Dr. Samir Sharma Comments on Controversial Regenokine Injections
Athletes have turned to medical professionals to help keep their bodies in peak condition; however, they often seek extra help after an injury. Dr. Samir Sharma believes that, without proper testing this therapy should be considered experimental.
NEW YORK, NY, July 09, 2012
ABC News reports that an increasing number of athletes are opting to undergo Regenokine therapy when recovering from an injury. A controversial form of treatment, Regenokine injections are only offered abroad and have not been tested in the United States. Dr. Samir Sharma, an orthopedic specialist, believes that, until the right tests are conducted, the treatment should be considered experimental--not a mainstay of sports medicine.The article asserts that numerous star athletes have turned to Regenokine therapy offered internationally, including Tracy McGrady, Fred Couples, and Kobe Bryant. McGrady traveled to Germany for his treatment, which was administered by Dr. Peter Wehling.
Dr. Wehling explains that the treatment is "a combination of proteins that attacks, in a very specific way, inflammation and pain and destruction of tissue."
To create this combination, doctors extract anti-inflammatory proteins from the patient's blood. These proteins, called "InteRleukin 1-Receptor Antagonist" proteins, are then injected into the site of the injury. Essentially, they are claimed to work by blocking inflammation and improving healing. As a result, patients claim that they experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in the function of the injured body part.
McGrady reports: "Not only did it feel stronger, less pain, sure enough, it felt better...since the time I hurt my knee, it's the best I've ever felt."
Some doctors, such as Dr. Allan Mishra of Stanford University, believe that the medical needs of athletes are pushing the healthcare industry to improve its treatment options: "I think elite athletes push us. They're leaders. They're pioneers. Frankly, they have the desire and means to seek out novel treatments. They do drive us to a better understanding of how they work."
But not all doctors are convinced that Regenokine injections are the safest approach to healing after an injury--at least not yet. Dr. Samir Sharma believes that this treatment method needs to undergo a bit more scrutiny before being hailed as the next best thing in sports medicine.
"The efficacy of Regenokine injections is unknown, as they have not been tested in a controlled, level one study," comments Dr. Samir Sharma. "Certainly, biologic therapies continue to improve athletic performance. At the present time, Regenokine therapy should be considered experimental."
Dr. Samir Sharma hopes that other medical professionals will take the same approach and, as a result, researchers will further explore the potential of Regenokine therapy.
ABOUT:
Dr. Samir Sharma is part of South Bay Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in California. A graduate of the University of Miami and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Dr. Samir Sharma has provided orthopedic care to patients for over 10 years. Dr. Samir Sharma specializes in orthopedic treatment of the knee, shoulder, and elbow and looks forward to continuing to serve his community through his medical practice.
Website: http://doctorsamirsharma.com