What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine is a cutting-edge field of healthcare that focuses on helping the body heal itself. Instead of just treating symptoms, it uses natural processes to repair damaged tissues, reduce pain, and restore function.
A key part of regenerative medicine is orthobiologics, which are natural substances—such as cells, platelets, plasma, fibrin and growth factors—used to enhance the body's healing process. Three common orthobiologic treatments include:
Two common types of regenerative treatments are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Cell-Based Therapy:
PRP Therapy: This involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets (which contain growth factors that help heal tissues), and then injecting it into the injured area. PRP is often used for joint pain, tendon injuries, and even skin rejuvenation.
Cell-Based Therapy: Also known as stem cell therapy, this uses special cells (often taken from bone marrow or fat tissue) that have the ability to grow into different types of tissues. These cells are injected into damaged areas, where they help repair cartilage, tendons, and other structures.
Other Orthobiologics: This includes treatments like bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and amniotic-derived products, which provide additional healing factors to support tissue regeneration.
These treatments are commonly used for sports injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain conditions, offering a natural way to promote healing and improve function without surgery.
I was privelaged to work with the doctors SDOMG and present a webinar to their patients and colleagues outlining the role of specialized physical therapy in the rehabilitation of this cutting edge treatment