaking veins that have become increasingly pressurized. Healthy leg veins have a series of valves that open in one direction, which allows blood to flow in a segmental fashion up toward the heart; however, when these valves no longer function properly in the required one-way manner, blood refluxes back down toward the feet, resulting in increased pressure within the veins. “Varicose veins are not strictly a cosmetic concern,” cautions Dr. Mackay. “They are symptoms of an underlying circulatory problem that can lead to significant other complications such as swollen ankles, leg ulcers, restless leg syndrome, leg cramps, infection, blood clots, a breakdown of the skin and/or deep vein thrombosis.” Dr. Mackay specializes in the most innovative techniques available to address varicose veins and other vascular problems. “It is important to determine which treatment or combination of treatments will achieve the best result with the least risk to each patient, and I always customize the treatment to fit the individual’s specific condition,” adds the doctor. Vein treatment options include endovenous ablation with vascular Venefit™ (formerly known as VNUS Closure); endovenous laser therapy, or EVLT; microphlebectomy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Medicare and most health insurance policies cover these treatments. Dr. Mackay was reportedly the first physician in the Tampa Bay area to offer EVLT in 2001. He describes the process as a straightforward, in-office procedure during which a sterile laser fiber is introduced into the incompetent vein via a small puncture in the leg: “We deliver laser energy through this fiber, painlessly closing the vein in less than an hour, using local anesthesia. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over.” Patients are encouraged to walk immediately afterward. “Radiofrequency [RF] ablation is FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS “I’ve been a registered nurse for twenty years and, of course, through the duration of that career, I’ve been on my feet a lot,” he explains. “I developed varicose veins and bulging veins in my right calf over the last fifteen years. “They just became very swollen and painful,” continues Gerry. “I basically had to put my feet up whenever I could. It was difficult to walk at times and, of course, they weren’t very nice to look at either!” Varicose veins are typically hereditary, but other factors can cause or aggravate them. Pregnancy, a job requiring prolonged standing or sitting, or injury to the legs may not be primary causes, but can aggravate the condition, leading to more noticeable problems. In Gerry’s case, his varicose vein problem became symptomatic in addition to visible. “It was really this feeling of fullness and tightness in the ankle and the calf,” he describes. “That was more frustrating than anything.” Fortunately, with his knowledge of the medical community, Gerry had no difficulty selecting a doctor. He called board-certified vascular surgeon Edward G. Mackay, MD. “I sat down and went to work to look for a medical professional to offer some solutions, and Dr. Mackay came to my mind, and through my research, as someone who is highly reputable in the area as well as well-credentialed,” says Gerry. “I sat down and went to work to look for a medical professional to offer some solutions, and Dr. Mackay came to my mind, and through my research, as someone who is highly reputable in the area as well as well-credentialed,” says Gerry. almost identical to the laser,” continues Dr. Mackay, who is also revered as the first in the state to bring VNUS Closure to Florida. “However, it has some post-operative advantages over the laser. The VNUS Closure procedure significantly reduces post-treatment pain and bruising. Furthermore, unlike with most laser treatments, the catheters are used only once and then discarded, reducing the risk of infection with re-sterilization. Patients typically resume normal activities within twenty-four hours.” Microphlebectomy procedures, which are also performed in the office with a local anesthetic, involve removing surface varicose veins and making tiny punctures or incisions through which the diseased veins are removed. “The incisions are so small that no stitches are required, and they heal to resemble small freckles,” says Dr. Mackay. The doctor uses his own patented device to provide a safe, quick and easy procedure using completely disposable components. “These treatments are all minimally invasive, in-office procedures using no more than local anesthetic, and patients usually return to their normal activities rapidly,” emphasizes the doctor. “In Gerry’s case, we performed endovenous radiofrequency ablation and microphlebectomy, where we removed some of the Call to schedule your FREE leg vein screening Edward G. Mackay, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT, is board certified in general surgery and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery and certified in the specialized treatment of veins and venous disease by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. He completed his undergraduate work and his medical degree at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr. Mackay served his internship at Georgia Baptist Hospital, Atlanta. He completed a residency in general surgery at University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, where he also completed a fellowship in vascular surgery. In 2010, Dr. Mackay joined two other highly skilled and experienced vein specialists to form a distinguished group called Vascular Device Partners. They currently hold patents to two new surgical products of their own design and this partnership continuously engages in clinical research to evaluate new technology, in addition to training physicians all over the world. Dr. Mackay is a highly regarded physician and leader in treating venous disease. He continuously offers the latest in office-based vein therapies that will best benefit his patients. Please visit Dr. Mackay’s website at www.drmackay.com. clusters of veins through tiny incisions in the leg. He returned to normal activities quickly and has done very well.” No pain, no scarring Gerry says his experience with Dr. Mackay’s practice was a great one, from start to finish. “It was virtually pain free,” he assures. “I have no pain, no swelling and it’s much easier to walk. As for the appearance, the veins have all but disappeared, with no scars or aftereffects whatsoever from the treatment.” As a fellow medical professional, he has long been aware of Dr. Mackay’s reputation in the community, and he was pleased to see that the respect is warranted. “He has some really impressive qualifications and it obviously shines through with his technique, his abilities and his knowledge of vein and vascular care,” Gerry reminds. From a “patient research” perspective, he adds with a smile, “It helps when you’re in the profession.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Three Convenient Locations Largo 2051 W. Bay Dr. (727) 581-8346 Palm Harbor 2863 Alt. 19 North (727) 781-5652 St. Petersburg 7601 Dr. MLK, Jr. St. North, Suite C-2 (727) 527-2888 Toll-free call (800) 527-VEIN Page 4 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition FACIAL COSMETIC/OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY Focus on 215 Bullard Parkway Temple Terrace, FL 33617 (813) 989-1330 REJUVENATION Spring 2015 Barry P. Levine (continued from page 1) A treatment for everyone In addition to BOTOX Cosmetic, Dr. Mack and Loralee offer other simple, minimally invasive treatments to help people look their absolute best, including dermal fillers. “As our skin ages, the dermis gradually loses its major constituents – collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid,” educates Dr. Mack, “and this loss challenges the full, firm look of youthful skin. Dermal fillers are excellent solutions for reducing or eliminating wrinkles, scar depressions, and replacing volume loss.” JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin, which helps add volume and hydration. There is no downtime after the treatment, and JUVÉDERM VOLUMA instantly restores the skin’s volume and smoothes away facial wrinkles. Dermal fillers are being used more frequently, Dr. Mack notes, to help reverse the changes associated with aging, and Dr. Mack and Loralee offer several treatment options that can last from one to two years. And because treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic and dermal fillers help restore the face to a more youthful appearance quickly, they can provide patients with a healthy, refreshed look in time for special events, vacations or holidays. “People want to look their best,” offers Abby, “and when you look good, you feel good.” FHCN Executive Publisher Gina L. d’Angelo CFO/HR Manager Judy Wade Editorial Manager Michael J. Sahno Senior Writer Patti DiPanfilo Melanie Casey Editorial Staff Michelle Brooks Creative Director Nerissa Johnson FHCN FILE PHOTO decrease the excess movement of that area, keeping the face looking more youthful and refreshed.” BOTOX Cosmetic has become the most commonly performed minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in North America, reports Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, physician assistant in the Mack Center. One reason for this growth is that this treatment is now socially acceptable and mainstream. “Years ago, women kept their BOTOX Cosmetic treatments as their beauty secret,” describes Loralee. “Now, many women talk about it at their children’s play dates and at their tennis outings.” Loralee also notes that as BOTOX Cosmetic’s use has increased, so has its application. “Traditionally, women were treating localized areas,” she observes. “Patients now see how smooth treated areas look and are opting to treat the full face. Patients understand that the earlier you treat, the better you are in the long run. BOTOX Cosmetic is one of the best anti-aging preventions we have. If the skin is not wrinkling, no wrinkles will ever develop.” “What I like about BOTOX Cosmetic is that you can do it a lot or you can do it minimally,” Abby confides. “I use it very minimally, and I appreciate the fact that Dr. Mack is conservative in his approach to the treatment, and he ensures that patients have a youthful, refreshed look. You want someone to see you and say, Did you just come back from vacation? You look really refreshed! And that’s Dr. Mack’s aesthetic goal in everything he does.” Tampa Health Care News Abby says since beginning BOTOX Cosmetic treatments, she often receives compliments on her skin. She adds that the fact that Dr. Mack is an oculoplastic specialist was “paramount” in her decision to have him administer her treatments. DR. MACK PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES FOR THOSE SEEKING A NATURAL, REFRESHED APPEARANCE: Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Cosmetic Endoscopic Brow Lift Minimal Incision Facelift Surgery Aesthetic Reconstructive Surgery Skin Rejuvenation: BOTOX® Cosmetic Cosmetic facial fillers Laser skin resurfacing Obagi® skin care Graphic Designer Marc Edwards Nerissa Johnson Photography Brian Levine Project Coordinator Laura Engel Production Assistant Steve Turk John Gnibus Vincent Ortiz Micah Zecca Distribution Contributing Editors William P. Mack, MD Facial Cosmetic Surgery/ Oculoplastic Surgery Bay Area Eye Institute Ophthalmology Edward G. Mackay, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT Vascular Surgery Regenerative Orthopedic Institute Orthopedics Infinity Medical Institute Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy South Florida Eye Clinic Ophthalmology The Mack Center services include a full line of skin care products to help maintain or restore skin health and support the healing process following surgical rejuvenation procedures. (813) 875-5437 www.mackmd.com HemRelief Hemorrhoid Treatment Minimally Invasive Spine Care West Florida Pain Management, P.A. Minimally Invasive Spine Care Urology Specialists of West Florida Urology Your Desired Smile Implant Dentistry Physical Medicine Center, Inc. Pain Management TO learn more about these and other facial cosmetic procedures/surgeries, please contact Dr. Mack’s offices at (813) 875-5437 to schedule your private consultation. Dr. Mack’s Tampa office is located at 3109 W. Azeele St., and his St. Petersburg office is in the Carillon Outpatient Center, 900 Carillon Parkway, Ste. #111. William P. Mack, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who received American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship training in eyelid and facial plastic surgery at the Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Mack received his Bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland where he graduated cum laude, and completed his medical degree at the University of South Florida where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following medical school, Dr. Mack completed his internship and residency at the University of South Florida. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Tampa Bay Ophthalmological Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, earned her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in microbiology/cell science at the University of Florida, Gainesville, before completing her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the same university. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA). Loralee volunteers her time to the Junior League of Tampa and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please visit www.mackmd.com to learn more about the excellent results Dr. Mack achieves in cosmetic oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Mack’s patients are pleased that his cosmetic consultations are complimentary. For all health care professionals having articles in this publication that offer free or discounted services: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF, AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO, THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR A FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. Tampa Health Care News is published by Florida Health Care News, Inc. Tampa Health Care News is provided for information only and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. If you have questions concerning articles in this edition, feel free to call our contributing editors. Tampa Health Care News provides a paid forum for medical professionals to present their ideas about various aspects of medical treatment and procedures. Florida Health Care News, Inc. is not responsible for the medical care delivered by the contributing editors presented in this edition. Articles reflect the opinion of the sponsoring professional or organization and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other contributing editors. Contributing editors have approved all text contained within their respective articles. © 2015 Florida Health Care News, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication, including articles, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. ORTHOPEDICS South Tampa Edition | Spring 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 5 ORTHOPEDICS Connections Restored Chronic joint and back pain can now be treated without surgery, using the patient’s own stem cells and plasma. A s executive publisher of Florida Health Care News, Barry Levine has a far-ranging knowledge of health care modalities. Unfortunately, knowledge didn’t seem to help much after a 2010 car crash left him with debilitating neck pain and headaches. ERICK A. GRANA, MD FHCN PHOTOS BY NERISSA JOHNSON “I was rear-ended on January 22, 2010,” he explains. “The impact was hard enough that my head first went forward and then backward and hit the headrest pretty hard. I really felt it – I saw stars, and I was dazed for a few minutes.” An MRI shortly thereafter revealed herniated and bulging discs in the cervical area, so Barry used his medical background to investigate various options to relieve his neck pain. “I went through spinal decompression. I had steroid injections. I had physical therapy. And I had massages galore,” he continues. “I even tried acupuncture for many months. Each one of those treatments helped a little, but nothing brought me one hundred percent relief.” Even medication did little to relieve the ongoing neck pain and muscle spasms from the accident. “The muscle relaxants and ibuprofen were just like a little BAND-AID®,” adds Barry. “Because the impingement was in the cervical area, and the nerves coming out of that area go into the right shoulder and trapezius muscle, there were times when I could actually feel the muscle spasms. If I let those muscle contractions keep going, I’d wind up with a terrible headache and severe nausea. The only things that really helped were ice packs and a TENS unit.” Barry Levine Of course, the effect on activities was even more serious. “I couldn’t really do any impact exercise,” recalls Barry. “I couldn’t play tennis because of the little bit of running that’s involved. If I did that kind of impact, I could feel it go through my body and into the cervical area. If I went on a treadmill, it was the same type of thing.” Barry finally found a solution that provided signifi cant relief when he visited Erick A. Grana, MD, of Regenerative Orthopedic Institute. “Dr. Grana looked at my MRIs and saw where the problem area was. He said he really believed I could get some relief from regenerative medicine.” Thanks to Dr. Grana’s treatment, Barry is getting back to activities again. What is regenerative medicine? Many patients with joint problems seek to avoid the pain, blood loss and scarring associated with invasive surgery. Today, there is a revolutionary technology that can help patients like Barry avoid taking on the risks of a surgical procedure. “There are other options now that can be offered to osteoarthritis patients, especially before they get to the stage where they need surgery,” reflects Dr. Grana. “Not only can we relieve the symptoms, but we can also help reverse some of the damage that happens to the joint as a consequence of the osteoarthritis. This is accomplished by regenerating the cartilage and connective tissues in and around the joint area. “Regenerative medicine treats disease and injuries by harnessing the body’s healing powers,” Dr. Grana explains. “The natural healing process is accelerated by a combination of growth factors and bioactive cells, resulting in a safe, effective, nonsurgical treatment.” Dr. Grana has developed a protocol for delivery of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and growth factors into the pain generators in and around joints, such as shoulders and knees. This treatment is called RegenaJoint. He has also developed a way to treat the spine in a similar manner using fluoroscopic, or live x-ray, guidance, a process called RegenaSpine. These treatments restore function and improve quality of life, enabling patients to avoid surgery and reduce, or eliminate, the need for narcotic medications. RegenaJoint and RegenaSpine use stem cells from the patient’s own body, called autologous cells, to regenerate cartilage and connective tissue in joints, spinal discs, tendons and ligaments. When combined with concentrated platelets and growth factors, the stem cells become a powerful repairing mechanism for aching backs and painful joints. “We extract stem cells from bone marrow and/or fat plus platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s blood to use in the problem areas,” says Dr. Grana. “We perform RegenaJoint by placing injections into the knee joint and ligaments surrounding the knee, the ligaments around the shoulder and inside the shoulder joint, or into the hip joint area. If the problem is in the back or cervical area, the RegenaSpine procedure can be performed on the discs and facet joints of the spine. “Patients usually have three goals: first, to get their pain relieved; second, to return to the activities that they were not able to do because of their arthritis; and third, to avoid surgery. These are the main goals that most patients want to achieve, and Barry has achieved all three of them.” “Miraculous” result Barry is happy to report that he made the right decision in going to Regenerative Orthopedic Institute. His pain has been virtually eradicated since undergoing the RegenaSpine procedure. “When I began with treatment, my pain level was probably an eight,” he says. “By the time I went to Dr. Grana, I was at a five or six. So all those other therapies helped some, but not to the extent where I was a hundred percent. After talking with Dr. Grana, I felt comfortable enough to take the plunge and have this done. For my Erick A. Grana, MD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, with subspecialty certification in pain medicine. After he received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency at the university’s hospital and was subsequently awarded a fellowship from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Grana is a former assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a member the American Medical Association, the International Spinal Injection Society and the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine. treatment, he used stem cells from my bone marrow, my blood, and from fat cells.” Now several months removed from getting a “booster” treatment, Barry describes an excellent outcome. “It’s been almost six months since I had it done, and it was about two to three weeks after the first treatment before I really started to see results,” he clarifies. “The headaches and muscle spasms became very infrequent. Then, since the booster, which was just blood cells, I have not had a single headache. To me, that is miraculous. All of those years I had those headaches, which really interfered with my life. There were countless times when I would go home and I was out by 5:00 or 5:30. That was it for the day.” He is even more pleased to be able to get back to activities that had been put on the back burner during the past four years. “When you can’t exercise, you’re going to put on some weight, but I have been able to do more since the treatment. As of today, I have lost almost thirteen pounds. It just keeps helping and helping.” Barry thanks Dr. Grana and the staff for their caring attitude, as well as their skills. “They have a very nice staff there, and everyone has been very, very helpful,” he concludes. “And I thoroughly respect Dr. Grana. If I had to, I would definitely do it again.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Don’t Operate, Regenerate For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call (813) 868-1659. Regenerative Orthopedic Institute is located at 8011 North Himes Avenue, Ste. 3, in Tampa. Visit Regenerative Orthopedic Institute on the web at www.dontoperate.com. Page 6 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition BIO-NATURAL HORMONE Lost Energy Bio-natural hormone replacement therapy offers man FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS D Camille has the pep back in her step once again, thanks to Infinity Medical Institute. Look good, feel great The experienced staff at Infinity Medical Institute looks forward to working with you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 280-0833 for their location at 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa. Symptoms Treated with Bio-Natural Hormones* The most common symptoms men and women face without sufficient hormones are: • Poor sleep • Fatigue • Loss of sex drive • Weight gain • Anxiety • ADHD • Hot flashes • Erectile dysfunction • Dry skin • Fibromyalgia • Palpitations • Memory lapse • Painful intercourse • High cholesterol • Irritability • Loss of muscle tone • Decreased exercise • Vaginal dryness • Depression • Stress • Night sweats • Migraine headaches • Osteoporosis • Diabetes mellitus • Restless leg syndrome • Body-joint pains • Hair loss • Mood swings • Lack of selfconfidence * Provided by Infinity Medical Institute epleted of energy, Camille DeAngelis felt like she had hit a wall, having no stamina to complete the simplest of everyday tasks. “I just wanted to sleep all the time,” Camille recalls. “I was at the point where I just felt like I was at the end of my rope. I could not handle anything beyond an eight-hour workday. As women, we always deal with so many things on our plates, and I felt like I couldn’t do any of it, physically or emotionally. I would tell myself, I didn’t sign up for this. I felt like life just really sucked for me. And I was exhausted all the time. If I stopped moving, I felt like I would fall asleep.” Camille was certain that menopause was not the culprit. “I did not have any of the other typical symptoms people talk about, like hot flashes or night sweats,” she recalls. “I was at the right age at the time; I was fifty. But all I knew was that I was just tired all the time. I just could not function.” After hearing about Infinity Medical Institute and their bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement therapy program, Camille made an appointment right away. “Other doctors take a blood test and give you medication and send you on your way,” she says. “I wanted more than that. In fact, I had my hormones checked, and doctors would tell me I was low normal and that made no sense to me at all. “At Infinity, they also did blood work and determined my hormones were low,” she continues, “but their program is beyond anything any typical doctor’s office will do. It is amazing. Too many people focus on the sexual aspect of it, and it is about so much more. Personally, I was much more interested in feeling better overall.” Bio-natural therapy Bio-natural L 3 pellet hormone replacement is the most natural and effective solution for hormone-related issues, says Moriah R. Moffitt, MD, Infinity Medical Institute’s staff physician. “Hormones act as the body’s messengers,” she says. “They tell our body what to do and when so it can run smoothly and efficiently. Hormones are as much a part of our reproductive system as they are a part of our urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, muscular, skeletal, immune and digestive systems. “Hormones affect everything, including our growth through childhood, our sexual development, our moods, how we break down our food, sleep patterns, stress, how much weight we gain – just about every function in the body, big and small,” she adds. “They also play a role in many health conditions such as diabetes, an over- or underactive thyroid, osteoporosis, obesity, anxiety and depression. This therapy is felt to be extremely safe because it is replacing natural, normal hormones with biologically identical hormones that the body is used to seeing, rather than synthetic versions of the hormones.” Dr. Moffitt also says that most men and women start to notice subtle changes that point to hormone depletion in their mid 30s. Hormone replacement can serve as a long-term solution for men and women interested in alleviating health symptoms brought on by age’s ability to decrease their hormone levels. “Our typical patients are middle to later-aged individuals and couples looking to improve their quality of life,” Dr. Moffitt says. “They are typically health-conscious people who want to maintain an active lifestyle. They are seeking that increased energy level. It depends on the individual, of course, but we find that the mid thirties is when people recognize the changes, such as weight gain, loss of muscle tone, loss of sexual function. These are all things that typically begin to expose themselves during midlife.” Through Infinity Medical Institute’s bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement therapy, patients can achieve consistent absorption of the proper, predictable levels of hormones their bodies require for optimum health through the simple insertion of a pellet approximately every three to five months. These bio-natural hormone pellets are made from wild yam plants, a natural plant material that is then molecularly changed in structure and function for a 98-percent, bio-identical match to the body’s own composition, whereas synthetic hormones can be as little as six to eight percent bio-identical. Michael Montemurro, president and owner of Infinity Medical Institute, says patients appreciate the all-natural products used at Infinity Medical Institute. Roy Baker “More and more people are concerned about the products they are putting into their bodies today,” he explains. “We see a predominant number of people walk For more information, p E South Tampa Edition | Spring 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 7 REPLACEMENT THERAPY y Restored ny advantages in restoring energy and youthful feel. in looking for alternatives to mainstream medicine. People do not want synthetic products or medications. “Our pellet hormone therapy really helps to give us an edge as we provide patients with a product that is all-natural, and we stand behind it,” he continues. “It changes how people feel about themselves, and it changes their outlook on life. It’s the most effective hormone treatment on the market. The body can never restore lost hormones again unless it is done endogenously, like we do here with the bio-natural L3 pellet therapy. And it is for both women and men.” Fit for life Roy Baker likes to stay physically fit and leads an active lifestyle. A retired corrections officer, Roy says he works out five days a week to keep his body in good physical condition. But when he noticed that those workouts were not increasing his muscle tone, he knew there was a problem. “I was going to the gym almost daily, and I had very little muscle tone,” Roy shares. “I would go to my doctor and they would tell me, Oh, it’s just a part of aging, and I just refused to accept that answer. I felt brushed off. I felt there should be more to life than just getting old and that’s it.” Roy read an article in Tampa Health Care News about Infinity Medical Institute and gave them a call. “Within a couple of months of starting the pellet therapy, I felt completely reborn again,” Roy says. “Everything changed. I had more energy and a better outlook on life. I felt better than I ever had before in my entire life.” However, when life tragedies took their toll on Roy, he took a hiatus from his treatment. “Two of my daughters were diagnosed with cancer, and my sister had a health issue as well, and they were all diagnosed within two months of each other,” he recalls. “I just was going through so much emotionally that I stopped taking care of myself. I was depressed, and I went from about two hundred and twenty pounds of muscle to about one hundred eighty pounds of skin just hanging off of me. It was pretty extreme.” After his family members recovered, Roy says he decided to go back to Infinity Medical Institute and resume bio-natural L3 pellet hormone therapy. “Best decision I ever made,” Roy conveys. “I look better than ever; I have muscle tone back and my workouts are back on track. It really amazes me how quickly the pellets work, and Dr. Moffitt and the staff are so great to work with. I am really thankful to have found them.” In addition to her regained energy, Camille also lost nearly 80 pounds along the way. “I did not use the weight loss program that they offer; I just learned proper nutrition and how to take care of myself overall, and lost weight from there,” Camille says. For those patients who do seek a weight loss program, Infinity Medical Institute offers such an option. “Our all-natural weight loss program is called Phentabz,” Michael says. “It is very safe and contains no amphetamines, so patients can stay on it longer and lose just as much, if not more, weight. Patients also receive weekly Vitamin B12 injections to help them maintain a high metabolism. Along with that, we also have an entire nutrition package that we use to educate patients on proper food preparation and consumption. “We do teach patients how to change their diets and focus on nutrition. It helps to increase metabolism and lean muscle. With these two patients in particular, Camille lost the weight and Roy gained back the lean muscle he had lost. They both got the results they wanted.” From the inside, out “We offer a very upbeat and fun environment because we are a totally health-oriented center, and our bio-natural L3 is absolutely life-changing,” Michael says. Improved quality of life, Michael adds, is a key factor for patients seeking hormone replacement therapy. “We see a transformation of our patients as they come through the door,” Dr. Moffitt relates. “Women come in and all of a sudden they’re not feeling vibrant, energetic; they have other various symptoms. After treatment, they come in and they’re smiling. They get that confidence back. We want our patients to look and feel good from the inside out. “Same thing for the men we treat,” she continues. “Men tend to deny the need for hormone replacements. We want men and women alike to know that hormone levels affect all of us in different ways.” For instance, while some men may desire hormone replacement to deal with their declining physical ability, women may seek it out as a remedy to complications that can arise from menopause. Michael says Infinity Medical Institute also offers cosmetic injectables and now accepts CareCreditsm. “We do not only treat the inside of the patient; we treat the outside as well,” he says. “We want patients to look and feel younger, and we can help with both of those areas. And we have financing options.” Changes for life Michael says the commitment patients make to the practice is returned in the services they receive. “We focus on patient satisfaction and stellar service, and I think that is what sets us apart from the others,” he emphasizes. “We strive to provide the best possible treatment for the symptoms the patient is experiencing, and we go above and beyond At 68, Roy works out daily at the gym and has his energy back. to connect with that patient. In order to provide proper treatment, we have to understand how they feel on the inside and the outside. These treatments are also ideal for helping to reduce a person’s stress. So, yes, we treat from the inside, out.” Dr. Moffi tt understands that everyone’s body is diff erent, and that is why they customize a therapy plan exclusive to patients’ needs, depending upon what hormones they are lacking and what their individual counts are. “Every woman, every man is different as far as their levels are concerned; this is why our treatment plans are customized,” Dr. Moffitt shares. “We know each and every one of our patients on a personal level, so we take the time to understand how they feel and what their needs are, and we strive to make them whole again.” Camille and Roy agree that the staff and personable care at Infinity Medical Institute are stellar. “They make you feel as if you are the only person they are caring for because you never feel like just a number to them,” Camille shares. “They talk to you and they listen to all of your concerns, and they explain everything they do, the products they use, everything. They are absolutely amazing there, and I cannot believe how it has changed my life. I have more energy now than I have ever had in the past, and I no longer feel like I am sleepwalking half the time. It’s a wonderful feeling.” Now 68, Roy says he feels better than ever and even remarks how his youthful appearance has been deceiving to others. “I was walking on the beach one day please visit www.infinitymedicalinstitute.com. a while back, and a younger couple came up to me and they were guessing my age, and when I told them I was sixty-eight, they almost fell over,” he recalls with a laugh. “They said I look more like someone in his fifties. I told them they were being much too generous, but I will say that I feel like a man in his fifties. I may not be, but I feel like I am, and that is important. Mind over matter.” Roy says he feels that Dr. Moffitt and the entire staff at Infinity Medical Institute are tuned in to the health and well-being of all their patients. “They don’t do anything just to do it,” he shares. “They do it because they want to, because they truly care about a person’s overall health, mentally and physically.” FHCN–Judy Wade Camille DeAngelis Page 8 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition Eye Floaters? OPHTHALMOLOGY Laser treatment for eye floaters is safe and effective. E sign. By the statutory definition of legal word to more ophthalmologists that this blindness, that would qualify, if only for is a safe technique,” he explains. “And the short period of time the floater was even more than that, we need to educate in your field of vision.” ophthalmologists that in many instances, Patients with eye floaters of this size − eye floaters can disable. even if their vision is perfect − are actually “The current ophthalmic dogma is quite disabled, stresses Dr. Geller. “Most that an ophthalmologist will say, Well, I ophthalmologists don’t seem to under- have floaters; what are you complaining stand that when a patient is complaining about? So they write off the patient and of serious eye floaters, but their vision is tell them it will go away. In most cases, 20/20, they are actually having a real prob- this is true, but the patients that come to lem,” he says. “It’s not something that’s me have serious problems.” SOUTH FLORIDA EYE CLINIC only in their mind.” When eye floaters are severe, some SCOTT L. GELLER, MD Dr. Geller should know: he is ophthalmologists may offer a vitrecone of the most recognized eye floater tomy, the surgical removal of the gel “By our usual definition, of course laser specialists in the where the floaters not,” says Scott Geller, MD, a board- United States and “ONE OF THE LEADING reside. However, this is rare because the certified ophthalmologist at South around the world. Florida Eye Clinic in Fort Myers who has “ We h a v e h a d EYE FLOATER FACILITIES operation has some a special interest in the treatment of eye patients come from all serious drawbacks IN THE US” floaters. “But imagine if you only had over the world to our www.vitreousfloaters.com and complications, one good eye. Imagine that the floater in facility in Fort Myers and it is an expensive, it was so large that when it came across for treatment,” says Dr. Geller. “Many invasive procedure. your field of vision, you could not even patients come from countries where However, the complication rate for see the big E on the eye chart. Imagine medicine is socialized, and there is a laser treatment of eye floaters is very low. if it were a car on the highway or a road lack of training and proper equipment. Furthermore, there is no risk of infecDuring the past twenty years, we have tion with laser since there is no cutting treated thousands of patients and have with a scalpel. performed nearly twenty thousand laser Dr. Geller has treated many medisessions.” cal doctors for their eye floaters as well. “When other doctors and ophthalMaster of floater treatment mologists come to you for their own Dr. Geller is a master of this treatment problems, I would say that speaks for modality. He has trained doctors from itself. We love doing laser surgery on Holland, Italy, the United States and eye floaters, and love dealing with our Central America. “We need to spread the patients on a personal basis.” FHCN FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS ye floaters − those tiny specks or strings that float into your field of vision periodically − can be concerning. Typically caused by age-related changes to the vitreous humor, the thick fluid inside the eye, eye floaters become more common with age. But can they cause blindness? Scott L. Geller, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Rush Medical College. While in medical school, he was awarded a student fellowship to study tropical medicine at a missionary hospital in India, and pursued additional studies at the famous Brompton Hospital in London, England. He interned at Presbyterian Hospital, Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, and completed his residency in ophthalmology at Sinai Hospital of Detroit, which was affiliated with Wayne State Medical School and Kresge Eye Institute. Dr. Geller was fellowship-trained in anterior segment and refractive surgery with Dr. William Myers of the Michigan Eye Institute. Dr. Geller is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has presented papers on eye floater laser treatment at the International Congress of Ophthalmology, European Congress of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, European Congress of Ophthalmology and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. For eye floater solutions... Call Dr. Geller at (239) 275-8222 or toll-free at (877) 371-3937. South Florida Eye Clinic is located at 4755 Summerlin Rd. in Fort Myers. www.vitreousfloaters.com HEMORRHOID TREATMENT PHOTO FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM Stop Hemorrhoids Now The road to relief for many sufferers lies in a nonsurgical treatment covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. I “ had hemorrhoids but they didn’t success. I thought, If I got half the rate bother me too much until recently,” of success that some of these people have says Marilyn.* “I went from occa- gotten, I would be happy.” Marilyn decided to give the treatsional flare-ups to daily pain.” ment a try. Nguyen. “A low current is applied to the base of the hemorrhoid, causing The Ultroid treatment a chemical reaction that induces the “Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in hemorrhoid to shrink. The procedure LINH B. NGUYEN, MD the rectum or anal canal, are extremely is well-tolerated by patients and does common,” explains Dr. Nguyen. “In fact, not require anesthesia. Although Marilyn’s problem was seri- more than fifty percent of people age “The Ultroid system is considered fifty or older have them to some degree.” revolutionary because it is highly effecous, she was unable to find a solution. Most sufferers are understandably tive, safe, and convenient. Up to ninety “It wasn’t from lack of trying,” she emphasizes. “I went to four doctors, and reluctant to try the available treatment percent of people who have it done no one could really do anything for me. I options, some of which have tradition- get relief from their hemorrhoids. It ally been both painful and inconvenient. doesn’t cause the agonizing pain often got a prescription, but I got worse.” Then Marilyn found out about Linh Studies estimate that hemorrhoid associated with traditional hemorrhoid B. Nguyen, MD, of HemRelief, and suff erers spend over $1 billion a year surgery and is also covered by most a nonsurgical treatment Dr. Nguyen on medications and treatments for insurances and Medicare.” symptomatic hemorrhoids. offers called Ultroid. The treatment is convenient and can “For prevention, it’s good to have be safely repeated as needed. “I was a little skeptical,” she confides, “but when I went in there, they gave me a high-fiber diet, including fresh “There’s no need to take any special a booklet that talks about everyone’s fruits and vegetables,” acknowledges preparation to clear the bowels,” adds Dr. Dr. Nguyen. “Other helpful measures Nguyen. “Patients can have the procedure include drinking adequate fluid daily done and go back to work immediately, Revolutionary and avoiding heavy lifting. However, so there is no downtime. The entire proceHemorrhoid Treatment change in habits alone may not eff ec- dure takes approximately twenty minutes. • FDA-approved tively treat existing hemorrhoids.” • Well-tolerated – Fortunately, Dr. Nguyen offers a no anesthesia required Don’t suffer in silence. revolutionary, nonsurgical method for • No downtime If pain, itching, and bleeding from treatment of hemorrhoids that can be • No special preparation hemorrhoids are affecting you, now • No painful surgery performed on an outpatient basis. there’s help. Call HemRelief today • Covered by most insurance “Ultroid is an FDA-approved techor visit one of their offices: 8553 W. and Medicare nique to treat hemorrhoids,” says Dr. Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa, phone • Highly effective and safe Visit www.DoNotSufferInSilence.com. (813) 920-9799, or 5265 Park Blvd., Suite 101, in Pinellas Park, phone (727) 209-0214. “Some of my patients suffered miserably with hemorrhoids for twenty or thirty years, and the Ultroid treatment changed their lives.” “Nothing short of remarkable” For Marilyn, the Ultroid treatment proved both fast and effective. “I felt some relief almost immediately,” she marvels. “After my second treatment, I noticed quite a difference, and after the third treatment, I had complete relief: no pain or bleeding.” Today, Marilyn thanks Dr. Nguyen for offering Ultroid to his patients. “Dr. Nguyen had his nurse come in and sit with me during the procedure,” she adds, “so I felt very comfortable. He knows what he’s doing, he’s very professional and very thorough. And the treatment is nothing short of remarkable.” FHCN *The patient’s name has been withheld at her request. Linh B. Nguyen, MD, is board certified and is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and received his medical degree from Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA. He is certified in the Ultroid Management System for the treatment of hemorrhoids. South Tampa Edition | Spring 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 9 MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE CARE Avoid Spine Surgery A skilled pain management physician offers epidural steroid injections to help this patient avoid an invasive procedure. R etired Army Col. Charles Glenn has led a colorful life. He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1956, and among his classmates was an engineering student who would go on to become known as Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf. After serving at various posts around the world, his last assignment was at MacDill Air Force Base as deputy chief of staff . Th e colonel retired in 1986. Unfortunately, it was not all smooth sailing from there, as he was suffering with severe back pain. “My back had taken a beating over all those years,” says Charles, “and that left it in a state of chronic disorder and continual pain. It had been bothering me for about forty years.” In 2006, he consulted an orthopaedic surgeon, who recommended multiple surgical procedures. That didn’t sound too good to Charles. “The surgeon said my lower back looked like a train wreck that would require two consecutive major surgeries,” he recalls, “with rehabilitation of up to a year’s duration. I didn’t want the risks involved and the time and the questionable outcome of it. I decided the risks associated with those surgical procedures were too great if there were another way to remain mobile with the least pain possible. So I searched for another approach.” On a recommendation, he made an appointment later that year with Gerald E. Trimble, MD, a board-certified pain management practitioner at Minimally Invasive Spine Care, with offices in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. “Dr. Trimble is the premier pain management specialist in Central Florida,” declares Charles. “Th e personal, professional manner of Dr. Trimble, his office manager Cynthia and his medical assistant Joanne gave me great confidence that the cavalry had arrived. And indeed it had!” MI SC MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE CARE OFFERED BY THE DOCTORS AT WEST FLORIDA PAIN MANAGEMENT, P.A. GERALD E. TRIMBLE, MD SUSAN K. SAMLASKA, MD Pain that “serves no purpose” Dr. Trimble observes that acute pain can be beneficial for a patient to some degree – it serves as a warning signal that a medical condition needs to be addressed. “Chronic pain, however, serves no purpose except to make a patient uncomfortable – even miserable,” he explains. “At Minimally Invasive Spine Care, we view chronic pain as a disease process, not merely a symptom that has to be tolerated as part of an underlying condition. The first objective is always to determine where the pain originates and then apply specific techniques to treat it. “We believe that the source of pain, the pain generator, should be identifi ed, the underlying pain mechanism addressed and treatment scheduled accordingly. In each case,” he adds, “we approach pain relief with the least invasive methods available, with the goal of postponing – or even eliminating – the need for invasive surgery.” He notes that a number of modalities Find help for your pain FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS Drs. Trimble and Samlaska welcome questions regarding the management of chronic pain. For information or a consultation, please call (727) 5537313. Offices are located at Bayfront Plaza, 603 7th St. South, Suite 340, in St. Petersburg and 1831 N. Belcher Rd., Suite A2, in Clearwater. Col. Charles Glenn for pain relief are available to the specialist trained in pain management. “Physical therapy, massage and oral medicines are the most conservative methods of relieving pain. They work best if a patient consults us early in the pain process. If the pain is well established or fails to respond to these conservative measures, we have many more techniques at our disposal.” About ESI In the case of severe, intractable pain, some of these techniques can enable a patient to delay or even avoid surgery … sometimes for years. Options may include trigeminal nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections. “Epidural steroid injections are typically used where there is acute inflammation, especially involving the nerve roots, ligaments and muscles,” continues Dr. Trimble. An ESI is the injection of powerful anti-inflammatory agents called corticosteroids into the epidural space outside the spinal cord. The epidural space is the area where all the nerves pass through on the way out of the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The main goal of the treatment is to deposit the steroids directly into the area sending pain signals. When performed by a physician with pain management expertise, an epidural steroid injection is relatively painless. If an anesthetic is being used, the anesthesiologist cleanses the patient’s back or neck with a sterile solution, and the anesthetic is injected into the appropriate area. Once the area has been numbed, a needle is inserted through the skin into the epidural space, and the steroid is injected. “It’s amazing” For Charles, epidural steroid injections have been extremely effective, enabling him not only to avoid surgery but also to steer clear of any other types of procedures. “I have been returning on average once a year for the past eight years,” he assures, “and Dr. Trimble’s treatments have negated my need for surgery and have immeasurably improved my quality of life.” Having gone back for eight years, Charles is thoroughly at ease with the doctor and the staff of Minimally Invasive Spine Care. “For me, it’s a routine thing,” he remarks. “Dr. Trimble’s office staff makes you feel comfortable and they are a cheery bunch, so that gets things started off right. If you need any additional anesthesia outside of what is in the medication that he’s giving you, that’s administered. The doctor comes in and discusses how things are going and where the pain is and, of course, refers to the MRI. I get three epidural injections, two weeks apart. The injections are without pain, so that’s a wonderful thing, too. Almost immediately, all the [back] pain is gone. Charles appreciates the effectiveness of his annual epidural steroid injections, which have enabled him to avoid invasive spine surgery. “The fact that Dr. Trimble is able to professionally and accurately remove pain that’s affecting the quality of your life, and in a short period of time return you to what you’ve been doing, that’s pretty amazing,” concludes Charles. FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Tried Physical Therapy or Chiropractic, but Still Hurting? “If conser vative treatment or even surgery has failed to relieve your pain, our procedures may be able to help you,” says Dr. Trimble. “We encourage patients who have tried these other measures to give us a call to schedule a consultation.” Gerald E. Trimble, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management. After receiving his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, he completed a transitional internship at Michigan State University and Edward W. Sparrow Hospital and a residency in anesthesiology at the University of South Florida, where he served as chief resident and was awarded a fellowship in pain management. Dr. Trimble was awarded a certificate of additional qualification in pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology, the only pain management certification recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiologists, and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and has published and lectured on numerous pain management topics. Susan K. Samlaska, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management. After receiving her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, she completed a transitional internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee and a residency in anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Dr. Samlaska was awarded a pain management fellowship from the Chronic Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more information, please visit www.westflpainmanagement.com. Page 10 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition UROLOGY Life after Prostate Cancer For those who survive this devastating disease, there may still be challenges ahead, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, low-risk treatments offer a high rate of satisfaction. P “ rostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the second most deadly cancer in men,” reports Ramon Perez, MD, of Urology Specialists of West Florida. “More than two hundred thousand men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly thirty thousand of these cases will be fatal.”1 PHOTO COURTESY OF UROLOGY SPECIALISTS “Erection problems and incontinence are both underreported by patients,” adds David DiPiazza, MD. “If you ask prostate cancer patients how they are doing, most will say, Fine. You have to actually dig further: Have you had to wear a diaper? Have you stopped having sex because of erection problems?” Interestingly, the problem is often complicated by patients’ gratitude for, and loyalty to, their surgeon. “Some patients are very loyal to their surgeons,” observes Yaser Bassel, MD. “They feel their surgeons saved their lives and they don’t want to stain their reputation by saying, I’m leaking a little bit. We need to better educate patients and their physicians. It’s okay to say that you have Potential treatments Historically, treatments for ED and incontinence have been difficult, reflects Leon Espiritu, MD. “There are various options for treating ED, and many are known to the general public. ViagraTM †7, CialisTM †8 and LevitraTM †9 are widely advertised, and some men have success with them.” These types of medications may not interact well with other medications, such as blood thinners, he adds. “They cannot be taken with some heart medications, such as nitroglycerine, and they aren’t covered by many insurance companies, including some of the newer plans that are coming onto the market,” explains Dr. Perez. “They may also produce unpleasant side effects, such as headache or upset stomach.” 7,8,9 Another option is drug therapy by way of injection. Men may gain potency by injecting medications directly into the penis, causing it to become engorged with blood and thereby erect. “While the obvious advantage of injection therapy is that it can be easily self-administered,” adds Dr. Perez, “there are aspects that make it unappealing to some patients. These include penile pain, fear of needles, fear of complications and lack of spontaneity.”14 For male urinary incontinence there are non-surgical treatments such as absorbent pads or diapers, external penile clamps, or catheters. 13 “Non-surgical treatments just treat the incident, not the underlying problem,” states Dr. Perez. “In my experience, patients are usually unhappy, complain of discomfort and even infections.” High-tech solution State-of-the-art urology in a caring environment Urology Specialists of West Florida offers the latest technology in an environment conducive to patient comfort. 2 Convenient Locations TRINITY 2148 Duck Slough Blvd., Suite 102 (727) 375-1975 NEW PORT RICHEY 5305 Gulf Drive, Suite 4 (727) 847-0848 When it comes to medical approaches to erectile dysfunction and incontinence, American Medical Systems (AMS) has been at the forefront of effective, leading-edge PHOTO FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM BOARD-CERTIFIED UROLOGISTS PAUL ARNOLD, MD YASER BASSEL, MD DAVID DIPIAZZA, MD LEON ESPIRITU, MD BRIAN HALE, MD DAVID JACOB, MD RAMON PEREZ, MD these complications, and it doesn’t mean that anything was done wrong.” “We need to encourage primary caregivers, nurse practitioners, and PAs to be diligent in asking about sexual function and incontinence in patients, particularly men after prostate surgeries,” agrees David Jacob, MD. technology, observes Ramon Perez, MD. “The Urinary Control System and the Male Sling System are both designed to treat male urinary incontinence,”2,3,4 he explains. “If the incontinence is moderate to severe, the urinary control system is an option.10 It is designed to restore the natural process of urinary control and mimic a healthy sphincter, allowing the patient to urinate when desired.11 The sling works better in patients who are less incontinent2 but where the incontinence still significantly affects quality of life.” Dr. Perez adds, “The sling is a straightforward procedure with a low rate of complications. 2 Most of the incontinence we find after treatment for prostate cancer is of low severity, so the sling fills a very good niche. The male sling has been around since 2008, and we have the most experience with it.” To restore sexual function, AMS offers state of the art inflatable penile prostheses.5 These prostheses are inflated to provide rigidity, and once activated, they enable the patient to maintain an erection for as long as desired. When deflated, the cylinders are designed to deflate and become flaccid.12,5,6 “The implant provides the ability to have an erection any time you choose – whenever the mood strikes,” reports Paul Arnold, MD. “Couples love this option because they can be spontaneous, and it typically does not interfere with 1. “What Are the Key Statistics about Prostate Cancer?” American Cancer Society. Web. 21 Nov. 2014. <http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/ prostate-cancer-key-statistics>. 2. DeRidder, D., Webster, G. Clinical overview of the AdVance Male Sling in post-prostatectomy incontinence. European Urology Supplements 10. 2011:401-406. 3. Montague D.K., Artificial urinary sphincter: long-term results and patient satisfaction. Adv Urol. 2012:1. 4. AMS 800™ Urinary Control System Operating Room Manual. American Medical Systems, Inc. 2014. 5. Levine LA, Estrada CR, Morgentaler A. Mechanical reliability and safety of, and patient satisfaction with the Ambicor inflatable penile prosthesis: results of a 2 center study. J Urol. 2001 Sep;166(3): 932-7. 6. F. Montorsi, et al. AMS Three-Piece Inflatable Implants for Erectile Dysfunction: A Long-Term Multi-Institution Study in 200 Consecutive Patients: Eur Urol. 2000; 37: 50-55. ejaculation, or orgasm. In a study of 200 patients and 120 partners, both men and their partners found the AMS 700TM inflatable implant to be satisfying.”6 “It’s been my experience that both partners and patients have the highest satisfaction rates with the penile implant compared to other treatment options,” says Dr. Perez. “I feel the penile implant is the closest thing to a natural erection. It looks flaccid when it should be flaccid and looks full and erect when it should be full and erect. I feel that it is the gold standard in ED treatment, far surpassing any other modes of treatment.”5,6 “The penile implant was considered a major surgery for many years; however, recently it has been performed as an outpatient procedure. In my opinion it’s become a much more tolerable surgery and my patients have less pain and recovery time. “There are many options for treatment of erectile dysfunction and incontinence, and we encourage all patients with these issues to seek out a board-certified urologist,” concludes Dr. Perez. “We have developed a Men’s Health Clinic where patients can come in and get information in one visit for multiple modalities, including implants, slings and sphincters. Call our office and ask about our Men’s Health Clinic for more information.” FHCN 7. Viagra® Prescribing Information, Revised January 2010. 8. Cialis® Prescribing Information, Revised October 2011. 9. Levitra® Prescribing Information, Revised November 2011. 10. Bauer R Gratzke C. Urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy . Eur Urol Rev. 2009: 48-51. 11. AMS 800™ Urinary Control System Instructions for Use. American Medical Systems, Inc. 2011. 12. AMS 700™ Penile Prosthesis Product Line Instructions for Use. American Medical Systems. 2012. 13. Moore K, Lucas M. Management of male urinary incontinence. Indian J. Urol. 2010; 26(2):8-9. 14. Hatzimouratidis K, Hatzichristou D. How to treat erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes: from pathophysiology to treatment. Curr Diab Rep. 2014 Nov;14(11):545. ™ † The denoted marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The Ambicor and AMS 700 products are intended for use in the treatment of chronic, organic, male erectile dysfunction. Implantation will make latent natural or spontaneous erections as well as other interventional treatment options impossible. The AMS 800 Urinary Control System and AdVance Male Sling System are intended to treat male stress urinary incontinence. Potential adverse events include compromised device function, migration and recurrent incontinence. See the product Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indication, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential adverse events. For more information about the risks and benefits of AMS products, visit www.professional.americanmedicalsystems.com. South Tampa Edition | Spring 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 11 IMPLANT DENTISTRY Out of This World Smile Pedro Hernandez Dental implants, the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth, can be an essential component of a complete oral rehabilitation. P edro Hernandez was suffering with severe, long-term dental challenges. “I had a condition called bruxism,” says Pedro. Bruxism is a condition characterized by excessive grinding, clenching or gnashing of the teeth. It often occurs when the person is asleep and has no awareness of the action. Stress can play a factor, causing the patient to clench during waking hours as well. LUIS A. ALICEA, DMD, MSD Comprehensive care PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUR DESIRED SMILE Your Desired Smile offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental services in a comfortable, reassuring environment. The staff of Your Desired Smile has the expertise and empathy to deal with patients whose “dentalphobia” may have BEFORE AFTER Dedicated to your oral health Dr. Alicea is accepting new patients and welcomes the opportunity to help you improve your smile and bite function. He invites the readers of Tampa Health Care News to call Your Desired Smile at (813) 288-9700. The office is located at 4129 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1, in Tampa. Se habla Español. About implants When a person loses an entire tooth, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make the jaw recede, leading to additional tooth loss. Dental implants help prevent the deterioration of jaw bone, so the patient’s face retains its natural shape. Traditional dentures, partials and bridges will not halt bone recession, but dental implants can. A dental implant is actually an artificial replacement for the root of a tooth. The implant provides a foundation on which permanent teeth or removable teeth can be securely attached. Implants can prevent deterioration of the bone beneath the gums, help maintain the fullness of the face and provide a balanced bite. They are an excellent option for patients who want to improve their dental health. Dental implants are now considered the gold standard for replacement of missing teeth, whether a patient is replacing a single tooth or a complete upper or lower arch. “The first stage is to place the implants,” explains Dr. Alicea. “Dental implants are made of titanium, which is an extremely biocompatible material. It is a strong substance that has the ability FHCN PHOTO BY MARC EDWARDS In Pedro’s case, the problem led to multiple tooth loss, a disorder known as partial edentulism. “I was losing the teeth from my gums,” he confides. “This went on for a period of about three years.” As a result of his dental situation, Pedro endured stress, pain and embarrassment about his smile. “It was painful,” he acknowledges. “I couldn’t chew right and my gums were very sensitive.” After searching for a dental professional to help him, Pedro received a life-changing referral: a friend recommended that he consult Luis A. Alicea, DMD, MSD, of Your Desired Smile. “My friend told me that Dr. Alicea is a prosthodontist who specializes in full mouth reconstruction, and that’s what led me to him,” he says. prevented them from having dental problems treated over the years. “We address everything from minor dental work with whitening or bonding to veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays, dentures, Invisalign and full-mouth restorations, including dental implants for missing teeth,” explains Dr. Alicea. For diagnostic and planning purposes, the dentist emphasizes the importance of obtaining a 3D image of the patient’s mouth; to that end, his office has invested in high-tech equipment for this purpose in the form of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). “Cone beam technology for patient imaging, diagnostics and treatment is rapidly becoming a vital element in dental practices,” Dr. Alicea observes. “We now have the technology in our practice to capture a three-dimensional image of the entire mouth and all of its surrounding structures.” The data gathered from the CBCT scanner allows 3D examination of the teeth, jawbones, TMJs, the airway and sinuses. In the dental area, threedimensional images allow precise planning for many procedures, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, surgical implants, simple and complicated extractions, periodontics, bone grafting, apnea and TMJ (TMD). These images can reveal decay, tooth abscesses and small fractures that are not always visible in traditional, two-dimensional x-rays. “We were the first practice in the entire state of Florida to obtain the large Scanora cone beam scanner that has the capacity to take an image of the entire head and neck area,” reports Dr. Alicea. “Most practices have CT scanners that take only a small view. We use this not only for planning implant placement but also for diagnosing TMJ (TMD), sleep apnea and malignant lesions in the head.” Pedro is able to smile, laugh and chew again with confidence, thanks to Dr. Alicea and Your Desired Smile. to actually bond to the bone, a process called osseointegration.” Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, as well as to support fixed bridges, improve the retention of loose dentures and permanently secure dentures. During the placement of an implant, the tissue over the implant site is opened to expose the bone. A recipient space is created in the bone to the precise shape of the implant, which is then placed into the bone. The tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures. Once the implant and bone have fused, over a period of two to four months (depending on the patient’s bone quality), the top of the implant is uncovered and a replacement tooth is attached to the implant. Dr. Alicea determines the number, position and direction in which to lay the foundation with dental implants to maximize success. He also works carefully with each patient to achieve the desired design and aesthetics of the replacement teeth. Excellent outcome In Pedro’s case, his smile is dramatically improved as a result of a comprehensive oral rehabilitation. “By the time Pedro saw us, he had several teeth that had been destroyed completely,” recalls Dr. Alicea. “He was ultimately going to lose a large number of teeth without intervention. He’d started to develop TMD [temporomandibular joint disorder] and pain in his teeth because there was some nerve exposure. We had to perform a biological enhancement of wound healing and onlay a bone graft and a bilateral sinus bone graft in order to place a total of eight dental implants, and he also required an extensive number of additional crowns. It’s definitely like night and day.” Pedro agrees, adding that Dr. Alicea and his staff were very encouraging about his entire treatment plan from the beginning. “I began getting the work done in the fall of 2012,” he says, “and the dentist was very up-front, letting me know that this was going to be a process. It wasn’t something that was going to be completed overnight.” Today, he feels great about his sparkling, new smile. “I love my results. It’s not only the aesthetic part, it’s the functional part,” Pedro clarifies. “I feel good smiling, laughing, eating – everything.” He continues, “It’s a rejuvenation of my youth: I feel like I’m fifteen years younger just from having my mouth restored. That comes from Dr. Alicea doing such a great job.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Luis A. Alicea, DMD, MSD, received his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Science in Dentistry degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Dr. Alicea then continued with extensive postgraduate education in implant surgery, prosthodontics and conscious sedation. Dr. Alicea is a past associate professor at the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the American Dental Association and numerous other professional organizations. Visit Your Desired Smile on the web at www.yourdesiredsmile.com Page 12 | Tampa Health Care News | Spring 2015 | South Tampa Edition PAIN MANAGEMENT PRP for Knee Pain Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a groundbreaking treatment in pain management that promotes long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. T here’s no question that Phil Meerovitz is a hard worker. “I’ve been with my company for twenty-four years, going on twenty-five,” he reports. “I’m an account manager, and I usually start my day at four forty-five in the morning and finish about five or six at night. When I’m not driving, I’m on my feet all day, setting up displays, taking orders or doing sales presentations.” ROBERT C. LUPO, DC With so much time on his feet, Phil could not afford to have pain in his joints slowing him down. Unfortunately, such pain was inevitable. “I’m a pretty big guy,” he explains. “I’m six feet three inches and three hundred pounds. I’m forty-nine now, but I’ve already had my right knee replaced. That was back in August of 2010.” Phil did not want to have two artificial knees, so as his left knee also began to show signs of wear from osteoarthritis, he underwent pain-relieving injections. “I’ve been getting cortisone in my knee for the last ten years,” says Phil. Still, “When I got home from work, the first thing I would do is lie down and watch TV,” he says, “and my knee would swell and snap, crackle and pop from the arthritis. I had to ice it down as well.” Rather than undergoing another knee replacement surgery, Phil decided to try a treatment offered by Physical Medicine Center, a multidisciplinary care center in Tampa offering chiropractic care, physical and massage therapy, medical care and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). “I’ve been going there for about seven years,” he notes, “because once in a while my back and my neck get out of whack. I would be hobbling around because the left knee was so destroyed that it started to go up my back. I didn’t want to go through another knee replacement, so when they told me about this PRP treatment for my knee, I said, Let’s go for it. I’ve got nothing to lose.” About platelet-rich plasma “Platelet activation plays a key role in the process of wound and soft tissue healing,” FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS Phil Meerovitz explains Dr. Robert C. Lupo, director of Physical Medicine Center. “Over the past twenty years, autologous platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, has been used safely and effectively throughout the medical field – including in orthopedics, sports medicine, wound healing and cosmetic procedures.” Now, Physical Medicine Center is offering platelet-rich plasma therapy for some of these same disciplines. “We offer PRP both for musculoskeletal and cosmetic purposes,” reports Dr. Lupo. “We now have a joint program for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the joints of the knees, hips, shoulders and spine. We also are using it to help re-grow hair, for acne scars, for rejuvenation of the skin and for anti-aging.” PRP is showing exciting potential with injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. The therapy has been used by a wide variety of baseball and football professionals for the purpose of aiding in the healing of sports injuries. “There are several treatments for osteoarthritis out there,” adds Manny Bashir, PA-C, “including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections and viscosupplementation. However, the only natural healing of the body is through PRP injections. When you have an injury to a certain part of your body, such as tendonitis or a sprain, the body’s natural healing process delivers a high concentration of platelets directly to the area. This is basically what PRP does.” “PRP therapy is performed in much the same way as when a patient has routine blood work through his or her primary care physician,” explains Dr. Lupo. “My staff will draw blood in our office. PRP is taken from the blood and specially prepared by spinning down the blood cells to a high concentration. The blood is spun in a centrifuge and then the PRP is separated and removed from the rest of the blood.” “After we extract the blood from your body and centrifuge it, we inject the plasma into the area where you have the injury,” adds Manny. “Sometimes in osteoarthritis, the body does not recognize the pain as an injury because it’s a chronic, progressive injury. It does not perform the natural healing process. So we actually have to do this for the body itself.” PRP contains many growth factors Phil is “feeling great” thanks to PRP therapy. that can stimulate healing, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). “We are actually concentrating these growth factors to about five times what they would normally be,” explains Manny, “so we’re getting this supersaturated liquid injected back into a joint that already has about ten different growth factors within it, which is pretty amazing.” Thanks to the PRP treatment, patients like Phil can obtain pain relief without undergoing invasive joint replacement surgery. “Surgery really should be a last resort,” Dr. Lupo cautions, “because of the scarring and the problems that can come afterward, such as infection. We hear of people all the time dying of blood clots and things secondary to some simple, elective surgery that could have been prevented altogether. This is a way to avoid surgery and still relieve the pain.” “Like a miracle” After his very first PRP treatment, Phil began to see major results. “First, I noticed that my knee stopped cracking and popping every time I got up off the bed,” he recalls. “Then I noticed the soreness was no longer there – the pain was gone. Robert C. Lupo, DC, is the clinic director and chiropractic physician of Physical Medicine Center, which offers chiropractic care, medical care, and physical therapy, including spinal decompression, massage therapy, addiction management, bio-identical hormone replacement, HCG weight loss, and the ZERONA laser for body contouring. Dr. Lupo received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, GA, and has done postgraduate work in nutrition, chiropractic orthopedics, neurology, spinal disc injury care, and auto accident injury care. He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Physicians. “The following weekend, my girlfriend Sherry and I went out Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday. It was the first time I’ve danced in probably seven years.” “Phil actually called us up with a glowing report,” confi rms Dr. Lupo. “He said, I haven’t been out of pain in my knee in years, and I went dancing this weekend. I’m going out and doing things I haven’t done in a long time, all because my knee feels better.” Just six weeks out from his treatment, Phil is as excited today as he was initially. “This past Friday, I was off work and I worked in the yard the whole day. I did the yard, I hedged, I trimmed…something I had not done in five years. To be able to do all the yard work in one day, and still have energy to go out the same night without the pain I used to have, I couldn’t believe it.” Phil’s friends and colleagues are similarly amazed. “They see me now, and they can’t believe it either,” he says. “It’s like, He’s a new bionic man with no surgeries. Even Dr. Lupo could not believe the difference when he saw me. I had a smile on my face, because I had no pain. “This stuff is like a miracle,” marvels Phil. “I wish I had it done ten years ago. I’m turning fifty next April, but I almost feel like I’m forty again. I feel great.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno For radiant health Physical Medicine Center is a multidisciplinary treatment and care center in New Tampa. The office is located at 14522 University Point Place. To schedule a consultation, please call (813) 978-0020.
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