Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you should keep your eyes on the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine. For athletes, injuries are an inevitable part of the game. Take preventative steps to avoid injuries and educate yourself on the emerging field of regenerative treatments in sport medicine.
What Is Regenerative Therapy or Orthobiologics?
Regenerative medicine or “orthobiologics” are therapies that use the body’s natural substances to promote the healing and regeneration of bones and tissue. The body has a natural response to heal any trauma that it endures. Regenerative medicine therapies essentially expedite the natural healing process by utilizing the body’s organic material. These unique therapies aim to specifically regenerate tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. Orthopedic surgeons consider it to be a favorable option for athletes who want to accelerate the healing process and return to their sport quickly.
Spine issues, particularly lower back pain, are quite common among athletes. These injuries are typically seen in high-impact sports such as football, rugby, hockey, cheerleading, and skiing. Regenerative medicine can be particularly beneficial for athletes who experience sports-induced spine problems like disc herniation, degeneration, and arthritis. Orthobiologic therapies can include stem cell therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), lipogems, and more. Stem cell therapy often uses BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) to regenerate tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood to enhance the healing of ligaments and tendons and is often used to treat tendonitis and partial tears. Lipogems therapy addresses musculoskeletal conditions through the use of the body’s own adipose tissue. Lipogems therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. Orthopedic surgeons may use these therapies alone or in combination with other surgical procedures.
Regenerative medicine offers several advantages in treating sports-induced spine problems:
- Reduces recovery time
- Uses the body’s natural substances
- Minimally invasive
- Pain relief
- Tissue regeneration
- Accelerated healing
- Restored mobility
- Potential to delay or eliminate the need for surgery
- Limited side effects
For athletes who have tried conservative treatments without relief, regenerative medicine could be a promising solution. It is a great alternative to surgery, which involves risks and a lengthy recovery. At NJOI we pride ourselves on offering our patients the most advanced, least invasive treatment options available. Make an appointment today and discover the benefits that regenerative medicine has to offer!
AUTHOR:
J. Everett Kooch, D.O., is a Board Certified Spine Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, specializing in spinal care at the New Jersey Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Kooch treats a wide range of patients, including elite athletes, industrial athletes with work-related injuries, and weekend warriors.
