Our Therapies | Private Medical Practices & Sports Medicine located in Jack London Square, Oakland, CA

Our Therapies

Mint Medical Center provides the highest quality integrated regenerative medicine services for pain management, wellness, performance, and recovery. Regenerative medicine has the power to impact the whole spectrum of health care. Our comprehensive list of offerings serves as an innovative, non-surgical alternative for immediate improvements and long-term health outcomes.

Repair

Protocols to Regenerate, Cushion & Lubricate

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is an alternative therapy that may help repair body tissues. It is also known as regenerative injection therapy or proliferation therapy.

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy involves injecting a sugar or saline substance into your sore joint or muscle, where it acts as an irritant. It’s thought that your body recognizes the irritant and sends immune cells and other chemicals to the area, which starts your body’s natural healing process. This process is meant to help repair any damaged soft tissue in your joint or muscle area, like nerves, blood vessels, and muscle tissue.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a form of regenerative medicine and is quickly becoming a popular option for giving a biological boost to the healing process.

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentration of one type of cell, known as platelets, which circulate through the blood and are critical for blood clotting. Platelets and the liquid plasma portion of the blood contain many factors that are essential for the cell recruitment, multiplication, and specialization that are required for healing.

The Process

PRP is produced from a person's own blood. It is a concentration of one type of cell, known as platelets, which circulate through the blood and are critical for blood clotting. Platelets and the liquid plasma portion of the blood contain many factors that are essential for the cell recruitment, multiplication, and specialization that are required for healing. After a blood sample is obtained from a patient, the blood is put into a centrifuge, which is a tool that separates the blood into its many components. Platelet-rich plasma can then be collected and treated before it is delivered to an injured area of bone or soft tissue, such as a tendon or ligament. PRP is given to patients through an injection, and ultrasound guidance can assist in the precise placement of PRP.

Is PRP Treatment Effective?

Several basic science studies in animal models suggest that PRP treatment can improve healing in soft tissue and bone. These favorable findings in animal models have led to the widespread use of PRP treatment for a variety of conditions, including acute and chronic tendon problems, as well as injuries to ligaments and muscles. Some early-stage clinical studies in humans have been promising. The most promising early results have been seen when PRP treatment is used for chronic tendon conditions, such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and Achilles tendinosis, which impacts the Achilles tendon.

Since PRP is created from a patient's own blood, it is considered a relatively low-risk treatment with the potential to improve or speed healing.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is similar to a naturally occurring substance found in the joints. It works as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joints and helps the joints to work properly. Hyaluronic acid injections are US FDA-approved for several conditions, including osteoarthritis. It is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis most often used in the knee joint. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint can reduce joint pain and stiffness.

What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?

Hyaluronic acid is similar to a naturally occurring substance found in the joints. It works as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joints and helps the joints to work properly.

Hyaluronic acid injections are US FDA-approved for several conditions, including osteoarthritis. It is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis most often used in the knee joint. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint can reduce joint pain and stiffness.

The Process

Hyaluronic Acid is administered in the knee through intra-articular injection. Intra-articular injection refers to an injection given directly into the joint capsule.

The injection procedure takes a few minutes and usually does not involve any prior preparation. Please contact us for additional questions and considerations for Hyaluronic Acid (HA) protocols.

Cellular Therapy

Cellular Therapy is a form of Regenerative Medicine that aims to help the human body repair, reconstruct, and replace its own tissues and organs to restore healthy, natural function

What is Cellular Therapy?

Cellular Therapy is a form of Regenerative Medicine that aims to help the human body repair, reconstruct, and replace its own tissues and organs to restore healthy, natural function.

Stem cells can make copies of themselves and turn into other types of cells. In adults, a small number of these unspecialized cells lie dormant in many organs and tissues. Stem cells might be a source of renewable tissue for almost any part of the body such as the spine, hips, shoulders, knees, ankles, and other large joints to be strong and fully functional.

Celluar Therapy can serve to both facilitate and accelerate the recovery process.

The Process

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are found mainly in bone marrow and fat, are usually used for these procedures. The stem cells are separated from other tissue components and are then injected into your painful joint. The theory is that the stem cells will initiate tissue regeneration in the joint.

Is This Treatment Effective?

MSCs stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors. From studies, there is evidence that MSCs are safe and can improve pain and function in arthritic joints

Signs of improvement are typically noticeable within the first 6-8 weeks, and mesenchymal stromal cells remain active in the body for up to six months, with symptom improvement between 3-6 months.

Riley Williams III, MD, who directs the Institute for Cartilage Repair at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City says, “I’m really excited about the prospects for treating very early arthritis and some chronic overuse injuries. [Stem cells] are not going to work for bone-on-bone arthritis, but they are helpful when people are just starting to have some pain and swelling.”

Shockwave

Shockwave Therapy or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. It is evidence-based and an extremely successful non-invasive approach to treating pain. This technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.

What is Shockwave Therapy or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®)?

Shockwave Therapy or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. It is evidence-based and an extremely successful non-invasive approach to treating pain. This technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.

The Process

Coupling gel is applied to the specified treatment area to enhance effectiveness. Then, pressure waves are released via the applicator which is moved over the area in a circular motion.

What Disorders Can Be Treated?

Generally, acute, or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that impairs mobility or quality of life.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy or (EPAT®)?

Non-Invasive
No anesthesia
No risk of infection
No scarring
No downtime
Faster, easier healing

Perform

Protocols to enhance physical performance.

NAD+ IV Infusion

NAD is a derivative of vitamin B3 (also called niacin), and it is essential for fueling the body’s cells with energy. When the cells are infused with NAD, it increases the body’s levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In turn, that helps with essential enzymatic processes such as DNA repair and metabolism regulation.

What is NAD+ IV Infusion?

NAD IV therapy is also sometimes referred to as NAD regenerative therapy. The “NAD” stands for the natural coenzyme NAD+, an oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

The Process

The NAD coenzyme is delivered via IV drip, so it directly enters the bloodstream. The treatment can last anywhere from 90 minutes to four hours, as it produces a powerful feeling in the body that is more enjoyable in a slow IV drip. During that time, you can read a book, work, watch a movie on your tablet or laptop, or simply rest. Once you are finished with the NAD IV therapy, you can resume normal activities with no downtime necessary.

NAD IV therapy is not FDA-approved to treat any condition. Because it is a cutting-edge treatment, research is ongoing, and scientists continue to discover new benefits this therapy can have on the human body.

NAD IV therapy benefits may include the following:

Improved cognitive function, such as memory, especially after a concussion or brain injury like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) injury
Elevated, happier mood
Weight management
Reduced inflammatory pain
Increased energy, less chronic fatigue syndrome
Deeper sleep, deeper dreams
Strong muscle health
Naturally enhanced athletic performance
A decrease in depression symptoms and cravings
Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms during drug and alcohol detox
Reduced symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders
Reduction in symptoms of autoimmune disease

Major Autohemotherapy

Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) utilizes ozone, which is found naturally in the body. Our white blood cells make ozone in response to viruses, bacteria, and fungal pathogens. MAH therapy works by boosting your body’s immune response, in addition to enhancing your health in a number of other ways:

What is Major Autohemotherapy (MAH)?

Ozone improves circulation by enhancing the flow of your blood.
Ozone increases cellular oxygen uptake by stimulating the enzyme DPG (diphosphoglycerate). Increased oxygen enhances your body’s ability to fight viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Ozone is a powerful regulator of the immune system. It calms down the immune system in cases of auto-immune disease and stimulates the immune system when it is underactive (such as in presence of cancer and chronic infections).
Ozone is a powerful mitochondrial stimulant. Decreased mitochondrial energy production is the underlying cause of all degenerative diseases, and MAH can correct this.
Ozone can boost your body’s antioxidant capabilities.

MAH is an extremely safe form of ozone therapy when provided by a qualified medical professional. MAH generally results in very minor, if any side effects and the potential for these side effects will be discussed before your first treatment.

What Can Be Treated?

Ozone can be an effective treatment for a number of conditions, as well as provide continuing defense against the process of aging.

Ozone has proven to be effective for:

Ozone therapy may be used to help treat a variety of conditions.
Can help increase oxygen levels in the blood and therefore reduce stress on the lungs for those with breathing disorders.
Has the potential to activate the body’s immune and antioxidant systems and reduce inflammation, promoting healing throughout the body.
Has antiviral properties which may be used to treat certain viruses.
Aims to enhance efficacy and decrease the harmful side effects of cancer treatments. Used as an adjuvant to cancer treatments, ozone can create antioxidants that may help promote cancer cell death

The number of treatments that you will require depends on the condition you are trying to treat and the results you want to achieve. Although everyone’s treatment regimen will differ slightly, some conditions do require more frequent and more numerous treatments than others. Please contact us to see discuss your personal treatment plan for MAH.

It is important to remember that although ozone is an extremely effective and crucial modality, it is only rarely effective by itself. To achieve significant healing results, it is important to combine this therapy with a complete treatment plan.

Although MAH is an extremely safe therapy, it is not safe to use for everyone. Please contact us to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Myer's Cocktail IV Vitamin

An intravenous vitamin infusion containing Magnesium, electrolytes, multiple B vitamins, and Vitamin C is used to enhance the immune system, improve fatigue and migraines, and can reduce fibromyalgia, allergies, and asthma symptoms.

What is Myer's Cocktail IV Vitamin?

Myer’s Cocktail is named for the late John Myers, M.D., a Maryland physician who used intravenous injections of nutrients to treat his patients. The nutrient cocktail has been popularized by Alan Gaby, M.D., president of the American Holistic Medical Association and a physician who is a prolific author of various nutritional factors in medicine. The Myer’s Cocktail works by increasing the concentration of several essential vitamins and minerals in the blood thereby bypassing the poor absorption of the gastrointestinal tract.

The Process

During therapy, the practitioner inserts an IV line into the patient’s vein. This IV line is attached to a bag of saline solution. The bag is then hung above the patient’s head. IV therapy bags are designed to let gravity, as opposed to a syringe or other forced technique, carry fluid into the veins over time.

The duration of a single treatment varies from person to person but tends to last between 30 – 45 minutes. Some formulas can take 1-2 hours to administer.

Symptoms that can be addressed with Myer’s Cocktail:

• Fatigue • Migraines • Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Fibromyalgia • Muscle spasms • Colds • Viral illnesses • Chronic sinusitis • Depression/anxiety • Hangover • Athletes - before or after a race/training

Vitamin IV Infusions

Intravenous (IV) fluid drips deliver a combination of saline solution, vitamins, and electrolytes through a small catheter and tubing directly into the bloodstream. The ingredients in individual IV formulas are specifically blended to address a variety of health needs.

What are Vitamin IV Infusions?

The Process

The duration of a single treatment varies from person to person but tends to last between 30 – 45 minutes. Some formulas can take 1-2 hours to administer.

Regenerative Medicine Vitamin Support

Supplements are important to support optimal healing during regenerative treatment. During treatment, it is important to supply the body with the vitamins, minerals, and connective tissue building blocks to ensure that optimal healing can be achieved.

About Regenerative Medicine Vitamin Support

Supplements are important to support optimal healing during regenerative treatment.

During treatment, it is important to supply the body with the vitamins, minerals, and connective tissue building blocks to ensure that optimal healing can be achieved. Utilizing the latest in nutritional supplemental support to help maximize the benefits of the treatments done at the clinic.

Recovery

Protocols to rehabilitate and support healing.

Chiropractic Care

Full chiropractic care including manual and manipulative therapies such as Active Release Technique®, The Graston® Technique and The Kinesio® Taping Method.

Active Release Technique® is a patented, state of the art soft tissue movement technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

The Graston® Technique incorporates a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

The Kinesio® Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused or tired muscles, and support muscles in movement on a 24-hour-a-day basis. The taping is non-restrictive and allows for full range of motion.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injection (TPI) is an alternative option for treating pain in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Many times, such knots can be felt under the skin. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them, and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body.

What are Trigger Point Injections?

The Process

In the TPI procedure, a health care professional inserts a small needle into the patient's trigger point. The injection contains a local anesthetic or saline and may include a corticosteroid. With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive, and the pain is alleviated. Often, a brief course of treatment will result in sustained relief.

Injections usually take just a few minutes. Several sites may be injected in one visit. If a patient has an allergy to a certain drug, a dry-needle technique (involving no medications) can be used.

What Disorders Can Be Treated?

TPI is used to treat many muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. In addition, TPI can be used to treat fibromyalgia and tension headaches. The technique is also used to alleviate myofascial pain syndrome (chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle) that does not respond to other treatments. However, the effectiveness of TPI for treating myofascial pain is still under study.

The Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy.

Relieving pain
No anesthesia
Minimal to no side effects
No downtime
Effective healing

Spinal Disc Decompression

DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy is a leading non-surgical alternative for disc-related syndromes of the lumbar and cervical spine. This pain-free option has shown a very high rate of success in reducing or even eliminating back and neck pain.

What is Spinal Disc Decompression?

If you have lower back pain, a pinched nerve, sciatica, neck pain, or a variety of symptoms related to damaged or degenerative discs, this gentle, non-surgical therapy can provide lower back pain relief, sciatica pain relief, and is a state-of-the-art therapy for neck pain relief, bulging or degenerative disc disease, and lumbar pain.

DTS Therapy uses simple, yet sophisticated equipment manufactured by the leading rehabilitation equipment manufacturer in the US, The Chattanooga Group. Chattanooga’s Titron ® DTS Decompressive Traction System is the most popular decompression system with over 1,200 installations worldwide.

The Process

DTS Therapy gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure from the discs, joints, and muscular tissues, while enhancing the body’s natural healing process.

The gentle distractive forces create decompression to improve blood flow and important nutrient exchange to the injured area. This helps provide lower back pain relief, sciatica pain relief, and neck pain relief, and can aid in alleviating the pain of a pinched nerve.

The patient’s comfort is our top priority, and we want their visits to be enjoyable and successful. Treatments are short in duration and administered while fully clothed. Most patients undergoing this treatment report improvements and a reduction in their pain after only a few sessions.

Therapy sessions typically last less than 20 minutes and most patients feel pain relief with as few as 6-10 treatments. It is important to remember, however, that pain subsiding does not infer that your discs and spine are healed, so it is critical that patients stick with the treatment protocol prescribed by their practitioners to achieve the full value of DTS Therapy.

Functional Joint Bracing

Functional knee braces are intended to stabilize knees during rotational and anteroposterior forces. They offer a useful adjunct to the treatment and rehabilitation of ligamentous knee injuries

What is Functional Joint Bracing?

Functional knee braces are intended to stabilize knees during rotational and anteroposterior forces. They offer a useful adjunct to the treatment and rehabilitation of ligamentous knee injuries

The incidence of osteoarthritis is increasing, and it is one of the most common causes of chronic conditions. Total knee replacement is the most mainstream form of treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis; however, with long waiting lists and high levels of dissatisfaction, a treatment like knee braces could potentially delay surgery.

Unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis is associated with misalignment of the knee, and unloader bracing has been recommended by various guidelines to correct this misalignment.

Unloader braces are an economical and effective treatment for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. They can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and potentially delay or even replace the need for surgery. The patient should be managed with a multidisciplinary, conservative approach to knee bracing before surgery is considered. Conservative guidelines recommend the use of knee braces for the treatment of osteoarthritis, as part of the nonpharmacological management. Osteoarthritis Research Society International has produced guidelines that include biomechanical interventions to treat patients with mild to moderate varus/valgus instability to improve stability and reduce pain.

Game Ready Ice Therapy

Game Ready is a leading innovative technology for injury recovery and post-surgery rehabilitation. It is trusted by thousands of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other medical professionals around the world. For next-level cold, hot, and compression therapy equipment, Game Ready is here to help you extend your care into winning recoveries.

What is Game Ready Ice Therapy?

The clinically proven Game Ready GRPro® 2.1 system combines a powerful control unit with a complete range of innovative, circumferential wraps to integrate active cold and intermittent pneumatic compression therapies with greater adjustability, comfort, and convenience than ever before. The easy-to-use, portable system out-cools the competition, taking RICE (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation) to the next level for your injury or surgery recovery.

Normatech Compression Therapy

NormaTec is like the best massage of your life. NormaTec is patented and proven to decrease pain and soreness, so you never have to let Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) slow you down. This restorative massage increases circulation and helps you maintain your full range of motion, leaving you fresh and limber.

What is NormaTec Compression Therapy?

NormaTec Compression Therapy is a cutting-edge recovery system that helps athletes recover and rehabilitate between training sessions or following competitive events. The NormaTec PULSE Recovery System consists of a compression device that surrounds your arms, legs, or hips.

NormaTec was created by an MD, Ph.D., and designed with input from top pro athletes and sports medicine professionals.