Regenerative Medicine
regenerative medicine in johnson city, tn
Body Tissue to Heal
The Caudle Center is proud to treat patients through the application of regenerative medicine, which involves using your own body tissue or donated tissue to heal injuries or disease.
Regenerative medicine can be utilized to treat and reduce the symptoms of many different kinds of conditions, including: hair loss, joint disease, erectile dysfunction, sports injuries, COPD, type 1 diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, stroke.
Regenerative medicine can be utilized to treat and reduce the symptoms of many different kinds of conditions, including:
- Hair Loss
- Joint Disease
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Sports Injuries
- COPD
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spinal cord Injuries
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lupus
- Stroke
Erectile Dysfunction
At The Caudle Center, we offer assistance to men who struggle with their sexual performance. Almost all men have occasionally experienced some difficulty developing or maintaining an erection, but that is not enough for a diagnosis.
However, when it continues to occur and persist, then it may be time to come in for a consultation.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are two main causes of erectile dysfunction that can affect men’s sex lives: medical conditions and psychosocial problems. These can include issues with intimacy in a relationship to hormones and blood supply due to underlying medical conditions.
Oftentimes, it is a physical issue causing erectile dysfunction. Some factors may include heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disorders, smoking, substance abuse, injuries in the pelvic region or spinal cord, and several other smaller physical issues.
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
To treat erectile dysfunction, our doctors will conduct a thorough medical exam to ensure you are in good health and taking the proper steps to cure your condition naturally. Following the examination and discussion of your medical history, our doctors will work with you to find the right treatment plan for your lifestyle.
Joint Disease
Acute joint pain is typically the result of an injury or direct trauma, while chronic joint pain can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Chronic joint pain can also develop as a result of an underlying medical condition such as dislocation, infection, osteoporosis, cancer, or fibromyalgia.
Medical Care for Joint Pain
Joint pain can occur in any joint of the body, but most patients who experience joint pain do so in the knees, hips, shoulders, or spine. Persistent and severe pain that prohibits your ability to complete everyday tasks should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. If you notice redness, joint deformity, swelling, or reduced range of motion, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Treatments for Joint Pain
- If over-the-counter medications prove unable to relieve your pain, we may then proceed with other treatments such as prescription medications, epidural steroid injections, or nerve blocks.
- Strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint is important to healing and preventing future flare-ups, so we may recommend at-home exercises or physical therapy as well.
- In some cases, we may recommend regenerative therapy to help with the healing of your joints. During this type of regenerative therapy, we will take a sample of your bone marrow and inject it into the damaged joints. Bone marrow has a high concentration of cells that have the ability to stimulate the growth of new bone and cartilage cells to help restore your joints to normal functionality and comfort.
Hair Loss
If you're concerned about hair loss, the Caudle Center can help. We offer a variety of treatment options for men experiencing hair loss.
Our team of expert stylists will work with you to find the right treatment plan for your individual needs. We understand that hair loss can be a sensitive issue, and we're here to help you feel your best.
Lifecycle of a Hair Follicle
Causes of Hair Loss
There are many causes of hair loss. The two most common types are male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss; each represents a different hair loss pattern.
Male Pattern Hair Loss (androgenetic alopecia)
This is the most common hair loss pattern in men and is characterized as nonscarring diffuse hair loss evolving from progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and, consequently, progressive reduction of total hair count and thickness, primarily involving the frontal and central scalp areas and extending laterally.
Male pattern hair loss is an inherited genetic condition related to that individual’s hair follicle sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in some areas of the scalp. DHT is believed to affect the anagen phase of the hair cycle, causing a shortening from a usual duration of 3–6 years to just weeks or months. The genetic predisposition comes from either parent or both parents.
The male hair loss pattern differs from the female pattern hair loss. Hair loss begins above both temples, and over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. Hair also thins at the crown (near the top of the head), often progressing to partial or complete baldness.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (androgenetic alopecia)
This is the most common hair loss pattern in women and is characterized as nonscarring diffuse hair loss evolving from progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and, consequently, progressive reduction of total hair count and thickness, primarily involving the frontal and central scalp areas and extending laterally. Hair loss in women tends to be less severe and rarely leads to total baldness, as women tend to maintain their frontal hairline, and the loss is more diffuse.
Male pattern hair loss can occur in women but is uncommon. Hair loss in women is more complex involving more genetic influences and is multifactorial including additional influence of environmental factors. Various possible hormonal influences include androgens, estradiol, progesterone, thyroid hormone, hormonal changes of pregnancy or menopause.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
- Thyroid dysfunction.
- Post-partum.
- Nutritional deficiencies such as Iron, Zinc, protein, or Vitamin D deficiency.
- Rapid weight loss.
- High-stress levels or major life events causing emotional and hormonal changes.
- Inflammatory conditions causing scarring of the hair such as folliculitis, infection, lichen type changes, and lupus.
- Secondary scarring from traumatic scalp injuries, surgery on or through the scalp, keloids, burns.
- Medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, high doses of Vitamin A, low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin, dalteparin), warfarin (rare), lithium, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine/Prozac), Retinoids (Acetretin, Isotretinoin, Vitamin A supplements), antimicrobials (Isoniazid, Antiretrovirals like Indinavir).
- Chemotherapy.
- Autoimmune causes.
- Traction on hair roots such as tight braids, glued hairpieces, or anything where the hair is pulled tight.
- Excessive pressure to an area of the scalp, such as a type of pressure sore.
- Excessive pressure to an area of the scalp, such as a type of pressure sore.
- Radiation-induced.
- Infections such as Syphilis, bacteria, fungus (tinea capitis), or untreated ringworm of the scalp.
- Scalp conditions causing itchy scalp, hair loss, and flaking repeated scratching such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Hair Loss Treatments
Male or Female pattern hair loss can mimic and often runs concurrently with other health problems that may affect hair loss. A detailed medical history and physical examination are necessary.
It is easier to treat hair loss early when the process is starting and hair structures are still present but dormant than when the hair structures are absent and dead. The earlier treatment leads to better results. Both male and female pattern hair loss is not cured in a “one and done” treatment. It requires lifelong treatment. Any break in treatment will begin the hair loss process.
Current treatment options include
- Hair replacement / transplantation
- Cosmetics
- Micropigmentation (tattoo) to resemble shaven scalp
- Hairpieces
- Minoxidil solution
- Finasteride tablets (type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor)
- Dutasteride
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Microneedling
- Low-level light therapy
- Stem cell therapy
Medications
The medications listed (Minoxidil, Finasteride, & Dutasteride) have the potential to cause fetal abnormalities and are thus contraindicated in pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant. Those three medications affect androgen metabolism or its effects. The use of medications is the cornerstone of male or female hair loss treatment. These are FDA-approved medications.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelets are rich in numerous growth factors that are released upon platelet activation (injection into the scalp). The growth factors activate stem cells in the bulge area of follicles, encourage the growth of existing hair, as well as encourage the formation of microvascular networks improving circulation and eventually providing the nutrients required for hair growth. Clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of PRP therapy in hair loss.
Typically 3 to 5 sessions are performed in the desired area within 4 - 6 months. Injections can range from every two weeks to once monthly. Then booster treatments are performed every three to six months to one year afterward. Studies have shown that the hair regrown from PRP can last for up to 18 months after treatment. I recommend once-yearly boosters to keep the regrowth.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive dermatologic procedure in which fine needles are rolled over the skin to puncture the top layer of the skin (stratum corneum). The physical trauma from needle penetration induces a wound-healing cascade with minimal damage to the epidermis that induces collagen formation, neovascularization, and growth factor production in the treated areas. Microneedling has shown promising results as an adjuvant treatment with existing techniques.
Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a relatively new technique for hair loss treatment. The biochemical mechanisms are not completely understood, but the cellular respiratory chain of mitochondria probably absorbs the light energy, which results in increased electron transport and the promotion of cellular signaling and, in turn, allows for hair regrowth. LLLT efficacy is still being studied. It seems that LLLT in the 650 to 900 nm wavelength at 5mW may be a therapeutic option for patients with male or female pattern hair loss.
Regenerative (Stem cell) Medicine
Adipose-derived stem cells show much promise in hair loss treatment. Adipose-derived stem cells are multipotent cells that have shown potential for regenerative medicine. Adipose-derived stem cells not only differentiate into mesenchymal lineage cells but also secrete various growth factors. Recent studies have reported that adipose-derived stem cells promote hair growth via growth factor secretion. We have already used adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium to treat alopecia and reported good results.
FAQ's About Hair Loss
How is hair loss (Baldness) defined?
All normal men and women lose scalp hair every day, which averages between 25 to 100 hairs per day. Some individuals can normally shed up to 150 hairs per day. When hair loss is increased compared to daily baseline hair loss, or it occurs in patches, then it is abnormal. Abnormal hair shedding or bald areas on the scalp constitute a hair loss disorder known as alopecia. Hair usually becomes thin and weak (miniaturization) before there is a complete loss.
Why is hair loss important?
Hair loss isn’t only just cosmetic. Hair loss can have detrimental psychological effects. Studies have shown that hair loss can be associated with low self-esteem, depression, introversion, and feelings of unattractiveness. This is particularly true in Western societies and increasingly true in Eastern societies. Generally, economically developed countries place great value on youthful appearance and attractiveness.
Some studies have shown that based on appearance alone, men with hair loss (as well as other features) are seen as less attractive, less assertive, less likable, and less successful than men without hair loss.
How prevalent is hair loss?
- Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50, and up to 80% of men age 70, will be affected by male pattern baldness to some extent.
- Studies have shown that about 25% of all women at the age of 50, and up to 42% of women by age 70, will be affected by female pattern baldness to some extent.
- Hair loss in Caucasians is more prevalent than in blacks or Asians.
Regenerative Cell Therapy
Regenerative Cell Therapy represents a promising frontier in medical innovation, offering potential solutions for individuals grappling with knee and joint problems, as well as hair loss. This revolutionary approach harnesses the body's healing capabilities by utilizing regenerative cells, such as stem cells or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Knees & Joints
In the context of knees and joints, the therapy aims to provide relief to those afflicted by conditions like osteoarthritis or injuries, where traditional treatments might fall short. By introducing regenerative cells into the affected area, the therapy aims to facilitate the rebuilding of damaged cartilage and tissue, potentially alleviating pain and restoring mobility.
Hair Loss
Similarly, in the realm of hair restoration, regenerative cell therapy seeks to rejuvenate hair follicles and promote hair growth, offering a non-invasive alternative to more traditional approaches.
Regenerative Platelet Rich Therapy
Regenerative Platelet Rich Therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking avenue for addressing issues pertaining to knees, joints, and hair. Leveraging the body's own healing potential, this innovative treatment utilizes platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated solution derived from the patient's own blood, to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Knees & Joints
When applied to knees and joints afflicted by conditions such as osteoarthritis or sports injuries, PRP therapy aims to accelerate the body's natural healing processes, potentially reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting enhanced joint function.
Hair Loss
Additionally, PRP has garnered attention as a non-surgical solution for hair loss, as it is believed to nourish hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.