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.
May 30, 2025
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.
Apr 23, 2025
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.
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 6, 2024
Congratulations to Dr. Ambach who is one of the investigators in this landmark study and co-author of the paper. This is a multi-center randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial using platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Bone marrow derived cells to treat degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine. These cells were derived from the patient’s own blood and bone marrow. The study was able to show safety and superiority of PRP and Bone marrow derived cells over placebo in treating low back pain due to degenerative disc.
Read the full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38285032/
SEE MORE: The Safety and Effectiveness of Orthobiologic Injections for Discogenic Chronic Low Back Pain
Jun 23, 2023
We want to make you aware of a public health risk that has emerged in San Diego – the illegal sale of fetal tissues for orthopedic conditions. As a result, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission have issued these warnings:
- FTC Hold Companies Accountable for Deceptive Claims Regarding Stem Cell Therapy
- United States of America Department of Health and Human Services: FDA’s Regulatory Oversight of Regenerative Medicine Products
What is Wharton’s Jelly?
Wharton’s jelly is a tissue within the umbilical cord – the tube connecting a developing fetus with its mother’s placenta. It contains blood and cells that are claimed to useful for orthopedic conditions. But, because it comes from a donor’s body there are multiple safety concerns. Several medical clinics in San Diego now sell Wharton’s jelly injections to their patients, making unsubstantiated claims about its safety and efficacy. We would like to share several issues with this illegal practice with you.
Is Wharton’s Jelly Safe?
The safety of Wharton’s jelly in patients is unknown as no research studies on its use have been conducted in humans.
Is It Effective for Arthritis?
Again, this is unknown. There are no research studies on the efficacy of Wharton’s jelly for any orthopedic condition. Claims made to the contrary are simply unsubstantiated.
Is Wharton’s Jelly FDA-Approved?
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued guidance to physicians regarding the use of Wharton’s jelly. They maintain that Wharton’s jelly is a drug and requires FDA approval. But Wharton’s jelly is not FDA-approved because there are no studies on it’s safety or efficacy and physicians are not permitted to inject it into their patients.
Is my Doctor Permitted to Sell a Drug that is Not FDA-Approved?
Selling a drug that is not FDA-approved constitutes the sale of an illegal drug and may put patients at risk. The FDA has filed injunctions against medical practices that sell illegal drugs and the Federal Trade Commission has fined doctors who make unsubstantiated claims of safety or efficacy.
Is there Any Scientific Evidence for the Use of a Patient’s Own Cells in the Treatment or Orthopedic Conditions?
There are several FDA-compliant, cell-based therapies available to patients with orthopedic conditions. These treatments use a patient’s own cells and include: platelet-rich plasma (PRP), micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), and bone marrow aspirate (BMAC). These non-surgical treatments have substantial scientific evidence to support their safety and efficacy for several types of orthopedic conditions.
_______________________________________
The physicians at SDOMG are board certified, fellowship-trained and nationally recognized experts in using a patient’s own cells to treat orthopedic conditions. We only offer FDA-compliant therapies with substantial scientific evidence for safety and efficacy. If you have any questions about our innovative therapies, please call us for a consultation today. Please use the form to get in touch with our team, or use the contact information listed below.
Thank you and stay safe,
San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group
6125 Paseo Del Norte, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(760) 909-2355
[email protected]
