Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Dr. Sebastian Klisiewicz, D.O.
A WHOLE-PERSON APPROACH TO TREATING PAIN, INJURIES AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS
Back pain is one of the most common conditions leading patients to seek medical care. Eighty percent of adults will experience back pain at some point in their life.
Back pain can present in many different ways. The pain can be in the lower back only; or it can be in the back and down the leg, such as sciatica. Some individuals may feel pain when playing with their grandchildren or lifting groceries, and others may have debilitating pain that keeps them from participating in daily activities. Some people experience episodes of their back “going out”, while others may have chronic daily pain and stiffness. These symptoms are often accompanied by weakness and numbness in the legs.
Many patients may have had an injury from a car accident, sports-related trauma, overexertion, or other that may start the condition. At times, people don’t even remember the initial event. This injury leads to weakness and dysfunction of the supporting muscles, ligaments and joints. Instability develops, making the spine less able to withstand the stress of daily activities. This can also lead to degeneration of the spinal discs and compression of the existing nerves. Daily bad posture and body mechanics can do the same as well, even in the absence of trauma.
If left untreated, the condition progressively gets worse over time leading to spinal degeneration. Bulging discs, spinal arthritis and spinal stenosis can develop leading to chronic pain, weakness and numbness. The result is limited function and a significant decrease in the quality of life.
There is good news for back pain sufferers. Healing of the spine and a return of function can be achieved through a proper diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, our goal is to help patients not only find relief in the short-term but also provide long-term health of the spine. We want our patients to have the best quality of life possible—without surgery, steroids or addictive medications. A comprehensive approach that integrates multiple treatment strategies with general health improvement can be the solution.
Scientific evidence has shown that a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on spinal stability and general health can effectively treat chronic back pain. A team approach that addresses all the contributing factors works best. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we combine proven treatments to help our patients regain their quality of life. Our individually tailored treatments include Regenerative Medicine, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Nutrition and Laser Therapy. When these powerful treatments are properly integrated, patients often achieve relief of pain, a gain in strength and an improvement of overall health.
Regenerative Medicine such as prolotherapy and PRP is on the forefront of modern spinal care. It is an advanced injection technique of natural products that stimulate healing and stability. Prolotherapy utilizes injections of dextrose or plasma products into weak ligaments, muscles and joints. This stimulates structural regeneration providing strength and stability of the spine. Platelet Rich Plasma (aka PRP) is often used for the injections, it is a great kick start of the regenerative process. PRP is created by concentrating the platelets from the patient’s own blood. The platelets have an abundance of growth factors that stimulate the healing process.
These growth factors activate stem cells and other specialized cells to do the work of healing. They also decrease pain, improve blood flow and stimulate nerve regeneration.
By addressing weakness and spinal instability, Prolotherapy and PRP can treat the root cause of chronic back pain. Unlike steroid injections, prolotherapy can provide long term relief as it improves the anatomical structure and function of the spine. Prolotherapy and PRP is safe and effective and it can be utilized for new and acute injuries or for chronic conditions. It can also benefit patients who underwent surgeries and other invasive procedures.
Prolotherapy and PRP works best when combined with focused physical therapy and proper nutrition. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, all patients undergoing regenerative medicine work with our skilled therapist to strengthen their spine and regain mobility. Core strengthening through Pilates and other exercise routines helps to build the necessary muscles to provide long term spinal health. Patients are also instructed on proper nutrition during their treatments. The body requires adequate building blocks and nutrients during the healing process. The injections only do 50% of the work. The patient must contribute the other 50% through exercise, diet and mental determination.
At times, other modalities are added to the treatment plan to further maximize the results. We utilize the wisdom of ancient acupuncture and the advanced technology of lasers to decrease pain and improve healing. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to reduce pain, improve blood flow, increase energy, and improve the whole body’s constitution. Laser therapy, on the other hand, is the future of medicine as it uses light waves to stimulate healing and regeneration. These can be powerful additions to the regenerative process.
Back pain can be complex and debilitating, but with a proper diagnosis and a comprehensive approach, most patients can feel well again. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, we understand the importance of incorporating multiple platforms to give our patients the best results. Some of these are covered under insurance and Medicare, while others such as Regenerative Medicine are self-pay. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, our team works hard to help patients relieve their pain and achieve their functional goals.
We offer advanced Regenerative Medicine combined with Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation. Let our team be part of your healing journey. At Integrative Rehab Medicine, our experienced clinicians, therapist and support staff work together to provide you with the ultimate healing experience.
Improve function and get the results you’ve been looking for, call 239-687-3199 to schedule your appointment today, or visit iRehabMed.com for more information.
DR. SEBASTIAN KLISIEWICZ, D.O.
Board Certified in Physical Medicine 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
