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Should You Consider PRP Treatment
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Pain Management

Should You Consider PRP Treatment?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating joint pain, tendonitis, and tendinopathy. Known for being a non-surgical procedure, PRP involves using a patient’s own blood to promote healing and regeneration.

The use of Platelet-rich plasma stems from it being a concentration of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood. The plasma contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal, hence the name “platelet-rich.” Platelets contain growth factors and other bioactive proteins that promote tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into damaged tissue, these growth factors stimulate the body’s natural healing process, leading to faster recovery times and reduced pain.

PRP therapy is particularly effective in treating joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, as well as tendonitis and tendinopathy. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. Tendonitis and tendinopathy are conditions that result from overuse or injury to tendons, the fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. They can be very limiting for the patient and the new technology helps redirect the healing where it needs it most.

In PRP therapy, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The platelets are then concentrated and injected directly into the affected joint or tendon. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes less than an hour to complete.

After the injection, patients may experience mild pain and swelling for a few days. However, this is normal and usually resolves within a few days. Most patients begin to see improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of the procedure, with continued improvement over several months.

Are you interested in trying PRP therapy or looking for a doctor who offers PRP injections in Philadelphia? As a safe and effective treatment option for joint pain, tendonitis, and tendinopathy, PRP therapy offers a new route to a more comfortable day-to-day for patience. It works by using the patient’s own blood to promote healing and regeneration, leading to faster recovery times and reduced pain. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, PRP therapy may be a viable option for you. As with any medical treatment, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor to determine if PRP therapy is right for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our PRP therapy opportunities.

What Is Cardiovascular Artery Disease
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Family Medicine

What Is Cardiovascular Artery Disease?

Cardiovascular Artery Disease (CAD), also known as Coronary Artery Disease, is a serious condition that affects the blood flow to the heart. It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. If left untreated, CAD can lead to a heart attack or stroke, and even death.

Risk Factors 

Risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease. Managing these risk factors through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing CAD.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Diagnosis of CAD is typically made through a combination of tests, including a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests such as a coronary angiogram or a CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment for CAD can vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of CAD. Medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medications, can also help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Trust PVH Institute With Your Heart 

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one cause of death in the United States over 50 years old. If you have concerns about your risk for CAD It’s important to see a doctor right away. At PVH Institute, our primary care doctors in Philadelphia will take their time to get to know you. They will work to understand your history and risk factors and build a lifestyle plan that works best for you to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular disease and help you to live a long and happy life.

The Benefits Of Mindfulness And Meditation
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Wellness

The Benefits Of Mindfulness And Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Regular practice of mindfulness and meditation has been associated with a range of benefits, including:

  1. Reduced Stress: Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and reducing the body’s physical response to stress.
  2. Improved Sleep: Mindfulness and meditation can improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. This can lead to increased energy and improved overall well-being.
  3. Decreased Pain: Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to decrease pain by reducing the perception of pain and increasing the production of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
  4. Improved Immunity: Research has shown that mindfulness and meditation can improve the immune system by reducing inflammation and increasing the number of natural killer cells in the body.
  5. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Mindfulness and meditation can improve focus, attention, and memory by increasing gray matter in the brain and promoting neuroplasticity.
  6. Improved Mood: Regular mindfulness and meditation practice have been shown to improve mood by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.

Become The Best Version Of You 

It’s not easy to develop new habits. However, it can be life-altering to develop healthy habits like mindfulness practice. At PVH Institute, we strive to provide more than just treat problems as they arise. Our practice of integrative medicine in Philadelphia helps you become the best version of yourself and can help you to build habits like mindfulness techniques to have a fuller, more balanced life.

How Hard Should I Be Working Out? A Guide To Zone 2 Cardiovascular Exercise
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Active Lifestyle

How Hard Should I Be Working Out? A Guide To Zone 2 Cardiovascular Exercise

Zone 2 cardiovascular exercise refers to moderate-intensity exercise that falls within a specific heart rate range. In the context of heart rate training, “zones” are used to classify the intensity of exercise based on how hard the heart is working. Zone 2 is typically considered to be the optimal heart rate range for improving cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness.

What Does Zone 2 Feel Like? 

During zone 2 exercise, the heart rate is elevated but not to the point of heavy breathing or feeling exhausted. The goal is to work at a moderate intensity that allows for sustained exercise for a longer period of time, typically 30 minutes or more. This type of exercise can improve cardiovascular endurance, boost energy levels, and enhance overall health and wellness.

Determine Your Zone 2 

To determine your heart rate zone, you’ll need to first determine your maximum heart rate, which can be calculated as 220 minus your age. From there, you can determine your target heart rate range for zone 2 exercise, which is typically between 50-70% of your maximum heart rate. Wearable fitness devices, such as a heart rate monitor or smartwatch, can help track your heart rate and ensure that you stay within the target range during exercise.

In summary, zone 2 cardiovascular exercise is a moderate-intensity exercise that falls within a specific heart rate range. It is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness and is typically performed for longer periods of time, 30 minutes or more. Tracking your heart rate with a wearable device can help ensure that you stay within the target range and get the most benefit from your exercise.

Develop Healthy Habits at PVH Institute 

Make an appointment at PVH Institute today and we can review your exercise regimen and help you to develop habits that meet your lifestyle and goals. Whether you are training for an event, or just want to live a long and healthy life, our sports medicine doctors in Philadelphia are interested in more than just treating your problems. We want to help you be the best you can be.  

Tips On Finding A PCP For Your Children
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Family Medicine

Tips On Finding A PCP For Your Children

As a parent, you always want to ensure that your child is both safe and healthy. A pediatrician’s job is to provide care, whether physical, mental, or behavioral, for your child. When you’re looking for a new primary care physician in Conshohocken PA, there are some tips to follow to help you pick the right one for your child.

#1 Make a List of What Matters Most To You

Think about if you want a doctor that only treats children or the whole family. Do you want a doctor that is close to where you live or where you work? Do you have to pick from a list of providers from your insurance or referrals from friends or family? Are you looking for someone who offers evening or weekend hours so that getting appointments is easier? Do you need a specialist? Does it matter what gender the PCP is? Do you want the doctor to speak a specific language?

#2 Get Referrals

For new parents, their OB-GYN or family physician may be able to recommend pediatricians. However, if someone is new to an area and looking for a primary care doctor in Philadelphia, you may want to ask neighbors, and colleagues, or even take to social media for some recommendations.

#3 Look at Credentials

Once you have your referrals and your list of what matters most, it’s time to dive deeper. Board certification is important when you’re choosing a PCP for your child. It helps you know that the doctor is qualified, trained, and of course knowledgeable in all things about pediatric care. You can confirm a doctor’s certification status on the American Board of Pediatrics website.

#4 Check Insurance Coverage

After choosing your top PCP options, you’ll want to check with your insurance provider if these doctors are in-network. Some parents, would rather choose an out-of-network doctor and pay for services out of pocket if they like a doctor. This is a personal choice that is relative to each family and their finances.

Schedule a Get to Know You Session With Potential PCPs For Your Child

Perhaps the best way to get to know a particular PCP for your child is by scheduling an appointment with them. They will be more than happy to answer questions or concerns with you. This will help you to make such an important and informed decision for you and your child. A good PCP will be committed to delivering high-quality pediatric care. They also will always want to provide as much information as possible about a child’s health to parents. Their goal is to ensure that every patient has optimal health both now and in the future as they grow.

Contact our office to make an appointment with our physician today!

What Is Osteoarthritis & How Do You Live With It
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Osteopathic Medicine

What Is Osteoarthritis & How Do You Live With It?

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, decreased mobility and occasionally swelling. This condition typically affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine, and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50.

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified, including aging, obesity, injury, and overuse of joints. People with a family history of osteoarthritis are also at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Treating Osteoarthritis?

Treatment for osteoarthritis usually involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the severity of the condition. First-line options include anti-inflammatory medicine like Advil or Tylenol, physical therapy, and weight management to reduce the stress on the joints. If the pain gets worse we may need injections like corticosteroids, PRP, or viscous HA injections to manage the condition. If the pain is severe enough, ultimately some people require joint replacement surgery. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional like Dr. Mulholland At PVH Institute to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.

Find The Best Treatment For Your Osteoarthritis 

At PVH Institute we have the tools to help you evaluate your joint pain. Guide you in deciding the best course of treatment. With our partnership at La Maison Health and Fitness and Bounce Back PT, we have personal trainers and physical therapists to help guide your exercise and licensed Dietitians to help with weight loss. Osteoarthritis can negatively impact your quality of life and it takes a team approach to get you back on track. Stop by or make an appointment with our integrative medicine team near Philadelphia to see how we can help you today.

Living With Shoulder Pain Solution-Oriented Care 
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Pain Management

Living With Shoulder Pain: Solution-Oriented Care 

Shoulder pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. The shoulder is a complex joint that is susceptible to injury and pain due to its high degree of mobility. There are many different causes of shoulder pain, including injury, overuse, and underlying medical conditions.

Common Shoulder Injuries

Injuries such as rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulders, and fractures can cause shoulder pain. Overuse injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis, can also cause shoulder pain. Repetitive motions, such as playing a sport or performing manual labor, can lead to overuse injuries in the shoulder. In addition, underlying medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis and a frozen shoulder, can also cause shoulder pain.

Work With Your Healthcare Team Today

Treatment for shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. In many cases, rest and physical therapy can help to relieve shoulder pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, injections with medications like corticosteroids or regenerative medicine options like PRP injections near Philadelphia may be able to help your pain. Sometimes surgery may even be necessary to treat shoulder pain. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your pain and to receive the appropriate treatment. At PVH Institute we can properly diagnose and treat your shoulder pain. Make an appointment today to be seen by a physician.

Caring For Your Health & Wellness After Your 30s
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Osteopathic Medicine

Caring For Your Health & Wellness After Your 30s 

After your 30s, it is time to start getting serious about caring for your health and wellness. Think of this moment as a season of change. As we age, we may struggle to balance work responsibilities, raising children, and maintaining other important areas of our lives. This can lead to putting health and wellness on the back burner. However, it’s important to spend extra time caring for yourself so you can continue to live a healthy and active life.

Schedule an Annual Physical

On New Year’s Day, we might make some resolutions related to taking better care of ourselves by making smart, healthy choices. The first move should be scheduling an annual physical that helps to monitor your overall well-being. The baseline information gathered at yearly appointments allows you and your healthcare provider to make the best choices for your wellness. 

Do Not Miss Health Screenings

After your 30s, health screenings become an important measurement of your health and wellness. There are a variety of different screenings for different purposes, and you should discuss which are most appropriate for you with your primary care physician in Conshohocken, PA.

For women, checking for cervical cancer is key to your health and wellness. For men, health screening for testicular cancer is an essential medical appointment. The American Cancer Society recommends all males after their 30s be screened every five years.

Get Moving

You should engage in some sort of physical movement for at least 30 minutes per day. If you’re new to exercise, consult with your primary care physician about creating a workout program that caters to your health needs. Oftentimes, people are discouraged from implementing a movement routine due to chronic joint pain. If you experience discomfort in your joints that are impeding movement, our back and knee pain doctor in Philadelphia can help you find solutions. 

Do not fret if you’re beginning a workout program for the first time. It is important to take baby steps before engaging in a complete workout program. Try working out two or three days per week as this approach will condition your body to withstand a more vigorous program.

Clean Up Your Diet

After your 30s, it is wise to have a diet that avoids high sugar content and other heavily processed ingredients. Instead, you want to eat more natural carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and beans. Combining your healthy diet with a workout program, you have a good shot at maintaining optimal movement and mobility well into your later years.

Find The Professional Advice You Need

After your 30s, it is important to place even more care into your health and wellness. PVH Institute can help you to live your best life. Our staff can recommend what changes need to take place by measuring your lifestyle choices. All with the hope of improving your health and wellness. Schedule an appointment to learn more today.

Sports Medicine for Aging Athletes
By pvhinstitute 0 Comments Osteopathic Medicine

Sports Medicine For Aging Athletes 

Staying active promotes healthy aging, and many athletes can enjoy their favorite sports for many years. Yet, getting older places you at a higher risk for injuries, and recovery can take longer than it did in your youth. Working with a sports medicine team helps you to get back on your feet faster and enjoy these benefits for taking care of your body.