Introduction
Welcome to Living Pain-Free with Dr. Marc Darrow, MD, and Dr. Thomas Grove from the Stem Cell Institute in West Los Angeles. This program is designed to provide effective solutions for pain relief, focusing on innovative medical approaches.
Meet the Hosts
Dr. Marc Darrow is a board-certified medical doctor who completed his studies at UCLA. He specializes in using stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to heal the body and teaches about the use of stem cells, PRP, and prolotherapy.
Dr. Thomas Grove is a regenerative medicine specialist and an expert in ultrasound-guided injections. He brings extensive experience as both an athlete and a strength and conditioning coach. Together, Dr. Darrow and Dr. Grove offer guidance that could lead to a life free from pain.
To speak with Dr. Darrow and Dr. Grove, call 866-870-KRLA (866-870-5752). You can also request a copy of Dr. Darrow’s book, “Stem Cell and Platelet Therapy.”
Regenerate, Don’t Operate. Now, here’s Dr. Darrow with his co-host, Dr. Thomas Grove.
Dr. Grove’s Introduction
Hello everyone, and welcome back to Living Pain-Free. I’m your host, Dr. Thomas Grove, a board-certified physician fellowship trained in sports medicine. One of my favorite tools is regenerative medicine.
Regenerative Medicine Overview
Today, we have the ability to harness the body’s own healing cells, such as platelets and stem cells, as powerful tools for recovery. If you experience pain or damage to musculoskeletal tissues—like ligaments, tendons, or joints—modern medicine offers options beyond steroid shots, pain medications, and unnecessary surgeries.
Regenerative medicine allows us to take healing cells and inject them with image guidance using musculoskeletal ultrasound. This process targets affected tissues, promoting healing and helping patients return to physical fitness and activity while avoiding surgery.
Patient Testimonial: Jonathan
Jonathan from Albuquerque, New Mexico, called in to share his journey. After two treatments at the Stem Cell Institute by Dr. Grove, he noticed daily improvements four weeks after his second set of injections. The pain in the injected areas, near the hip and gluteus maximus, had nearly disappeared, allowing him to walk better.
Jonathan had struggled with chronic pain in these areas for months, which impacted his active lifestyle. He regularly participates in road bicycling, sprinting, long rides, running trail events, weightlifting, yoga, stretching, and strength training. Staying active and competitive has been his mantra for over forty years.
Jonathan described the mental challenge of healing, needing patience and discipline to pivot his routine. After multiple disappointments with other treatments and advice, he found regenerative medicine to be a more permanent and clean solution. Small improvements confirmed he made the right decision, even though it required changing habits and temporarily losing the runner’s high or workout euphoria.
Dr. Grove emphasized the importance of relative rest and pivoting exercise routines during the healing phase. After a rest period, patients can slowly ramp up activity, ensuring a safer recovery trajectory. Those who return to full intensity too soon risk setbacks.
Regenerative medicine differs from steroid shots, which provide quick relief but can be toxic and do not offer long-term healing. Instead, regenerative treatments spark healing and structural integrity, leading to less pain and more function.
Jonathan credited Dr. Grove for his role as a coach, helping maintain a positive mindset and adherence to the healing course. After weeks of patience and rest, he returned to a normal lifestyle and expressed gratitude for the care received.
Living Pain Free: Exploring Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine
Introduction
Welcome back to Living Pain Free. I’m your host, Dr. Thomas Grove, and today we’re delving into the world of sports medicine and musculoskeletal medicine. If you or someone you love is dealing with aches or pains, this segment is for you.
Alternatives to Pain Medication, Steroid Shots, and Surgery
If you’re thinking you’d rather avoid pain pills, steroid shots, or surgery, you’re not alone. One of the biggest breakthroughs in sports medicine today is regenerative medicine. This innovative approach harnesses the body’s own healing cells—like platelets from blood or stem cells from bone marrow—to promote healing in targeted areas. By injecting these cells, we aim to kickstart the healing process and help patients avoid traditional pain management methods and surgical interventions.
How Regenerative Medicine Works
Regenerative medicine takes advantage of the body’s natural ability to heal. Platelets and stem cells are concentrated and injected into areas that need repair, such as injured joints, tendons, or ligaments. The goal is to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and restore function, minimizing the need for pain medications, steroid shots, or surgery. If you or a loved one is suffering from aches or pains, you can reach out and talk live in the studio for guidance and support.
Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment Tools
Thanks to improvements in musculoskeletal ultrasound technology, we can now diagnose and treat nerve issues, such as peripheral nerve entrapment and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as overuse injuries and metabolic conditions that irritate nerves. Symptoms like weakness, pins and needles, or sudden numbness can often be addressed through regenerative medicine guided by ultrasound, which offers higher definition than MRI and allows for precise treatment.
Importance of Physical Examination
A thorough hands-on physical exam is essential for diagnosing pain. Static images like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays provide an anatomical overview but do not reflect tissue function. Sometimes, pain isn’t caused by the joint itself but by surrounding structures like ligaments or tendons. Addressing the functional unit around the pain spot is crucial for comprehensive care.
Case Study: The Value of Physical Exam
Dr. Grove shared a case involving a patient in their 50s who underwent knee replacement after being diagnosed with arthritis based solely on an X-ray. The patient’s pain persisted and worsened post-surgery. A physical exam revealed the pain originated from a hamstring tendon, not the joint. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound, a partial tendon tear was identified and successfully treated with regenerative medicine, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Considerations for Surgery
Most orthopedic surgeries are elective, not emergency procedures. Patients should not feel pressured into interventions, especially those with significant risks and side effects. Dr. Grove encourages patients to weigh the pros and cons, seek alternative solutions, and remember that surgery should not always be the first choice for musculoskeletal injuries.
Risks of Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacements, commonly for knees, hips, and shoulders, carry risks such as infection due to poor blood supply in artificial joints. Infections can be life-threatening and often require additional surgeries and long-term antibiotics, which may disrupt gut health and cause other complications.
Healing Process and Recovery
After regenerative treatments, it’s important to gradually return to activity. Healing progresses through several phases—initial inflammation, tissue proliferation, and maturation. Load-bearing areas may take weeks or months to heal, and pain relief does not always mean the tissue is fully recovered. Patients should follow aftercare instructions and allow adequate time for optimal recovery.
Medications to Avoid During Healing
Steroid shots and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or prescription-strength options block the healing process. These medications may provide temporary relief but interfere with tissue regeneration. To optimize healing, patients should avoid anti-inflammatory medications post-treatment.
Optimizing Recovery
Maintaining good nutrition, hydration, and sleep are essential after treatment. Every injury and patient is unique, so recovery timelines vary. Patience is vital—rushing the healing process can lead to setbacks.
