Regenerative medicine is the utilization of your own cells and proteins to trigger the body’s healing response. Many medical treatments address pain, but not healing. Regenerative medicine has the potential to reduce pain as well as improve tissue quality and function. Also, there is minimal risk or side effects.
In sports medicine, this field is also referred to as orthobiologics. We are using biology to treat orthopedic conditions.
Bone marrow derived stem cell therapy: Stem cells and healing proteins can be concentrated from an aspiration of your bone marrow harvested from the hip bone. The healing cells and proteins are then concentrated on-site using an FDA approved kit and centrifuge unit. Once prepared, the concentrate is injected into the area of injury or pain under ultrasound or flouroscopic guidance to begin the healing process!
Fat derived stem cell therapy: Fatty tissue contains a very high number of stem cells; these cells can be prepared following an in-office liposuction procedure using an FDA approved device. Once the fatty tissue is cleansed and micronized, it is injected into the area of injury or pain under image guidance to start the healing process!
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP is a concentration of platelets from your blood. Platelets contain growth factors and stem cell recruiting factors which can initiate a healing response in damaged tissue. Blood is drawn and concentrated in the office using an FDA approved kit and centrifuge unit. Dr. Delo will determine the best concentration to use based on your age and medical conditions, as well as the injury being treated. The PRP is then injected into the area of injury or pain under ultrasound guidance to initiate the healing process.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin: A2M is a protein found in the blood that inhibits destructive enzymes in the joint. At a high concentration, this protein can stop the progression of osteoarthritic changes and decrease inflammation. It can be concentrated from the remaining plasma during a PRP procedure and injected directly into the joint as part of your treatment. This will accelerate the onset of the PRP healing response.
Prolotherapy: Prolotherapy is a procedure where substances are injected into joints and the surrounding ligaments to stabilize the joints and associated structures. The most commonly used agent is dextrose, which is believed to work as a growth factor in connective tissue. Dr. Delo is trained in the Hackett Hemwall technique of performing prolotherapy, and has performed many successful treatments.
Shockwave therapy: This therapy uses acoustic waves generated both pneumatically and electromagnetically to penetrate tissue and deliver energy directly to the site of injury. This energy triggers a healing response from the body. Treatment are typically performed in a short series; areas with good response include tendons, muscles, scar tissue, and bony or calcifications injuries.
Laser Therapy: This therapy utilized concentrated light energy to decrease pain and inflammation as well as stimulate soft tissue healing. It has been shown to augment the healing response from cellular treatments such as PRP or stem cell therapy. It can also be utilized as a stand alone treatment for injury healing or pain.
FSAs and HSAs can be used for regenerative medicine procedures!
