Our experienced GPs can do pre-employment medical assessments and also manage injuries sustained at work through WorkCover. Both of these services are important for business and employees alike. Australians spend about one third of their lives of their lives at work, it therefore makes sense to regard the workplace as an important setting for improving and maintaining good health.
We have a standard pre-employment medical report that has been developed to ensure that information is provided in a clear and concise manner. Our comprehensive health service includes pre-employment medicals, injury management and managed rehabilitation, as well as back to work assessments for staff.
Regenerative Medicine for Joint & Muscle Repair, Regeneration and Restoration
What are Stem Cells? Our bodies are made up of many different types of cells e.g., nerve cells, skin cells, blood cells, etc. Many similar cells make up a tissue, many similar tissues make up an organ (e.g., liver, kidney) and many organs make up a system (e.g., nervous system, circulatory system, etc.) If cells die in any one of these areas new cells are needed to replace them. In these situations, the cells that are responsible for creating new cells are 'stem cells' or otherwise known as 'regenerative stem cells’. For example, when the skin or a joint gets injured and damaged new skin is formed. The cells which are used to form new skin are stem cells (regenerative stem cells.)
Stem Cell Characteristics
Capable of creating more of itself many times – produce a cell that has identical properties as the original cells
Capable of generating many different types of cells e.g., muscle cells, skin cells, etc. at the site of the injury
Homing capability – Stem cells detect damaged tissue in the body and get to this specific damaged area by travelling inside the body, where they regenerate and repair the injured tissue.
Distributed throughout the body - these cells are called tissue stem cells (or adult stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells.)
Stem cells are commonly obtained from bone marrow and fat due to easy access.
What is stem cell therapy? It is the process of natural repair and healing of injuries by using your own stem cells obtained from your own bone marrow, fat or blood and placing them at the site of injury.
Stem cells begin to divide in an organ when the cells die due to disease or ageing. They replace the dead or damaged cells through a regenerative mechanism. However, the number of stem cells present in each organ is limited and may not be sufficient to replace all the dead and damaged cells. In particular, as the human body ages and disease progresses the multiplying capacity of the stem cells in an organ is significantly reduced. If stem cells can be injected from the outside, the damaged organs can be treated by replacing damaged cells and by inhibiting the death of cells. It has many advantages, but the effect of treatment varies depending on the disease type and severity, and on the individual's makeup.
Stem Cell Functions
Injury healing – Stem cells travel to the site of the injury and replace the damaged cells.
Blood supply – Stem cells create blood vessels that are needed to supply nutrients and oxygen.
Immune function – Stem cells can change into immune cells to assist in the regulation of the immune system.
Activation of surrounding cells – Stem cells could recruit and attract other stem cells from the different parts of the body.
Stem Cell Treatable Conditions Osteoarthritis – this is a chronic degenerative condition that is commonly left untreated due to it being widely accepted as one of the many stages of growing older. As you age your cartilage wears out this can lead to degenerative arthritis which is bone deformation and/or inflammation that will cause pain in the joint. However in the early or mid-stages of the condition, the symptoms can be relieved and the regeneration process can be stimulated. with the non-surgical use of stem cells and PRP (or blood stem cell) treatments. In the later stages of the condition there may be severe pain due to bone deformation, so the prime objective is to prevent it from progressing to that point where artificial joint surgery will be required.
Other treatable areas:
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Achilles tendinosis
Plantar fasciitis
Thigh tendons
Buttock tendons
Can also be used for male and female hair loss and anti-ageing treatments in the face.
Advantage of Stem Cell Treatment
Due to the use of the patients own cells, there are usually no adverse reactions by the stem cells.
The process of regeneration and pain relief is relatively fast.
It is a safer treatment than surgeries as it has a reduced level of the likelihood of infections or allergic reactions.
The natural effects of the treatment could last longer.
It can be used to treat various joints and also can be used to repair cartilage and tendon damages.
After the treatment, you can carry on with your usual activities from the next day.
The synergy effect increases when it is implemented with other treatments.
It is very cost-efficient as it does not require expensive surgery or hospital fees.
Misconception about the adult stem cell treatment
‘In the future stem cells will cure all and everyone’ - stem cell treatment at present is not a cure for all diseases.
‘Stem cells cause cancer’ – a adult stem cell treatment does not cause cancer
‘All stem cells are illegal.’ – use of embryonic stem cells is highly controlled but the use of adult stem cells is not. It is safe and easily accessible.
‘Stem cell therapies are super expensive’ - the treatment now is very affordable especially in comparison to surgery
‘One can make stem cells by eating a specific food.’ - this is not true.
‘Stem cells from placenta are the best.’ – this is not true. The number of stem cells in the placenta, in fat, and bone marrow is similar.
The Procedure
After a consultation with the doctor, blood tests and imaging studies are conducted in preparation for the procedure.
The procedure is done in our rooms. After a local anaesthesia a specialised needle is used to collect the bone marrow or fat. The procedure does not require any sort of incisions.
The collected bone marrow or fat is processed to collect the stem cells.
The extracted cells are then directly injected into the damaged areas - e.g. joints, knees, shoulders, site of tendon or cartilage injuries.
Recovery and observation
As with any medical treatment, a full consultation to assess suitability is required. Please tell our receptionists if your appointment is for a Regenerative Medicine consultation as you will require at least 30 minute appointment. Please call the surgery on (02) 9194-2788 to arrange a consultation.
