How Does Regenerative Medicine Soothe Chronic Joint Pain?
If you suffer from chronic pain in your knees, shoulders, or other joints, conservative treatments may not be enough. You may even be considering more invasive options such as surgery. But surgery may not be your only choice.
A newer field of medicine, known as “regenerative medicine,” may offer some hope. Utilizing less invasive but innovative methods, regenerative medicine seeks ways to relieve pain and heal the body without relying on traditional methods such as pain medication and surgery.
Read on to find out more about this exciting field of medicine and the treatments that may be a good option for you.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine is a relatively new area that has developed as medicine has become more advanced and knowledgeable about how the body heals itself. The objective of regenerative medicine is to leverage the body’s innate healing processes and mechanisms to treat medical conditions. It is a cutting-edge field that has endless possibilities, from treating chronic pain (which is happening now) to potentially replacing organ donation in the future.
Regenerative Medicine to Treat Chronic Joint Pain
Doctors are already utilizing regenerative medicine procedures to treat chronic joint pain with great success.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a promising treatment for a long list of concerns and conditions. It is quickly becoming popular among patients to treat cosmetic concerns (wrinkle reduction, skin firming, and minimizing scars), hair loss, wound healing, and even ongoing joint pain and inflammation.
When you are injured, the body naturally sends high concentrations of platelets to the area to stimulate healing. Similarly, injected PRP triggers your body’s healing mechanisms within the joint. When we inject PRP into a specific area, it then encourages repair of the damage, reduces inflammation, and even improves cartilage. The result is less pain and swelling, along with greater mobility and function.
PRP is generated by taking a small amount of your own blood and using a centrifuge to separate the necessary components. The result is a solution that has a high concentration of blood platelets. This solution is then injected into the treatment area in a quick outpatient visit. There is minimal downtime, and you are able to return to normal daily activities without any significant delay.
What Does PRP Treat?
PRP can treat many causes of chronic joint pain. This treatment has shown great promise in treating the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendon and Ligament Injuries
- Muscle Damage
- Tendonitis
- Lost Cartilage
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Gout
Cutting Edge Therapy
Like many regenerative medicine therapies, the use of PRP for chronic joint pain is still being studied. However, Dr. Alkadri and our team have seen excellent results for our patients, and there is growing evidence to support the beneficial effects of this option.
Despite being a newer treatment, PRP is considered to have low risks. PRP is generated from your own blood. This means it is unlikely you would have a negative response, such as an allergic reaction. In addition, because PRP is administered through a simple injection, other risks are small compared to surgical procedures. It appears the risks are similar to any injectable treatment.
Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?
This field of medicine is truly exciting and innovative. We are proud to be on the cutting edge of medical science by offering new and promising treatments such as PRP for chronic joint pain.
If you are curious about PRP and regenerative medicine, schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors. We can evaluate your unique concerns and discuss whether this groundbreaking approach might be right for you.
