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Robert Moghim MD

Anchor Healthcare

Regenerative Medicine

1746878691

Regenerative medicine helps your body heal naturally, and one way is through Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP therapy. PRP leverages your blood's healing power to treat pain and injuries.

Here’s how it works. We draw a small amount of blood, like a routine test, then spin it in a machine to separate healing platelets, growth factors, and proteins. Once concentrated, we inject this solution directly into the problematic area, such as a joint, tendon, or muscle.

People often choose PRP for tendon injuries, arthritis, or chronic pain that resist other treatments. PRP may reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and speed healing, although results vary.

Another option is Bone Marrow Aspirate and Concentrate, or BMAC. Similar to PRP, it’s derived from your bone marrow instead of blood, containing stem cells that aid in tissue repair. Doctors extract bone marrow from your hip, concentrate it, and inject it into the treatment area.

The difference? PRP mainly uses growth factors, while BMAC contains stem cells that transform into various tissues, suitable for severe injuries like advanced arthritis.

Microfragmented Fat, or M-Fat, is another therapy using your fat cells for healing. Fat tissue is rich in reparative cells that reduce inflammation and support repair. M-Fat is extracted, processed, and injected into the injured area.

Unlike PRP, which signals healing, M-Fat offers structural support, lasting longer. It’s used for joint pain and tendon injuries needing cushioning and regeneration.

After treatment, you might feel temporary soreness or swelling. Avoid anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen beforehand. Improvements can take weeks, and sometimes multiple treatments are needed.

If joint pain or tendon injuries affect you, consider regenerative medicine. Schedule a consultation to explore your options and develop a personalized plan to regain your activities.

FAQs

Are there any risks associated with regenerative medicine therapies?

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. The effectiveness of PRP and similar treatments may vary, particularly in older patients or those with underlying health issues. It is possible that multiple treatments might be required to achieve desired results.

How does Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy differ from Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)?

PRP therapy utilizes platelets and growth factors from a patient’s blood to decrease inflammation and speed up healing, suitable for conditions like tendon injuries or arthritis. In contrast, BMAC involves extracting stem cells from bone marrow, which are capable of transforming into different types of tissues, making BMAC more suitable for severe injuries such as advanced arthritis.

What conditions can be treated with regenerative medicine therapies like PRP and BMAC?

These therapies are often chosen for tendon injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain that do not respond to traditional treatments. PRP is commonly used for issues like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries, while BMAC is more suitable for severe conditions requiring tissue regeneration, such as advanced stages of arthritis.

What is regenerative medicine and how does it work?

Regenerative medicine focuses on using the body's natural healing capabilities to repair and regenerate tissues, primarily through therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), and Microfragmented Fat (M-Fat). These therapies involve extracting, concentrating, and injecting biological materials from the patient's own body, like blood, bone marrow, or fat, into damaged areas to promote healing and repair.

What should I consider before undergoing a regenerative medicine procedure like PRP?

Before undergoing PRP therapy, it is crucial to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, as they might interfere with the therapy’s effectiveness. Patients may experience temporary soreness or swelling after treatment, and improvements might take weeks. A consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to develop a personalized treatment plan.