

To make PRP, blood is taken from the patient and then processed using a FDA-approved centrifuge to create a concentrated solution of platelets and plasma (PRP).

PRP can be injected or applied to the injured area under ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement of the cells. The natural healing properties found in the blood’s platelets and plasma can be used to facilitate the healing and repair of sports injuries.

The manufacturers do the cell counts on these allogenic stem cells on the freshly harvested amnion, placenta or cord blood, not the thawed product at the time of use. These stem cells usually die during storage and transport making the product minimally ineffective. We say this to warn patients of providers who tout stem cells from amniotic fluid, placenta- or cord-tissue. For example, stem cells that are placed into a damaged Achilles tendon can develop into healthy Achilles tendon cells.Ĭurrently, the only FDA approved source of stem cells for human use is from bone marrow. Physicians who use stem cell therapy have shown that when placed into a certain environment, stem cells can transform to meet a certain need. Physicians who recommend these treatments for sports injuries hope to:Īmplify the body’s natural healing abilitiesĮncourage the growth of new tendons, ligaments or cartilage tissueĪ stem cell does not serve a specific bodily function, but it can develop into a cell that does, such as a cartilage or tendon cell. In sports medicine, regenerative medicine treatments are typically used to repair or replace damaged cartilage, tendon and ligament tissues.

How is Regenerative Medicine Used for Sports Injuries? Regenerative medicine offers new tools to help repair damaged tissue, alleviate pain, accelerate healing and improve function for patients with degenerative conditions or sports injuries. The National Institutes of Health defines regenerative medicine as “the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage, or congenital defects.” The hope is to restore damaged tissue that will not adequately heal on its own. Oliver is a national leader in orthopedic regenerative medicine having extensively published in and lectured on this alternative approach to treating sports medicine injuries. Kristin Oliver, a partner at Bluetail Medical Group, has teamed up with Titletown Sports Medicine to offer this cutting-edge treatment to our patients in Northern and Central Wisconsin. This broad category includes platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy.ĭr. When a sports injury is unlikely to heal with traditional nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, bracing and physical therapy, a doctor may recommend a regenerative medicine treatment. The Role of Regenerative Medicine in the Sports Medicine Patient Published: Categories: Tips & Tricks Bellin Health Imaging & Radiology Services.Bellin Health Hospitals & Surgery Centers.Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics.Bellin Health Physical Therapy Locations.Bellin Health Gastroenterology Associates.Bellin Health Endocrinology and Infectious Disease.Bellin Health Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery.
