The physicians at RTMC strive to provide the newest and most effective treatment for our patients health and well-being  We understand that patients commonly take nutritional supplements in addition to what we prescribe  We feel that patients should be able to discuss this with us freely and allow us to participate with them  We are knowledgeable in the benefit/toxicity profile of supplements that are marketed for arthritis  In addition, we can also inform you of any potential interactions with other medications that you may be concurrently taking for other health conditions.

As an innovative medical practice we take a comprehensive approach combining traditional westernized medicines as well as nutritional supplements such as vitamins, herbs, and trace minerals  Dr Jenny S. Oh and Dr Boris Ratiner are both dual board certified physicians in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology  We believe strongly in utilizing and recommending only those nutritional supplements that we feel will optimize care  Through our own extensive research, we have custom formulated supplements at therapeutic dosages specifically for use in our patients with rheumatological conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain syndromes including fibromyalgia, muscle pain, bursitis, and tendonitis.

Nutritional supplements are frequently falsely advertised in regards to its effectiveness and purity of product  Since they are often unregulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), these supplements are marketed without undergoing rigorous clinical trials and are recommended by non-medical sales people whose interests do not lie with the patient.

The supplement mixtures that we make are unique and these combinations of nutritional supplements, herbs, vitamins, and minerals cannot be found at any local health food store  We use only the most respected manufactures who guarantee the purity of their ingredients  We do not plan to mass produce these supplements as we will constantly be monitoring its effects and modifying dosages and ingredients as new information is released in the scientific literature  Our goal is to remain at the forefront of complimentary supplement use for rheumatological diseases.

We are currently in the process of custom manufacturing supplements that block different points in the pathway of joint destruction in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases  We believe that use of natural supplements will provide a superior alternative to NSAIDS such as the COX-2 inhibitors and others such as indomethacin, tylenol, and other pain medications  We also believe that these supplements may help prevent joint damage and help joint pain, but with less adverse reactions and toxicities than are seen in conventional pain medications.

Athletes such as Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and the Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward have undergone platelet-rich plasma therapy of their tendonopathy and joint pain and this treatment is now available at Rheumatology Therapeutics Medical Center.

Torn tendons, muscles and ligaments plague athletes in many types of sports. Before playing in his many of his recent professional golf majors, Tiger Woods received injections of PRP in his left knee, where he had previous surgery. PRP injections in his elbow may have been the reason that Los Angeles Dodgers’s pitcher Takashi Saito was able to return to the mound for the 2008 for the playoffs.

In attempts to help heal the torn tendons, muscle, ligaments, and arthritic joints, some doctors have turned to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. For the treatment, doctors about 30 milliliters of whole blood, and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other components. Then they inject the concentrated mixture under ultrasound guidance at the site of injury. In theory, the growth factors that the platelets secrete promote tissue recovery and improve pain.

Whereas doctors have used PRP therapy since the mid-1990s to aid bone healing after spinal injury and soft tissue recovery following plastic surgery, it has only been in the past years that the treatment has caught on for treatment tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis.

How do platelets promote healing? No one knows for sure at this time. Large multicenter blinded studies are in progress but theoretically, tendon injuries cause microscopic tearing of the tendon and formation of scar tissue. The theory is that, since tendons and joints have poor blood supply, the body cannot on its own get enough of these healing and growth factors to the area. So placing this concentrated platelet rich plasma in the area simply enhances the nutrients and growth factors to allow the body to heal itself. A good example is that that when you cut your finger, the first step of healing is the local coagulation effect of platelets followed by their ability of initiate the regeneration process by secreting growth factors and recruiting the bodies innate healing systems.

Are any clinical trials currently going on? Many animal studies have been very positive for PRP in terms of tendon-healing effects. Shortly, we should really start seeing results from many human clinical trials that have been started over the last few years, ranging in everything from rotator cuff problems [in the shoulder] to tennis elbow to Achilles and patellar tendonitis. Early results show that 60-80% of patients do better after PRP.

As opposed to being referred out to another office or imaging clinic, we do all our own X-ray imaging in the office. The results are quickly obtained and analyzed by our doctors here at the RTMC saving you plenty of time. Our technicians are trained in the latest X-ray techniques, which minimizes the radiation a person receives and maximizes the exposure details of each X-ray. Our staff has many years of experience and is fast and flexible in the ability to perform the procedure you might need.

X-RAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is x-ray imaging?
An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a sheet of film placed behind the person. The ability of the x-rays to penetrate the body’s tissues and bones varies depending on the tissue’s composition and mass. For example, bone which contains calcium, blocks a lot of radiation from passing through the body producing white images on the resulting film.

Why is x-ray used?The most common use of x-ray imaging is to help your doctor diagnose bone fractures. X-ray images can be performed on all parts of the body including the skull, spine, knees, etc.

How can I prepare for the procedure?

General x-rays do not require patient preparation.

What will I feel during the procedure?

The procedure is quick and completely painless.

How long is the procedure?

The procedure usually takes around 10 minutes.

Rheumatology Therapeutics Medical Center has on-site radiology diagnostic service. We have worked hard to make this possible for our patients so they do not need to run all over town to get their testing done. All of our equipment is professionally calibrated and maintained to give your doctor the most accurate results. Our patients love the convenience of having all their services done in the same place and with the same friendly staff.

Other Radiology Resources

Hologic QDR 4500 DEXA:  http://www.hologic.com

GE Lunar Artoscan MRI:  http://www.GEhealthcare.com

Americompus AC1se X-ray:  http://www.Americompus.com

Arthritis Foundation : http://www.Arthritis.org

The Sonosite M-Turbo ultrasound machine is Sonosite’s most advanced, ultra-portable, hand-carried, multi-application ultrasound system. This device allows us to perform guided injections so that we always get the best possible result.  It also allows your doctor to view activly moving joints to perform diagnostic procedures and can visualize rotator cuff tears, areas of erosions and inflammation.

Our Innovation Center offers a variety of cutting edge alternative and non-pharmacological treatments in conjunction with conventional therapies. Some of the innovative therapies include Platelet Rich Plasma (RPP) and Autologous Stem Cell Therapy, for tendonitis and arthritis. We also offer NeuroMenda injections for local neuropathic pain, customized EnergyBoost infusions for fatigue and innovative genetic diagnostic tools to help guide medical therapy. We invite you to talk to our doctors about the best treatment plan for your condition.