FF - regenerative medicine

What is regenerative medicine?

field that applies biological science principles to promote regeneration by delivering or replacing organs, cells, or tissues in an attempt to restore diseased & damaged tissues & whole organs

What are the 3 types of regenerative medicine?

• platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

• stem cells

• viscosupplementation

Describe platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

releases bioactive proteins which stimulate the body’s ability to heal d/t its regenerative, analgesic, & anti-inflammatory properties

• obtained from the pt’s blood w/ centrifugation, then injected into the target site

• indications: OA, ligament injury, meniscus injury, mm injury, tendinopathy, spine disorders

Describe stem cells

bone marrow aspirate is collected & centrifuged to harvest stem cells

• capable of self-renewal & differentiation into many different cells

• has potential to treat many malignant & non-malignant diseases

• injected into the target site

• indications: tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, OA, burns, MS, SCI, etc.

Describe viscosupplementation

injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into intra-articular space can restore viscosity & elasticity of osteoarthritic synovial fluid

• HA plays an essential role in shock absorption, lubrication, & the viscoelastic nature of the synovial fluid

• indications: FDA-approved for knee OA

What are the post-regenerative medicine rehab guidelines?

• rest the first 24-48 hrs, but not sedentary (avoid WB)

• avoid ice/heat & NSAIDs for 14 days before & post-PRP & stem cells

• initial rehab (first 4 weeks): protection for healing, gentle ROM, isometrics, stationary bike, elliptical

• after early phase (up to 12 weeks): strengthening, NM control exercises, endurance training

• final stages (3+ months): progressive dynamic extremity control & stability during sport-specific movements (e.g. ∆ of direction, rotational movements)