Exclusive Interview: Dr. Mark Hawass on Overcoming Chronic Pain and Arthritis with Groundbreaking Treatments
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- Exclusive Interview: Dr. Mark Hawass on Overcoming Chronic Pain and Arthritis with Groundbreaking Treatments
Exclusive Interview: Dr. Mark Hawass on Overcoming Chronic Pain and Arthritis with Groundbreaking Treatments
Dr. Mark Hawass Discusses the Future of Regenerative and Functional Medicine in Chronic Pain and Arthritis Management
Magazica: Ladies and gentlemen, we have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Mark Hawass (MD), a trailblazer in the field of regenerative and functional medicine. As the founder and lead practitioner at Arthritis VIP, Dr. Hawass has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of individuals suffering from chronic pain and arthritis. With over two decades of medical experience and a relentless pursuit of innovation, he has developed the ground breaking “VIP Biohacking Method”. Today, we will dive into his journey, insights, and practical strategies to help our readers lead a healthier, pain-free life. Dr. Hawass, welcome to Magazica.
Dr. Mark Hawass: Thank you for the introduction. I’m honored to be interviewed on your platform, and I’m eager to share insights that would impact the audience by introducing them to something they may not have encountered before. This is truly a new frontier in medicine, and I’m excited about this conversation.
Magazica: Thank you, Dr. Hawass. Can you share what inspired you to specialize in regenerative medicine and chronic pain management?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Absolutely. My journey began in 2001 when I graduated from Dalhousie University with dual specialties in family and emergency medicine. I was eager to practice and make an impact. I worked in family and emergency medicine.
Six months into my practice, I was in a car accident. At first, I thought it was a minor issue—just a muscle spasm. I followed the usual protocol: anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants. But three weeks of discomfort turned into three months, and eventually, over a year. Despite trying various therapies like physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments, massage, and acupuncture, my condition didn’t improve.
Eventually, an MRI revealed a herniated disc in my lower back and was told I needed surgery at age 32. Desperate for relief, I opted for surgery. While the operation was deemed successful, my pain persisted. The surgeon explained that he addressed the herniation but didn’t treat pain itself. This revelation was shocking—my primary reason for seeking surgery was to alleviate pain, and now I was back at square one.
My family doctor started prescribing one medication after another —anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, painkillers, and others to counteract side effects like constipation and insomnia. At one point, I was taking between five and seven different medications daily. I gained over 00 pounds, and my life spiraled. I couldn’t help around the house, play with my children, or engage in hobbies. My ability to make an income suffered. My self-confidence and self-worth plummeted.
For 11 years, I lived in this state until one day, during a consultation with a patient suffering from chronic pain for two years, she asked me, “Am I going to get better?” I couldn’t answer her. That moment, coupled with my wife’s observation that I was no longer the husband nor the father she wanted, pushed me to seek alternative solutions.
I began exploring other medical knowledge; functional medicine, which focuses on root causes, and regenerative medicine, which enables the body to heal itself. After five years of intensive research and advanced training—and investing $400,000 out of pocket—I found the answers. I lost the 80 pounds I had gained, eliminated all medications, and regained my mobility and vitality.
This journey inspired me to specialize in chronic pain management, unfortunately none of the advanced training I have learned was covered by OHIP or insurance so, open a private practice to integrate these revolutionary approaches.
Magazica: That is both inspiring and humbling. Your resilience is remarkable. Can you explain what makes the VIP Biohacking Method unique compared to traditional treatments for chronic pain and arthritis?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Traditional medicine has made tremendous strides in addressing acute medical conditions—heart attacks, infections, broken bones, and more. However, it falls short when it comes to chronic conditions like arthritis, or chronic pain. These conditions often stem from lifestyle changes over the past century, yet traditional medicine isn’t designed to address the root causes.
The VIP Biohacking Method combines the best elements of three approaches:
1. Functional Medicine: This focuses on hormonal balance and gut health. Hormones and gut function decline with age, leading to delayed healing and systemic inflammation (pain). Addressing these factors helps tackle the root causes of chronic conditions.
2. Regenerative Medicine: This leverages the body’s natural healing abilities. For instance, we isolate and concentrate a patient’s own healing properties—like platelets (plasma) or stem cells—and reinject them into areas that lack sufficient blood supply, such as joints or tendons.
3. Traditional Medicine: We incorporate its strengths where necessary.
Think of it as creating a perfect recipe. The ingredients have always existed but combining them in the right way produces transformative results.
The “VIP Biohacking Method” won multiple international awards; the Innovation Award and the Impact Award from the UK, and the Global Recognition Award from USA.
Magazica: That’s fascinating. How has your personal journey shaped the development of this method?
Dr. Mark Hawass: My personal experience with chronic pain and the failures of traditional medicine were the catalysts. The combination of being a doctor and a patient gave me a unique perspective. I could see the gaps in the healthcare system—where the focus is often on symptom management rather than treating the root causes.
The turning point for me was realizing that traditional approaches couldn’t provide a sustainable solution. I started asking deeper questions: Why wasn’t my body healing itself? What internal factors were preventing recovery? These questions led me to functional and regenerative medicine, where I discovered that addressing hormonal imbalances and leaky gut, combined with leveraging the body’s innate healing abilities, was the key.
Magazica: That level of introspection and determination is inspiring. What are some common misconceptions about managing chronic pain that you encounter in your practice?
Dr. Mark Hawass: One major misconception about chronic pain that it is something you have to live with forever. Many patients are told, “This is your new normal, live with pain” and they resign themselves to a diminished quality of life. This belief often stems from a lack of awareness about alternative treatments.
The second misconception is the overreliance on medication. While medications can provide temporary relief, they rarely address the underlying issues. Chronic pain often involves hormonal imbalances and poor gut health (systemic inflammation and pain) —none of which are resolved by painkillers or muscle relaxants.
Lastly, there’s a misconception that surgery is the solution for all cases. In my twenty-five years of experience, surgery should be done only on server cases. Most patients who were told they needed joint replacements have found relief and transformation through regenerative medicine. It’s about exploring all the options before resorting to invasive procedures.
Magazica: That’s a powerful message. What role does mindset play in the recovery process?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Mindset is critical. Patients often come in feeling defeated after years of unsuccessful treatments. Reframing their perspective is a vital part of the healing process.
For example, instead of focusing solely on the pain, we encourage patients to focus on the improvements they’re making—whether it’s better mobility, improved sleep, or reduced reliance on medication. Celebrating small victories creates momentum and fosters hope.Another important aspect is empowering patients to take ownership of their health. Recovery isn’t something that happens passively; it requires active participation, whether that’s committing to dietary changes, incorporating physical activity, or following through with personalized treatment plans.
Magazica: On the topic of personalized treatment plans, how do you approach creating these for your clients?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Every individual is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. When clients come to us, we begin with a detailed assessment, including comprehensive blood work, hormonal profiling, and food sensitivity tests and a dynamic bedside ultrasound.
For example, many clients think they’re eating healthy, but their diets may include foods they’re unknowingly sensitive to, which can trigger inflammation. One client, who regularly ate salads, was surprised to learn she was sensitive to lettuce. Eliminating that made a significant difference in her inflammation levels.
We also prioritize hormonal optimization and gut health. These are foundational to the healing process. Once these systems are balanced, we use regenerative therapies to address specific pain points.
Magazica: That’s incredibly thorough. Your insights into recovery and personalized care are truly inspiring. Let’s talk about physicians’ well-being. It’s no secret that the medical profession is demanding, and burnout is a common issue. How do you personally manage to stay healthy and active despite such a busy and high-pressure environment?
Dr. Mark Hawass: That’s a great question, and one I think all healthcare professionals should reflect on. My approach revolves around practicing what I preach. The principles I share with my clients are the same ones I apply in my own life.
The first and most important principle is sleep. Sleep is when the body undergoes its most significant healing and repair. Ideally, I aim to sleep between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or close to those hours. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule allows the body to regulate its internal systems, such as hormone production and immune function. Missing even a few hours of sleep can have a noticeable impact on energy levels, mood, and recovery.
Physical activity is another cornerstone. I prioritize walking, aiming for 7,000–10,000 steps daily – roughly 45-60 minute daily. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain cardiovascular health and manage stress. I also incorporate resistance training at least once or twice a week to preserve muscle mass and support overall health.
When it comes to nutrition, I often practice intermittent fasting or limit myself to one or two meals a day. This approach helps stabilize energy levels and prevents the mid-day crashes many people experience. I focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoid processed and deep-fried items as much as possible.
Lastly, I make time for hobbies and activities that I enjoy, like road biking and hiking. These not only keep me physically active but also provide mental clarity and relaxation.
Magazica: It’s refreshing to hear how integrated your personal and professional philosophies are. You’ve mentioned that gut health plays a critical role in overall well-being. Can you elaborate on how it ties into chronic pain and systemic health?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Absolutely. The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because it plays a crucial role in regulating not just digestion but also the immune system and inflammation throughout the body. When the gut is compromised—something we call “leaky gut syndrome”—toxins and undigested food particles can enter the bloodstream. This triggers systemic inflammation, which is a key driver of chronic pain, reduces hormone production and causes auto-immune diseases.
In many of my clients, we see a clear connection between gut health and pain. For example, a patient might come in with knee or back pain, but when we examine their diet and run tests, we often find sensitivities to specific foods. By identifying and eliminating these triggers, we can significantly reduce inflammation and pain.
Healing the gut also involves repairing the intestinal lining and restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This is done through dietary changes and targeted supplementation to support overall healing. Once the gut is functioning properly, the body’s ability to recover from pain and injury improves dramatically.
Magazica: That’s fascinating. Can you share an example of how addressing gut health transformed a client’s condition?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Certainly. One case that comes to mind is a patient who had been dealing with chronic shoulder pain for years. Traditional treatments, including physical therapy and cortisone injections, provided only temporary relief. When she came to us, we conducted a comprehensive assessment, including food sensitivity testing, and discovered she was highly reactive to common foods like dairy and gluten.
We started her on an elimination diet to remove inflammatory triggers and added specific supplements to repair her gut lining. Within weeks, her shoulder pain improved significantly, and within a few months, she was pain-free. She was amazed because she never thought her diet could have such a profound impact on her physical pain.
Magazica: That’s an incredible story. Speaking of success stories, you’ve treated over a thousand clients at Arthritis VIP. Could you share another memorable case that illustrates the impact of your work?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Absolutely. One case that stands out is Rick, a business owner in his late sixties. He had been told he needed a double knee replacement due to severe osteoarthritis, described as “bone on bone.” Surgery would have meant months of recovery, which wasn’t an option for him given his responsibilities at work.
Through the VIP Biohacking Method, we focused on reducing inflammation, optimizing his gut health, and strengthening his knees using regenerative therapies. By his sixth visit, Rick not only avoided surgery but also regained his mobility to the point where he climbed the CN Tower—144 floors—in just 21 minutes.
The story doesn’t end there. We recently followed up with Rick three years later, and not only is he still pain-free, but he climbed the tower again. He’s 70 years old and thriving with the long-term effectiveness of this approach.
Magazica: That’s truly inspiring. The idea of achieving such remarkable results without surgery is incredible. Let’s shift gears a bit. You’ve mentioned that lifestyle changes are a significant part of your approach. What role does physical activity play, both in recovery and as a preventive measure?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Physical activity is fundamental, not just for recovery but for overall health and longevity. I often say that movement is life. When we stop moving, we start to deteriorate. This is especially true as we age.
Muscle mass naturally declines with age, a process known as sarcopenia. In fact, we lose about one pound of muscle per year after the age of 40 if we’re not actively working to maintain it. This loss of muscle leads to frailty, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of injury.
That’s why I encourage my clients to incorporate both cardiovascular activities, like walking or biking, and resistance training to preserve muscle mass. Even light weightlifting or bodyweight exercises a couple of times a week can make a huge difference.
Additionally, physical activity boosts mood and mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing stress. It’s a natural antidote to the sedentary lifestyles many of us lead today.
Magazica: It’s clear that maintaining an active lifestyle is essential. On the topic of personalized care, you’ve mentioned that you don’t like to refer to your clients as “patients.” Why is that?
Dr. Mark Hawass: That’s an important distinction for me. When we call someone a “patient,” it can feel disempowering—as though they’re defined by their illness or injury. I prefer to think of them as individuals who are seeking to optimize their health.
The relationship between a doctor and a client should be a partnership. My role is to guide and support them, but the real work comes from their willingness to take ownership of their health. By framing it this way, we shift the focus from being passive recipients of care to active participants in their recovery.
Magazica: That’s a refreshing perspective. In your practice, how do you balance this empowering approach with the need for structured treatment plans?
Dr. Mark Hawass: It’s all about collaboration. When clients come in, we start by understanding their goals and concerns. From there, we design a customized plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, regenerative therapies, and, if needed, supplements or medications.
But we also educate them about why each component is important and how it contributes to their overall recovery. This way, they’re not just following instructions blindly—they’re actively engaged in the process and motivated to stick with it.
Magazica: That educational aspect is so valuable. Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of regenerative medicine and chronic pain management?
Dr. Mark Hawass: Regenerative medicine is still in its early stages, but I believe it represents the future of healthcare. The idea of helping the body heal itself, rather than relying solely on external interventions, is incredibly powerful.
My vision is to see regenerative therapies become more widely accepted and integrated into mainstream medicine. However, there are challenges, including regulatory hurdles and resistance from traditional healthcare systems. It’s a slow process, but I’m optimistic that as more people experience the benefits, demand will drive change.
In the meantime, my focus is on expanding access to these treatments and continuing to refine the VIP Biohacking Method to make it even more effective.
Magazica: That’s a bold and inspiring vision. As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with our readers?
Dr. Mark Hawass: My message is simple: don’t settle for a life of pain and limitations. There are solutions out there, and you have the power to take control of your health. It’s never too late to make changes that can transform your life.
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Dr. Mark Hawass
Dr. Mark Hawass, a Dalhousie graduate is an internationally recognized authority in chronic pain and arthritis management. He is the founder of Arthritis VIP and the creator of the innovative VIP Biohacking Method, he has revolutionized chronic pain treatment approaches, earning the Innovation Award, the Impact Award from the UK, and the Global Recognition Award from the US. Dr. Hawass has helped over 1,400 clients reclaim their mobility and vitality, saving the Canadian healthcare system over $30 million in unnecessary surgeries. His pioneering work continues to set new standards in patient care and treatment efficacy.