Orthobiologics are natural substances harnessed from the body itself to accelerate healing in bone, muscle, joint, or tendon injuries. These substances, when used strategically, can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and potentially delay or avoid surgical intervention. It's this transformative potential that's earned orthobiologics the moniker of 'a new hope' for people with joint pain.
At OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, our expert team is skilled in administering two types of orthobiologic treatments: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) injections. Both treatments offer promising relief for persistent joint pain, potentially restoring function and quality of life.
Don't let joint pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment with OAA today and explore the healing potential of orthobiologics for yourself. Our team is ready to guide you towards a pain-free future.
The Science Behind PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy, more commonly called PRP, is a revolutionary medical treatment that uses a patient's own blood to promote healing and recovery. Here's how it works:
- A sample of the patient's blood is drawn. This process is quick and minimally invasive.
- The sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the blood into its individual components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma).
- The platelets, which are instrumental in forming blood clots and promoting wound healing, are then concentrated and reintroduced back into the patient's body via PRP injections.
- These platelet-rich plasma injections are directly targeted at the site of injury, where they work to stimulate tissue regeneration and accelerate healing by releasing growth factors that expedite the healing process.
Though also used in cosmetic procedures, like 'vampire facials' and procedures to prevent hair loss, PRP treatment is most commonly used to treat orthopedic injuries and conditions, such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, arthritis, and muscle tears.
How BMAC Injections Work
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate treatment, or BMAC, is another advanced orthobiologic treatment. Just like a PRP injection, a BMAC injection uses the patient's own biological materials to boost the healing process
- The process begins with the extraction of a small amount of bone marrow, typically from the patient's hip bone. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
- The collected bone marrow is then processed in a centrifuge. This process separates the bone marrow into different components, among which are stem cells and growth factors, the two key components in the healing and regeneration process.
- This concentrated mixture is then injected directly into the injured or diseased area.
- Once administered, the stem cells and growth factors in the BMAC stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
BMAC injections are typically used in the treatment of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and joint injuries. They can also be used in conjunction with other orthopedic procedures, such as joint replacement surgery, to enhance healing and improve outcomes.
How Orthobiologic Treatment Can Help You
Orthobiologic treatments like PRP and BMAC offer promising relief for a variety of orthopedic conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, causing pain and limiting mobility. Orthobiologics can stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
- Chronic Tendon Injuries: These injuries include conditions like tennis elbow, jumper's knee, or Achilles tendonitis. Orthobiologic treatments can stimulate the body's natural healing processes to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation and pain, and accelerate recovery.
- Ligament and Muscle Tears: Lacerations to ligaments and muscles can cause significant pain and reduced function. Orthobiologics can promote faster tissue regeneration and recovery.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Orthobiologic therapies can help stimulate healing and return patients to their normal activities more quickly.
Additionally, the benefits of orthobiologic treatments are substantial. First and foremost, orthobiologic treatments are less invasive than surgical interventions. These therapies only involve taking samples and giving injections, eliminating the need for incisions and anesthesia. This not only reduces the risk of complications but also means less downtime for patients.
Given that orthobiologic treatments use a patient's own biological materials, the risk of allergic reactions, rejection, or complications arising from synthetic materials is also minimized. Furthermore, these treatments can also eliminate the need for long-term use of medications or surgery, potentially saving patients from potential risks and side effects associated with those procedures.
In short, the utilization of the body's innate healing capabilities makes orthobiologic treatments a safer and potentially more effective solution for managing various orthopedic conditions.
OAA Orthopaedic Specialists: Leaders in Joint Care
At OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, we're proud to offer a range of services and treatments to help our patients with joint pain live their best lives. Our team of experienced and highly trained physicians utilizes the latest techniques and technologies, including BMAC and PRP treatments, to help patients find relief.
In addition to orthobiologics, our team also specializes in a wide range of orthopedic services, including joint replacements, pain management, and physical therapy. Our holistic approach ensures that we address not just the symptoms, but the root cause of joint pain, providing comprehensive and personalized care to all our patients.
If you are suffering from joint pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team of experts at OAA. Whether it's exploring the potential of PRP treatments, discussing surgical interventions, or starting a physical therapy program, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
If you are struggling with pain, injury, or are in need of orthopedic surgery, contact our highly skilled team of orthopedic surgeons at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists or schedule a free consultation directly on our website today.
