Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Platelet Rich Plasma
What are PRP Injections?
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections are used to stimulate healing using one’s own blood components. The physician will withdraw your blood, put the blood into a centrifuge where the platelets are extracted (platelets are now known to release healing proteins known as growth factors) and then inject that solution directly into the injured site using an ultrasound guided technique to ensure proper placement. These proteins then stimulate repair and regeneration at the site, offering the patient pain relief and quicker healing rates. In most cases, 1-3 injections are required.
What Conditions are Treated with PRP?
PRP Injections can treat a number of conditions for the hip, knee, arm, shoulder, lower leg and feet. It is best to consult with your physician for a complete listing. However, below is an abbreviated list of conditions that can be treated with PRP.
- Acute muscle tears and strains
- Chronic Tendinopathies (tennis elbow, Achilles tendon, patellar tendon and rotator cuff)
- Ligament injuries (ie: medial or lateral collateral ligament—MCL/LCL)
- Osteoarthritis
How Quickly does PRP Work?
Most patients see some improvement within 2-6 weeks. The pain becomes less and less as the weeks pass with most clinical trials reporting improvement up to 6-9 months post injection.
Who is Not a Good Candidate for PRP?
Patients with severe anemia, low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, active systemic infection or those with an active cancer are not recommended to be administered PRP.
What is the Future of PRP?
As people seek out alternative options to surgery for injuries and other conditions, therapies such as PRP will become more in demand. Not only are patients excited about it but physicians are as well as it gives them more options to offer their patients. Treating patients with their own body components is revolutionary and more than likely just the beginning of these forms of treatment. Further research will occur and the use of these treatments will continue as long as they prove to be effective.
Why Use PRP Injections?
Platelet injections are an alternative to surgery. Ideal candidates would be those who prefer a less invasive option to surgery or those who are unable to undergo a surgery. It also allows for a much quicker recovery period and is much less painful than a surgery.
It is important that patients considering this therapy find a doctor with experience in these types of injections. It is more likely to have a favorable outcome if the doctor administering the injections is experienced and skilled.
How does PRP Work?
A large amount of growth factors are released at the site of injury upon injection. These platelets induce an inflammatory response to initiate healing. The platelets are able to restore tendons and ligamentous proteins as well as strengthen cartilage allowing it to become firmer and more resilient.
Is PRP Painful?
Patients usually tolerate the injection well. However, there can be soreness after the injection due to the PRP-induced inflammatory response. You can expect swelling and soreness during the first 48 hours post injection and are given pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort.
Are These Injections Safe?
Platelet injections are safe. Since you are using your body’s own blood components and there are no foreign substances being injected into your body, the injections are considered safe.
However there is some minimal risk involved. During research studies and clinical trials, the only risk noted was that the injection could cause an infection to develop. This is not unique to platelet injections, anytime a person undergoes an injection there is this risk. But because there are no foreign bodies being injected and there is no concern of disease transmission, this therapy is considered to be safe.
Using one’s own body as a healing mechanism is a relatively new concept in the world of medicine, and an exciting one at that. As therapies such as these begin to prove they are beneficial and effective, you will likely see similar therapies develop in other medical areas.
Common Questions About Stem Cells
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are immature cells that exist in everyone throughout life and have the capability of becoming more specialized cells. Stem cells exist in virtually every organ and tissue, in bone marrow, and in blood. They hold the unique potential to become any of the specialized cell types in our body. Stem cells have two main characteristics: (1) the ability to multiply or self-renew and (2) the ability to “differentiate” — to become different specialized cells.
Where do you get these stem cells?
Stem cells are isolated from three major sources: our bone marrow, our blood, and our tissues such as fat, muscle, heart, skin, etc.
Can a blood test show if stem cell therapy would benefit a heart failure patient?
We are studying the different cell populations in blood to help determine which patients may be most likely to respond to stem cell therapy. Right now we have identified stem cells that may be important and are testing them in ongoing studies.
Can one use his/her own stem cells?
Yes. Based on the best studies published to date, your own (autologous) stem cells are not only the safest but also probably the most effective stem cells at treating disorders within your own body. Outside donor stem cells (allogenic cells such as umbilical cord) have been shown to be less affective with a low but present incidence of rejection. Autologous stem cells have had NO incidence of rejection and perform better than umbilical in the limited studies comparing these therapies. For this reason, we only use your own stem cells (Autologous) at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine.
Are there differences between male and female stem cells?
No. While quantity and quality of stem cells will vary from person to person based on variables such as age, genetics, and overall heath, there is no significant difference between males and females.
Treatable Conditions from Board-certified Doctors
- Muscle Pain Treatment
- Spine Pain Treatment
- Treatment Injuries
- PRP Treatment for Hair Restoration
- Nerve Pain Treatment
- Chronic Pain Treatment
- Treatment for Tendon Tears
- Ankle and Foot Pain Treatment
- Treatment For Muscular Weakness
- Arthritis and Bursitis Treatment
- Ankle and Foot Pain Treatment
- Treatment For Muscular Weakness
- Spinal Stenosis Treatment
- Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
- Herniated Discs of the Spine
- Hip Pain Treatment
- Muscle And Tendon Sprain and Strain
- Treatment For Knee Cartilage Lesions
- Male Erectile Regeneration
- Ligament Strain Treatment
- Female Pelvic Floor Regeneration
- Regenerative Skin Care
- Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
- Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment
- Osteoarthritis Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
- Sports Injury Treatment
- Sciatica Treatment
- Joint Pain Treatment
- Knee and Shoulder Pain Treatment
- Wrist and Hand Pain Treatment
- Tendinitis Treatment
- Meniscus Tears in the Knee
- Treatment for Tennis Elbow
- Tension Headache Treatment
- Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
- Lower Back and Bone Pain Treatment
- and Other Treatment Related to Muscle, Tendon, and Bone Trauma
Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine Testimonials
Here’s What Our Patients Had to Say on Google
Posted on Google
Mary Southway185 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Nabity is easy to talk to and helps a lot with his procedures. I had PRP on my Right shoulder for tear in my rotator cuff. My shoulder is feeling 99% better. Only when I over do it do I have some discomfort.Grateful that I didn’t have surgery & saw Dr Nabity.Posted on Google
John Pearl197 days agoI have had several operations this was by far the very best everyone was friendly new there job I have told everyone I would do it again it was such a great experiencePosted on Google
J Dub260 days agoGreat clinic for PRP scalp treatments.Posted on Google
Brian Olejniczak263 days agoDR. SANTA ANA helped me with my spinal back pain.Posted on Google
Branden Bauer268 days agoCaring, knowedgable and fixed my neck pain.Posted on Google
Swamy Akasapu302 days agoMy knee surgery was done at this facility. The staff are excellent in attention to details. Strongly recommend.Posted on Google
atheer istifan310 days agoPosted on Google
tammy lester350 days agoPosted on Google
Anthony Richards374 days agoEfficient, friendly environment. Helpful staff. Excellent doctor with great insight.Posted on Google
Steve Mitchell393 days agoProcedure on lower back is working. Feeling better every day. Dr. Farhat was very kind, patient, and helpful. Great bedside manner.Posted on Google
Carolyn Burrus403 days agoI am very happy with the knee injections.Both knees without pain .Posted on Google
Chris Micakovic415 days agoPosted on Google
Gary W416 days agoPosted on Google
Lise Shirtz435 days agoDr. Robert Farhat is extremely professional, educational & most of all cares about his patients. I went there for a tear in my shoulder, had platelet replacement therapy/surgery. (I had struggled for 6 months before this, going to PT, etc. no luck, and I did not want regular surgery.) I am back to lifting weights as prior to my injury, hiking etc. I am a True believer in this type of medical procedure!Posted on Google
T Baugh436 days agoDr Farhat is the best when it comes to pain management. He is a doctor that actually listens and he truly cares about his patients. The staff goes above and beyond to help. Excellent medical team. I highly recommend!Posted on Google
Arthur Williams436 days agoVery friendly. On time and very professional. I have had great results. Dr Nabity is thorough and has a great bedside manner. I highly recommend.Posted on Google
Judith Schwagle450 days agoDr. Nabity is awesome! He spent over an hour with my husband and me going over my MRI’s for hip issues and all other information. He explained everything about PRP and answered all my questions. While we were there, he even checked out my husband’s hip problem too and gave him suggestions as well. I am very pleased with the plan of action we chose together. Looking forward to healing!!Posted on Google
M Fuller466 days agoI’ve been coming here to bring my wife since the other builder an to my surprise it was a guy there Name Joe! His badge said lead receptionist. His hospitality customer service was simply outstanding. He offer me, coffee water, and even asked me would I be interested in some services which was great because you all have services geared towards men and it’s just a little bit more comfortable talking to a guy. So Thank you Sir I hope the Doctors give u a hi five for a awesome JobPosted on Google
Nneka Jackson471 days agoJazz was so helpful and knowledgeable!!Posted on Google
Carol Anderson497 days agoPosted on Google
Mary BeesVideo508 days agoThese doctors really listen to you, and they give you different opinions to help with pain management. My sister told me about them, one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.Posted on Google
Anthony Karpowitsch532 days agoDr farhat is an amazing doctor that actually cares about his patients. The surgery team like the nurse and anesthesia Dr were phenomenal. I highly recommend this doctors office. Everyone from the front office staff to the medical assistants are so friendly and knowledgeable. 5/5Posted on Google
James Grech556 days agoThis is only a review for the first consultation. I met with Dr. Santa Anna and I was very impressed with his ability to explain my options after looking at my previous MRI's and also doing ultra sound on my shoulder. I did not feel any pressure and he gave me multiple options with his opinion on what would be the best option. I have not gotten any procedures yet and will update after I do. This is for those that might be nervous about going here for their first consultation.Posted on Google
Jason Buynak560 days agoI have been seeing Dr. Farhat for almost 5 or six years now. Was in an auto accident that has given me problems which led to five surgeries over the last six years. He is one of the only people that I believe that has helped my pain from my back and from my neck. He joined a wonderful group of doctors that I had seen before and I would have nothing but good things to say about every single one of them and highly recommend any of these physicians to anybody that needs care to get out of the ailment’s they have. You should have every bit of confidence in the care that they provide. They have put the care back in healthcare that has been so deeply diminishing with our insurance companies. See these guys first before you do any major surgery!Posted on Google
Isaac Schaberg661 days agoThank you doctor Farhat! Before visiting the Michigan Center For Regenerative Medicine. I had been dealing with a herniated disc for over a year. At times it was debilitating, and made doing most things unbearable. I am 4 weeks post stem cell and PRP injections and the difference I feel is unbelievable. My back pain is gone and I feel amazing! I am so thankful to have gone to the Michigan Center For Regenerative Medicine. It is 100% worth it.Posted on Google
Derek Voigt663 days agoI saw Dr Nabity for an ankle issue I had been dealing with for a year. Dr Nabity was very personable and really listened to me about my issue. He then offered a solution and explained why this he suggested this particular solution. 3 months after the procedure I’m having great improvements and am well on the way to full recovery.Posted on Google
Charlotte Douglas745 days agoI’m grateful for the care and attention I received by Dr Farhat and his staff pertaining to an auto accident injury I sustained. He was extremely helpful in my recovery! I did not feel pressured into anything and everything was explained to me in detail so I knew what to expect. I received a PRP procedure on my neck and EMP. He also helped coordinate with other doctors to make sure I got the help I needed. He went above and beyond and for that I am truly grateful and highly reccomend this practice to others. 5 stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Posted on Google
samie ledyard753 days agoI am very happy with my stem cell therapy. I can now walk without a limp most days and it's only been 12 weeks. I would and do recommend this office and procedure to everyone.Posted on Google
John Furlano797 days agoThey did an excellent review of my symptoms to determine the best treatment plan for me, which resulted in a great outcome! No high pressure sales, just first class medical consultation to assist with making my own choices!Posted on Google
Jody DeRosier829 days agoDr. Farhat and his team are fantastic! After he helped me through resolving some lower back pain last year, I returned this spring for PRP in both knees. This procedure greatly improved my everyday activities: getting up from a chair, getting in and out of a car, and so much more! An added bonus is that I had been taking pain reliever once or twice a week for achey knees, but I haven't needed it even once since. A total win!Posted on Google
Carol Frontczak843 days agoI had been suffering with a lumbar herniated disc for two years and did not want pain injections when I saw Dr. Nabity. After reviewing my MRI he told me I would be a candidate for stem cell injections. He explained everything and I had the procedure. It has been 3 months and my pain has reduced and my mobility has increased. I would highly recommend Dr. Nabity and MCRM.Posted on Google
MaryAnne Rizza848 days agoLower back pain gone, knee pain significantly reduced.Posted on Google
Christy Pass-Livingston849 days agoI highly recommend Dr Santos and Dr Farhat. We've had two issues in our family, my husband had debilitating arthritis and Dr Santos did a stem cell procedure a few years ago, it saved my husband's life. His pain was so severe and crippling, he was walking with a cane, it would take him 10 minutes to be able to get out of bed, even riding in a car would cause him excruciating pain. Within months of the procedure, he was able to start walking without a cane and his back continued to improve. He even went sky diving about a year later. We took my son here to see Dr Farhat about peripheral neuropathy. Dr Farhat had a great bedside manner. He took the time to talk to my son and exam him. Unfortunately a stem cell procedure is not an option to help with neuropathy, but he prescribed mediation that has taken away the severe pain he was experiencing. Other doctors we saw didn't take the time and just wrote my son off. Just after a couple of weeks on the medication, my son's pain is nearly gone. I can't thank the doctors enough for how much they have helped our family.Posted on Google
Rob F882 days agoPosted on Google
Teresa Ransom941 days agoI highly recommend this clinic! I'm Canadian, and went there for prolotherapy injections for tailbone pain and knee hypermobility. Doctor Santa Ana was thorough, heard me out and even adjusted his treatment plan to target a particular ligament, as I requested. I have found the treatment very helpful and my pain is much much improved. Dr. Santa Ana went above and beyond . Thank you so much!Posted on Google
Trisha Ward949 days agoIt has been 3 months since I had my bone marrow/PRF & PRP treatments. I had my left knee, both hips and L-3,4,5 transplant-injections. Before treatment my pain level was unbearable. I couldn’t get through a day or night without pain. I couldn’t sleep on my side (hips), my knee woke me up many times each night. I tried Physical Therapy twice, acupuncture and was told to try cortisol shots. I did not want to just have a temporary solution, if that would have helped at all. I do not have any pain in my knee now. My hips and back pain is a One to Two on the pain scale now because I now can exercise twice a day for 20-30 minutes. The procedure was not painful at all. I am thankful for the Doctors and Nurses at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. My body is only three months into this journey of healing, I will continue to heal and improve over the next three months. Many thanks Dr. SantaAna.Posted on Google
Sherry Wood970 days agoAfter years of enduring excruciating pain and sleepless nights, I found relief at the Michigan Center For Regenerative Medicine. Chronic back and shoulder discomfort had taken a toll on my well-being, leaving me fatigued and irritable. My family even nicknamed me "Shrek" due to my constant agony. However, thanks to the expert care I received at the center, I've experienced a remarkable transformation. Following treatment for my back and shoulder, I am now able to lift my arm over my head—a simple task that had eluded me for years. Today, I am no longer plagued by pain and misery, and I finally find myself living a life filled with happiness and comfort. (from Tom Lints)Posted on Google
Kris Pline991 days agoI was having serious SI joint flares for a few months and was having a hard time working because of the pain and inability to walk very well. I then started physical therapy but was not able to do my exercises very well because of the pain. I heard about PRP and contacted the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. I was able to get PRP done the next week and it was a life saver! I truly thought I was never going to be the same again. All the staff and Doctor Santa Ana were super kind and helpful during the procedure. I felt better right away and have not had a flare since the procedure. I am so thankful and recommend this to anyone with severe pain!Posted on Google
Cheri Furlano997 days agoDr Nabity takes the time needed to explain procedures and answer questions and concerns. The procedure went well and my bodies response has been a success. The pain I had is effectively gone. This has been a really great experience.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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Contact Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine Today and Discover If You are a Candidate. Home Office and Medical Center located at 355 Barclay Cir Suite A Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Visit our new location at 1000 E. Paris Ave SE Suite 221, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
