Want to Avoid Joint Replacement Surgery? Regenerative Medicine Could Help!

Joint replacement surgery has helped generations of patients enjoy reduced pain and improved mobility. Plus, surgical techniques have greatly improved over the years. However, invasive treatments still have some big downsides, like a lengthy recovery and a chance of complications. It is completely understandable if you would prefer to avoid going under the knife.  Regenerative medicine treatments might be able to help! This blog post explains how.

What Is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is a branch of care that focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing processes. In orthopedics, it is often used to address joint pain, tendon irritation, ligament injuries, and early arthritis. These treatments aim to calm inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and improve the way the joint functions.

Common regenerative options may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Wharton’s Jelly injections, Prolozone, and other biologic therapies that are prepared from natural substances. While these therapies work in different ways, they have a common goal: Allow your body to heal faster and better than it would without support.

How Regenerative Medicine May Prevent Surgery

When regenerative medicine is used for the right conditions and at the right time, it can reduce symptoms enough to make daily activities easier and delay or possibly prevent the need for more invasive treatment.

Potential benefits of regenerative medicine include:

• Less joint pain and inflammation
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Support for the healing of irritated or injured soft tissues
• A minimally invasive treatment experience
• Little to no downtime for many patients

Of course, it is important to have realistic expectations. Regenerative medicine does not grow a brand-new joint, and it cannot reverse severe structural damage.

When Is Surgery Still Necessary?

Surgery may still be necessary if you have advanced joint damage, your pain is constant, or your mobility is severely limited. If your joint cartilage has worn away to the point that bones are rubbing together, regenerative treatments may not be strong enough to provide lasting relief. Your provider may also recommend surgery if imaging shows major deformity, instability, or damage that is unlikely to improve with injections, therapy, or other conservative measures.

The best way to know which path is right for you is to schedule a thorough evaluation. A qualified medical team can review your symptoms, examine your joint, look at your imaging, and explain whether regenerative medicine, surgery, or another treatment option is most appropriate. In some cases, regenerative medicine can be used after surgery to facilitate an easier healing process.

Joint replacement surgery can work wonders, but it would be better to avoid it if possible! Talk to a qualified care team to find out if you are a good candidate for regenerative medicine.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, we believe in conservative care. That is why we offer regenerative medicine and other minimally invasive therapies that have the potential to relieve pain and get you moving again. If you would like to learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 954-563-2707.