Nov 5, 2025
Our clinic partners with Personalized Stem Cells (PSC) – a leading U.S. stem cell banking and research company.
Their mission is to bring safe, FDA-compliant, autologous (your own) stem cell therapy options to patients right here in the United States.
If you’re interested in learning more about how stem cell banking and treatment may support joint health, recovery, and long-term wellness, we invite you to join an upcoming live webinar hosted by PSC:
📅 Date: Monday, November 18
🕕 Time: 6 PM EST / 3 PM PST
🎙️ Speaker: Dr. Jaime Garza, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Tulane University and Senior Medical Advisor to the NFL Alumni Association
During this educational session, Dr. Garza will discuss:
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The latest advances in stem cell therapy for athletes and active individuals
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How banking your own fat tissue can provide future access to personalized cell treatments
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Safe and legal treatment options available in the U.S. today
👉
Reserve your spot here:
Register for the Webinar
This webinar is free and open to the public – you’re welcome to attend and ask questions directly to the PSC team.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get started with stem cell banking, our team can help you explore next steps following the webinar.
Warm regards,
SDOMG Clinic
In partnership with Personalized Stem Cells (PSC)
🌐 www.pscells.com
Jun 18, 2025
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.
Jun 13, 2025
Joint pain is one of the most common and debilitating health concerns affecting millions worldwide. Whether it stems from osteoarthritis, injury, or chronic overuse, the damage to cartilage and connective tissues can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life. In recent years, cellular therapy has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional treatments like medications, steroid injections, and even surgery. But how does it work, and does the science back the hype? Let’s dive into the mechanisms, evidence, and potential of cellular therapy to repair damaged joints.
What is Cellular Therapy?
Cellular therapy, often referred to as regenerative medicine, involves using a patient’s own cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. In the context of joint repair, the most common types of cellular therapy include:
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Stem cell therapy: Typically using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cords.
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): A concentrate of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood, rich in growth factors that stimulate healing.
The Science Behind Joint Damage
To understand how cellular therapy might work, it’s helpful to know what happens when joints are damaged. Healthy joints are cushioned by cartilage, a smooth and slippery tissue that enables frictionless movement. However, cartilage has a limited ability to heal because it lacks a blood supply. When it wears down due to injury or disease, the body struggles to regenerate the lost tissue.
This leads to symptoms like:
Traditional treatments typically aim to manage symptoms rather than repair tissue. This is where cellular therapy seeks to make a game-changing impact—by stimulating the body to heal itself.
How Cellular Therapy Works
1. Stem Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into various cell types, including chondrocytes, the cells responsible for producing cartilage. When injected into the joint, these stem cells are believed to:
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Reduce inflammation
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Stimulate the repair of cartilage
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Recruit other healing cells to the area
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Modulate immune responses
Moreover, stem cells secrete bioactive molecules (cytokines and growth factors) that contribute to the repair environment. It’s not just about replacing cells—it’s about kick-starting the body’s healing process.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy involves drawing a patient’s blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the injured joint. Platelets are a natural source of growth factors, including:
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Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
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Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)
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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
These molecules can stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve pain. While PRP doesn’t contain stem cells, it can enhance the microenvironment to support natural regeneration.
What Does the Research Say?
Stem Cells: Promising but Preliminary
Numerous animal and early human studies have shown that stem cell injections can:
A 2020 meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that patients receiving MSC therapy for knee osteoarthritis showed significant improvements in pain and function compared to controls. However, these benefits vary based on factors like cell source, dosage, and disease severity.
Still, it’s important to note that most studies are small and short-term. Large-scale, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still needed to validate the long-term safety and effectiveness of stem cell therapy.
PRP: Growing Clinical Support
PRP has a more robust clinical foundation, particularly in treating mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that PRP is more effective than hyaluronic acid injections (another common joint treatment) in reducing pain and improving joint function.
In 2021, the Journal of Orthopaedic Research published a study indicating that PRP was effective in reducing knee pain for up to 12 months in osteoarthritis patients. While results are modest, PRP is considered relatively low-risk and widely used by sports medicine physicians.
Risks and Limitations
While cellular therapy holds enormous promise, it’s not without risks or limitations:
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Lack of standardization: There is no universal protocol for dosage, preparation, or delivery.
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Variable outcomes: Some patients experience dramatic improvement, while others see little to no benefit.
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Regulatory status: The FDA tightly regulates stem cell therapies, and many offerings at clinics are not approved or lack scientific validation.
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Cost: These treatments are often expensive and not covered by insurance.
Patients should exercise caution and consult with a specialist experienced in regenerative medicine before undergoing any procedure.
The Future of Cellular Therapy
Research is advancing rapidly, and future developments may include:
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Gene-edited stem cells that are more effective at cartilage regeneration
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Personalized medicine approaches using a patient’s unique cellular profile
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Combined therapies, such as PRP with stem cells or scaffolds that support new tissue growth
Clinical trials are ongoing, and within the next decade, cellular therapies may become a routine part of managing joint degeneration, potentially delaying or even eliminating the need for joint replacement surgery.
Conclusion: Hype or Hope?
Cellular therapy is not a miracle cure, but it does represent a hopeful shift toward treating the root cause of joint pain rather than just the symptoms. The science is encouraging—especially for PRP and stem cell therapies—but we are still in the early stages of understanding who benefits most, how treatments should be delivered, and what long-term outcomes will look like.
For those suffering from joint pain and exploring alternatives to surgery, cellular therapy may offer a science-backed, minimally invasive option worth discussing with a medical professional. As research continues, we’re likely to see cellular therapy play an increasingly important role in the future of orthopedic and sports medicine.
May 23, 2025
When dealing with chronic joint pain, tendon injuries, or arthritis, many patients are presented with two popular options for relief: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy and cortisone (corticosteroid) injections. Both treatments are administered via injection and have shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain. However, they work through vastly different mechanisms, and their long-term outcomes vary significantly.
So, which one is better for long-term healing?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between PRP and cortisone injections, examine their benefits and limitations, and help you make a more informed decision based on your condition and goals.
Understanding the Basics
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to promote healing. Here’s how it works:
- A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn.
- It is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
- This concentrated plasma is injected into the injured area.
PRP is rich in proteins and growth factors that support tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. It is most commonly used for:
- Tendon injuries (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy)
- Ligament sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle tears
- Post-surgical recovery
What Are Cortisone Injections?
Cortisone injections are a form of corticosteroid medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity. They don’t promote healing but instead provide symptomatic relief by decreasing swelling and irritation.
Common uses include:
- Arthritis (especially in knees, hips, and shoulders)
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Back pain or nerve inflammation (like sciatica)
Mechanism of Action: Relief vs. Regeneration
This is the key point of differentiation between PRP and cortisone.
- Cortisone works like a fire extinguisher: it quickly reduces inflammation and pain. However, this effect is temporary, and repeated use can actually degrade tissue over time, especially tendons and cartilage.
- PRP, in contrast, aims to heal the underlying problem. By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, PRP supports long-term recovery rather than just short-term pain relief.
Efficacy: What Does the Research Say?
Short-Term Relief
Cortisone generally outperforms PRP in the short term. Within days of the injection, patients often report significant pain relief. This makes cortisone a go-to treatment for acute flare-ups or when quick pain reduction is critical.
PRP, on the other hand, has a delayed onset of action. It can take a few weeks to start seeing improvement, with the best results often appearing several months after treatment.
Long-Term Results
Multiple studies suggest that PRP may provide superior long-term outcomes for certain musculoskeletal conditions:
- A 2020 meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that PRP injections yielded better long-term relief for knee osteoarthritis compared to corticosteroids.
- In cases of tendinopathy, like tennis elbow or patellar tendinitis, PRP has demonstrated more sustainable improvements in pain and function over 6-12 months.
- A 2015 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that PRP significantly improved pain and mobility in chronic plantar fasciitis patients, while cortisone offered only short-term relief with diminishing benefits.
Risks and Side Effects
Cortisone Injections:
While cortisone is generally safe for occasional use, repeated injections can have side effects, including:
- Tissue degeneration (especially in tendons and cartilage)
- Joint infection (rare but serious)
- Elevated blood sugar (in diabetic patients)
- Skin discoloration or thinning
Repeated cortisone use has been linked with weakened tendons, potentially leading to ruptures. Because of this, doctors often limit cortisone injections to 3-4 times per year per site.
PRP Injections:
Since PRP uses the patient’s own blood, allergic reactions are virtually nonexistent. Side effects are typically mild:
- Temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Bruising
- Mild inflammation (as healing response begins)
Because it doesn’t introduce synthetic substances, PRP is considered low-risk, even with multiple treatments.
Cost and Accessibility
One of the biggest barriers to PRP therapy is cost.
- Cortisone injections are widely covered by insurance and are relatively inexpensive.
- PRP injections, on the other hand, are not usually covered by insurance and can cost $500 to $2,000 per session, depending on location and complexity.
However, when factoring in the potential need for repeated cortisone injections and long-term degeneration risks, PRP might be more cost-effective over time—particularly if it helps you avoid surgery or further interventions.
Recovery Time
- Cortisone typically requires little to no downtime, and patients often resume normal activity quickly.
- PRP may involve short-term rest and modified activity for a few days to a week as the healing process begins. Some patients benefit from physical therapy in conjunction with PRP to optimize outcomes.
Who Should Consider PRP?
PRP is especially promising for:
- Athletes who want to recover without relying on long-term steroid use
- Middle-aged adults with early osteoarthritis hoping to avoid joint replacement
- Active individuals with tendon injuries or ligament sprains
- Patients who’ve had limited relief from cortisone injections or other conservative treatments
Because it promotes actual healing rather than masking symptoms, PRP can be a game-changer for long-term joint and soft tissue health.
When Is Cortisone the Better Option?
Cortisone may be a better choice if you:
- Need quick pain relief for a flare-up
- Have acute inflammation that needs to be controlled
- Are not a candidate for PRP due to cost or blood disorders
- Have a short timeline (e.g., trying to manage symptoms before an important event or surgery)
It’s also worth noting that cortisone can sometimes be used in conjunction with other treatments (like physical therapy or bracing) as part of a larger strategy.
Combination Therapy: Can You Use Both?
Some clinicians explore combined approaches, where cortisone is used initially for pain relief, followed by PRP to promote healing. While more research is needed in this area, early anecdotal reports suggest that staggered treatments may offer the best of both worlds in certain cases.
However, injecting cortisone before PRP may reduce the effectiveness of PRP due to steroid-induced suppression of the body’s healing response. Therefore, timing and sequence matter, and this approach should only be considered under the guidance of an experienced physician.
Final Verdict: PRP vs. Cortisone for Long-Term Healing
So, which is better for long-term healing?
- If you’re looking for fast pain relief and temporary control of inflammation: Cortisone is your best bet.
- If you’re aiming for lasting improvement and true healing of damaged tissue: PRP is likely the better choice.
While cortisone has its place in managing inflammation, PRP aligns more closely with regenerative medicine goals—not just suppressing symptoms, but addressing the root cause.
That said, every patient is different. Factors like age, injury severity, medical history, and financial resources should all play into your decision. Always consult with a knowledgeable sports medicine or orthopedic specialist to determine the best approach for your unique situation.
Conclusion
As medical science advances, patients now have more options than ever to manage pain and support healing. PRP therapy represents a shift toward regenerative treatment strategies, while cortisone remains a reliable tool for managing acute symptoms.
In the end, choosing between PRP and cortisone isn’t just about “which is better”—it’s about choosing the right tool for the job, with an eye toward both short-term comfort and long-term recovery.
If you’re dealing with a chronic injury or joint issue and want to explore your options, talk to a healthcare provider familiar with both approaches. With the right guidance, you can chart a path to recovery that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your body’s unique needs.
Apr 14, 2025
Joint pain can be a daily struggle, affecting everything from simple walks to sleep and overall quality of life. For many, traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or even surgery provide only limited relief—or come with side effects and long recovery times. That’s where regenerative medicine steps in, offering innovative options like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Cell Therapy. These treatments harness the body’s own healing powers to target the root of joint pain, not just mask the symptoms.
If you’re curious about how PRP and Cell Therapy work, and whether they might be right for you or someone you love, read on. We’ll break down the science in simple terms and explore how these therapies are changing the way we treat joint issues.
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint pain can stem from many sources: injury, overuse, inflammation, arthritis (especially osteoarthritis), or even simple aging. The cartilage that cushions joints can wear down, tendons and ligaments can become inflamed or torn, and the surrounding tissues may degenerate over time.
Traditionally, options like corticosteroid injections or anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to reduce pain. However, these don’t actually repair damage—they just offer temporary relief. That’s where regenerative therapies like PRP and cell therapy stand apart: they aim to stimulate healing, not just dull the pain.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses a concentration of your own platelets to accelerate healing in damaged joints and tissues.
How It Works:
- Blood Draw: A small amount of your blood is drawn—similar to a standard lab test.
- Separation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components like red and white blood cells.
- Injection: The resulting platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the affected joint.
Platelets are best known for clotting blood, but they also contain growth factors—powerful proteins that promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate cell regeneration. By injecting a high concentration of these growth factors directly into the joint, PRP therapy encourages the body to repair itself.
What It’s Used For:
- Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
- Tendonitis
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Sports injuries
What Is Cell Therapy?
Cell therapy—often referred to as stem cell therapy—uses the body’s own cells to rebuild and repair damaged tissues. These aren’t embryonic stem cells but rather adult stem cells, typically derived from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue.
How It Works:
- Harvesting Cells: Cells are collected from your own body, usually from the bone marrow in your pelvis or fat tissue in the abdomen or thighs.
- Processing: The cells are processed and sometimes combined with PRP to enhance their effectiveness.
- Injection: The mixture is injected into the painful joint under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
These cells have the ability to differentiate—meaning they can transform into other types of cells, such as cartilage, bone, or tendon cells. They also release molecules that reduce inflammation and promote healing at the cellular level.
What It’s Used For:
- Moderate to severe osteoarthritis
- Cartilage degeneration
- Chronic joint inflammation
- Joint injuries that haven’t healed with traditional treatments
PRP vs. Cell Therapy: What’s the Difference?
| Feature |
PRP Therapy |
Cell Therapy |
| Source |
Platelets from your blood |
Stem cells from bone marrow or fat |
| Mechanism |
Stimulates healing with growth factors |
Repairs tissue by regenerating new cells |
| Best For |
Mild to moderate joint damage |
Moderate to severe degeneration |
| Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive |
Slightly more invasive (requires tissue harvesting) |
| Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Think of PRP as a “booster” that speeds up healing, while cell therapy is a “builder” that can regenerate more extensive damage.
What to Expect from Treatment
Procedure:
Both PRP and cell therapy are usually done in an outpatient setting. The procedures typically take 1-2 hours. Since your own cells are used, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal.
Recovery:
- PRP: Mild soreness for a day or two; most people resume normal activity within 24-48 hours.
- Cell Therapy: Slightly longer recovery time due to the harvesting process; some patients may need a few days of rest.
Results:
- Most patients report a gradual reduction in pain over weeks to months.
- Improvements can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more.
- Outcomes vary depending on the severity of the condition, overall health, and adherence to post-treatment guidelines like physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
The Science Behind It
PRP and cell therapy are backed by a growing body of research. For example:
- A 2020 study published in American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP injections significantly improved symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis over a 12-month period.
- A 2021 meta-analysis concluded that stem cell therapy showed consistent results in improving joint function and reducing pain in osteoarthritis patients, especially when used early in disease progression.
While not a miracle cure, these therapies are helping people delay or even avoid surgery, including joint replacement.
Is It Safe?
Yes—for most patients, PRP and cell therapy are considered safe and well-tolerated. Because the materials come from your own body, the risk of infection or rejection is extremely low. However, like any medical procedure, results aren’t guaranteed, and not everyone is a good candidate.
It’s crucial to consult with a medical provider who specializes in regenerative medicine to determine if these treatments are appropriate for your condition.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
Unfortunately, most insurance companies don’t yet cover PRP or cell therapy, viewing them as experimental. That’s slowly changing as more evidence emerges. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars (for PRP) to several thousand (for cell therapy), so be sure to ask for a cost estimate before committing.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
You might be a good candidate for PRP or cell therapy if you:
- Have chronic joint pain that hasn’t improved with rest, therapy, or medication
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Are in good general health
- Are not a smoker (smoking reduces healing)
- Are not severely immunocompromised or on blood thinners
The Future of Joint Pain Treatment
PRP and cell therapy offer a promising new frontier in the treatment of joint pain. These regenerative therapies don’t just cover up symptoms—they tap into the body’s natural ability to heal, rebuild, and regenerate. While they’re not a replacement for all conventional treatments, they can be a powerful tool in the journey to pain relief, better mobility, and improved quality of life.
If joint pain is holding you back, it may be time to consider a regenerative approach. Consult a knowledgeable provider to explore whether PRP or cell therapy is the right path for you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Mar 28, 2025
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive motions, such as those used in tennis, golf, or other sports that involve gripping and swinging a racket or club. Similarly, pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, can also lead to elbow injuries due to the repetitive nature of the game.
These types of overuse injuries can be particularly frustrating for athletes and active individuals, as they can significantly impact their ability to participate in the sports and activities they love. Traditional treatment options, such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of the injury. This is where Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for both tennis elbow and pickleball-related injuries.
What is PRP therapy and how does it work?
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that utilizes the body’s own healing mechanisms to promote tissue repair and regeneration. The process involves drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood, which is then centrifuged to separate the platelets from the other blood components. These concentrated platelets, rich in growth factors and other beneficial proteins, are then injected back into the injured area, such as the elbow.
The high concentration of growth factors and other healing factors in the PRP stimulate the body’s natural healing process, leading to the regeneration of damaged tissues and the reduction of inflammation. This can help alleviate pain and improve the overall function of the affected area, allowing patients to return to their normal activities and sports more quickly.
The benefits of PRP therapy for Tennis Elbow and Pickleball injuries
PRP therapy has several benefits for individuals suffering from tennis elbow or pickleball-related injuries:
- Reduced pain and inflammation: The growth factors and other healing factors in the PRP can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area, providing relief from the discomfort associated with these types of injuries.
- Improved tissue healing: PRP therapy can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, leading to the regeneration of damaged tissues and the restoration of normal function.
- Faster recovery times: By promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation, PRP therapy can help patients recover more quickly from their injuries, allowing them to return to their normal activities and sports sooner.
- Minimally invasive procedure: PRP therapy is a relatively simple and non-surgical procedure, as it involves only a small blood draw and an injection of the patient’s own PRP into the affected area.
- Long-lasting results: Unlike some traditional treatments that provide only temporary relief, the benefits of PRP therapy can be long-lasting, as the regenerative effects of the treatment can continue to provide benefits over time.
PRP therapy vs. other treatment options
When it comes to treating tennis elbow and pickleball-related injuries, PRP therapy offers several advantages over other treatment options:
| Treatment Option |
Pros |
Cons |
| Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) |
– Relatively simple and non-invasive
– Can provide temporary relief |
– Does not address the underlying cause of the injury
– Provides only short-term relief |
| Oral anti-inflammatory medications |
– Can reduce pain and inflammation
– Readily available |
– Can have side effects, such as stomach irritation
– Do not promote long-term healing |
| Corticosteroid injections |
– Can provide rapid pain relief |
– Temporary relief only
– Can weaken or damage the affected tissues over time |
| Physical therapy |
– Can help strengthen the affected area and improve function
– Promotes long-term recovery |
– Requires a significant time commitment
– May not be suitable for all patients |
| PRP therapy |
– Promotes long-term healing and regeneration
– Minimally invasive procedure
– Utilizes the body’s own healing mechanisms |
– May require multiple treatments for optimal results
– Can be more expensive than some other options |
As the table demonstrates, PRP therapy offers a unique combination of benefits that can make it a highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from tennis elbow or pickleball-related injuries.
The PRP therapy process for Tennis Elbow and Pickleball injuries
The PRP therapy process for treating tennis elbow and pickleball-related injuries typically involves the following steps:
- Blood Draw: A small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn, usually from the arm or hand.
- Centrifugation: The blood sample is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds to separate the different blood components, including the platelets.
- Platelet Concentration: The platelets are then concentrated and separated from the other blood components, resulting in a highly concentrated PRP solution.
- Injection: The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into the affected area, such as the elbow, using a small needle. This process is typically guided by ultrasound imaging to ensure the accurate placement of the PRP.
- Recovery: After the injection, the patient may be asked to rest the affected area for a period of time, followed by a gradual return to normal activities as the healing process progresses.
Depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s response to treatment, multiple PRP injections may be required over the course of several weeks or months to achieve the desired results.
Frequently asked questions about PRP therapy for Tennis Elbow and Pickleball injuries
- How effective is PRP therapy for tennis elbow and pickleball injuries? PRP therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for these types of overuse injuries. Studies have reported significant improvements in pain, function, and overall patient satisfaction with PRP therapy compared to other treatment options.
- How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy? The timeline for seeing results can vary, but many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain and improvement in function within 4-6 weeks of the initial PRP injection. However, the full benefits of the treatment may continue to develop over the course of several months.
- Is PRP therapy safe? PRP therapy is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, as it uses the patient’s own blood components. The risks are generally low, and may include minor discomfort or bruising at the injection site.
- How many PRP treatments are typically required? The number of treatments required can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s response to the therapy. Some patients may only require a single injection, while others may need 2-3 injections over the course of several weeks or months.
- Is PRP therapy covered by insurance? Insurance coverage for PRP therapy can vary, as it is still considered a relatively new and emerging treatment option. Some insurance providers may cover PRP therapy for certain conditions, while others may consider it an elective or experimental treatment. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
Is PRP therapy a viable treatment option for Tennis Elbow and Pickleball injuries?
For individuals suffering from tennis elbow or pickleball-related injuries, PRP therapy can be a highly effective and viable treatment option. By harnessing the body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP therapy can promote tissue regeneration, reduce pain and inflammation, and help patients return to their normal activities and sports more quickly.
While PRP therapy may not be the right choice for every patient, the growing body of research and the positive experiences of many patients suggest that it is a promising alternative to traditional treatment options. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if PRP therapy is the right approach for your specific condition and needs.
If you are suffering from tennis elbow or pickleball injuries, consider exploring PRP therapy as a potential treatment option. Contact our team of experts today to learn more about how PRP therapy can help you get back to the activities you love.
