What Does the Future of Regenerative Medicine Look Like?
When we injure specific parts of our bodies, or they fail to work due to disease or age, we turn to our doctors to correct the issue. For many, relying on medication or invasive surgery to fix the problem seems to be the only option. But is it? This is where regenerative medicine comes in.
Learn more about how regenerative medicine works and what treatments are currently available to you.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine is used to do what its name indicates, regenerate your body's tissues. To do this, we use natural substances like plasma and stem cells from your body. These substances are injected into problem areas where there is joint pain or muscle damage.
Over the past decade, clinicians and scientists have made advances in regenerative medicine. But what is regenerative medicine? Research confirms our bodies are capable of healing themselves through specialized cells found within our own blood and tissues. Doctors can now isolate and inject these cells directly into damaged tissue to reduce inflammation and regrow damaged tissue. Many patients have been able to avoid or delay invasive surgeries like knee and hip replacement. Regenerative medicine pushes the boundaries of traditional medical treatments and is now rising as a new, more viable option for healing the body.
What Can You Treat With Regenerative Medicine?
When you hear minimally invasive, you may think of quicker healing and less downtime. Add lower risk of infection and complications, and you're right on track. Given these enormous benefits, popularity has been skyrocketing across the medical community, and they are now available in
Salt Lake City at Evolve Medical, which is the only clinic in Utah currently offering a full range of regenerative medicine solutions to address the different causes of joint pain
The potential of regenerative medicine is virtually endless. Since its introduction to the medical community decades ago, it has been the subject of numerous studies. Research indicates patients are experiencing positive results. For example, regenerative medicine is successfully treating those who suffer from a variety of issues. Likewise, it's useful in treating issues such as arthritis and muscle and joint damage.
Physicians at Evolve Medical are experts in image-guided procedures, ensuring the optimal placement of regenerative medicine in joints to treat conditions like:
- tendon and ligament injuries
- facet joints
- joints in the hips, shoulders, wrists, knees, and elbows
- lumbar spinal discs causing lower back pain
- discs causing neck pain
All treatments are outpatient procedures. However, insurance may or may not be cover it. Some treatments may take more than one session to complete. However, your physician will talk to you about all of this at your appointment.
What Types of Regenerative Medicine & Treatments Are Available?
At Evolve Medical, we offer many minimally invasive regenerative medicine therapies and treatments. Let's highlight a few:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) / Platelet-Rich Fibrin PRF
Plasma is rich in platelets. It can be injected into a joint to reduce inflammation and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissue.
PRF has to do with your blood. While you may have heard of the rejuvenating effects platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRF takes things even further. Naturally contained within your blood are platelets, which play an important role in your body’s healing process. These platelets contain crucial growth elements that have been shown to stimulate tissue generation and repair. When the blood is purified to its highest levels using the PRF process, the platelets become highly concentrated, providing the greatest healing benefits possible.
Regenerative therapy using stem cells is growing in popularity. Why? Because research indicates using stem cells opens the door to treating a wide variety of areas and issues. For example, the study of stem cells' biology teaches us about the limitless opportunities they may provide.
A2M injections are an alternative to invasive surgery. A2M injections help restore joint health and alleviate pain and inflammation.
Amnion cells are immune-privileged. Therefore, they lack host versus graft rejection. As a result, the amnion properties make the cells an excellent choice for musculoskeletal injuries.
After an initial consultation, our licensed physicians will create a customized treatment plan. The goal is to help you repair issues without invasive surgery.
The Next Generation of PRP Therapy
Introducing LIBERTY MTX™
The Next Generation of PRP Therapy - Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM)
Commonly known as PRP, Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix has been around since the early 2000’s. This regenerative therapy is thought to promote your body’s natural healing abilities by utilizing your own blood platelets to release growth factors. This surgery alternative has been shown to stimulate the repair of damaged cartilage, cells and tissue, potentially restoring pre-injury function.
The Liberty MTXTM System is designed for the safe and rapid preparation of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) from a small sample of blood at the patient point of care. Many PRP systems require operator skill, have varying results and have extensive contamination with red blood cells and white blood cells. Liberty MTXTM removes virtually all contaminating cells and is independent of operator technique. PRP is converted to PRFM through a controlled process, creating a scaffold that serves to protect and preserve platelets. Think of Liberty MTXTM PRFM as the next generation PRP.
Who Can Benefit From Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine has been the subject of decades of research studies, and now patients are able to treat joint damage and pain resulting from traumatic injury, arthritis, and the normal wear and tear that occurs with age.
There are other factors that help determine whether or not you are a candidate. A rule of thumb is it varies on a case-by-case basis. To see if you qualify, schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physicians. They will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and current condition. Together you can determine what your best options may be.
Does Regenerative Medicine Work?
Yes, the human body is impressive, especially as we continue to discover even more ways it can heal itself. For example, a cut or scratch to the skin will heal in a few days. A broken bone will set in weeks. Likewise, a living donor's liver will regenerate in two weeks.
Often patients believe they can only manage their injuries with medication or surgery. However, regenerative medicine goes beyond disease or symptom management. As a result, the healing properties are leading to successful treatments for various injuries.
What Does the Future of Regenerative Medicine Look Like?
Today, the futuristic vision of a regenerative medicine option is finally here. There is reason to hope there will come a time when clinicians can use regenerative medicine to heal more common conditions. For example, imagine an ability to treat heart disease, osteoarthritis, or even diabetes.
Stem cells are easy to isolate from fat tissue. Therefore, there is tremendous promise for treating many disorders across the body. It only makes sense that scientists will discover even more significant advancements. As clinicians refine existing techniques, they will continue to expand available treatment options.
Stem cells and their healing properties continue to revolutionize regenerative medicine research. Areas of study and progress include:
- Burn treatments
- Nerve regeneration
- Breast reconstruction
- Wound care
- Stem cell therapy
- Scar treatment
- Hand and face transplants
- Bone regeneration
- Generation of new skin by tissue expansion
It is exciting to imagine what scientists will discover. Likewise, there is so much hope in new regenerative therapies. Imagine treatments that support the body in repairing itself through the beauty of regeneration.
In Pain? Schedule Your Appointment Today!
You can learn more about regenerative medicine and the clinical treatments currently available. Schedule a consultation today!
