5 Conditions Treated with Regenerative Medicine

Studies show regenerative medicine may allow your body to recover from acute or chronic injuries by using its own innate healing ability. We have a range of regenerative treatments at our disposal. We work with you to choose the option that will provide relief and help you get back to your active life. Regenerative medicine is an excellent option for a number of conditions, including:

Herniated Disc

Herniated discs occur when the tough coating on a spinal disc is damaged, and the jelly-like material inside bulges out. Regenerative treatments that include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and allographic therapy can help you find relief without resorting to surgery.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy begins with drawing a small quantity of your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge. This concentrates the platelets, which are the cells your body naturally uses to heal damaged tissue. Using imaging technology, these cells are then injected into the area of the damaged disc so that they can begin augmenting your body’s healing abilities.

Allographic therapy is also effective for the treatment of herniated discs. As with PRP therapy, the cells are then injected into the area to be treated.

Most people are able to go back to their regular activities very soon after their herniated disc treatment. If you have any discomfort at the treatment site, you can apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes at a time a few times a day. Many individuals begin to see improvement within two to three weeks, with full effects taking around six months.

Rotator Cuff Tear

In your shoulder, there is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the large joint. These keep your upper arm bone firmly within the shoulder socket. This area can become injured through repeated or vigorous overhead motions. Rotator cuff injuries are seen most often in athletes such as baseball and tennis players, but they can also show up in professionals such as plumbers, carpenters and others who must often reach over their heads during the course of their day.

Most rotator cuff injuries are repetitive stress injuries. They may initially be felt as a dull ache that gets worse when you try to sleep on the injured shoulder. In some cases, an overextension can cause an acute and painful injury.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is the regenerative medicine treatment that is most effective for rotator cuff injuries. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis as described above.

During recovery from your PRP injection, you may initially feel an increase in pain. However, most patients experience significant improvement over the next several weeks.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis becomes more common as people age and the cartilage that provides cushioning between joints begins to break down. Over time, a total loss of cartilage can leave bones rubbing directly against one another, resulting in severe pain and stiffness.

Allographic therapy may be beneficial in two ways for those who are suffering from osteoarthritis. In the early stages of the disease, it can provide an anti-inflammatory benefit. In studies, injections of allographic material reduced inflammation and delayed process of degeneration.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, the thick cords that attach bone and muscle to one another. It is most often caused by repetitive, minor impacts on the affected area. It can occur in any area of the body, but it is most common in your elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, Achilles tendon and the base of your thumb. The condition can cause pain that either builds up gradually or is sudden and severe. You may also experience a loss of motion, especially in the shoulder. Tendons typically do not have a strong blood supply in the area where they connect to your bones. Because of this, they often do not heal completely on their own.

When injuries to the tendons do not respond to conventional therapies like corticosteroid injections or physical therapy, studies show regenerative medicine may help. PRP therapy can stimulate tissue repair and accelerate healing in the area.

After treatment, some discomfort is normal at the injection site. While pain may increase at first, PRP may help your body heal over a period of weeks and months.

Cartilage injuries

There are three types of cartilage in the body. This tissue’s purposes include holding your bones together, facilitating movement and supporting other tissues. Cartilage tissue is tough and flexible, but it can be easily damaged. When cartilage is damaged, you may experience a limited range of motion, stiffness, swelling, and pain in the affected areas.

Arthritis occurs when joints are exposed to wear and tear over time. However, cartilage can also be damaged by a direct blow or can become damaged due to inactivity.

Regenerative treatments take just a few hours and most people are able to go back to their normal activities quickly. Because this therapy involves natural healing, it can be several months before the full benefits are apparent.

Summing Up

We believe that you do not have to live with pain or decreased mobility. If a chronic or acute injury has sidelined you and left you dealing with pain, we want to help. Our trained and experienced staff will discuss your symptoms and help identify the treatment that is best for you. Call for a consultation today.