Arthritis Treatment Specialists Mesa AZ

If you have aches and pains due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may want to consider visiting LifeCare Chiropractic for an exam from our Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Mesa, AZ. Our clinic firmly believes that chiropractic care can be the solution to many of the body’s problems, from poor metabolism to back aches, joint pain to digestion issues, and so much more. An arthritis doctor Mesa AZ patients trust for quality chiropractic care can assess the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis and create a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce pain and inflammation. 

Benefits of Rheumatoid Arthritis Chiropractic Care

Before performing any kind of adjustment, our Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Mesa will ask about your medical history, discuss symptoms, and what approaches you have tried which did not yield the results you had hoped for. It is important to the outcome of your treatment that you express symptoms and answer questions transparently. We are not here to judge you, we are here to address your discomforts and create a care plan that will enable you to have a better quality of life.

For many patients, rheumatoid arthritis has impacted their life to such an extent that they rest most of the day and avoid participating in hobbies they enjoy. It is the goal of our AZ Arthritis Treatment Specialists to get you back into doing things you enjoy without having to struggle with immense pain. The potential benefits of rheumatoid arthritis chiropractic care from LifeCare Chiropractic include: 

• Improving range of motion
• Increasing strength and muscle tone
• Improving endurance and flexibility
• Receiving nutritional advice for overall wellness
• Stretches and exercises to do at-home for continued care
• Reduction of inflammation and pain in joints

Chiropractic Care Approaches

Our AZ Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Mesa may suggest incorporating several approaches in your treatment plan. Most chiropractors use other treatments in addition to joint/spine manipulation, such as heat and ice therapy, massage therapy, electronic stimulation, magnetic therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. We focus on methods of care that do not entail prescription medications or invasive procedures. However, we do understand that in some cases medications can be helpful, but should not be the sole approach to managing pain and other symptoms. In fact, many of our patients express being able to taper off some pain medications or no longer need them at all after receiving care from our Specialists for Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Mesa, Arizona from LifeCare Chiropractic. 

Call LifeCare Chiropractic Today

If you are in pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, please know that there are options that can reduce the discomfort you are experiencing. No one should have to halt their life because of joint pain. Let our Mesa, AZ Arthritis Treatment Specialists at LifeCare Chiropractic provide you with an exam to see if our approach can benefit you. 

Stem Cell Therapy Mesa AZ

LifeCare Chiropractic is a team of experienced medical professionals providing stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ. Stem cell therapy harnesses the human body’s own incredible restorative powers to encourage regeneration and healing throughout the body.

Stem cells are incredibly unique and versatile. Here is some additional information on how this innovative treatment can help you.

Stem Cells: the Cell Like No Other

Stem cells are the only cell in the human body that can adapt and become specialized cells. When a human is born, each part of their body has its own cell type and structure; so knee cartilage cells are only knee cartilage cells, brain cells can only be brain cells, and so on. 

However, stem cells are different—they are entirely adaptable no matter where they are injected, and since they can divide without limit, give unlimited healing to an area. For example, if you are experiencing joint tissue loss in your hip, injecting stem cells into the joint can help to rebuild and regenerate lost and damaged tissue. Plus, since the stem cells continuously divide, the healing powers are tenfold—one injection can bring a plethora of benefits.

Stem Cells and Where They Come From

Pluripotent stem cells are cells extracted from embryos and fetal tissue once it has reached an eight-week gestation period. In the early days, stem cells got a bad rap because they were associated with tissue obtained from aborted fetuses. However, this is NOT where we get the stem cells we use for regenerative medicine at LifeCare Chiropractic. 

Rather, the stem cells we use for regenerative medicine come from the amniotic fluid and umbilical cord tissues from planned C-section births. In this form of stem cell collection, the mother undergoes an extensive screening process to make sure she is a healthy and appropriate donor. 

Then, the stem cells collected from the planned C-section birth are specially processed, preserved at very cold temperatures, and stored until they are ready for use. During a stem cell procedure, the specially-processed stem cells and accompanying growth factors are then injected directly into the affected joint. 

Stem cells are the subject of substantial research for use in other medical conditions, as well, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Stem cells generally have a more potent response over PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). However, the expense involved in capturing them in the first place and the challenge of keeping them preserved make them a more costly treatment option.

Conditions That Can Potentially Be Treated With Stem Cell Therapy in Mesa, Arizona

It is important to know that the benefits of Mesa, AZ stem cell therapy can be different depending on the patient being treated. Because of its versatility, stem cell therapy can be used to treat a host of conditions, including:

• Autoimmune disease
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone loss
• Joint loss
• Torn ligaments and muscles
• Learning disorders
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Baldness
• Deafness
• Arthritis
• Erectile dysfunction

Stem Cell Therapy As a Treatment For Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common and painful ailments that people suffer from, and there are many standard forms of treatment for it. Some people may experience only a mild form of arthritis that does not bother them too much. However, arthritis can be completely debilitating for others, forcing them to change their work schedules or stop pursuing activities that are typically part of their lifestyles and daily routines. 

Many medical doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help arthritic patients. Holistic or homeopathic doctors may opt for icing the affected area or using essential oils. An orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery if the arthritic condition is severe and particularly painful. However, a few other treatments that are not as widely known can be used instead, one of which is stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ from a trusted doctor at LifeCare Chiropractic.

Why is stem cell therapy such an excellent alternative?

Stem cells are naturally-occurring in the human body, and doctors use them as a healing treatment. They are particularly useful for treating damaged areas of the body because they can:

• Divide into multiple cells and replicate
• Change and adapt, becoming other types of cells that can benefit the body in different ways. For example, a stem cell can turn into a cartilage cell.

Where do doctors get stem cells from?

As noted above, stem cells used for regenerative medicine come from the amniotic fluid and umbilical cord tissues from planned C-section births.

How do doctors administer stem cells to treat arthritis?

Stem cells are an excellent treatment for arthritis. Two ways regenerative medicine doctors typically use them include:

1. Through injection. A doctor injects the solution of stem cells and growth factors into the specific part of the body experiencing arthritis. Often, a medical imaging device of some sort—like an ultrasound—is used to ensure the injection is placed precisely in the right spot.
2. Through surgery. If a patient chooses to undergo surgery with the addition of stem cell therapy, the doctor injects the stem cells and growth factors directly into the appropriate area of an arthritic joint during the surgical procedure.

Do doctors consider stem cell therapy safe for arthritis?

Like any other kind of medical procedure, patients should be made aware that there are potential risks and side effects. However, stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ is considered to be a safe treatment for arthritis. This process can help minimize adverse reactions. Still, as is typical with any injection procedure, the patient may expect minimal pain and swelling after the treatment. Additionally, there is also a small risk of infection at the site of the injection. 

If you have arthritis and are ready to find a solution that allows you to resume your daily activities, speak with a Mesa, AZ doctor today about how stem cell therapy may be the right option for you.

How do I get started?

When you come into our office for a consultation, you will speak with a Mesa, AZ stem cell therapy doctor about the areas you want to see improved upon and your goals for treatment. Your doctor will then set expectations about how many cells are needed for your specific situation, and how many treatments you will need to achieve the full benefit. We will also discuss insurance eligibility and payment terms.

If you are ready to benefit from your body’s own restorative powers, invest in the powers of stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ. Our treatment team at LifeCare Chiropractic will create a therapy that is customized for you. We are here to help if you have any questions, so call today for a consultation about Mesa, AZ stem cell therapy.

While stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ has been around for quite some time, there are still many misconceptions about it. Unfortunately, these myths may prevent some people from using the therapy to treat chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, bone loss and spinal cord injuries.

Here are some common myths about stem cell therapy that you should not believe.

All Stem Cells Are the Same

When many people think about stem cells, embryonic stem cells likely come to mind. While embryonic stem cells are certainly powerful, they aren’t the only types of stem cells you should be aware of. Almost all organs in the human body have stem cells. These types of cells help maintain your organs as you get older. Although they can form into as many cell types as embryonic stem cells, they still have a lot of promise.

Stem Cells Are Sourced Unethically

Another big misconception about stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ is that all stem cells are sourced from a fetus. The truth is that many stem cells are actually derived from bone marrow, adipose or umbilical cord tissue.

Stem Cells Can Cure All Diseases

As of right now, stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ isn’t guaranteed to cure every disease out there. However, stem cells do show promise for slowing down the progression of certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, stroke, lupus and neurological conditions.

Stem Cell Therapy Is Painful

One reason some people may shy away from stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ is that they believe it’s painful. However, many types of stem cell therapy are administered by injection, which is usually not any more uncomfortable than getting steroid injections. You may feel some soreness at the injected site, so you may be asked to refrain from strenuous activities for a while. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or using ice may help reduce the soreness.

Stem Cells Will Be Rejected By the Host Body

When stem cells are used from another person, there’s always a risk that the host body will reject them. However, when the stem cells are harvested from your own body, the risk is eliminated.

Stem Cell Therapy Isn’t Safe

Because there’s no risk of rejection from the body, stem cell therapy in Mesa, AZ is considered safe. The treatment is natural, so your likelihood of experiencing complications is slim. The therapy is safer than surgery because it’s non-invasive.

Stem Cell Therapy Is Illegal

Although stem cell therapy has been around for a while, some people falsely believe that the practice is illegal. The truth is that stem cell research is perfectly legal. The therapy is becoming a cornerstone within medical and research communities because it has shown positive results. Stem cell research is regulated by organizations like the FDA.

Arthritis Doctor Mesa AZ

The preconceptions surrounding chiropractic care are legendary. For those who have seen a Mesa chiropractor or Mesa, Arizona arthritis doctor, the advantages are usually clear.

For those who have never been to a chiropractor or arthritis doctor in Mesa, however, there are a long list of fears and incorrect ideas.  Unfortunately, many physicians outside of chiropractic share the same fears and misconceptions.  If these erroneous thoughts were non-existent, I personally think the musculoskeletal health of this country (and globally) would be in a much better state.

One of these misconceptions deals with chiropractic care being useful only for acute, non-specific low back pain.  Neck pain, disc injuries, arthritis of the spine, knee pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel—none of these are on the list of generally acceptable conditions that chiropractic can treat.  However, these conditions and more are seen quite commonly in our office.

There is research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care with a Mesa, AZ arthritis doctor for some of these conditions, but it is usually limited to manipulation only, yet many musculoskeletal conditions have a pretty significant soft tissue component to can’t be addressed with joint manipulation.

So anytime I see a study that shows a positive effect with manipulation alone, I can feel confident that, which the addition of competent soft tissue work, the outcomes in real life (outside of a research study) are going to be pretty darn good.

All of this leads me to this particular study.  In it, researchers looked at 40 men who had been diagnosed with degenerative lumbar disease at L5-S1.  These men were divided into an adjustment group, who only received a single adjustment (L5-S1 “pull move”) or into a control group with no treatment.  They were then evaluated for various outcomes, including:

• Participants’ height using a stadiometer (that height bar thingee on your doctor’s scale)
• Perceived low back pain (measured using a a10 point VAS scale)
• Neural mechanosensitivity (how much tension was in the nerves using a passive straight-leg raise
• The amount of spinal mobility in flexion (measured using the finger-to-floor distance test)

If you understand chiropractic care with a skilled Mesa, AZ arthritis doctor, you will not be surprised to find that all of these measurements were improved in the chiropractic treatment group over the placebo group.

It would be easy for detractors to say that this was a single treatment that really doesn’t mean anything long-term.  The easy response to this would be to ask what medical treatment for degenerative disc disease is anything other them temporary?  And how many of these have a very small list of only minor side effects?

The answer is, of course, none of them.  Even if chiropractic care provided no long-term benefit in this situation, if you suffer from chronic low back pain, even a single days’ relief is valuable.  And none of this looks into whether or not a course of chiropractic care from a Mesa, AZ arthritis doctor can have more long-lasting effects, but I can tell you from personal experience that the results can be very strong.

So if this fits you and you have not been to a arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ what are you waiting for?

What can I expect during my first visit to an arthritis doctor?

If you are planning to visit an arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ from LifeCare Chiropractic, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that you are on the right path towards feeling better. According to research, the sooner you are treated for arthritis, the more likely you will feel less pain and able to stay active longer.

What is an Arthritis Doctor?

An arthritis doctor is also known as a rheumatologist and is a type of internalist or pediatrician. They have focused their career on arthritis, which is an umbrella term for a medical condition that affects the joints, muscles, and bones. Conditions treated by a Mesa, AZ arthritis doctor may include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout
• Chronic joint pain
• Chronic back pain
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendinitis

During your first visit with an arthritis doctor Mesa, AZ has to offer, you can expect a thorough conversation about your symptoms and medical history followed by an examination. The appointment can take one hour or more, depending on your needs.

Questions that May be Asked By Your Arthritis Doctor in Mesa, AZ

Your arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ may begin your appointment by asking you what brings you to see him or her. You will then have the opportunity to explain how your arthritis is affecting your daily life.

• What symptoms are you experiencing?
• How often are you having these symptoms?
• Is there anything you do that helps you to feel better or worse?
• Are there any specific activities that cause you pain?
• Where and how bad is your pain?
• Can you describe your pain?
• When you feel the pain, do you get sick, tired, angry, etc.?
• Are your symptoms hindering your ability to enjoy life?
• Do you have any other symptoms like dry mouth, headaches, fevers, etc.?

Even if you feel like these questions are not relevant, there is a reason for your Mesa arthritis doctor to be asking them. Do your best to answer them; afterwhich, you may want to proceed with your own questions.

The Exam

Your physical exam may include:

• A head to toe check
• Looking for signs of inflammation
• Checking of the pulse
• Listening to the heart and lungs
• Application of pressure to the joints

You may also be asked to extend, flex, bend, and stretch your joints. The doctor may compare your joints on each side of the body. This is an important part of the exam and will help the doctor to see how you move.

Tests that May Be Ordered By the Doctor

Depending on your exam, your arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ may order various tests including:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Joint fluid tests
• MRIs
• Ultrasounds
• X-rays

Once the above is completed, your arthritis doctor should have enough information to decide on the next best steps to take. These may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, holistic therapy, and chiropractic care.

Why do your joints pop when you get adjustments for arthritis treatment in Mesa, Arizona? Some people love the sound, while others find it a bit worrying. Regardless, the cracking or popping sound you hear when you receive an arthritis treatment is nothing to be concerned about.

Joint Cavitation Is the Technical Term

The sound you hear during an arthritis treatment at our Mesa, AZ clinic is called joint cavitation. That’s just a technical way of saying a bubble is created in the joint fluid as it’s moved, and then it rapidly collapses.

This is associated with the joints involved in the adjustment moving, of course, but the loudness or quality of the sound doesn’t matter. It’s affected by a number of factors, none of which have much to do with the effectiveness of the arthritis treatment.

The adjustment itself is the manipulation of the joints to increase range of motion, circulation, and other factors. The joint space tends to open up as a result of the manipulation, which promotes all of these things, along with lessening muscle tension, which is often the source of spinal and joint pain. Opening up that joint space is what can cause the cavitation. It can also promote healing and restore function to the spine or the joints in question.

The Popping Is Not Like the Sounds During Joint Injury

One potential reason for concern is that people may associate the gentle cracking or popping sound with sounds they’ve heard when a joint was injured. This may be a sound they’ve heard on the football field, or in a movie. By the way, keep in mind that movie sound effects are not always realistic. The loud crack heard when a ligament or tendon is injured is not at all like the light popping sound heard during an arthritis treatment. Mesa, AZ chiropractors are trained to use very little force during an adjustment and to keep the joint within a safe range of motion.

Previously Injured Joints May Pop or Squeak

Arthritic, previously injured, or artificial joints also sometimes make popping or squeaking noises. These noises can be due to scar tissue, wear, or other factors. Again, these sounds are different and are being caused by different mechanisms. A chiropractor can help with joints like these by providing manipulations and suggestions for exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint. Be sure to tell your chiropractor about any previous injuries or if you have artificial joints.

That popping sound is heavily associated with arthritis treatment Mesa, AZ patients recommend, but it’s not something to worry about nor does it mean the care wasn’t effective if you don’t hear it. The important thing is to keep your spine and joints healthy with routine chiropractic care. To learn more, call Lifecare Chiropractic to schedule an appointment with a back pain doctor Mesa AZ our clinic offers.

To learn more about arthritis and how an arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ can help you, please call LifeCare Chiropractic.

Client Review

“Had a great experience. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I am looking forward to seeing great results on my treatment. I’d highly recommend LifeCare chiropractic.”
Francisco C