Country’s first dedicated sports PRP clinic

Media release from Queenstown Regenerative Medicine
January 15 2015

Queenstown Regenerative Medicine launches country’s first dedicated sports PRP clinic

Queenstown Regenerative Medicine (QRM) today (January 15 2015) announced well-known sports medicine specialist Dr. Mary Holden will join the team, heading up New Zealand’s first dedicated sports doctor clinic specialising in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Orthokine.

Dr Mary Holden is a Sports Medicine and Occupational Medicine doctor currently practising in Central Otago. She has worked in sports medicine since 1992 as team doctor to athletes including the Auckland Warriors, Auckland Diamonds netball team, and a number of America’s Cup teams.

Other impressive credentials include establishing a rehab programme for cancer survivors, assisting and teaching physios who care for cancer patients, specialising in ultrasound courses around the world, and using medical tools to better assess patients with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion).

She uses a computer programme called Cogsport to assess cognitive function for anyone suffering symptoms after any mild head injury.

Platelet Rich Plasma - or Cytokine Therapy - is a treatment used by QRM for sports injuries and has proven itself to be a safe and effective therapy in a large number of patients worldwide for the last 10 years.

High profile sports stars including Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Tiger Woods have received the treatment for conditions ranging from sprained knees, chronic tendon injuries and soft tissue injuries.

Owned and operated by long-term local Marcelle Noble, QRM launched three years ago and is expanding the clinic to meet increased demand for the treatment.

A highly-skilled multi-disciplinary team of medical experts work with the clinic including Queenstown-based cosmetic and surgical specialist Dr Hans Raetz.

Leading academic Professor Richard Boyd, a world leader in the research and development of potential uses of stem cells to treat disease in humans and animals, is also part of the team.

Dr Raetz said combining Dr Holden’s expertise in acute and chronic exercise-related health conditions with QRM's know-how in cellular medicine would bring a “previously unavailable service” to health care in the South Island.

“The Southern Lakes has become the preferred training playground for multisport athletes and international sports teams, and hosts numerous big sporting events annually,” he said.

“Add to that the ‘weekend warriors’ –folk like you and me who enjoy exercising in the stunning Central Otago scenery - and you have a very active region.”

QRM has recognised the need to provide a more tailored specialised clinic environment to service professional and amateur sporting talent.

In addition to Dr Holden’s weekly sports clinics, QRM has also started offering Orthokine - a patented procedure developed by two German doctors – a molecular biologist and a spinal surgeon.

As an alternative to painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, its unique, biological approach can significantly reduce pain.

“Injuries can and do happen and sometimes knock people out for weeks if not months. Dr Holden is one of the country’s leading sports doctors and we’re privileged to have her as part of the QRM team,” said Ms Noble.

“We’ve helped a number of professional and amateur sportspeople get back on their feet faster using PRP and Orthokine.”

“It’s an affordable, safe and acceptable alternative that’s more easily accessible to members of the public than ever before,” she said.

The newly-expanded laboratory at Remarkables Park will be run by another medical expert, Dr Victoria Hanrahan, who has over 30 years’ experience in laboratory processes and management within university research, forensic, and diagnostic hospital laboratories.

Dr Hanrahan joined QRM after ten years leading the Molecular Haematology/Oncology Laboratory for Canterbury District Health Board.

“We now have a fully sterile laboratory which not only enables us to better control our standards but also enables PRP and Orthokine to be done in a more time effective manner,” said Dr Hanrahan.

“The laboratory’s very much a key part of the PRP process from the time the sample is taken, processed, and returned to the administering physician.

“My role is to ensure we operate to a high standard of care at all times including equipment maintenance, staff training and quality control.”

PRP and Orthokine treatments are conducted in the Remarkables Park clinic and state-of-the-art laboratory which has a class two bio-hazard safety cabinet, sterile environment, consultation room and a treatment and recovery room.

“We have the only dedicated Sports PRP clinic in New Zealand, led by two of the most experienced sports doctors and scientists in the country,” said Ms Noble.

Ms Noble has a national diploma in ambulance practice and has extensive experience in many aspects of PRP in Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Within three months QRM will expand further to offer Stem Cell therapy. Discussions are also well underway with a New Zealand investment group to build the Queenstown Institute. QRM has been approached by clinicians, associated medical service providers and surgeons to be part of the facility.

ENDS

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