Regenerative medicine has the potential toassist your own body’s natural healing processes by harnessing advances in biology, immunology, and other sciences to improve pain and functioninmild to moderate damaged tissue. If you have a bone or joint condition that isn’t getting better with other conservative treatments, regenerative medicine could possibly help you delay or avoid surgery.
Some of the advanced regenerative medicine treatments include:
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy: Platelets are known to have regenerative potential and could stimulate healing of ligament and tendon injuries, early stage arthritis, and muscle injuries. A small amount of your blood is drawn and concentrated to obtain platelet-rich plasma which is injected into the injury site. Platelets release growth factors and other tissue-building substances that can help aid in the healing of damaged tissue.
- Stem cell therapy: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to transform into different cells types such as ligament cells, tendon cells, or bone cells. They are obtained by aspiration from the bone marrow, which is processed and injected into the injury site where stem cells can potentially improve pain and function.
These treatments are non-invasive, have little or no side effects as they are derived from your own body, require no preparation, and can be delivered in the outpatient setting in an hour’s time. Patients may have some mild soreness at the injection site, which usually gets better in a few days.
A series of platelet-rich plasma injections or stem cell injections may be provided for early disease patients to improve pain or function of degenerative joint conditions.Regenerative Medicine is not recommended for patients with advanced degenerative joint disease. Depending on the severity of the condition and response to treatment, regenerative medicine may be an option for you. Schedule your appointment today to find out if you are a candidate for regenerative medicine and if it could help you delayor avoidsurgery.
Dr. Frisch is an orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as regenerative treatments for enhanced healing. He believes in creating a very personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester and River District, MI.
