Regenerative Medicine
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that is able to use the body’s own healing properties to treat injuries and illness. Focused on regenerating tissue to restore normal function, regenerative medicine is used in many fields, including oral surgery, dermatology and wound care. It has many emerging and exciting uses in musculoskeletal medicine, where the term Orthobiologics is typically used.
Regenerative medicine technology has evolved over the decades. The most recent techniques and evidence show benefit for arthritic conditions and tendinopathy.
- Arthritis: Knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, etc.
- Tendinopathy: Tennis/golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff, etc.
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What are the different types of treatment?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is the most common method of regenerative medicine treatment. Platelets are small cells that float around in your blood and do many things, including initiating a healing process. During PRP treatments, we draw your blood, separate the platelets and then inject them into the desired location.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is another option. This procedure involves taking a sample of bone marrow, concentrating the cells and then injecting them into the desired site. BMAC gives platelets, types of stem cells and many other cytokines (proteins) that are involved in healing.
There are many other emerging, less common types of biologic products we are happy to talk to you about during your consultation.
How does it work?
Each treatment takes a concentrated sample of cells and molecules that are involved in the body’s natural healing response and places them at the desired site. We assume each process helps to then “heal” the tissue. The reality is that there is more to it than that, and there are many processes we are still trying to understand.
What do I need to look for?
Regenerative medicine is a new field. It is exciting, and has shown great promise. However, as technology and knowledge changes and advances, patients and providers need to be careful. There are regulatory challenges. The FDA is clear on the things providers can say or promise, and is very clear on the things providers can NOT do in the USA. That has not stopped less than scrupulous clinics from popping up. Be an educated consumer.
How can UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine help?
UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is a world leader in sports medicine care. We train the physicians of tomorrow, lead cutting-edge research and treat all of our patients, whether professional athletes or your neighbor, with the same highest-quality care. You see our physicians in the community, on the sidelines and in the media.
Learn more about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
These frequently asked questions related to PRP Treatment may have the answer you are looking for. If not, please call our office at 716.204.3200 for further assistance or to set up an appointment for evaluation and/or treatment.
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What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, a concentration of platelets and growth factors concentrated from your own blood.
Platelets are small, colorless, cell fragments present in the blood. They form in the bone marrow and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. When an injury occurs, the platelets become active and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. Platelets play an important role in the regeneration process of healing by releasing growth factors, minimizing joint inflammation, and regenerating healthy tissue.
PRP is created by obtaining a small volume of your blood and processing it through a centrifuge, which will rapidly spin the blood, separating and concentrating the platelets and other beneficial growth factors from the blood. The platelet rich plasma is then injected in and around the area of injury. The concentration of platelets in PRP allows your body to recognize the injury as a priority and accelerates the healing process.
PRP is indicated for those injuries that have failed to heal despite traditional treatment options. It can be performed in any musculoskeletal structure, including muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments all over the body. Some examples include mild to moderate osteoarthritis, partial tendon tears, muscle strains, ligament sprains/partial tears, articular cartilage injury, and chronic tendon injuries.
How do I know PRP is right for me?
Is PRP covered by my insurance?
The office staff will attempt to obtain authorization from your insurance company prior to scheduling your procedure. PRP injections are still considered experimental/investigational by most insurance companies and are not covered. If your insurance company denies coverage, our staff will discuss a self-pay option available to you.
What are the risks?
How should I prepare for the Injection?
What should I expect after the injection?
You may notice a local reaction, such as pain, warmth, and slight swelling immediately after the shot. Some may experience worsened soreness for a few days after the procedure. Your provider may recommend ice or Tylenol, as needed. If you have worsening pain, fever, swelling, redness that lasts longer than a few days or if you have any other concerns, contact the office at 716-204-3200. Do not submerge the affected body part in water (no pool, hot tub, lake, bath, etc.) for 48 hours. Showering is ok.
Wil there be any activity restrictions?
Our Providers
Geoffrey A. Bernas, MD, FAAOS
Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Arthroscopy, Hip Arthroscopy & Reconstruction
Michael S. Freitas, MD, MSPT
Primary Care Sports Medicine, UB Concussion Management and Research Center
Elizabeth Hanretty, PA-C
Physician Assistant to Dr. Marc Fineberg
Rajiv K. Jain, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine, UB Concussion Management and Research Center
Kelly Jordan, PA-C
Physician Assistant to Dr. Leslie Bisson
Jorden T. Komm, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine, UB Concussion Management and Research Center
Joshua Weeks, PA-C
Physician Assistant to Dr. William WindSchedule an appointment with one of our Sports Medicine Specialists today to see if regenerative medicine is appropriate for you and your condition.