A Primary Care Sports Medicine (PCSM) Physician is a specialist trained in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury to help you achieve your personal best and lead a healthier lifestyle. PCSM physicians can maximize non-operative treatment, guide appropriate referrals to physical and occupational therapies, and if necessary, expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon. The majority of PCSM physicians are experienced in ultrasonography, a rapidly developing technology used for diagnostic as well as treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, as well as regenerative medicine (sometimes referred to as “biologics”), which is becoming a popular treatment option in treating musculoskeletal pain and injury. PCSM physicians are ideal physicians for both the elite-level athletes as well as the non-athletes who wish to become active or begin an exercise program.
SPORTS MEDICINE
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Regenerative medicine aims to reduce inflammation, decrease pain and improve function by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Treatments are often administered via a localized injection to the affected site of injury or area of inflammation. The two most common injectables are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), the latter of which contains stem cells.
PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
PRP utilizes a patient’s own blood to promote a localized healing response. It is the combination of plasma and platelets at very high concentrations (sometimes as high as 5-10 times greater than normal). Platelets contain proteins called growth factors which can be very advantageous in the healing of injuries. This process involves drawing blood from your arm and spinning it down in a special centrifuge to separate components, including platelets, plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The concentrated platelets and plasma are then combined, resulting in platelet rich plasma. This can then be injected directly into the site of injury or area of arthritis. In response to the injection, your body’s immune system is stimulated, resulting in an influx of healing cells. These cells clear away damaged tissue and promote stem cells to multiply, forming new healthy tissue. Along with increased healing potential, studies suggest that PRP reduces pain and improves joint motion and function. Most importantly, PRP is safe, efficacious, and supported by the highest level of evidence (Level I studies). This healing option is not covered by insurance.
STEM CELL TREATMENTS: BONE MARROW ASPIRATE CONCENTRATE (BMAC)
BMAC is similar to PRP in that it leverages the body’s own bone marrow stem cells to promote a more robust healing response and rebuild damaged tissue. It does this by delivering living cells directly to the area of injury. To achieve this, bone marrow is aspirated from the hip region and concentrated with a centrifuge to produce bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). These living cells are delivered via injection directly to the site of injury, potentially allowing for a greater response compared to PRP. However, although numerous studies have revealed promising results, more well-controlled, high-quality studies are needed to further validate the efficacy. This healing option is also not covered by insurance.
WHY CONSIDER THESE TYPES OF TREATMENTS?
FDA APPROVED: We have FDA oversight to guide medical providers with specific standards to safeguard patient outcomes.
EXPANDING RESEARCH: We are seeing an increase in studies on how PRP and stem cell therapies are having an impact on health and wellness.
QUALITY OF LIFE CHANGES: These treatments can help get patients back in action and achieve their goals.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT: These therapies can alleviate pain and improve healing without the risks associated with surgery.
NON-MEDICATION TREATMENT OPTION: Many patients prefer to stay away from or reduce their use of medications due to side effects and dependence. These treatments can provide them another, safer option.
SAFE & EFFECTIVE: PRP and stem cells treatments reduce inflammation, dampen pain signals, and stimulate your body’s own healing and regenerative mechanisms.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss regenerative medicine please call PRO SPORT at (253) 853-4000
For more information on regenerative medicine click the links below.
Nels Sampatacos, MD
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Ortholllustrated: An online patient educational resource with 3D surgical animations and summaries of diagnoses & treatments
OUR TEAM BASED APPROACH TO SPORTS MEDICINE
What our patients are saying
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A friend of mine from the Sounders referred me to Dr. Sampatacos and his team after I injured my knee. Great guy and surgeon. The entire process from surgery to rehab has been significantly easier thanks to the expertise of this doctor and his team. More places should consider building a business that incorporates so many specialists under one roof.
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Couldn’t be happier. Dr. Sampatacos spent more time with me than any doctor I’ve ever met, and the rest of the staff was amazing too. So glad I was referred to them.
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The treatment I have received from Dr. Sean Spaulding has been nothing less than life changing! Sean has provided me with the perfect combination of Chiropractic, Tissue Manipulation and Physical Therapeutic care. I suffered decades with chronic problems and endlessly searching for the right team of chiropractors, massage therapists and personal trainers to alleviate my physical problems. I never thought I would be able to receive this amount of successful treatment from one person. I am looking forward to continuing my treatment with Dr. Sean Spaulding. You should too!
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I started seeing Dr. Hartford after going to a physiotherapist for 4 months with no change. I was skeptical at first after being frustrated with my previous care. Dr. Hartford is very knowledgeable and caring. And I am now better! I can’t recommend him and Dr. Spaulding enough. I was sure my next step was surgery. So even though their office is an hour away from my house, I decided to give them a try. One of the main reasons was that Dr. Hartford works with the Sounders. I figure if a pro sports team trusts him, then that’s where I want to go. Dr. Hartford is worth every penny, and he’s super funny too! If you need a chiropractor go here! I am through with my current problem, but will return in a second if I am in need of any chiropractic care.
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Best place I’ve ever been to and I highly recommend Pro Sport and Spine to anyone that wants to heal, strengthen and maintain their body. They are better and unlike any other chiropractor I’ve seen. With hour long appointments, dedicated solely on me, I receive soft tissue work, adjustments stretches and exercises. Both doctors, Sean and Forest, are equally great, knowledgeable, passionate, friendly and truly care about my experience. I have gone to chiropractors, physical therapists, masseuses and orthopedic surgeons, but Pro Sport and Spine has made the biggest difference with my injuries and pain. I completely trust them and will be forever grateful and loyal. Every visit I learn new things and always leave happy!
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I love this place! After about 9 months of struggling with hip pain, I decided to try Pro Sport and Spine. I have not been a fan of chiropractors in the past, however had read about their Active Release Technique and sports-minded approach and decided to give them a try. Their office has always been very friendly and helpful. Dr. Spaulding has combined his expertise along with teaching and encouraging me to work hard on home exercises. I am so thrilled with the progress he has helped me to achieve and am so excited to run and ski again!
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Dr Hartford is Amazing! I stated seeing him as a last resort. I tried Everything to help my back pain! I was in so much pain with 2 herniated discs and intense nerve pain. He worked with me and never gave up on me. To this day I have no sciatic nerve issues. I believe so much in what he does through ART. This is no ordinary Chiropractor he spends time with you and really cares for his patients. I could honestly go on and on how much I believe in his treatment.