Platelet Regeneration Therapy helping athletes, weekend warriors, arthritis sufferers and many more

Athletes, including Tiger Woods, have received the most media coverage from seeking platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments for orthopaedic injuries. However, a March 30, 2010 article by Melinda Beck of the Wall Street Journal –

“Spinning Blood Isn’t Just for Athletes” – highlights the use of PRP for non-athletes as well.

Medical researchers are reporting remarkable results using Platelet Regeneration Therapy using PRP in the treatment of common injuries, including tendinitis; the regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis of the thumbs, knees and hips; and in non-surgical repair of rotator cuff tears. Published studies show restoration and smoothing of roughened cartilage; improved range of motion; and resolution of pain in osteoarthritis of hips, knees and shoulders.

We commonly use Platelet Regeneration Therapy on tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body, including: 

•Sports injuries, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

•Tendonitis

•Ligament and meniscal injuries

•Lower back

•Arthritic joints

•Rotator cuff tear of the shoulder

•Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee andd shoulder

If you would like to share a success story about Platelet Regeneration Therapy or have a question, please leave me a comment below. Thanks for reading!

“Fat graft” is an excellent source for stem cells in Platelet Regeneration Therapy

For many orthopedic injuries and conditions, my staff and I utilize an alternative in-office treatment known as Platelet Regeneration Therapy using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

A recent study determined that fat obtained from liposuction produced potent stem cells. These are autologous stem cells and have nothing to do with embryos or embryonic research. Stem cells are defined as cells with the unique capacity to self replicate throughout our lives and to change into cells of various types. This new method is much more efficient than a previous practice that used skin cells.

Currently, we are one of only several orthopaedic practices in the United States who are performing in-office mini liposuction – usually in the abdomen – to extract stem cells from fat. This “fat graft” is an excellent source of stem cells. We combine these stem cells with the platelets to create the PRP injection.

The growth factors from the platelets and the stem cells function to repair damaged tissue and they both participate in the repair process. It takes approximately six weeks for significant repair to occur where the pain is diminished and stress activity can be resumed at the previous desired level, but it really takes two to three months for complete recovery to occur.

Do you have any questions or an experience to share about “fat graft?” If so, please leave me a comment below