Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Dr. Sebastian Klisiewicz, D.O.
Neuropathy is a painful and disabling condition that affects many Americans. Until recently, many patients have been told there is no cure for their neuropathy and the few treatments that are available are not very effective. Luckily for neuropathy sufferers, there are new natural treatments that are safe and effective. The latest research has shown that Regenerative Medicine treatments such as platelet rich plasma also known as PRP, cold laser therapy and proper nutritional support can heal sick nerves. An integrated approach that includes these cutting-edge treatments can now help patients eliminate neuropathy symptoms, improve their function and regain their quality of life.
Neuropathy is a general medical term for sick or dysfunctional nerves. Nerves are like electrical wires within our body that carry information to and from our brains to sense our environment and move our extremities. In neuropathy, damage occurs to the nerve fibers and blood vessels that support them. This causes a disruption of the electrical signals within the nerves leading to the dreadful symptoms of pain, burning, pins & needles, cramping, numbness, weakness, heaviness and loss of balance.
Neuropathy can be caused by several different mechanisms. Nerves can be damaged by mechanical forces such as compression, friction, or stretch. Nerves can become severed or cut during traumatic injuries or surgeries. Neuropathy can also be caused by metabolic factors such as elevated blood sugar, abnormal thyroid function or lack of nutrients such as B vitamins. Toxins such as alcohol and some medications can also contribute to nerve damage. Often, multiple factors are involved in the development of neuropathy. For example, patients with diabetes, B vitamin deficiencies and chronic alcohol use are more likely to experience nerve damage from mild compression at the wrists, elbow and feet. This is because their nerves are already inflamed, dysfunctional and vulnerable to damage.
The standard treatment for neuropathy involves the use of medications such as gabapentin or Lyrica. Unfortunately, these medications can cause side effects including fatigue, depression, constipation, etc. Opiate pain medications are also used bu these can be dangerous and often ineffective.
Steroid injections, another available treatment, can sometimes provide short term pain relief, but do not actually heal the nerves and can have unwanted side effects. Surgery is a last resort for some neuropathy sufferers, but again this comes with significant risks. Luckily, there are new alternatives to these toxic medications, steroid injections and invasive surgeries.
An integrative approach that includes regenerative medicine, physical therapy and nutritional support can often treat neuropathy safely and effectively. Contrary to previous belief, nerves can heal and regenerate when given the right stimulus and a proper healing environment. One of the newest treatments available is ultrasound guided injections of platelet rich plasma (PRP) around sick and injured nerves. PRP is made by spinning the patient’s own blood within a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets in a plasma solution. Platelets are packed with growth factors that mobilize the immune system to start the healing process. They are also full of anti-inflammatory and pain reducing compounds. Best of all, they are natural, safe and made by your own body.
PRP has been classically used to treat tendon injuries and arthritis. But recently, research studies have shown that PRP injections around nerves can promote regeneration of the nerves and the protective covering or myelin, increase growth of supporting blood vessels, decrease inflammation, and increase muscle growth through the mobilization of healing stem cells.
The use of cold laser therapy has also been shown to improve nerve function and regeneration. When combined with PRP, cold laser therapy works synergistically to heal sick nerves. With a series of PRP and laser treatments, many nerve conditions can resolve. This often results in the elimination of pain, a gain in strength and improved balance.
Nerve regeneration and healing is best when accompanied with proper nutritional support and nerve specific physical therapy. A diet high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals along with healthy fats can support the healing process. At times, specific supplements such a turmeric, fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid can aid in this process as well. Specific neuro therapy is utilized to retrain the nervous system as the nerves heal allowing the body to function at its best.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we specialize in treating neuropathies with Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Sebastian and our team of highly trained professionals are pioneers in healing nerves. Our Integrative Advantage ™ is the most comprehensive neuropathy treatment in Southwest Florida. Neuropathy patients now have a safe and effective option to eliminate symptoms, improve function and regain quality of life.
DR. SEBASTIAN KLISIEWICZ, D.O.
Board Certified in Physical Medicin and Rehabilitation
Dr. Sebastian is a leading physiatrist in Estero, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs (Southwest Florida). He is the founder and medical director of Integrative Rehab Medicine in Estero, FL. He combines his extensive knowledge in Regenerative Medicine, Osteopathic musculoskeletal medicine, Physical Rehabilitation and Functional & Natural medicine to create personalized and integrated treatment plans for each patient.
Dr. Sebastian completed his medical studies at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) followed by a residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. After residency, he worked as an Assistant Professor for Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. In 2014, he moved his family to Southwest Florida to work at Lee Health’s Spine Center. In August 2019, Dr. Sebastian opened his private clinic, Integrative Rehab Medicine. Dr. Sebastian has extensive training in prolotherapy, PRP injections and Bone Marrow Stem Cells. During his time in Florida, he further advanced his knowledge in Integrative Medicine through course work with the Institute for Functional Medicine. Since, he has educated doctors and the public on the Integrative approach at numerous medical conferences and community events.
Integrative Rehab Medicine
9250 Corkscrew Rd, #15 Estero, FL 33928
(239) 687-3199 | www.iRehabMed.com
