Is regenerative treatment for osteoarthritis a cure?

No. PRP and other regenerative therapies are not a cure, and individual results can vary. Our team gives honest assessments of what regenerative therapy can realistically achieve so you can make an informed decision.

How long until I notice improvement from osteoarthritis treatment?

Many patients begin noticing improvement within two to four weeks of starting their regenerative protocol, with continued progress over the following three to six months as the joint environment heals.

Can I avoid knee replacement surgery with non-surgical treatment?

Some patients use regenerative options, including PRP and an unloader knee brace, to delay or avoid surgery while managing symptoms. Whether this is realistic for you depends on the severity of your osteoarthritis.

Does Coastal Regen accept insurance for osteoarthritis treatment?

We are a participating provider with TRICARE and accept Medicare for covered services. Some regenerative procedures are self-pay, and we always provide pricing in writing before any procedure is scheduled.

What areas does Coastal Regen serve for osteoarthritis care?

We see patients from Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, VA, as well as northeastern North Carolina, including Moyock and Elizabeth City.

What is an unloader knee brace?

An unloader knee brace mechanically shifts force away from the damaged side of the knee, most often the inner compartment, to reduce pain from unicompartmental osteoarthritis.

Do I need a custom-fitted brace or will an off-the-shelf one work?

It depends on your knee anatomy and arthritis severity. Unloader braces are available in both off-the-shelf and custom-fitted versions, and our team can help determine which is appropriate for you.

Can I use a knee brace along with PRP or other regenerative treatment?

Yes. Bracing is often integrated into a broader regenerative care plan that may include PRP and HyalRegen-CT, rather than being used on its own.

Will a knee brace help me avoid knee replacement surgery?

For some patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, bracing combined with regenerative treatment may help delay or avoid surgery, though this depends on the severity of your arthritis and is not guaranteed.

Does Coastal Regen accept insurance for knee bracing?

We are a participating provider with TRICARE and accept Medicare for covered services. We always provide pricing in writing before any procedure or brace is recommended.

Can supplements replace medical treatment for osteoarthritis?

No. Supplements are not a cure for osteoarthritis and individual results can vary. They're best used alongside medical care, not as a replacement for it.

Which joint supplements does Coastal Regen recommend?

We recommend a small set of specific products, including Osteoforce, Glucosamine Chondroitin, Whole Body Collagen, and ArthroSoothe Cream, primarily through Designs for Health.

Do I need to check with my provider before starting a joint supplement?

Yes. Supplements can interact with medications or existing health conditions, so it's important to check with your provider first, especially if you're also receiving regenerative treatment.

Can I use supplements alongside PRP or a knee brace?

Yes. Many patients pair joint supplements with treatments like PRP or a knee brace as part of a broader plan for managing osteoarthritis.

Where can I get the supplements Coastal Regen recommends?

We recommend Designs for Health products, which patients can access through our online dispensary. Ask your provider at your next visit for details.

Pain Specialists in Chesapeake, VA | Nurse Practitioners Chesapeake

Nurse Practitioners and Pain Specialists in Chesapeake, VA

Who Are the Functional Medicine Providers in Chesapeake, VA?

Coastal Regen is led by board certified nurse practitioners and a dedicated patient care team focused on regenerative medicine, functional medicine, and joint health for patients across Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Moyock, and Elizabeth City. Every member of our staff is committed to treating each person as a unique individual, with a custom care plan that addresses the root cause of pain rather than only the symptoms. Our team is small by design so that we can offer longer visits, deeper conversations, and continuity of care across every appointment.

Laura Melsheimer, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner

Laura Melsheimer is our lead Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in regenerative medicine and orthopedic injections. With more than twelve years of nursing experience, Laura has built her career around health promotion, prevention, and functional wellness. Her philosophy is simple: treat the whole person as a connected system and partner with the patient to remove the upstream causes of illness, fatigue, and chronic pain.

Laura is trained in image guided injections of the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, hand, and ankle, including HyalRegen-CT lubricating therapy, regenerative injections that contain mesenchymal stem cell exosomes, and platelet rich plasma (PRP). She also guides patients through nutrition strategies, supplement protocols, and lifestyle adjustments that support long term joint health and metabolic balance.

A proud Navy wife and mother of two, Laura has served as an Ombudsman within the local military community. Outside the office, she enjoys yoga, running, cooking, and spending time with her family and pets. Patients often comment that her calm, attentive style helps them feel heard for the first time in years.

Kati Kerr, Office Manager

Kati Kerr has served as the Office Manager at Coastal Regen since 2024. A proud retired Navy wife and mom of 3 teenagers, Kati brings warmth, organization, and patience to every interaction. She manages scheduling, insurance verification, TRICARE coordination, billing questions, and the day to day flow of the practice. From the moment you call our office to the moment you leave your appointment, Kati and her team make sure you feel welcomed and informed.

Christine Wagner, Office Manager

Christine Wagner has served as the Office Manager at Coastal Regen since January 2019. A proud military spouse who has lived all over the United States, Christine brings warmth, organization, and patience to every interaction. She manages scheduling, insurance verification, TRICARE coordination, billing questions, and the day to day flow of the practice. From the moment you call our office to the moment you leave your appointment, Christine and her team make sure you feel welcomed and informed.

How Are Nurse Practitioners Different from Doctors in Functional Medicine?

A nurse practitioner is a licensed advanced practice clinician who can diagnose conditions, order labs and imaging, prescribe treatments, and perform procedures within their scope of practice. Board certified nurse practitioners often spend more one on one time with each patient than the typical primary care physician, which makes them especially well suited to functional medicine and chronic pain management. At Coastal Regen, this means longer visits, deeper history taking, and individualized regenerative care plans built around your specific goals.

Trident Wellness Solutions, Our In House Wellness Partner

Inside our Chesapeake clinic, patients also benefit from Trident Wellness Solutions, our in house wellness program focused on prevention, vitality, and long term health. Trident Wellness Solutions provides IV nutrient therapy, medical grade laser therapy, and a comprehensive non pharmacological weight loss program.

This integrated structure means patients can address joint pain, inflammation, energy, and metabolic health in a single, coordinated visit rather than juggling multiple providers across the city.

What Should I Expect from a Functional Medicine Visit?

Your first visit at Coastal Regen typically includes a detailed health history, a review of past imaging and labs, a focused physical exam, and a conversation about your lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, and stress. From there, your provider explains the most likely root causes of your symptoms and walks you through a personalized plan.

Plans frequently combine joint injections, regenerative therapies, laser therapy, IV therapy, supplementation, and home exercise so that healing is supported from multiple angles. Follow up visits are scheduled at intervals that match your treatment phase, with a clear written plan you can share with your primary care physician.

Why Patients in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk Trust Our Team

Patients regularly tell us that our office feels different from the rushed visits they have experienced elsewhere. Several themes show up again and again in their feedback. They appreciate that they are listened to without being interrupted. They appreciate that procedures are explained step by step, with realistic expectations. They appreciate that we offer non surgical alternatives for arthritis, ligament injuries, and chronic pain. And they appreciate that we coordinate care closely with their primary care physician, orthopedist, or pain specialist when appropriate.

Are You In Network with TRICARE and Other Insurance?

Yes. Coastal Regen is now in network with TRICARE and accepts a range of major insurance plans for covered services. Some regenerative procedures may be self pay; our front desk team will verify your specific benefits before any appointment so there are no surprises. We also offer transparent pricing for cash pay packages, which is helpful for patients who want to plan their care without insurance restrictions.

How Do I Book a Visit With the Coastal Regen Team?

Booking a first visit is simple. Call 757-297-6750, send a request through our secure online form, or stop in at the office. New patients are typically seen within one to two weeks. If you are traveling from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Moyock, or Elizabeth City, our staff can group your initial workup and your first procedure to limit the number of trips you make.

Visit the Coastal Regen Team in Chesapeake, VA

Our team welcomes patients from across Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina. The clinic is located at 1015 Eden Way N, Suite A, Chesapeake, VA 23320, with easy access from Greenbrier, Great Bridge, Western Branch, Virginia Beach Boulevard, and the Chesapeake Expressway. To schedule a meet and greet, second opinion, or new patient consultation, call 757-297-6750 or use the contact form on our website.

Discover how our board certified, root cause focused team can help you take charge of your joint health, reduce pain, and live with more energy than you have felt in years.