The fields of athletic performance physical therapy and regenerative medicine frequently intersect. Today, we’re featuring a special guest post by Dr. Mayo Friedlis, a renowned physician at Stem Cell Arts in Chevy Chase and a certified Regenexx provider. With over 20 years of experience in regenerative therapies, Dr. Friedlis has been practicing since 1983 and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
At CHP, we often receive questions about regenerative medicine—a relatively new and exciting field. You might be wondering: What exactly is regenerative medicine? Does it really work? Could it benefit me?
Dr. Friedlis graciously took the time to address these questions and more. Check out the valuable insights he shared below!
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative therapies harness the body’s natural ability to heal itself by using growth factors, stem cells, or platelets from the patient’s own body. These treatments stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, offering a non-surgical solution for many injuries. But when should you consider regenerative medicine?
Many injuries naturally heal over time with proper exercise and rehabilitation. However, when pain persists despite these efforts, regenerative therapies might be the next best step.
It’s important to think of regenerative medicine differently from surgical interventions. Surgery is often considered a last resort, something we turn to only when all other options have failed and our quality of life is significantly affected.
Regenerative therapies, on the other hand, are most effective when used earlier in the recovery process. By stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms, these treatments can prevent further damage and degeneration of tissues. If first-line treatments aren’t enough and you’re still unable to return to the activities you love, it might be time to consider regenerative therapies.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The earlier you explore regenerative therapies, the better your chances of fully recovering from an injury. For athletes, managing pain alone isn’t enough; it’s critical to address the root cause of the injury. Regenerative therapies, much like sports physical therapy, focus on healing the source of the pain rather than just masking symptoms. This is where these therapies truly shine.
What Type of Regenerative Therapy is Right for You?
A common question is which type of regenerative therapy to choose. The answer depends on the specific injury and the structure involved.
– Prolotherapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) are particularly effective for ligament and tendon injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, hip labrum issues, meniscal tears, or other ligamentous injuries.
– Stem cell treatments are more suited for conditions like joint degeneration or osteoarthritis, where more advanced tissue regeneration is needed.
The severity of the injury also plays a role. For example, smaller tears in ligaments, tendons, or the meniscus often respond well to PRP or prolotherapy. However, more significant tears may require the use of stem cells. Similarly, mild arthritis can be treated with PRP or prolotherapy, while severe arthritis typically benefits from stem cell therapy.
– Dr. Mayo Friedlis, MD
