How Regenerative Medicine Is Changing the Future of Joint Pain Care

Joint pain is common, with nearly one in three American adults experiencing it over the last 30 days. 

Some people use prescription or over-the-counter pain medications for relief, but these may cause side effects or interact with other medicines. Another option is surgery. However, that can come with its own set of risks. 

Enter regenerative medicine. This umbrella term describes several minimally invasive treatment options that may help ease joint pain and stiffness and improve mobility.

 At Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, our team of interventional pain doctors offers several types of regenerative medicine. Keep reading to learn what regenerative medicine is, the different types of treatment, and how to see if you can benefit.

An introduction to regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine is a term that first became popular in the early 90s. It’s a branch of healthcare that uses the body’s natural healing abilities to replace or regenerate damaged or aging cells and tissues. 

Instead of relying solely on medication to manage symptoms or surgery to repair damaged tissues, regenerative medicine supports your natural healing processes. 

For some people, these treatments may help improve pain, mobility, and function with less downtime than some traditional procedures.

Types of regenerative medicine

Our caring team offers several types of regenerative medicine, including:

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a type of regenerative medicine that uses your own blood to promote healing. 

During treatment, we draw some of your blood and separate the platelets from the rest of your sample. Then, we inject it into specific areas, such as an arthritic knee or elbow.

Once the PRP enters your body, it increases circulation to the joint and reduces inflammation. It may also encourage the growth of healthy new cells and tissue and support mobility. 

We use the RICHPLAT ORTHO™ PRP system, which is specifically designed to produce high-quality platelet-rich plasma.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy is similar to PRP therapy. The difference is that treatment involves a series of stem cell injections into an injured or diseased joint. 

Stem cells are the building blocks for many of the specialized cells in your body. That means they can be converted into other types of cells, including blood, bone, or muscle cells. 

Like PRP, these cells are typically obtained from your own body, often through fat or bone marrow extraction.

After we’ve gathered the necessary stem cells, we create a solution and then inject it into the joint that’s causing you pain. The stem cells may support your body’s natural repair processes, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.

How to tell if you’re a candidate for regenerative medicine

The best way to tell if you’re a candidate for regenerative medicine is to undergo an in-office consultation with our team. However, you’ll likely qualify if you have:

• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Osteoarthritis

You may also benefit if you’re trying to recover from a sports-related injury, such as tendinitis or a torn ligament.

After an exam and diagnostic imaging, we can make personalized treatment recommendations. 

Ready to see if regenerative medicine is right for you?

Persistent joint pain can make even small movements uncomfortable. Regenerative medicine may provide the relief you’ve been looking for. 

To see if you’re a candidate, schedule an appointment at Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC.