Stem Cell Therapy vs. Shoulder Surgery: What You Need to Know

Scott Brandt, M.D. January 19, 2021 Stem Cell Therapy, Stem Cells for Joint & Soft Tissue Pain, Stem Cells for Shoulder

The human shoulder consists of three bones (the clavicle, scapula and humerus) and many tendons, ligaments and muscles that link together with a series of four joints. Injury, disease and normal wear and tear issues can affect any part of the shoulder and typically present as fractures in bones, tears in tendons and/or arthritis and instability. Indeed, the shoulder is especially prone to all types of problems because it is constantly being used, moving our arms in a wide range of motion so that we are able to push, pull, ...

2 of the Most Common Stem Cell Treatments

Scott Brandt, M.D. January 5, 2021 Stem Cell Therapy, Stem Cells for Back Pain, Stem Cells for Joint & Soft Tissue Pain

The study of stem cells remains one of science’s most promising frontiers. For more than 70 years, research has continued to shed light on the value and potential of stem cell treatments. From a basic understanding of the stem cell’s role in early cell differentiation to today’s more nuanced exploration of their regenerative effects, researchers and clinicians are harnessing the power of stem cells in ways that are improving the lives of patients with an increasing variety of problems and conditions. No longer are stem cell transplants (to treat cancer) ...

Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe? The Truth Revealed

Scott Brandt, M.D. December 15, 2020 Research, Stem Cell Therapy

The safety of any medical procedure relies on a combination of factors: the efficacy of the research supporting it, the experience of the physician(s) and medical staff involved, the overall health of the patient, the cleanliness of instruments and space used and more. Some even believe the time of day it is performed can affect a procedure’s outcome! That’s why it’s important— whether facing an invasive surgery or a routine skin check — that patients and doctors alike communicate, discussing honestly and exhaustively the pros and cons of treatment so ...

GAINSWave and Stem Cell Therapy – Breakthrough Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction Now in Denver

Scott Brandt, M.D. January 2, 2018 Erectile Dysfunction, Research, Stem Cell Therapy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that has been reaching epidemic numbers - 1 out of 10 men globally suffer from the condition. ED affects not only men, but also their partners; it affects the quality of both their sex life and their overall happiness. When the men seek help for ED, they are often prescribed drugs such as Viagra and Cialis, that only address the symptoms. Worsening blood flow in the penis, the root cause of the problem, remains untreated with medication therapy. Share this post:I am proud to ...

Alpha 2 Macroglobulin Injections – A2M: A New Treatment for Arthritis

Scott Brandt, M.D. December 15, 2016 Knee Replacement Alternative, Other, Stem Cell Therapy

ThriveMD is proud to announce the newest biologic treatment in our regenerative armament for the management of arthritic and degenerative conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common health problems we face today, with nearly 30 million Americans suffering with this disease. Alpha 2 macroglobulin, or A2M injection therapy, uses proven scientific techniques and natural healing methods to successfully treat osteoarthritis at its source. It is used to prevent cartilage breakdown in patients, promote tissue growth and support the overall restoration of an affected joint. Share this post: Contact our ...

Heart attack risks of hip and knee replacement

Avoiding the Heart Attack Risk Associated with Hip and Knee Replacement

Scott Brandt, M.D. October 9, 2015 Knee Replacement Alternative, Stem Cell Therapy, Stem Cells for Hip, Stem Cells for Joint & Soft Tissue Pain, Stem Cells for Knee

Heart attack risk soars in the first month post hip and knee replacement. Consider stem cell therapy as a safer alternative.Share this post:Surgeons often recommend hip and knee replacements for patients suffering from chronic hip or knee pain, yet the procedures are notorious for their drawbacks. Many of our patients were told their “bone-on-bone” joints needed to be replaced, but they remained wary because of the grueling recovery, the risk of infection, and other post-operative complications. Investigators of a recent article published in Arthritis and Rheumatology looked at the risk ...

ThriveMD Vail, Colorado

4.7

Linda Gerrans

19:37 14 Dec 17

When I was told by an orthopedic doctor I needed double knee replacement I chose stem cell therapy instead. Stem cell therapy has helped me get through my days without the pain I was experiencing and enjoy the activities I was unable to because of the pain.

John Beeman

23:05 08 Jan 17

I just wanted to give an update regarding the stem cell procedure performed by Dr. Brandt at Thrive about 3 years ago. My range of motion continues to improve--remarkable at 64.I skied 150k in 5 days last week and never iced my knee once. I can't remember skiing that many feet w/out having to ice in the last 20 years. The knee treated has been without an acl since I was 18 and is pretty severely arthritic,but I am getting better performance now than I have in recent memory. Thank you, Dr. Brandt!!

Lisa Harris

15:59 02 Jan 17

After struggling with an Achilles injury for 1 1/2 years and trying everything to heal it - steroid, physical therapy, wearing a boot, no activity, stretching, etc - I decided to have stem cell therapy at Thrive.md. It was a short procedure and an afternoon of post op recovery, which after 6-8 weeks, resulted in a full recovery from my injury. This seemed to finally stimulate blood flow and healing to an injury I had resigned myself to having forever. I highly recommend this procedure for tendon injuries like this one.

Zvezdomir Zamfirov

03:55 14 Nov 16

I am a pain management physician myself. I am 52, and physically very active. I still play soccer competitively. Six months ago I suffered a hip injury with a labrum tear. Due to the pre-existing wear and tear, the only conventional treatment, which was offered to me was total hip replacement. I wanted to remain physically active and continue to play sports, so I decided that this is not the best option for me. I choose instead to try stem-cell therapy. Ten days ago I had my procedure done by Dr. Brandt, and since then I have nothing but positive things to say about him and his practice. Everyone in his office was extremely welcoming and put me at ease and comfort about my procedure. The procedure went very smooth. And I did not have ANY post procedure pain or discomfort. I had no need for any pain medication. I was back to work seeing patients on the 2nd day after the procedure. My hip already feels noticeably better. I have the second procedure scheduled in four weeks, and I am confident that in another 3-4 weeks I'll be back playing soccer again. Thank you, Dr. Brandt and team for taking such excellent care of me.

John Reilly

13:44 04 Nov 16

I saw Dr Brandt on 8/8/16 for a lower back stem cell injection. From the injection, I got a serious infection in my lower spine. As a result, I spent 2 days in the Vail hospital and have been on daily IV antibiotics for the past 8 weeks. A few weeks after the injection, I started feeling increased pain which was a different pain than before my injection. It was much sharper and a shooting pain. I communicated this information to Dr Brandt and his staff. There only response and treatment was stronger pain meds. oral and injected steroids (the worst thing to do when an infection is present). The pain became so intense and debilitating, I finally made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Their team quickly discovered from listening to my symptoms and reviewing a new MRI that I had an infection. I also discovered from a search on DORA that over the past 13 years Dr Brandt's has a history of incidents with the DORA which regulates medical professionals. Over this time, his license was suspended for a period of time and is he currently practicing on probation through 2019. At one point, the AG said he was unfit to practice medicine.

Laurel Wilkerson

21:22 08 Aug 16

Great job by the Thrive MD team in Edwards. With a torn achilles tendon, I was really opposed to surgery. When I discovered Dr. Brandt and team, I was thrilled. They are most professional and explained every step of the process and procedure for treatment options. I am on the road to recovery, and I am so thankful to have discovered Thrive. Before you let an orthopedic doc operate, take the time to explore and discuss stem cell therapy. Thrive MD made the process easy and convenient. Thanks! One year later update - ankle is doing great. Skied 52 days in 2015-16. Hiking, biking and all are no problem. Great team of caring people who know their business.

Sunny Lucia

21:30 17 Jul 16

Until my consultation with Scott Brandt, MD., I was faced with two not very desirable options for my chronic lower back pain caused from a bulging disc and spondylolisthesis: continue RF neurotomy procedures every 6 months to burn nerves in my back for pain relief or spinal fusion surgery. The first was a band-aid, the second not an option I wanted. Dr. Brandt's diagnostic sophistication, attention to detail and patient-focus became very apparent during our phone consultations reviewing all of my x-rays and two MRI results.He gave me more information in 30 minutes than I'd had from three specialists in four years of treatment. I went through stem cell therapy treatment with him and since have not needed pain medication, am able to get out of bed in the morning without limping, and can perform my job without wearing braces or heat patches. My posture has improved remarkably because I'm not hunching in pain. I actually gave myself a pedicure two weeks ago - which was a crippling no-go activity previously. Four years ago I woke up 10-12 times a night with pain and a numb leg, and never imagined there could be hope for a return to health. Stem cell therapy with Dr. Brandt is one of the smartest moves I've ever made.

Steve Vance

21:42 06 Apr 16

I have had both ACL's replaced. The first 35 years ago and the second 25 years ago. Over the years I had a few other procedures including another surgery to clean up one of the knees. Nothing worked as well as the stem cell procedure that Dr. Brandt performed. With the slow deterioration of my knees it had become uncomfortable to ski. After having the stem cell procedure last spring, this season skiing is fun again. I never thought I would ski the bumps like that again!

Brad Jones

00:27 19 Feb 16

Dr. Brandt and his entire staff are amazing! Early in the ski season I had a partial tear in my ACL and thought I would be out until the next year for sure. However after consulting with Thrive MD they informed me that I was a good candidate for stem cell therapy. I went through the procedure and went from barely being able to walk with crutches to walking comfortably and normally within three weeks! I was back at work quickly and just got back on the mountain recently. My knee feels very solid and I have ZERO issues with it. Thank you Thrive MD for saving my ski season!

Karen Taylor

02:10 09 Dec 15

I am so happy to have found Thrive this past summer. After being told by 3 Dr's that I need a knee replacement I was feeling very discouraged. 2 1/2 years ago I had a very bad skiing accident and destroyed my tibial plateau. After surgery and physical therapy I was no where near where I wanted to be functioning physically. I couldn't hike, ski, or basically do anything active without constant pain. I went to Thrive and got my hormones balanced, got my energy level back up to where I like it to be and had several stem cell treatments on my knee. It was not an instant fix, but over the past 6 months it has continually started to feel better. I just skied 3 hard days in a row in Beaver Creek, with no swelling and very little pain! I am back to functioning at about 80% of my capacity. I'm thrilled with the progress and hope to continue to improve as I continue to be active this winter. I am so happy not to have a knee replacement and to be able to keep my own knee. Thank you Dr. Brandt.

Sylvia Baldwin

00:00 26 Apr 15

Dr. Brandt is the best! I've been seeing him altogether for around 15 years now for corticosteroid injections for pain and would never want to see anyone else. He is very skilled with the needle and getting the injections done in exactly the right places. In addition, I've found Dr. Brandt to be a very concerned and caring individual; he's a great listener who clearly gives a lot of thought to what the best approach is going to be in dealing with the situation the patient describes. I've found that he always takes as much time as necessary to assess the situation; dealing with Dr. Brandt is such an entirely different experience than virtually every other meeting I've had with various surgeons and other M.D.'s. His staff is also very friendly, helpful and kind--as I said, he's the best...and well worth the drive to Edwards!

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