When it comes to regenerative medicine, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around. Some people think that it’s unsafe, while others believe that it’s only effective for certain types of diseases. In this article, we will dispel some of the most common misconceptions about regenerative injection therapy and provide you with accurate information about this cutting-edge treatment. Read on to learn more.
The Truth Behind Orthobiologic Misconceptions
Platelets are chock full of growth factors that aid in healing and repair of many different injuries throughout the entire body. This could be from a micro trauma in a blood vessel that the platelets patch up or it could be from a degenerative joint that needs a boost to get back on track. This makes platelet rich plasma a promising treatment option for a variety of diseases and injuries. However, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about PRP and regenerative medicine. Here are five common misconceptions:
1. PRP is Expensive
This is a common misconception but easily proven false. Yes, PRP will entail an out of pocket investment in your health, but that is comparable to a month or two cost of coffee. PRP is even more cost-effective when you compare it to the other treatment options on the market. For example, total knee replacement surgery costs $75,000-83,000 with patients having out of pocket expenses up to their yearly deductible on top of missing work and losing out on income for 9-12 months. PRP is also very cost-effective when compared to steroid injections such as cortisone. Typically, patients will have 3 cortisone injections per year, every year continuously. Out of pocket expenses will range $75-$150 per visit. Over a 3 year period that will cost between $675 and $1,350 not even counting downtime and missed work. PRP typically costs around $500 and does not need to be repeated continuously.
2. Rejection by the body is a possibility with regenerative medicine.
This is not the case with autologous cell therapy. The cells used in this type of therapy are derived from the patient’s own body, so there is no risk of rejection. There have been no reports of patients rejecting their platelet cells after treatment. This type of therapy is often used to treat patients who have had organ transplants and are at risk for rejection. Patients who receive platelet cell therapy do not need to take immunosuppressive drugs, which can have serious side effects. The bottom line is that platelet cell therapy is safe and with strong results for joint pain, and there is no risk of rejection by the body. If you or someone you know has been considering this type of treatment, be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to learn more.
3. All diseases may be cured with regenerative medicine.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about regenerative medicine. While cells have shown promise in treating several diseases and conditions, they are not a cure-all. There is still much research to be done in this area to determine which diseases may be effectively treated with cells.
4. Only 1 Treatment is Needed
These promises were once very prominent and are still circulating out there. You would typically see these miracle type promises from marketing companies working for clinics, medical product vendors, or chiropractic offices having PA’s injecting patients. Reputable clinics and doctors are extremely careful about promising a certain number of treatments that may be needed. There is so much variability between patients and the severity of the conditions being treated that it is very hard to predict how many treatments are needed much less promising just one treatment. From my experience, chronic degenerative conditions will typically need around 3 treatments, sometimes more, sometimes less. The younger and healthier overall the patient is, the less treatments that are typically needed. The opposite is also true. The older and unhealthier the patient, the more treatments that are needed, if they even qualify to begin with.
5. Orthobiologics are prohibited in the United States.
Cell research is legal in the United States, and cellular therapy is available at many clinics across the country. While there are some regulations on new cell research and therapy, these treatments are far from being prohibited. If you’re interested in regenerative cell therapy, be sure to do your research and find a reputable clinic that can offer you this treatment.
Understandably, you may have some questions about regenerative cell therapy. We hope we’ve cleared up some of the misconceptions about this cutting-edge treatment. If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us today. Our team is more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you determine if regenerative medicine is right for you.
Are You Looking for Alternatives to Surgery Near Gilbert, Arizona?
Novel alternatives to surgery continue to grow and revolutionize medicine through advanced healing of your own tissue while reducing pain and improving function. Its applications are spreading into many different areas of medicine including Integrative pain management. New research demonstrates regenerative injections such as PRP may outperform many standard care treatments such as cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and surgery in some select cases. When dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries or degenerative joints do not settle for temporary band-aid fixes when regenerative medicine options are now available in Gilbert, AZ. For more information about Regenerative Injection Therapy, Atlas Health Medical Group, our team of Naturopathic Medical Doctors, or to schedule an appointment call 480-648-1534.
