What Is Regenerative Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine which deals with conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Some of the most common orthopedic conditions include arthritis, sports and athletic injuries, and back conditions such as degenerative disc disease. In general, orthopedic conditions are extremely prevalent, and are the number-one reason why people see their doctors every year. From injury to illness and the simple process of aging, the are many factors which can lead to these painful conditions.

Unfortunately, many orthopedic conditions prove challenging to treat effectively. The majority have no real “cure;” for instance, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and while its symptoms can be managed, it cannot be fully eradicated. Similarly, many injuries of the ligaments, cartilage, and other relevant tissues never fully heal. Many patients turn to treatments such as over-the-counter or prescription medications or invasive surgeries to combat the pain that interferes with their daily activities.

Now, however, a new, promising solution has emerged: Regenerative Orthopedics.

What Is Regenerative Orthopedics?

Regenerative orthopedics is the pursuit of repair and regeneration of cells and tissues affected by orthopedic injuries. At the most basic level, regenerative medicine aims to kickstart the body’s natural healing and repair processes. While the field encompasses several techniques, the most heavily practiced regenerative treatment for orthopedic conditions employs the use of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells can be derived from many tissue types, including bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. These multipotent stem cells have the remarkable ability to differentiate into other cell types, and they can also renew themselves through cell division.

With regenerative orthopedics, stem cells are delivered directly into the affected tissue, such as an injured joint, to perform repairs. This prompts healing at a cellular level, rejuvenating ligaments, tendons, and cartilage to reduce discomfort and promote optimal outcomes for patients.

Benefits of Regenerative Orthopedics

Stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions is minimally invasive, so it doesn’t require the same hospitalization or downtime that invasive surgeries might. Much research has also proven it safe and effective, and even athletes like Peyton Manning have turned to regenerative medicine for treating stubborn injuries.

Here are just a few of the most noteworthy benefits of regenerative orthopedics patients can experience:

• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Regeneration of new tissue
• Increased flexibility
• Reduction or elimination of pain and tenderness
• Quicker recovery for sports injuries

While regenerative orthopedics isn’t a cure-all, it can significantly improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions or lasting injuries. With this approach to healing at the cellular level, regenerative medicine helps patients move towards a pain-free way of life.

This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we offer Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa, this therapy naturally acts to rebuild and regenerate neural tissues that are lost from the progression of all different types of diseases.