September 05, 2024

Amazing Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections & Insights Into Red Light Therapy w/ Rahul Desai, MD

1 hour 14 minutes

It's not hard to get excited to learn from someone that is so authentically passionate about their areas of expertise and interest. Today's guest and PRP, stems cells and regenerative expert, Dr. Rahul Desai, is a perfect depiction of someone that is impassioned to learn, teach and disseminate information he finds particularly profound to improve one's health and wellness. On top of that, Dr. Desai recently returned from PBM 2024 that was hosted in London in late August, so he provides his synopsis of what he learned from the world leaders in photobiomodulation!

During our conversation, we cover an array of topics: PRP, stem cells, regenerative medicine, Dr. Desai shares slides of images that clearly demostrate some miraculous healing achieved by regenerative medicine, many red light therapy topics and various biohacking subjects, including Dr. Desai's top biohacks that he integrates into his personal wellness regimen.

Dr. Rahul Desai is the founder of RestorePDX, specializing in musculoskeletal radiology and interventional joint and spine medicine. Dr. Desai was awarded a full-ride National Merit Scholarship to attend The Ohio State University, where he graduated with honors in Biology and Environmental Sciences. He attended medical school at Medical University of Ohio and completed his radiology training at the University of Toledo Health Sciences Campus. He then completed the prestigious musculoskeletal and spinal intervention fellowship at Mallincrokdt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Desai has expanded his musculoskeletal imaging background (educator for MSK ultrasound, diagnostic MRI, CT, Xray, interventional fluoroscopy) in combination with PRP, stem cells and regenerative medicine. He is an internationally recognized expert in this field, including numbers lectures, presentations, and publications.

If you found the information in today's episode with Dr. Desai particularly interesting and/or compelling, please share it with a family member, friend, colleague and/or anyone that you think could benefit and be illuminated by this knowledge. Sharing is caring :)

As always, light up your health!

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Key Points

[00:00] Introduction
Welcome to the Red Light Report.
Dr. Rahul Desai, founder of Restore PDX, is the guest.
Dr. Desai's background and education are discussed.

[01:43] Dr. Desai's Origin Story
Dr. Desai's journey from orthopedics to musculoskeletal radiology.
Experiences at St. Jude's Hospital and the Medical University of Ohio.
Development of a practice focused on musculoskeletal imaging and interventions.

[03:05] Introduction to PRP
Discovery of PRP as a potential treatment.
A case study of a patient with a rotator cuff tear.
Positive results and the subsequent expansion of PRP use in the practice.

[08:09] Misconceptions about PRP
Importance of proper platelet concentration.
The three-legged stool: precision diagnosis, biologics, and delivery.
The need for a robust healing response.

[11:32] PRP for Structural Issues
Potential benefits of PRP for conditions like spinal stenosis.
The interplay of biomechanics and biochemistry in healing.
Examples of positive outcomes.

[16:41] Comparison of PRP and Stem Cells
PRP as a tissue product and its ease of acquisition.
Different types of stem cell therapies: same-day and culture-expanded.
Regulatory considerations and potential risks.
Cost differences between PRP and stem cell therapies.

[27:54] PBM Conference
Dr. Desai's recent attendance at the PBM conference in London.
Highlights of the conference, including presentations and networking.
Insights gained into the future of PBM therapy.

[29:10] Discussion of the benefits of at-home PBM devices.

[30:32] Personal anecdotes about using PBM for various conditions.

[31:15] The importance of integrating PBM into a comprehensive wellness regimen.

[32:25] Challenges in promoting PBM as a mainstream therapy.

[33:15] The potential for PBM to revolutionize healthcare.

Visual Aids
[34:00-35:00:] Presentation of MRI images demonstrating cartilage regeneration in a knee joint.
[35:00] Discussion of the case and the implications for treating arthritis.
[36:00] Presentation of MRI images showing healing of an Achilles tendon.
[37:00] Discussion of the case and the potential for treating tendon injuries.
Importance of physical therapy alongside regenerative medicine for healing and recovery.
How physical therapy facilitates healing and recovery.

Biohacking
Photobiomodulation (PBM) - morning and night for energy and better sleep.
Sauna in the morning (190+ degrees) for cardiovascular health and cold plunge for contrast therapy.
Exercise - HIIT, cardio, weight lifting (using a Tonal gym at home and Peloton).
Meditation for calming the nervous system and stress management.
Nutrition - gluten-free, dairy-free, importance of gut microbiome, personalized functional medicine approach.
Sleep - individual sleep needs are important (Dr. Desai gets 6+ hours).
Family and community are key aspects of health.
Interest in tracking the effects of PBM when added to regenerative medicine regimens.

Where to learn more from and about Rahul Desai:

RestorePDX.com

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