The human body has the natural ability to heal itself in many ways. A cut to the skin repairs itself, broken bones mend and a living-donor’s liver regenerates in a few weeks. Imagine if scientists could capture this naturally occurring ability to heal and apply it to a wide range of conditions.
Heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoarthritis are examples of chronic conditions that are long lasting and do not resolve on their own. In many cases, symptoms can be managed with medication or medical devices.
Regenerative medicine goes beyond disease management to search for and discover therapies that support the body in repairing, regenerating and restoring itself to a state of well-being.
From prenatal surgical interventions to treatments for lifelong degenerative and disabling conditions, regenerative medicine therapies prompt the body to enact a self-healing response. These advancements in patient care across a wide range of medical specialties point to new solutions to expand and maintain optimal health and quality of life.
What is regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine is a way to harness your body’s ability to heal itself, promote tissue development, and reduce inflammation throughout the healing process. Below are descriptions of two of the most in-demand regenerative medicine therapies.
Platelet-rich plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) begins with a simple blood draw. After your blood specimen is processed in a centrifuge, platelets that are full of powerful growth factor components separate out.
This remaining fluid — your PRP — is simply injected into your targeted area. Growth factors jump into action and speed up the healing process, so you can experience lasting relief from pain and inflammation.
Stem cell injections
Stem cell injections involve using either donor stem cells or stem cells that are harvested from your own body (usually from your hip area). When these stem cells are injected, they differentiate and turn into the cells that surround them.
If stem cells are injected into a damaged ligament, for instance, they quickly turn into new ligament cells, so new tissues can start building up. This effect promotes superior healing and a dramatic decrease in pain and inflammation.
How can regenerative medicine help me?
Regenerative medicine, including both PRP and stem cells, is beneficial for treating a wide variety of issues.
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis or joint pain
- Severe muscle injuries
- Ligament or tendon ruptures