REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Traditional Medicine
Traditionally, corticosteroids have been commonly used to treat painful, degenerative conditions. Injections of these steroids can provide good temporary relief. Corticosteroid injections are typically combined with an anesthetic which provide immediate relief. Steroids provide pain relief through decreasing the inflammatory response. Unfortunately, there has been research showing detrimental effects on the cartilage and bone health from these medications. It also well known now that corticosteroids injected into areas affected by tendonitis (Tennis Elbow) cause worsening of symptoms down the road when compared to no treatment.
Traditionally, corticosteroids have been commonly used to treat painful, degenerative conditions. Injections of these steroids can provide good temporary relief. Corticosteroid injections are typically combined with an anesthetic which provide immediate relief. Steroids provide pain relief through decreasing the inflammatory response. Unfortunately, there has been research showing detrimental effects on the cartilage and bone health from these medications. It also well known now that corticosteroids injected into areas affected by tendonitis (Tennis Elbow) cause worsening of symptoms down the road when compared to no treatment.
What is regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that seeks to improve or augment existing human cells and tissues. This method commonly utilizes the body’s own cells and tissue to help with pain and facilitate recovery. When applied to conditions such as osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine has been shown to provide significant pain relief without the detrimental effect on existing tissue. Compared to traditional treatments, regenerative medicine attempts to assist natural healing process rather than to mask the symptoms.
Regenerative medicine is a branch of medicine that seeks to improve or augment existing human cells and tissues. This method commonly utilizes the body’s own cells and tissue to help with pain and facilitate recovery. When applied to conditions such as osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine has been shown to provide significant pain relief without the detrimental effect on existing tissue. Compared to traditional treatments, regenerative medicine attempts to assist natural healing process rather than to mask the symptoms.
What cells and tissues are typically used in regenerative medicine?
PRP
Platelets are commonly isolated from patient’s blood using a process to that results in platelet rich plasma* (PRP). These release a variety of healing factors that promote recovery, regeneration, and pain relief. PRP injections are commonly in professional athletes to allow for quickest recovery possible. Click Here to find out more. |
BMAC
Bone marrow aspiration concentrate* (BMAC) contains many cells that have the potential to differentiate into different cell types. Adult stem cells are different than embryonic stem cells and are limited to maintain and repair the tissues in which they reside. Bone marrow stem cells include “mesenchymal” stem cells which can differentiate into bone and cartilage cells. In the use of orthobiologics, bone marrow aspirate cells likely act more in signaling to assist with healing and promote pain relief. These cells are harvested from bone marrow, typically removed from pelvis. Click Here to find out more. |
A2M Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a protein found in blood that inhibits the degenerative enzymes involved in the arthritis process. This may provide lasting relief for arthritic joints and slow the progression of arthritis. Click Here to find out more. |
*These HCT/P (human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based product) used are minimally manipulated, for homologous use only, not combined with another article, and without a systemic effect. This meets the criteria for regulation under section 361 of PHS Act and 21 CFR Part 1271.