Heal like the Pros

There has been a lot of questions and talk lately regarding regenerative medicine and it's role in orthopedics and musculoskeletal problems. 

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is the "process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function". This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by replacing damaged tissue and/or by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms to heal previously irreparable tissues or organs. (Definition from Wikipedia)

The role in an orthopedic or physical medicine office is extremely beneficial for the patients. Many pro athletes like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have been known to use regenerative medicine treatments such as Plasma Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy or Autologous Blood Platelet Therapy.

How is the procedure done?

The patient's own blood is drawn and then goes through a unique regimen which includes spinning the blood in a centrifuge to separate the plasma. The plasma is then activated and injected into the injured site. 

What type of injuries?

Autologous blood platelet therapy is indicated for a variety of orthopedic or muscular skeletal pathologies i.e. shoulder tendonitis, bursitis, or ligament injuries.  The therapy is also effective with arthritic joints and muscle injures.  Patients which have failed standard conservative treatment i.e. physical therapy, are great candidates for this line to treatment.   

Many people prefer to use this type of treatment as an alternative to surgery or masking symptoms with cortisone.

To be honest, I am not an expert in this subject and this post is just to inform the South Bay of it's existence. My Medical Director, Dr. Simmonds who is an orthopedict, would be the person to answer more detailed questions. In fact his company specializes in plasma products which I find fascinating. Their products are unique to others since they have customized protocols to tailor the plasma product to treat different types of tissues. This means that the product is different for a joint vs. muscle vs. ligaments. Most other plasma based products out there have a standard product for all types of tissues.  

If anyone has any questions, I will be happy to do my best to answer them, or relay to someone who can best help you.

Be healthy South Bay!

Dr. Woelfel