The body’s ability to heal itself is truly amazing. Just think about the last time you accidentally cut yourself or banged your shin. But there are limits to what the body can do, and conditions like osteoarthritis, are chronic and long-lasting—they won’t resolve on their own. Instead of managing the symptoms of conditions that can cause pain, decrease mobility or get in the way of your active lifestyle, regenerative medicine is exploring therapies deigned to support the body in its own repair, regeneration, and restoration. So, are you a candidate for regenerative medicine?
UNDERSTANDING REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
In a nutshell, regenerative medicine is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, and even organs in an effort to restore normal function. According to current estimates, one in three adults in the U.S. could benefit from this new approach to medicine. Keep in mind, regenerative medicine is a broad term used to describe an entire field, and treatments include:
- Stem cell therapy. This type of regenerative therapy uses a special type of cell to repair injuries. It’s often used in the treatment of back pain and injuries.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy. This therapy is often used in sports medicine to repair tendon injuries. It uses a centrifuge to create a concentrated blood solution rich in platelets and plasma.
- Prolotherapy. This type of regenerative therapy involves injections of saline and dextrose into injured areas in the back, shoulders, knees, hips, and hands to trigger the body’s healing response.
All of these therapies can be a viable alternative to surgery, which comes with its own complications.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
You may be a candidate for regenerative medicine if you’re experiencing specific conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis in the hips, shoulders, or knees
- ACL or meniscal tears
- Shoulder pain
- Tendinitis
- Labral or rotator cuff tears
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Sciatica
- Fractures that won’t heal
The best way to see whether you’re a candidate for regenerative medicine is with a consultation. Schedule a visit today to discuss your symptoms and together, we can make a plan designed to treat not just your symptoms, but the root of the problem. Regenerative medicine is part of Dr. McSweeney’s holistic approach to care, which includes chiropractic care, low-level laser therapy, nutrition, and more.
Contact our team today and let’s get started!