Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative Medicine: Unlock your body's natural healing potential
Regenerative medicine has made significant strides in enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal. By stimulating tissue repair and regeneration, these innovative treatments have transformed rehabilitation and chronic pain management. At NSI, we utilize cutting-edge regenerative therapies to help patients recover from injuries and persistent pain, offering advanced solutions tailored to their needs.
Regenerative medicine focuses on restoring and replacing damaged cells and tissues. Treatments such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and prolotherapy harness the body's inherent ability to heal, often accelerating recovery and improving long-term function. While the body has an extraordinary capacity for self-repair, medical intervention can be necessary to optimize these processes. This rapidly evolving field continues to expand as research uncovers new ways to enhance natural healing mechanisms for injuries and degenerative conditions.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells have the ability to stimulate and improve healing of damaged tissue and are found in tissues throughout the body. Unfortunately, they cannot be delivered in the quantities needed to specific areas without assistance. Stem cell therapy involves a multi-step process to harvest stem cells from tissue like bone marrow, blood or fat and concentrate them to deliver through an injection to a targeted area in the body. Our clinics at NSI utilize advanced equipment and medical technology to perform this procedure for patients to treat damaged tissues and improve the body’s healing process.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP injections are a safe biological treatment, as the plasma is derived from your own blood. A small sample of blood is sent through a centrifuge that spins and filters out the platelets and plasma to create PRP. This substance is then reintroduced through an injection to areas that are damaged or require healing. PRP is concentrated with growth factors that can speed up and stimulate healing with no risk of a bad reaction or negative side effects. This is since it is extracted from the patient.
Prolotherapy
When ligaments and tendons are damaged, the joints they move and protect can suffer from limited strength and chronic pain. Repairing these damaged tissues is the best way to stop pain and improve function. Prolotherapy uses targeted injections that stimulate healing of ligaments and tendons. Injections include a concentration of local anesthetic and dextrose that is introduced into affected joints, tendons or ligaments to stimulate healing. The treatment creates a healing response, allowing the body to repair these tissues.
Understanding Degeneration and Its Impact
Over time, our bodies undergo degenerative changes, where tissues, organs, muscles, ligaments, and bones gradually break down. The musculoskeletal system—encompassing muscles, bones, and cartilage—is especially vulnerable to the effects of aging, repetitive stress, injury, pregnancy, and trauma, such as sports injuries or car accidents.

What to expect during your Regenerative Medicine in office Procedure
What to wear
On the day of your regenerative injection, wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the treatment area. Opt for athletic or lounge wear without metal components, as metal can interfere with X-ray imaging. Please remove all items from your pockets and take off your belt to ensure that, if live guidance is needed, there are no obstructions.
Injection Safety & Risk Management
Dr. Tolman will conduct a thorough evaluation, asking detailed questions to prioritize your safety. While no medical procedure is completely risk-free, working closely with Dr. Tolman can help minimize risks as much as possible. Your active participation is essential in ensuring a safe and effective treatment. It is your responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, or past procedures. Transparent communication allows us to take all necessary precautions and tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
Driver Required
Always arrange for a driver to take you home after your regenerative procedure. The numbing medication may temporarily slow your reaction time, affecting your ability to safely operate a vehicle. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, a driver is required for at least four hours following the injection.
Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas") for Comfort
Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a safe and effective option to help you feel more relaxed during your regenerative procedure. It is administered through a mask that you breathe in, providing mild sedation while allowing you to remain awake and responsive. The effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner than with other sedation methods. However, if you receive Nitrous Oxide during your procedure, you must have a driver take you home.
For effective planning, Dr. Tolman needs to be aware of any of the following:
Blood Clotting Disorders
Notify Dr. Tolman & his team if you have a blood clotting disorders hemophilia, low platelets, etc. to avoid bleeding complications from the spine injection.
Dye Allergy
Notify Dr. Tolman & his team if you have an allergy to or x-ray dye (contrast). It is possible to perform injections without x-ray dye (contrast).
Dental Work
Bacteria can enter your bloodstream during routine dental cleaning even if you have healthy teeth and gums. Make sure that you notify Dr. Tolman & his team if you have had any dental work in the 2 weeks prior to your scheduled Regenerative procedure to avoid infection complications in the central nervous system such as meningitis.
Infection(s)
You should not get a Regenerative injection if you have an infection anywhere in your body – even a cold or flu! Whether or not you are taking antibiotics there is a chance of moving that infection into your central nervous system causing meningitis. Make sure to tell Dr. Tolman & his team if you have had a recent infection – even if you are taking antibiotics and no longer feeling the symptoms of the infection.
General Medication Guidelines for Regenerative Medicine Procedure(s):
To ensure the
safety and effectiveness of your regenerative procedure, certain medications should be
stopped in advance due to their effects on bleeding, inflammation, and healing.
IMPORTANT: Every case is unique—follow Dr. Tolman’s specific instructions for your treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Below are the
general
recommended stop times for each medication class:
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Corticosteroids (Steroids)
Antiplatelet & Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Aspirin & Aspirin-Containing Medications
Herbal Supplements & Natural Blood Thinners
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
📅 Stop 2 weeks before and avoid for 2 weeks after your procedure
These medications can
thin the blood and interfere with healing, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding and delayed tissue repair.
Includes:
- Diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cataflam, Flector, Voltaren, Zipsor, Zorvolex)
- Diflunisal (Dolobid)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Pamprin, Q-Profen, etc.)
- Indomethacin (Indocin, Indo-Lemmon, Indomethagan)
- Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Meclofenamate (Meclomen)
- Mefenamic Acid (Ponstel)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Nabumetone (Relafen)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Vimovo)
- Oxaprozin (Daypro)
- Phenylbutazone (Cotylbutazone)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Salsalate (Disalcid, Trilisate)
- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
- Tolmetin (Tolectin)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Steroids (Corticosteroids)
📅 Stop 4 weeks before and avoid for 4 weeks after your procedure
Steroids can
suppress the body's natural healing response and reduce the effectiveness of regenerative treatments.
Includes:
- Betamethasone (Celestone)
- Cortisone (Cortone)
- Dexamethasone (Decadron)
- Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
- Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol)
- Prednisolone (Hydeltra, Orapred, Prelone)
- Prednisone
- Triamcinolone (Aristocort, Aristospan, Kenalog)
🛑 Exception: If you experience a medical emergency that requires steroid treatment, your emergency care should take precedence. Contact Dr. Tolman to discuss any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Prescription Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets)
📅 Stop time varies – consult Dr. Tolman before stopping
Blood thinners
prevent clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding at the injection site.
Do not stop taking these medications without consulting Dr. Tolman and your prescribing physician.
Includes:
- Apixaban (Eliquis)
- Betrixaban (Bevyxxa)
- Cilostazol (Pletal)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Dalteparin (Fragmin)
- Danaparoid (Orgaran)
- Dipyridamole (Persantine)
- Edoxaban (Savaysa)
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
- Heparin
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Elmiron)
- Pentoxifylline (Trental)
- Prasugrel (Effient)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- Ticagrelor (Brilinta)
- Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
- Tinzaparin (Innohep)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
Aspirin & Aspirin-Containing Medications
📅
Stop 7 days before your procedure
Aspirin
thins the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure.
Includes:
- Aspirin (ASA – Acetylsalicylic Acid)
- Adprin, Aggrenox, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Aspergum, Bayer, Bufferin, Doan’s Pills, Ecotrin, Excedrin, Fiorinal, Percodan, Vanquish, Willow Bark Extract, etc.
Supplements That Can Thin Blood
📅 Stop 7 days before your procedure
Certain
natural supplements can also thin the blood and should be discontinued before your procedure.
Includes:
- Fish Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- Willow Bark Extract
What People Say About Us
H.HUBERT
“I sought Dr. Tolman's care for a chronic issue, and the results have been astounding. Through regenerative techniques, he offered me a holistic approach that not only addressed my symptoms but also promoted long-term healing. Highly recommend Dr. Tolman for anyone seeking innovative and effective solutions in healthcare!"
Submit your medical images
Our process begins with reviewing your medical images, which should be either an MRI or CT scan from within the past year. Once you upload your images, a member of my staff will reach out to gather details about your symptoms and medical history for my review.
To upload your imaging, please use the Ambra platform:
Steps to Upload Imaging in Ambra:
- Click this link:
https://access.ambrahealth.com/
- Select
"Register Here", complete your information, and click
"Register".
- Once logged in, upload your imaging study.
- After uploading, select "Share Study" and share it to Shelby@tolmanmedical.com
You can also mail a physical disc if preferred. Our mailing address is as follows: 118 30th Ave. N Nashville, TN 37203
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