Regenerative Medicine

What is regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine is a way to harness your body’s ability to heal itself, promote tissue development, and reduce inflammation throughout the healing process. Below are descriptions of two of the most in-demand regenerative medicine therapies.

Platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) begins with a simple blood draw. After your blood specimen is processed in a centrifuge, platelets that are full of powerful growth factor components separate out.

This remaining fluid — your PRP — is simply injected into your targeted area. Growth factors jump into action and speed up the healing process, so you can experience lasting relief from pain and inflammation.  

Stem cell injections

Stem cell injections involve using either donor stem cells or stem cells that are harvested from your own body (usually from your hip area). When these stem cells are injected, they differentiate and turn into the cells that surround them.

If stem cells are injected into a damaged ligament, for instance, they quickly turn into new ligament cells, so new tissues can start building up. This effect promotes superior healing and a dramatic decrease in pain and inflammation.

How can regenerative medicine help me?

Regenerative medicine, including both PRP and stem cells, is beneficial for treating a wide variety of issues. At Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center, Dr. Rivera may recommend regenerative medicine solutions if you have:

• Sports injuries
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Severe muscle injuries
• Ligament or tendon ruptures

Or if you needed surgery for an injury or chronic foot or ankle condition, Dr. Rivera may recommend PRP or stem cell injections to promote healing afterward.

When do regenerative medicine treatments start working?

Because regenerative medicine solutions involve stimulating the healing process, they take time to work. It’s normal to experience some slight inflammation or pain for the first week or two after your PRP or stem cell injections. Usually, this is just a minor side effect of the needles, as well as increased blood flow to the area.

After any initial side effects wear off, you should start noticing an improvement in your pain and discomfort with each passing day. It can take at least three to four weeks to experience significant relief and up to about 12 weeks to notice the full benefits of regenerative medicine.

Dr. Rivera may recommend a package of PRP or stem cell treatments for optimal benefits if you have a more complex issue. You might need two or three regenerative medicine sessions at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center, each spaced about four to six weeks apart.

Find out if regenerative medicine is right for you by booking a consultation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center today. Schedule online or over the phone.

Individual results may vary.