Services

Orthokine Therapy

Melbourne Orthokine Therapy

Orthokine Therapy

Orthokine Therapy (also known as Regenokine) is a form of injection therapy which harnesses and enhances the bodies natural defence mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function. The process involves taking the patients blood and preparing the blood so that the anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors (the serum of the blood), can be injected into either joints OR tendons and other soft tissues. This leads to a decrease pain and promotes natural healing.

The most value of Orthokine Therapy seems to be with Osteoarthritis. In particular, Osteoarthritis of the knee. The therapy primarily focuses on Interleukin 1 (IL1). IL1 plays a role in the mediation of inflammation by binding to certain "cytokine" receptors. By binding to these receptors, the IL1 causes the switching on of the inflammatory process. Then once this process occurs, pain comes with it and all the chemicals involved in the inflammatory process can lead to further destruction of the joint. In soft tissues it causes an increase in scar tissue formation.

Orthokine Therapy releases an IL-1 antagonist, which BLOCKS this IL1 from binding and this restricts the inflammatory process from occurring. At the same time, it also releases growth factors into the area to minimise the destruction of the local tissues (eg. the joint cartilage) and actually attempts to heal and repair these tissues.

There has been a number of research papers which are of good quality (please see references below) that support the use of Orthokine Therapy. In particular, for use in joint arthritis and spinal conditions. At our clinic, we see excellent results with Orthokine Therapy. There has been alot of media interest in Orthokine Therapy as players in the NBA such as Kobe Bryant and AFL players including Nick Riewoldt, have used this therapy with amazing success, when all other therapies have failed to work.

For those familiar with another type of blood injection therapy called (PRP - see the PRP section of our website), Orthkine is what we refer to as PRP PLUS!!!! It has the ability to increase the number of growth factors per procedure compared with PRP, and also has the advantage of blocking IL-1 and therefore blocking the inflammatory response. PRP is very effective but Orthokine has potentially a more profound effect.

WHAT IS INVOLVED TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR ORTHOKINE
Our leading Sports Physician - Dr. Philip Bloom (currently an AFL club doctor), carries out the Orthokine Therapy at Bounce Health Group. You will be required to arrange an appointment with Dr. Bloom with a referral from your GP to assess your suitability to undertake this type of injection therapy and treatment. Normally, if you have osteoarthritis that is mild to moderate (can be in some severe cases) and want to avoid surgery, then you may be a candidate. You could also be a candidate if you have a chronic tendon or ligament tear that has failed all other forms of therapy.

WHAT IF I AM SUITABLE FOR ORTHOKINE
If you meet the criteria for Orthokine Therapy, you will be required to attend the clinic for blood collection (your own blood), and will then undergo a series of approximately 4-5 injections over 3-5 weeks (varies depending on your specific pathology/condition).

WHAT IS THE FOLLOW UP AFTER ORTHOKINE
Dr Bloom works with a select few specialist physiotherapists that follow a specific post injection pathway to optimise your healing and ensure you have the best possible outcome from this kind of therapy. The physiotherapist will also assess potential pre-existing factors that may have potentially contributed to your problem in the first place and look to correct these.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Please call Bounce Health Group on 1300 855 442 and press option 2 (Blackburn Bounce) and follow the prompts. You can discuss with reception your interest in booking to see Dr Bloom. The receptionist can also discuss his fee structure for Orthokine Therapy and provide you with all the necessary information. Currently Orthokine Therapy & Treatment is available at our Bounce Blackburn Sports Medicine Centre. We will be looking in the next few months to carry out this procedure in East Melbourne. Please call for more information.

PATIENT FORMS - you can download these forms to read and understand the process prior to commencing Orthokine Therapy:
orthokine - bounce patient info sheet.pdf
Patient information and procedure guidelines.pdf

RESEARCH for practitioners:
Please follow the links below to a number of quality RCT's on Orthokine Treatment:

1 Recommendations for indication_Vers00_Oct2009_en.pdf
2 2004 - Wright Carpenter - IJSM - Musle Injuries ACS - EN.pdf
2 2007 - Biodrugs - Review - Wehling - EN.pdf
2 2007 - Spine - Becker - EN.pdf
2 2009 - AJSM - Majewski - EN.pdf
2 2009 - Osteoarthritis and Cartilage - Baltzer - EN.pdf

Full Name*
Email Address*

Bounce Club & Partners