SDOMG Webinar: Platelet Dose Matters
In this webinar, Dr. Evangelista and Dr. Rogers discuss the latest clinical research regarding dosing with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatments.
FREE Webinar: Cortisone Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis
Join Dr. Evangelista and Dr. Rogers as they discuss recent findings regarding the potential harmful side effects of Cortisone injections for knee osteoarthritis.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
TIME: 12pm PDT
Click HERE to register for the free webinar.
Everyday Habits That Support Joint Health and Reduce Pain Naturally
Joint pain can creep in slowly or hit suddenly—but either way, it can impact your mobility, mood, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with age-related wear and tear, chronic inflammation, or recovering from an injury, adopting everyday habits that support joint health can make a world of difference. The good news? You don’t always need a prescription to find relief. A few simple lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in keeping your joints strong, flexible, and pain-free.
Here are natural, evidence-backed habits you can incorporate into your daily life to support your joints and reduce discomfort.
1. Keep Moving—But Move Smart
Movement is medicine for your joints. Staying active helps lubricate the joints, strengthen surrounding muscles, and maintain a healthy range of motion.
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, biking, and yoga are excellent choices.
- Strength training helps stabilize joints and reduce stress on them.
- Stretching regularly keeps muscles flexible and reduces stiffness.
Tip: Avoid long periods of inactivity. If you sit at a desk, stand up and stretch every hour.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on weight-bearing joints—especially the knees, hips, and lower back. In fact, for every extra pound you carry, your knees experience about four extra pounds of pressure.
- Shedding even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly reduce joint strain and pain.
- Focus on slow, sustainable weight loss through diet and exercise.
Bonus: Weight loss also lowers systemic inflammation, which can ease joint pain.
3. Prioritize Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
What you eat has a direct impact on your inflammation levels and joint health. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce pain naturally.
- Foods to eat: Fatty fish (like salmon), leafy greens, berries, olive oil, turmeric, ginger, nuts, and seeds.
- Foods to limit: Sugar, red meat, processed snacks, and fried foods.
Tip: A Mediterranean-style diet is particularly joint-friendly.
4. Stay Hydrated
Cartilage—the flexible tissue that cushions your joints—is made mostly of water. Staying hydrated keeps this tissue lubricated and reduces friction during movement.
- Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water per day, more if you’re active or in a hot climate.
- Herbal teas and water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber also count toward hydration.
Dehydration can cause joint stiffness and increased sensitivity to pain.
5. Support Your Joints with Supplements
Certain natural supplements have been shown to support joint health and reduce inflammation.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: May help rebuild cartilage and reduce pain.
- Turmeric/curcumin: A powerful anti-inflammatory.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, these reduce inflammation system-wide.
- Collagen peptides: Support cartilage and connective tissue integrity.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
6. Use Proper Posture and Ergonomics
Slouching or using improper body mechanics can stress your joints over time. Make small adjustments to support joint alignment throughout the day.
- Sit with your back straight, feet flat on the ground, and shoulders relaxed.
- Use supportive chairs or standing desks as needed.
- When lifting objects, use your legs—not your back—and keep items close to your body.
Ergonomic tweaks at your workstation can prevent repetitive stress injuries.
7. Get Plenty of Restful Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for healing and reducing inflammation. During deep sleep, your body produces hormones that repair tissue and regulate immune response.
- Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
- Create a calming bedtime routine: turn off screens, dim the lights, and avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Consider supportive pillows or a mattress that helps align your spine and joints.
Poor sleep is linked to increased perception of pain and joint stiffness.
8. Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can promote inflammation in the body. Reducing stress can ease both physical and emotional tension that often worsens joint pain.
- Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or spending time in nature.
- Make time for hobbies, connection with others, and digital detoxes.
Mind-body practices like tai chi and yoga offer both physical and mental relief.
9. Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol
Smoking reduces blood flow to joints and damages connective tissue. Meanwhile, excessive alcohol can deplete your body of nutrients and contribute to inflammation.
- If you smoke, seek out resources to quit—it can significantly improve joint and overall health.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Small lifestyle changes add up over time—quitting smoking is one of the most impactful things you can do for joint health.
10. Listen to Your Body
One of the most underrated habits is simply tuning in to your body’s signals. If an activity causes joint pain or stiffness, it may be a sign you need rest or a modification.
- Alternate between activity and rest.
- Don’t push through sharp or persistent joint pain.
- See a healthcare provider if symptoms don’t improve or worsen.
Early intervention can prevent long-term joint damage.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your life to take better care of your joints. By adopting small, consistent habits—like staying active, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and managing stress—you can support your body’s natural ability to maintain strong, pain-free joints.
These habits are powerful on their own but even better when practiced together. Start with one or two changes today and build on your progress each week. Your joints will thank you for years to come.
5 Signs You’re a Good Candidate for Regenerative Medicine Treatments
Regenerative medicine has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier in healthcare, offering hope to those suffering from chronic pain, degenerative conditions, and tissue injuries. This field harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to restore or replace damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve function. From platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stem cell treatments, regenerative therapies are transforming how we approach recovery and long-term wellness.
But not everyone is an ideal candidate. Understanding whether regenerative medicine is right for you is crucial to getting the best results. If you’ve been considering this innovative approach, here are five signs you might be a good candidate for regenerative medicine treatments.
Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Regenerative Medicine Treatments
1. You Have a Musculoskeletal Injury or Chronic Joint Pain
Regenerative medicine has shown particular promise in treating orthopedic conditions, especially those involving joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Whether it’s a sports injury like a torn meniscus or rotator cuff, or chronic issues such as osteoarthritis, regenerative therapies can help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
If you’ve been struggling with:
- Knee, shoulder, or hip pain
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Cartilage degeneration
- Minor ligament tears
…you may be a strong candidate for treatments like stem cell therapy or PRP injections. These approaches aim to accelerate the body’s natural healing process, potentially helping you avoid invasive surgery or long-term use of pain medications.
Bonus Tip: If you’re in the early to moderate stages of arthritis or injury, you’re more likely to benefit from regenerative treatments than if your joint is severely damaged or completely worn down.
2. Conservative Treatments Haven’t Worked
If you’ve already tried physical therapy, rest, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications without success, regenerative medicine may be your next step. Many patients turn to regenerative therapies when they reach a plateau in traditional treatment or want to avoid more aggressive interventions like surgery.
Patients often choose regenerative medicine because:
- They want a more natural approach to healing.
- They are looking for a longer-term solution instead of a temporary fix.
- They’ve exhausted other non-surgical methods without lasting relief.
It’s important to understand that regenerative treatments are not a quick fix. They work by stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms, which may take weeks or even months to show full results. But for many, the wait is worth the long-term improvement.
3. You’re in Generally Good Health
Your overall health plays a significant role in determining whether regenerative medicine will be effective. While these therapies are minimally invasive and low-risk, your body needs to be in a relatively good state to respond optimally to treatment.
Ideal candidates typically:
- Are not smokers or are willing to quit (smoking impairs healing).
- Are not severely overweight or are actively working on weight management.
- Have stable blood sugar levels (uncontrolled diabetes can interfere with cell healing).
- Are free from active infections or cancer.
Good health doesn’t mean you have to be an elite athlete—it just means your body can efficiently participate in the healing process. If you’re not sure whether your health status qualifies, a qualified regenerative medicine specialist can help evaluate your risk factors and determine the safest approach.
4. You Want to Avoid Surgery
Surgery isn’t always the best or most desirable option, especially when it comes with extended downtime, risks, and unpredictable outcomes. Regenerative medicine appeals to many people because it offers a non-surgical alternative that may still provide meaningful relief and functional improvement.
If you’re considering surgery but:
- Want to try a less invasive option first
- Need to avoid lengthy recovery due to work or lifestyle
- Have already had one surgery and don’t want another
- Have been told you’re not an ideal surgical candidate
…then regenerative therapies may be an appropriate avenue to explore.
For example, some patients with degenerative disc disease or mild meniscus tears can avoid or delay surgery through stem cell or PRP treatments, which aim to reduce pain and improve mobility naturally. While not a guaranteed substitute for surgery, these therapies may help manage symptoms and extend the life of your joints or tissues.
5. You’re Committed to a Holistic Recovery Process
Regenerative medicine is part of a bigger picture—one that includes lifestyle, nutrition, physical therapy, and patient mindset. The most successful outcomes often come from individuals who are proactive, disciplined, and patient.
Ask yourself:
- Are you willing to follow post-treatment care recommendations?
- Will you commit to physical therapy or exercise as advised?
- Are you open to dietary or behavioral changes that support healing?
- Do you have realistic expectations about gradual improvement?
These treatments are not magic bullets. They’re catalysts for your body’s natural healing systems, and that process takes time and effort. Being engaged and proactive in your care significantly increases your chances of a positive outcome.
A Final Thought: Not Everyone is a Candidate—And That’s Okay
Regenerative medicine is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it holds exciting promise for many, there are circumstances where it might not be the best choice. Severe joint deformities, complete tissue loss, or advanced systemic diseases may limit the effectiveness of these therapies.
That’s why a comprehensive evaluation with a regenerative medicine specialist is critical. A qualified provider will assess your medical history, imaging, lifestyle, and goals to determine whether you’re likely to benefit—and they won’t recommend it unless they genuinely believe it can help you.
Conclusion
Regenerative medicine offers a path toward healing that emphasizes the body’s innate ability to recover, repair, and rejuvenate. If you’re dealing with persistent joint or tendon issues, have tried conservative treatments without success, are in good overall health, and are motivated to avoid surgery through a more natural and holistic route, you might be an excellent candidate.
The best first step? Schedule a consultation with a trusted provider specializing in regenerative therapies at San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group. With a personalized evaluation and guidance, you can discover whether this innovative treatment could be the breakthrough your body has been waiting for.
Interested in learning more about regenerative medicine?
Our clinic offers in-depth assessments and cutting-edge regenerative therapies tailored to your needs. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the next step toward lasting relief and better function—naturally.
How Regenerative Medicine Helps Athletes Recover Faster from Sports Injuries
In the high-stakes world of sports, injury recovery time can define the trajectory of an athlete’s career. Whether it’s a torn ligament, chronic tendonitis, or a nagging joint issue, athletes are always seeking faster and more effective ways to heal and return to peak performance. This is where regenerative medicine, particularly Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), has emerged as a transformative solution.
These innovative therapies leverage the body’s own biological resources to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and minimize downtime. In this post, we’ll delve into how PRP and BMAC are being used to help athletes recover faster from injuries and why they’re gaining popularity in sports medicine.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine refers to treatments that aim to restore normal function by repairing or regenerating damaged tissues or organs using the body’s own healing mechanisms. Unlike traditional treatments that manage symptoms or rely on surgical intervention, regenerative therapies work at the cellular level to enhance the natural healing process.
Among the most widely accepted and commonly used forms of regenerative medicine in athletic recovery are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC).
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Supercharging the Body’s Healing Process
PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from a patient’s own blood and injecting them into the injured area. Platelets are rich in growth factors—biological signals that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
How PRP Works
- Blood Collection: A small amount of the athlete’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm.
- Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets from other components.
- Injection: The resulting PRP—plasma with a high concentration of platelets—is injected directly into the injured tissue under ultrasound guidance.
PRP Applications in Sports Injuries
PRP is used extensively for musculoskeletal injuries common in sports, including:
- Tendonitis (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis)
- Ligament sprains (e.g., MCL sprains)
- Muscle tears
- Joint degeneration (e.g., mild osteoarthritis)
Benefits of PRP for Athletes
- Accelerated Healing: PRP delivers concentrated growth factors to the injury site, promoting faster tissue regeneration.
- Reduced Inflammation: The therapy helps modulate the inflammatory response, which can reduce pain and swelling.
- Minimally Invasive: As an injection-based treatment, PRP avoids the trauma of surgery and its associated risks.
- Shorter Downtime: Many athletes return to training and competition sooner than with traditional rehabilitation alone.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): A Rich Source of Healing Cells
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) is another autologous (self-derived) regenerative therapy. It involves aspirating bone marrow—typically from the iliac crest (hip bone)—and concentrating the healing components for injection into injured tissues.
What’s in BMAC?
BMAC is rich in:
- Platelets: Similar to PRP, these deliver growth factors that aid in healing.
- White blood cells: Important for modulating inflammation and fighting infection.
- Progenitor cells: These assist in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue, especially in bone and cartilage injuries.
How BMAC Works
- Harvesting: Bone marrow is collected using a minimally invasive aspiration procedure.
- Processing: The marrow is processed to concentrate the regenerative components.
- Injection: The final concentrate is injected into the site of injury.
BMAC Applications in Athletic Recovery
BMAC is especially useful in treating:
- Cartilage injuries
- Joint degeneration
- Non-healing bone fractures
- Chronic tendon and ligament injuries
Benefits of BMAC for Athletes
- Deep Tissue Repair: BMAC is effective for more complex or severe injuries, especially those involving cartilage and bone.
- One-Time Treatment: In many cases, a single BMAC injection can provide significant improvement.
- Natural and Autologous: As with PRP, BMAC uses the athlete’s own biological material, minimizing risk of rejection or complications.
- Enhanced Recovery: Athletes often experience reduced pain, improved function, and quicker return to play.
Clinical Evidence
BMAC has been studied for its potential in treating cartilage defects and bone injuries. A 2016 clinical trial published in Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine showed that athletes with knee cartilage lesions treated with BMAC experienced meaningful improvements in function and pain relief.
PRP vs. BMAC: Which is Better for Athletic Injuries?
While both PRP and BMAC are powerful tools in regenerative medicine, they serve different roles depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
| Aspect | PRP | BMAC |
| Source | Blood | Bone marrow |
| Best For | Soft tissue injuries, mild arthritis | Bone/cartilage injuries, chronic damage |
| Processing Complexity | Low | Moderate to high |
| Healing Potential | Moderate | Higher (especially for deeper injuries) |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive (blood draw) | Slightly more invasive (bone aspiration) |
In many sports medicine clinics, practitioners assess the injury type, severity, and the athlete’s goals to determine which therapy—or combination—is most suitable.
The Athlete’s Perspective: Real-World Impact
Athletes from every discipline, from weekend warriors to Olympic gold medalists, are increasingly turning to PRP and BMAC to speed up recovery. High-profile sports figures like Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, and Kobe Bryant have reportedly used PRP therapy to overcome injuries and return to elite competition.
For athletes, the primary appeal of these treatments lies in the combination of effectiveness and reduced recovery time. In a world where every game, match, or race matters, shaving weeks off a recovery timeline can make a critical difference.
Limitations and Considerations
While PRP and BMAC are promising, they’re not miracle cures. Effectiveness can vary based on:
- Type and chronicity of injury
- Overall health and age of the athlete
- Technique and quality of the preparation
Additionally, these treatments may not be covered by insurance and can be costly, though many athletes see them as worthwhile investments in their careers and long-term joint health.
Conclusion
Regenerative medicine is reshaping the future of sports injury recovery. PRP and BMAC stand at the forefront, offering biologically-based, minimally invasive options to accelerate healing and reduce downtime for athletes of all levels. As research continues and technology advances, the integration of these therapies into mainstream sports medicine is expected to grow—giving injured athletes a faster, safer path back to the game.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or an active individual looking to get back on your feet, PRP and BMAC offer compelling alternatives to surgery and long-term medications. Always consult with a qualified sports medicine specialist to determine the best course of action tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Non-Surgical Solutions: The Rise of Regenerative Medicine for Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis affects over 58 million adults in the United States alone, making it a leading cause of disability and pain. Traditionally, treatment options have focused on symptom management through medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. However, recent advances in regenerative medicine are changing the landscape of arthritis care by offering promising, non-surgical alternatives that aim to repair and restore damaged tissues.
In this post, we’ll explore the latest regenerative medicine techniques used to treat arthritis, how they work, and why they’re generating excitement among physicians and patients alike.
Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact
Arthritis is not a single disease but a term that covers more than 100 different types of joint conditions. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions bones wears down over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joints, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
Regardless of the type, arthritis often leads to joint pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, and a diminished quality of life.
Why Patients Seek Non-Surgical Options
Joint replacement surgery, while effective, comes with risks: infection, blood clots, lengthy recovery periods, and even the potential for implant failure over time. Many patients are not ready—or suitable candidates—for surgery and seek less invasive options to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
That’s where regenerative medicine steps in.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair or replace damaged tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and even bone. These treatments aim to not only reduce symptoms but also to slow or potentially reverse the progression of arthritis.
The most promising regenerative therapies for arthritis include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Cell-Based Therapy
- Prolotherapy
Let’s break down each of these innovative techniques.
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the affected joint.
How It Works:
Platelets contain growth factors that help stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. When injected into an arthritic joint, PRP can:
- Promote cartilage healing
- Decrease pain and stiffness
- Improve joint function
Clinical Evidence:
Studies have shown PRP can be more effective than corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections in relieving knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Results are typically seen within weeks and can last for several months or even over a year.
-
Cell-Based Therapy
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of transforming into various tissue types, including cartilage. In arthritis treatment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are commonly harvested from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue and injected into the joint.
How It Works:
Once inside the joint, stem cells can:
- Stimulate repair of damaged cartilage
- Modulate inflammation
- Recruit other cells to aid in tissue regeneration
Clinical Evidence:
Early studies have reported significant improvements in pain, mobility, and cartilage thickness following stem cell injections. While more research is needed to establish standardized protocols, the outlook is encouraging—especially for early to moderate osteoarthritis.
-
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection technique that involves injecting a natural irritant—often a dextrose (sugar) solution—into the joint or surrounding ligaments and tendons.
How It Works:
The solution triggers a localized inflammatory response, prompting the body to send healing cells to the area. Over time, this can strengthen connective tissues and stabilize the joint.
Who It’s For:
Prolotherapy is particularly effective for patients with joint instability, ligament laxity, or early-stage arthritis. It’s less commonly used for severe osteoarthritis but can still play a role as part of a broader regenerative plan.
Benefits of Regenerative Medicine for Arthritis
- Minimally Invasive: Most procedures are outpatient and involve little to no downtime.
- Reduced Dependence on Medications: Patients may rely less on NSAIDs, opioids, or corticosteroids.
- Slowed Disease Progression: Some therapies show the potential to halt or even reverse cartilage loss.
- Improved Quality of Life: Many patients report enhanced mobility, reduced pain, and greater participation in daily activities.
Important Considerations
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Regenerative therapies work best in the early to moderate stages of arthritis. They may not be as effective for patients with advanced joint deterioration.
Costs and Coverage
These treatments are often not covered by insurance and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per session. However, many patients find the cost worthwhile for the benefits they experience.
Choose a Qualified Provider
It’s essential to seek care from physicians who specialize in regenerative medicine and follow best practices for safety, preparation, and delivery. Improper technique or unregulated products can result in complications.
The Future of Arthritis Treatment
Regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving. As research deepens and technology advances, these therapies may soon become mainstream components of arthritis care. Clinical trials are underway to determine long-term outcomes, best candidates, and optimal treatment protocols.
What’s exciting is that these approaches shift the paradigm from merely managing symptoms to actively promoting healing—a revolutionary step for the millions living with arthritis.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with arthritis pain and looking for alternatives to surgery, regenerative medicine offers a promising path forward. From PRP to stem cells and beyond, these innovative techniques can help restore joint health, improve function, and reduce your reliance on medications.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine which therapy, if any, is right for you. With the right approach, living well with arthritis is not only possible—it’s becoming increasingly probable.
Interested in learning more about regenerative treatments? Talk to a regenerative medicine specialist or rheumatologist to explore your options based on your specific type of arthritis and stage of progression.