Dr. Oltman explains his approach with nutritional supplements and reviews the supplements he commonly recommends for pain and joint health. 

Dr. Oltman reviews the different types of "stem cell therapy", why you shouldn't use products that aren't from your own body, and why fat is better than bone marrow as a source of cells for orthopedic procedures. 

Is what we do FDA approved? Is stem cell therapy a cure for anything? How do you know what's going on in the confusing landscape of regenerative medicine? 

In this episode, Dr. Oltman reviews the regulatory landscape in regenerative medicine from the FDA to the FTC. There is a lot of confusion of terms and definitions, as well as stances that shift and change with time. 

Ultimately, it's not necessarily important for a potential-patient to know every detail but it is important to know the general outline and how to spot red-flags. 

Dr. Oltman explains the distinction between covering the symptom from addressing the cause. Pain is a symptom that can be covered up, Healing is the process of improving damage and dysfunction. This difference is often not discussed with patients because it's not even recognized as a salient distinction. But it has major repercussions on your treatment choice and its effectiveness. 

The lack of a coherent concept of foot health is the biggest blind spot in medicine today. 
Dr. Oltman starts with first principles arguments for foundational foot health. The impact of conventional shoes is then explained along with the importance of alignment and strength. 
Every cause of foot pain can improve with the expertise of Dr. Oltman. He is the preeminent expert at the intersection of foot health and regenerative medicine. 
Adopting this approach based on alignment and strength is empowering and provides a path for life long movement. 

Dr. Oltman reflects on the joint replacement he received 3 years ago, the lessons he learned, and how it translates into his patient care. 

Most of orthopedic and musculoskeletal medicine is not based on high quality evidence. Where does PRP and regenerative medicine stand within this landscape? And why is it considered "alternative" if the mainstream is so poorly supported? See the corresponding article written on our website for references. 

Dr. Oltman explains the difference between the goal of pain relief and the goal of healing damaged tissue. The relationship between pain and tissue damaged is discussed. Understanding the short term and long term frame of reference that is needed to understand the difference. And Dr. Oltman's top pet peeve: "Cortisone helps arthritis" (spoiler: it doesn't). 

Dr. Oltman explains the incentives in the US healthcare system and the fundamental misalignment between insurers, hospitals, and patients. The role of capitalism, American culture, and good intentions are also explained. Along with a brief exploration of the potential solutions and why Cascade Regenerative Medicine is structured the way it is. 

Platelet Rich Plasma, aka PRP, is explained in detail and in a way that everyone is able to understand. Dr. Oltman reviews PRP's definition, history, rationale, current use, defining features, and future developments.