What is ‘male pattern baldness’? – Livescience.com

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness (MPB), is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It begins as a receding hairline or bald spot on the top of the head, progressing over time to the sides and rear of the head. The factors that drive this type of hair loss can also cause hair thinning, where hairs grow smaller in diameter, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (opens in new tab) (AAD).

Male pattern baldness affects males of all ages. Two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of hair loss due to MPB by age 35, and approximately 25% of men begin the process before they reach age 21, according to the American Hair Loss Association (opens in new tab) (AHLA).

People may lose their hair for many reasons, including serious diseases, reactions to certain medications, and in rare cases, extremely stressful events, but most hair loss in men can be ascribed to genetic and hormonal factors. However, the exact mechanisms behind male pattern baldness aren't fully understood, and it is likely to have more than one cause.

People with MPB tend to carry genes that make their hair follicles highly sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, according to AHLA (opens in new tab). An enzyme called Type 2 5-alpha-reductase converts a small percentage of the body's testosterone into DHT; this enzyme can be found in various body parts, as well as in hair follicles. Hair follicles around the temples, mid-anterior scalp and hairline appear to be most sensitive to DHT, and in general, balding scalp may have a higher concentration of DHT than non-balding scalp, according to a 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology (opens in new tab).

DHT binds to androgen receptors on hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink and their life spans to shorten. Eventually, these hair follicles stop producing hair.

Hair follicles in balding scalp may carry more androgen receptors (opens in new tab) than those in non-balding scalp. In addition, certain genetic variations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene may make hair follicles more susceptible to the effects of DHT (opens in new tab), which in turn increases the risk of MPB. The age at which MPB starts may also be determined by genetic variations (opens in new tab) in the AR gene.

In a 2017 study published in the journal Nature Communications (opens in new tab), scientists analyzed genetic profiles of 10,846 participants and found that, in addition to genes involved in the hair growth cycle, androgenetic alopecia may also be linked to genes involved in the sleep-wake cycle and the formation of fat cells within the body.

Changes in the activity of stem cells may also play a role in male pattern baldness. For example, a 2020 study in mice suggests that hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in aging skin show different gene activity (opens in new tab) than those in young skin, and this may be linked to declines in hair growth. In addition, stem cells derived from fat tissue in the scalp tend to secrete more inflammatory proteins in balding areas than in non-balding areas, according to a 2022 study published in the journal Experimental Dermatology (opens in new tab). Such inflammatory markers have been linked to impaired activity in genes involved in hair growth (opens in new tab).

Researchers have also found that disrupted functioning of testosterone receptors (opens in new tab) in the scalp may lead to the degeneration of blood vessels that nourish hair follicles. This can result in a reduction in supply of oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth.

Hair loss can often be treated with a variety of at-home treatments, including over-the-counter and prescribed medications, according to AAD (opens in new tab).

Over-the-counter minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) can help during the early stages of hair loss. Many people see some regrowth when using this medication, but it may take about six to 12 months to see results. Minoxidil appears to be particularly effective when used along with another treatment, such as microneedling, a type of treatment that uses small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin, AAD said.

Microneedling may stimulate hair follicle growth (opens in new tab) and allow topical treatments, such as steroid creams, to reach deeper layers of the scalp. Available evidence suggests that this strategy is safe and effective for MPB, but more large, gold-standard clinical trials are "strongly recommended to provide more definitive evidence," according to a 2022 review published in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (opens in new tab).

Prescription medication, such as finasteride (brand name Propecia) can also stimulate hair growth, according to AAD. However, this medication carries a risk of side effects that minoxidil doesn't, such as decreased libido and changes in cognition, including brain fog, according to a 2012 review published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (opens in new tab).

Other procedures to regrow hair involve injections of corticosteroids into the bald areas, hair transplants and platelet-rich plasma treatment, a procedure that involves injecting blood plasma into the area with hair loss, AAD said. Platelet-rich plasma treatment, in particular, is considered a safe and effective alternative to hair loss medications, because it carries a low risk of serious side effects (opens in new tab).

In addition, there are surgical treatments available for hair loss, including hair transplants and scalp reductions, which involve removing balding tissue from the scalp, according to Stanford Medicine (opens in new tab).

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What is 'male pattern baldness'? - Livescience.com

Want Longer, Thicker Hair? The Hair Whisperer Has The Answers – British Vogue

It was a friend with a particularly bounteous mane who first mentioned his name: Ricardo Vila Nova. She had been to see the Hair Whisperer in his sleek little salon in a corner of Harrods, and compared the feeling afterwards to scalp freedom. Freeing my own head from itchy, flaky torment was something that really appealed to me. Could this be the person who would make my scalp sing again?

Vila Nova, who is as glossy of hair and warm of manner as you could hope, began with an in-depth analysis. After plucking two of my strands, his state-of-the-art microscopical scanner revealed their construction. Its almost like an MRI, he explains. You can see the hairs genetic constitution, along with the factors that have contributed to any degeneration, whether thats hormones, nutrition, inflammation, medication or toxins. Once hes identified what is impacting the hair, a bespoke treatment plan is conjured up to tackle the root cause (pun intended).

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For me, the issue was inflammation, which, according to the scan, was sitting below my epidermis, causing itchiness, dermatitis and occasional shedding. No surprise really, given my scalp is prone to flaring up when Im stressed, eating badly or generally run-down. If inflammation continues to build up lets say youve overindulged or you take medication that could upset liver function it penetrates to a deeper level of the skin, which is when the hair starts suffering, Vila Nova explains. Thats when more serious issues, such as hair loss (which Harvard Health Publishing estimates affects around a third of all women at some point in their lives), can come into play.

If you are genetically predisposed towards a skin condition, such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, youll likely know its pretty much impossible to remove the issue completely. But what you can do is manage it, keeping it dormant while boosting scalp and hair resilience, achieved by way of a 360-degree approach. Putting a balanced lifestyle a healthy diet, exercise and as little stress as possible, all of which are important to the side, the programme Vila Nova prescribes consists of multi-step treatments.

There will be scalp reparation, washing, steaming and rehydration or reconstruction, he says. Just a few of the rigorous treatments that follow include a deeply relaxing head massage, scalp microneedling (where a dermaroller is used to create micro-channels in the scalp, allowing any subsequent treatment serum to penetrate deeply) and steaming to help soften and hydrate.

Afterwards, Im instantly converted. My scalp has never looked or felt so clean. I leave swinging a bag filled with my three-step home routine (comprising a shampoo, protein mask and scalp treatment) to be used once a week between monthly appointments.

Vila Novas fastidiousness is no surprise given that his background is in skincare he worked as an aesthetic facialist in the 90s. He became one of the first to bring the same principles applied to looking after the skin into haircare. All you had back then was shampoo to clean the surface of the scalp and masks. If you wanted to help the scalp or enable hair to regenerate or recover, it would be medication and steroids.

Amanda Gorman On Natural Hair, Winged Eyeliner And How She Gets Into The Writing Zone

Hannah Coates

Youll remember American poet and activist, Amanda Gorman, from President Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021. Resplendent in a yellow coat and ruby red Prada hairband, she gave a moving reading of her poem, The Hill We Climb, as the eyes of the world looked on. Two years later, Gorman has now been unveiled as Este Lauders first global changemaker. Here, she talks to acting senior beauty and wellness editor, Hannah Coates, about her writing process, hair accessories and the wellbeing workout she loves.

While the scalp doesnt need certain ingredients common in facials, like retinol or vitamin C, it does need hydrolipids, hydration, collagen and protein plus a balanced pH to make it strong and healthy, all of which is incorporated into Vila Novas luxurious treatments. Nowadays, with more than 20 years under his belt, he also embraces a number of hi-tech tools in his clinic, such as PRP (or platelet-rich plasma injections, where blood is taken from the patient, run through a machine to separate the platelets and then re-injected), which he says is excellent for treating alopecia, healing and boosting regrowth. With injectable technology, the response is much faster its not instant and it takes time, but you do notice a longer-lasting effect in terms of how the hair and scalp feels, how strong it is, how it recovers, he says.

PRP is also his secret weapon against postpartum hair loss, a common issue among his clientele. During pregnancy, your own growth factors rise naturally in the blood, and growth factor is the main ingredient in PRP, he explains. Even a laboratory couldnt create the same amount of growth factors as a pregnant woman. Once the baby has been delivered, the growth factors decrease and thats when hair starts falling. I give my clients a one-month window, maximum, after birth to collect their growth factors we reuse them, and then extend the pregnancy effects on the hair.

However significant your concerns are, what used to be a serious, medical experience at the trichologist is now something to look forward to. Optimal health of the body, the mind, and yes, the scalp too is the goal, and Vila Nova notes that his clients, who fly in from all over the world to see him, are those who want to make their hair stronger, double in quantity and enjoy a super comfortable scalp.

As for me, thanks to a thorough diagnosis and a clear understanding of whats going on up there, so far its made it much easier not to despair when the itchiness and flaking gets out of control. Not only will I know when its time to get some rest, eat better or address my stress levels, Ill also know its time to call Ricardo for more scalp therapy. Like I said, Im a convert.

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Want Longer, Thicker Hair? The Hair Whisperer Has The Answers - British Vogue

Andrew Painter has UCL sprain, will be shut down for four weeks – The Morning Call

CLEARWATER, Fla. The long-awaited Phillies medical update on Andrew Painter arrived Friday, and its not the best news. It also isnt the worst.

Painter has a sprain in his ulnar collateral ligament, and the 19-year-old prospect will rest for four weeks to see if he can avoid Tommy John surgery.

Painter had an MRI-arthrogram March 3 which revealed what manager Rob Thomson took pains to call a mild sprain. That diagnosis by team doctors was confirmed in a consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the surgeon who performed Bryce Harpers Tommy John procedure in November.

Obviously, its a bummer, Painter told media at BayCare Ballpark. You want to stay healthy, but at the end of the day, weve got to do whats right for the long-term. Its a long season. Weve got to take the precautions now and make sure Im healthy for the middle and the end of the year.

The sprain means a degree of stretching and/or minor tear in the ligament. Severe tears require reconstruction, which is the Tommy John procedure.

Like Harper, who tore the UCL in his right elbow last year, the Phillies will try to rest Painter to see if it heals, then re-evaluate him as he begins a light throwing program. The four weeks are from the date of his last outing, March 1. The treatment plan does not include platelet-rich plasma injections, which Harper had last year in his unsuccessful bid to avoid going under the knife.

Painter reported a tender feeling one day after his outing against Minnesota. He said nothing felt amiss during that start. Finalizing a diagnosis has taken a week, a process of patience for Painter.

Its been interesting, he said. Theres been a lot of concerns and weve been waiting a little bit. But Ive been fine. I havent been too worried about it. With our medical staff and everyones that had a say in this, theyre very experienced and they know what theyre doing.

All things considered, Thomson feels OK with the diagnosis. UCL strains dont automatically lead to Tommy John one example is Aaron Nola, who was shut down in August 2016 with a low-grade UCL strain. He avoided surgery and has become an All-Star workhorse since.

Nola sought out Painter when he heard about the younger pitchers issues last week and shared his experience, which included eight weeks off (it was the end of the season) and a PRP injection.

Hes 19. Nineteen-year-old bodies heal a lot quicker than 29-year-old bodies nowadays, Nola said. I pray for him, I hope everything works out, hope he doesnt have to get surgery, hope he heals really quick and its nothing super big.

This is a common thing, Painter said. Other people have experienced this. They know what were doing is right.

Painter is the Phillies top prospect and ranked by MLB.com as the sixth best in baseball. He went 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA last year in Single A and Double A, striking out 155 batters and walking 25 in 103.2 innings. He had been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Given his age and potential, its possible this could help the Phillies later in the season. Painter will be on an innings limit so early in his career, and innings he misses in April might be available come September and (the Phillies hope) October.

For the rest of spring, Painter will be positioning himself for when hes able to throw again.

Its just staying on top of the recovery process and make sure I do everything in my power to make sure this recovery goes as well as planned, he said. And then just try to get on the mound whenever the time is right.

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Andrew Painter has UCL sprain, will be shut down for four weeks - The Morning Call

Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments – Verywell Health

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It occurs when the smooth, slippery cartilage that coats the endings of bones begins to deteriorate at a joint (where two bones meet). This wear and tear can increase friction, bone spurring, pain, and stiffness.

Though OA can develop at any joint, it is most common in the hands, spine, knees, hips, and feet.

This article will outline the most common causes, symptoms, and treatments for osteoarthritis.

Srdjan Radevic / EyeEm

When two bones meet, a joint forms. A smooth, slippery coatingcalled cartilagecoats the endings of bones and helps one glide against the other.

Several hallmark symptoms are typically seen with osteoarthritis. Some of the most common are:

In addition, several specific signs may present depending on which joint is affected. This includes:

Many people hear that a lifetime of physical activity or exercise can develop osteoarthritis in their bones and joints. However, a recent review dispelled this myth and found moderate physical activity does not cause OA to develop. Instead, it identified several other potential causes, including:

Many OA risk factors may potentially elevate your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. These include:

The research establishing these risk factors is still in progress. Speak to a healthcare provider about your specific situation and any personal risk factors that may need modifying.

Preventing osteoarthritis from progressing or becoming symptomatic may be possible if you address some of the conditions risk factors. Some strategies that may benefit you include:

There are significant differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For example:

There are significant differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

As previously mentioned, osteoarthritis occurs after wear and tear cause a bones cartilage to deteriorate at a joint. This increases friction, excessive bony buildup, and pain or soreness. OA commonly affects weight-bearing joints (like the hips or knees) and frequently occurs on only one side of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes your bodys immune system to attack its joint tissue. This tissue damage frequently leads to pain, swelling, and inflammation. RA most commonly impacts smaller joints, like those in the hands or feet, and is usually seen simultaneously on both sides of the body.

To accurately diagnose osteoarthritis, a healthcare provider usually performs a comprehensive evaluation. During this process, they will examine the affected joint(s) and take a personal history of your symptoms.

They may also obtain an X-ray to provide a clear image of the joint in question. This test can show damage to your bone, bone spurring, and any loss of space within the affected joint.

Finally, they can order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if they suspect concurrent damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissue structures.

Depending on the severity of your arthritis symptoms, they may suggest several different treatment strategies. The most common are outlined below.

Pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medications are frequently recommended to help treat OA pain and inflammation. Pain-relieving creams, rubs, or sprays may also help. Occasionally, a stronger corticosteroid may need to be taken orally or injected into the joint to alleviate a severe OA aggravation.

One of the biggest lifestyle changes you can make to impact your OA symptoms is maintaining a healthy body weight. Losing excess weight can:

Staying active with an exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness is another cornerstone of OA self-care. A healthcare provider can guide safe ways to begin a new fitness regimen. They may also refer you to physical therapy for more structured guidance on appropriate osteoarthritis exercise techniques.

In severe cases of OA, surgery may be necessary. This is especially true if more conservative treatments fail to relieve your symptoms.

Depending on the affected area, this may involve a joint replacement (arthroplasty) or a joint fusion (arthrodesis) procedure. Occasionally, osteotomy surgery may also be recommended. This operation involves removing a piece of bone to alleviate pressure on the arthritic portion of the joint.

In some situations, a brace can reduce some of your osteoarthritis pain.

Most commonly utilized for knee arthritis, braces can:

Similar devices may also be recommended for osteoarthritis in your fingers, wrists, ankles, or elbows. Though bracing an arthritic area will not prevent OA from advancing, it may provide short-term enhancements to your day-to-day function and diminish some of your pain.

Several other treatments may help you manage your osteoarthritis pain.

Because platelets play a role in regenerating tissue and controlling inflammation, some have recommended platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for OA. Unfortunately, the research on this intervention is still mixed. Currently, there is low-level evidence showing that PRP injections may provide short- and medium-term pain relief for osteoarthritis.

Stem cell therapy has also been proposed as a potential management strategy. Stem cells are thought to help regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation levels. Unfortunately, the evidence supporting this treatment is also still mixed. Several low-quality studies found reduced evidence of osteoarthritis and diminished pain levels after receiving this treatment. More research in this area is still necessary, however.

There is currently no evidence-based treatment that reverses osteoarthritis. That said, the presence of OA on an X-ray does not necessarily mean that you will have symptoms. It is possible to have osteoarthritis and minimal to no pain.

By staying active, maintaining a healthy body weight, taking medications as prescribed, and wearing braces if recommended, you may be able to keep pain levels low while continuing with the activities you love.

Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly and gets worse as time goes on. As the cartilage in a joint thins, friction increases with movement and triggers bone spurs. This bone adds to the irregularity of the joint surface and begins to cause inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Though these symptoms may be mild and infrequent at first, over time, the pain from severe osteoarthritis may become more intense and constant. Other factors like heavy loading of the affected joint and excessive body weight can also accelerate this process.

To remain active and maintain a healthy body weight in spite of osteoarthritis, try following these steps:

OA can cause severe pain and significantly limit overall mobility if inadequately treated. This shift to a more sedentary lifestyle may also lead to the development of other health conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Fortunately, many cases of osteoarthritis are effectively managed with the conservative treatments listed above. Working closely with a healthcare provider can help avoid these potential side effects and ensure a better long-term outlook.

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Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Verywell Health

Owen Warner visits hair clinic to ‘prevent going down route of Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson’ – The Mirror

Hollyoaks actor Owen , who portrays Romeo Nightingale in the Channel 4soap opera, travelled to the hair clinic in Hale, Manchester after worrying about his 'receding' hairline

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! finalist Owen Warner has joked he "doesnt want to go down the route of Hollywood celebrities like Vin Diesel or Dwayne The Rock Johnson" after visiting the British Hair Clinic.

The 23-year-old became a fans' favourite on the popular ITV reality show when he came runner-up behind England Lioness Jill Scott as I'm A Celeb returned to the New South Wales jungle for the first time in three years due to coronavirus.

The Hollyoaks actor, who portrays Romeo Nightingale in the Channel 4 soap opera, travelled to the hair clinic in Hale, Manchester after worrying about his 'receding' hairline despite still having a full head of thick brown hair.

Speaking in a video posted on British Hair Clinic's Instagram page, which has more than 12,400 followers, Owen said: "Hair transplant is a big process to go through and I thought why not prevent it for as long as I can, make my head healthy, thick hair on the top of my head, just prevention really.

"It's like stopping something before it could possibly go a certain way."

He added that he "doesnt want to go down the route of Hollywood celebrities like Vin Diesel or Dwayne The Rock Johnson who are completely bald, it suits them but not sure it would work for me!"

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Owen underwent Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections which can effectively prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth.

He joins a host of celebrities who have used British Hair Clinic to manage their hair issues. Former England rugby union captain Dylan Hartley, boxer Conor Benn and reality TV stars such as Towie's Kirk Norcross have all had treatment done at the clinic including hair transplants.

Owen's ex-girlfriend and former Hollyoaks star Stephanie Davis underwent a female hair transplant at the British Hair Clinic.

He continued: "I need to keep the hair thinning on hold. Im young and as an actor who plays certain roles so I need to maintain a youthful appearance.

"Im conscious about my hair just as I am about my general health, better to be healthy and have a good head of hair than to be unhealthy and bald, especially if health and hair can be maintained.

"Its important to be proactive as an actor and not let your appearance deteriorate as essentially our talent and looks help us get the roles we need."

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Owen Warner visits hair clinic to 'prevent going down route of Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson' - The Mirror

Osteoarthritis of the knee: How Temple Health is helping ease knee … – WPVI-TV

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- For millions of people, arthritis of the knees causes frequent pain and limits their lives.

Yet they're often afraid of joint replacement surgery.

A Philadelphia man says getting over his reservations put him back on the road again.

Lester Frisby of Juniata Park admits he was a crazy kid.

"We used to jump out of the second flood window onto mattresses," Frisby recalls.

And his knees paid the price.

"The body doesn't forget what you put it through," he notes.

Dr. Mark Desmond, a Temple Health orthopaedic surgeon, says osteoarthritis develops when cartilage - the cushion between the upper and lower leg bones - gets damaged over time.

"And sometimes it gets so worn, that there's none left, and there's only bone rubbing on bone, which can be very painful," Dr. Desmond says.

"My pain level was easy 7 to 10 every day," Frisby says.

Dr. Desmond says the first treatments for knee osteoarthritis try to make people comfortable with what they have.

Losing weight, over-the-counter medications, braces, and changing exercises can cut stress on the knees.

"Instead of running, consider cycling. If you can swim, swimming is great exercise. It's low-impact, no-impact. There are ellipticals and other knee-sparing exercises," says Dr. Desmond.

Physical therapy can help, too.

"To strengthen the muscles around the joint can really actually decrease some of the abnormal forces," he notes.

Injections are usually the next step: cortisone or other steroids first, later a gel lubricant that mimics the cushioning effect of cartilage.

Studies show three treatments of PRP, platelet-rich plasma, often ease pain.

When 30 years of knee injections stopped working, his doctor said knee replacement was the only option left.

"You can live the rest of your life always having trouble with your knees or you can live the rest of your 70s, 80s, and 90s pain-free," Frisby recalls his doctor saying.

Dr. Desmond eased Frisby's worries about surgery.

"He made me feel so good, that the first thing that came outta my mouth was - how soon can we do it?" he says with a broad smile

Hours after having both knees replaced last October, Frisby wasn't just up, he was walking around the hospital, finally free of that grinding pain.

"They had to slow me down," he laughs.

And he waves off reservations some have on getting two knees at once. "One surgery, one rehab."

Frisby is back to his job driving rideshare and delivering auto parts.

And boy, is he ready for spring!

"I can't wait to get on my motorcycle. I haven't been on it for 3 years," he says happily.

"The majority of people are very happy with their results," adds Dr. Desmond.

Dr. Desmond says acupuncture gave his mother three years of pain relief before she needed a joint replacement. So he encourages patients to check out all the avenues they can.

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Osteoarthritis of the knee: How Temple Health is helping ease knee ... - WPVI-TV

New Haven doctor uses healing injections so patients can avoid surgery – WTNH.com

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Every year, many people undergo surgery for problems with their joints.

Paul Gebauer was almost one of them. Gebauer, a 60-year-old from Clinton, was in extreme pain from an issue involving his shoulder.

I was diagnosed with a torn tendon in my shoulder, he said.

Thanks to his wifes research, he found New Haven orthopaedic surgeon Phillip Luchini of Luchini Orthopaedic, who performs in in-office procedure to relieve joint pain.

The procedure uses something called platelet rich plasma or PRP. It is not like a cortisone shot which just eases pain. PRP actually uses bloods own plasma to heal from within.

A patients blood is put into a centrifuge, which separates out the plasma. The plasma is then injected into the patients trouble area under ultrasound guidance.

The platelets release their growth factors, and then that jumpstarts the natural healing process in the body, Luchini said.

Areas that can be treated with PRP include shoulders, elbows, hips, wrists, knees, ankles and arthritic joints.

This is another modality we can use to avoid surgical treatment in many cases, Luchini said.

It worked in one try for Paul, who was in so much pain he was ready to undergo surgery if needed.

It was a little sore for like a day or two, but then over a matter of like a week or so, it was like holy cow, its all better, Gebauer said.

He can now do the simple things again that he once took for granted including playing tennis with his daughter.

The procedure itself is not covered by insurance. Costs start at $500. It does not work on everyone, and some people need multiple treatments.

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New Haven doctor uses healing injections so patients can avoid surgery - WTNH.com

A Urologist’s Guide to Safely Increasing the Length and Girth of Your … – San Francisco Bay Times

By Judson Brandeis, M.D.

As a board-certified urologist, Ive seen a growing demand for penis enlargement procedures. Men of all ages and backgrounds have come to me seeking solutions for what they perceive as inadequate penis size. While the desire for a larger penis is understandable, the available medical options have significant drawbacks. Temporary cosmetic fillers and surgical procedures are expensive, risky, and often provide unsatisfactory results.

Penile enlargement surgery involves cutting ligaments or using implants to add length and girth to the penis. Surgery costs range from $15,000 to $25,000 and involve significant risks. Complications include infection, bleeding, and scarring, as well as erectile dysfunction and loss of sensation. Additionally, surgery results can be unpredictable, and some men end up with a deformed or unsatisfactory penis shape.

Another option for penile enlargement, cosmetic fillers, involves injecting materials such as hyaluronic acid, silicone, or polyacrylamide gel into the penis to increase girth. While the results are immediate, the fillers are temporary and require repeated injections every year or two. Furthermore, the fillers can cause significant complications, such as granulomas (small nodules at the site of an infection or inflammation), penile distortion, and foreign body reactions. The cost of fillers can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on how much filler is used.

These risks and expenses associated with traditional penis enlargement options are why I am excited to share information about the P-Long Protocol with you. P-Long is the first and only clinically proven protocol that naturally increases the length and girth of the penis without the need for surgery or temporary fillers. P-Long combines traction therapy, stretching exercises, AFFIRM circulation boosting supplement, and platelet growth factors in achieving natural and permanent penis enlargement.

I developed the P-Long Protocol in response to the low level of satisfaction with current penis enlargement options. We wanted to create a safe, effective, and affordable solution that allows men to achieve their desired penis size without the drawbacks of surgery and fillers.

The P-Long Protocol involves a combination therapy, including monthly doses of platelet-rich plasma and daily traction therapy, stretching exercises, and the AFFIRM nitric oxide boosting supplement. Men wear traction and suction therapy devices for a little more than an hour a day to gently stretch the penile tissue in both length and girth. The traction and stretching exercises are designed to improve the length and girth of the penis, the platelet-rich plasma accelerates the effects of the suction and traction, and the AFFIRM supplement boosts nitric oxide levels, which enhances circulation that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the growing phallus.

A recent clinical trial of the P-Long Protocol showed impressive results. Over six months, participants in the study experienced an average increase of almost a full inch in length and an average of half an inch in girth. They also reported improved sexual function without any adverse side effects or downtime.

The P-Long Protocol offers many advantages over traditional penis enlargement options. Firstly, it is a natural and long-lasting solution that doesnt involve surgery or temporary fillers. Secondly, it is a safe option that doesnt carry the risks and high costs associated with surgery and fillers. Finally, it offers improved erectile function and size, as shown by clinical studies.

The good news: P-Long is now available to the public nationwide and offered by medically-trained experts.

As a urologist, I believe the P-Long Protocol offers a better and safer solution for men seeking penis enlargement. Thats why I have created a complimentary guide that offers accurate information on male enhancement, which can be downloaded at https://p-long.com/download

Judson Brandeis, M.D., is a board-certified urologist in private practice in the East Bay for over 20 years. He was chief of urology at John Muir Hospital and Hills Physicians Medical Group for over a decade. From 20142020, he was voted Top Urologist in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine. After earning degrees from Brown University and Vanderbilt Universitys Medical School, he spent a year at Harvard Medical School doing research sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He finished his formal medical training with 2 years of general surgery and 4 years of urology training at the UCLA Department of Urology. In 2019, he opened his office in San Ramon, where he focuses his practice entirely on mens sexual health and rejuvenation. For more information: https://brandeismd.com/

Published on March 9, 2023

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A Urologist's Guide to Safely Increasing the Length and Girth of Your ... - San Francisco Bay Times

MLB’s All-M*A*S*H team: How teams cope with spring losses – Sportsnaut

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays young superstar, left Fridays exhibition game after injuring his knee on the basepaths. A few days before that, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux suffered an even worse knee injury running the bases.

On Monday, Boston Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner was hit in the face with a pitch and rushed to the hospital.

And just like that, the upbeat, dulcet tones of MLB spring training turned sour for three teams with October in their sights.

Thats how quickly vibes and fortunes can flip in spring training, regardless of how well those teams and others are prepared with quality depth at those or any other positions.

Its also how quickly reminders arise every spring of the top three things every team in baseball tries to accomplish every year at this time:

1. Be healthy.

2. Get healthy.

3. Stay healthy.

To wit: Ultimately, I want to come out of this with everybody healthy, Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young told the Dallas Morning News regarding new ace Jacob deGrom and the rest of his staff. I also realize that may not be realistic. But with our depth, I think were in a better spot now.

Everyone feels good coming in. And I want them to feel good coming out.

Cut and paste those comments about 29 times, and you have an accurate account from every teams top baseball boss.

A lot gets made of who wins the offseason every year second only in hype, perhaps, to who wins the actually season. But when it comes to that part about the actual season, who wins the spring tends to be the most underrated part of the equation. And winning the spring is all about surviving it intact.

And if you dont believe that, just take a look at the starting lineup and playoff rotation that can be put together with players who have already suffered injuries in camps across Florida and Arizona this spring most of them likely costing the players injured-list stints to open the season and more than one threatening their entire seasons.

Wong is not exactly a household name among most baseball fans, but the Red Sox are not exactly blessed with catching depth, either. So for a team that won a World Series as recently as 2018 and was in the playoffs just two years ago, the hamstring injury to a projected platoon regular is problematic at least. It doesnt appear severe, but the team doesnt have a timeline for the injury.

The former MVP runner-up seems to have escaped serious enough injury to land on the IL at the end of the month. But hes taking his recovery slowly at this point, and he withdrew from the World Baseball Classic over it, costing Dominican World Baseball Classic roster one of its best players.

A badly dislocated shoulder suffered the first week of Cactus League play is serious enough to require surgery and will likely cost the Gold Glove winner and All-Star hopeful the entire 2023 season. Its a huge blow to the already marginal hopes of the Rockies.

Hit in the face with a pitch Monday by Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, the immediate prognosis for Turner after being examined at the hospital was mostly good, with 16 stitches needed and a lot of swelling but no apparent broken bones. Best case scenario: It ultimately turns out to be more scare than significant injury, more mental than physical for one of baseballs tougher-minded players, who walked off the field on his own after the blow, holding a towel to his face.

A torn ACL means the 2023 season is over for Gavin Lux, the former top organizational prospect who was handed the unenviable task of trying to replace All-Star shortstop Trea Turner after Turner departed for Philadelphia (and $300 million). The Dodgers, coming off a 111-win season with the big-spending San Diego Padres breathing down their necks, have Miguel Rojas plugged in for now as they continue to evaluate options for the season.

The versatile outfielder with two-way talent as a burgeoning everyday player was positioned to make an impact for a team that missed the playoffs last year by one game after a badly sprained right elbow has forced him to be shut down for at least half of spring training. He received platelet-rich plasma injections in the elbow, and according to reports from Arizona, hes expected to miss at least the first month of the season.

A low grade oblique strain finally shut down the projected Opening Day centerfielder and former top organizational prospect on Monday for seven to 10 days putting his status for the opener in jeopardy. It could be a big blow early for a team with big plans for a 2023 turnaround, little margin for error in a division with Houston and Seattle and not a ton of depth at the position.

Last years $99.6 million rookie from Japan was forced to skip the World Baseball Classic and looks likely to miss the first week or two of the season dealing with an oblique strain that has prevented him from playing any games so far this spring. Last years NL Rookie of the Month for April put on 20 pounds of good weight in the offseason to leverage what he learned about the grueling differences between the Nippon Professional Baseball and MLB schedules.

A broken left big toe from a weight-room accident has will delay the start to the All-Star right-handers season and has the loaded Padres mulling whether to continue with the six-man rotation plans they had before the injury. Meanwhile, Musgrove is pulling out all stops, including spending two hours a day in a hyperbaric chamber. Ill try anything, he told the San Diego Union-Tribune. Anything, even if it knocks a day or two off.

A grade 2 oblique strain suffered early in camp is the latest injury to befall the talented right-hander, who finally appeared poised for a healthy season after missing all but two starts last year rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. This one is considered a six- to eight-week injury and a big blow to a perennial playoff team even one with more talent and depth on its staff than in some recent years.

Gordon Wittenmyer, MLB expert and former beat writer for NBC Sports Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times. Get Gordons latest Sportsnaut Exclusive today!

The former All-Star left his last start with soreness in his left side that testing determined was caused by a small stress fracture in his fifth rib. He withdrew from the WBC (Team Colombia) and left Florida for New York for more testing. The pennant-contending Mets did not suggest a timeline for the injury.

Right elbow tenderness has shut down one of the top prospects in the game and ended one of the most intriguing stories of the spring reports from Clearwater, Florida, suggesting the powerful 19-year-olds chances for earning the fifth-starter job in camp are likely over. For now the hope around the defending NL champs is that Andrew Painters injury isnt serious or long-term.

Gordon Wittenmyer covers Major League Baseball for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @GDubCub.

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MLB's All-M*A*S*H team: How teams cope with spring losses - Sportsnaut

What’s A Laser Hair Cap And Do They Really Work? – Glam

According to Torkian Facial Plastic Surgery, a laser hair cap is fundamentally a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) which, when worn over your head, emits red light directly to your scalp to encourage cell growth and regenerate hair follicles. As noted in a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, when the emitted photons penetrate the scalp, they stimulate adenosine triphosphate production in dormant hair follicles, jolting them out of the resting phase and into the growth phase to facilitate hair growth.

The absorption of the laser light into the hair follicle also increases microcirculation, enabling the hair to linger in the growing phase for longer and preventing hair shedding. The treatment is completely pain-free, user-friendly, and usually lasts for about half an hour on average. Laser hair caps are available in a variety of fashionable forms, such as helmets, baseball caps, and headbands. To the average eye, the cap can look just like any regular baseball hat, when in reality, it's radiating energy and supercharging your scalp.

According to the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center, laser hair caps have earned the FDA approval as a laser phototherapy device for treatment of hair loss and stimulation of new, thicker hair growth. Studies suggest that they can treat androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss.

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What's A Laser Hair Cap And Do They Really Work? - Glam