Health Link Medical Center

I decided to undergo Stem Cell procedure and PRP on my neck after ongoing pain from a bad car accident that resulted in cervical fusion of my c6/​c7 vertebrae in early 2013. I saw Dr Patel in the Beverly Hills location in March 2015 after living in pain for two years after the car accident. I’ve also been Oceanside location as well — they really need an Orange County location. Dr. Patel is an awesome doctor. Outside of being one of the few doctors that specializes in stem cell procedures for the cervical spine, he is completely familiar with the type of pain, side effects of medicines and procedures, and everything I was going through. I spent more time talking with Dr Patel and understanding what I could expect as a potential outcome to the procedure than the doctor who performed the cervical fusion on my neck.
I started seeing benefits after a couple of weeks, but after 3 months I started to experience pain again. Dr. Patel put my mind at ease that the neck was indeed improving, but my situation is a lot more complex. The ligaments in the neck had healed a great amount, but I also have a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum which had been left untreated for several years. We are looking at a follow up procedure to try and help the rotator cuff and labrum heal. Overall I’m steadily improving, but can’t wait to put this shoulder pain behind me once and for all

Health Link Medical Center and Dr. Thakral are amazing!!! I was an elite collegiate tennis player and now spend most hours of the day on court coaching. I developed a wrist injury, tears in my TFCC and ECU tendon. I took some time off and spent numerous hours in Occupational Therapy trying to heal it. I saw a bit of improvement but when I got back on the court my pain increased even more than before the therapy. I was then told I would have to get surgery if I ever wanted to play tennis again pain free. Surgery was the absolute last option for me. I got an appointment with Dr. Thakral and he seemed very optimistic that PRP would be successful for me. The procedure is virtually pain free and only took a couple hours in the office. All the staff are incredibly friendly and make you feel super at ease. Not holding back with my shots, I was back playing tennis in 4 weeks, pain free! It has been almost a year since I received one injection of PRP and thanks to Dr. Thakral, I am back to playing the sport I love.

My story begins with a high school injury that led to meniscus tear, two ACL tears, MCL sprain and ultimately, bad Osteo-​Arthritis in my knee. Years of PT, strengthening exercises, icing and heat packs, anti-​infammatories. cortisone shots and artificial cartilage injections did not help. Two knee surgeries did not help. Visits to five knee surgeons all came back with the same diagnosis: Total Knee Replacement was the only way to (probably) fix the knee. Then I was told about Regenexx and the new ways of utilizing YOUR OWN platelets and stem cells to fix the issue. I of course was skeptical at first and did a lot of research. That led me to a consultation with Dr. Thakral and his terrific team (Jess and Liseth). Dr. Thakral told me that this procedure has helped hundreds of other people with the same injuries. I signed up that day and three visits later had successfully completed the platelet and stem cell injections. Pain was minimal and in fact I didn’t even need to finish the prescribed pain medication that I was given. 6 – 8 weeks later, I am able to go full strength on my bicycling, stationary bike and strength exercises. My knee is stable and for the first time in 20 years looks like a knee and not a swollen, discolored bump.
I cannot express how happy I am that I went to Dr. Thakral, if you are being told that surgery is the only answer, do yourself a favor and talk to the Regenexx team at Health Link Medical Center — you will be glad you took the time.

Dr. Shounuck Patel is amazing. The Health Link practice is so well setup and the staff is incredibly nice. Highly recommend it.

I had two knee surgeries over the past 20 years. I sadly cannot play sports anymore, and although I am only 40, I was told by few doctors that I might need a knee replacement since the latest MRI showed severe damage. I’ve attended one of Dr’s Tahkral’s seminars where I learnt about PRP and right away I signed up for an appointment. Since, I’ve had two PRP injections in the past four months. Dr. Tahkral is very knowledgeable and he explains in much detail the procedure and what is to be expected. After the second injection, my knee pain disappeared. I’m still unable to play sports, but the swelling and the constant pain are gone. I’m so lucky and happy that I had the chance to meet Dr Tahkral who introduced me to this procedure. I’m pretty sure I can avoid surgery and save my knee!
I’ve also met Dr. Patel who specializes in spinal procedures. He, as well was very helpful explaining why PRP or why stem cell procedure is appropriate. I think they are amazing doctors and I think we are in great care!
I give them both five stars for communication skills, involvement with their patients, knowledge and quality of time with their clients!

I am so happy that I found Health Link and Dr. Vishal Thakral! I was scheduled for a knee scope surgery and I had lost hope about returning to jogging, let alone running. Dr. Thakral took the time to actually listen to me, thoroughly examine my knee, do an ultrasound, and explain to me my MRI. The funny thing is that my surgeon didn’t do any of that! He just told me that I had a menisicis tear and I needed surgery! He sure didn’t explain that a scope and removal of my meniscis would just set me up for arthritis!
So I ended up going through with a Regenexx stem cell procedure. I was scared but the whole process was smooth and the procedure did not hurt much at all. The staff Liseth and Jess were very very nice and helped make everything a great experience. The 10 days after my procedure were… painful. Not horrible though because I was taking some pain meds. Then, I started to gradually feel improvement.
And now, I’m almost 4 months out from my stem cell procedure and I’m almost 95% improved! I’m back to running, gradually increasing my miles, and if everything keeps going in the right direction, I’ll be running a ½ marathon in the Spring!
I’m overall very happy about my experience. I really can’t say enough good things about Dr. Thakral, Health Link and Regenexx!

Dr. Thakral and the office staff were great. I had an aggravating Achilles tendon injury that was getting worse. Dr. Thakral took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, and he answered any and all questions I had. My results have been great so far. I would highly recommend Dr. Thakral if you want to avoid surgery or dangerous cortisone injections.

I was treated by Dr. Patel for low back pain caused by bulging discs and degenerative disc drives. The Dr. was very attentive and thorough in explaining what was causing my pain and how it could be treated. I decided to have the PL Disc procedure after my consultation. Dr. Patel was great. I experienced very little pain during the actual procedure with just some soreness in the days that followed. He followed up with me personally several times the first few weeks after the procedure and touched for base with me about every week or so after. He encouraged me to push ahead and keep doing the exercises to help with recovery and helped to relieve some of my fears that the injury was coming back when I would experience some soreness or pain on a bad day during the recovery. Not only are most of my days relatively pain free now but my back is actually getting stronger. I recommend Dr. Patel and this procedure for others who have tried other treatments and gotten little to no relief.

As a very active 50 year old guy who has trained (and beaten my body) in martial arts, weight lifting and other activities, I never thought I would need to see a doctor. But when my pains started I am lucky to have done some serious research.
I was first introduced to Dr Thakral who solved a shoulder issue that was so bad that I could not lift my arm. Today that shoulder feels better than my other one.
When the pain in my lower back became unbearable, I went back and this time was seen by Dr Patel. From the first conversation we had I was put at ease. Dr Patel took so much time to listen, diagnose and explain exactly what I needed and then he followed through.
The day of my procedure was so comfortable and straight forward, no surgery, no hospital stays, just an outpatient procedure by a doctor who is among the very best I’ve ever met.
After the procedure, the pain was gone, and the healing had begun. I am back to a normal routine and only have slight pain in extreme situations. I feel better than I thought I ever could with such a simple procedure. Dr Patel checked in on me constantly and recommended holistic treatments including supplements and specialized exercise routines to continue my healing. This is not old school medicine, THIS is cutting edge.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr Patel and Health Link. I recommend anyone who has pain, go here. You won’t be talked into expensive surgeries or procedures, you will meet a doctor who truly cares and WILL help your problems with no major surgeries. Thank you so much Dr Patel, Dr Thakral and everyone at Health Link. I’m a fan and a happy patient!