Regenerative medicine includes therapies such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, in which the body’s own natural healing agents are extracted and concentrated to support new tissue growth and healing at the site of an injury.
Stem cells can be used for injuries such as those in the knees, back, neck and other joints, and can actually stimulate growth of new tissue. PRP therapy can help heal tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints by accelerating the body’s own healing response. What are the benefits of regenerative medicine when it comes to healing chronic pain? Here’s what you need to know.
1. You may be able to avoid surgery.
Both stem cells and PRP therapy may help you avoid surgery and reduce pain. For instance, both forms of regenerative medicine can be used for torn rotator cuffs, which can be very painful and generally require surgery to fix. Instead, you may be able to take advantage of a minimally invasive treatment option to help your body heal with its own cells.
2. Recovery time is minimal.
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities following stem cell or PRP therapy, both of which are outpatient procedures. The most common side effects are minor bruising or discomfort at the site of the injection, which should go away within a few days. Unlike surgery or other procedures, regenerative medicine allows you to get back to your routine as quickly as possible.
3. Healing happens faster.
Regenerative medicine is known for helping patients heal faster than treatment with conventional methods. Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma work quickly to repair injured joints and tissue, enhancing the body’s own ability to heal after an injury. Although it may take a few weeks to notice a difference, between minimal recovery time and complementary therapies such as physical therapy, you may begin to see a dramatic difference as time goes on!
4. There’s no need for medication or general anesthesia.
Your physician will use ultrasound technology to ensure the injection is done at precisely the right area. While some numbing medication will be injected at the site prior to or with your treatment to ensure you experience minimal discomfort, there’s no need for pain medication or general anesthesia with regenerative medicine. If you’re already taking pain medication, you and your doctor will discuss a plan to continue your treatment until you potentially see results from PRP or stem cell therapy.
5. It’s low risk since your own cells are used.
Regenerative medicine procedures are generally considered low risk as your own cells are used to heal your injuries. In stem cell therapy, cells are usually taken from either body fat or bone marrow. For PRP therapy, platelets are simply separated from the blood and mixed with your own plasma after your blood is drawn.
Is Regenerative Medicine an Option for You?
With the amazing benefits of regenerative medicine, it could be time to consider if these therapies could support your wellness and reduce your pain. Find out more about stem cell and PRP therapy at Summit Spine & Joint Centers by calling us today at (770) 962-3642! You can also reach us via our online form.