Providing Regenerative Medicine Treatment Methods
PRP and stem cells are on the cutting edge of medical science. They offer the possibility of true tissue regeneration and healing.
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma and is a form of regenerative medicine derived from a patient's own blood. After a simple blood draw, whole blood is spun and filtered in a centrifuge, leaving only “platelet rich" plasma. PRP contains growth factors and concentrated platelets that initiate a healing cascade to repair otherwise damaged tissue. PRP can be injected into almost any area of the body.
Stem cells are present in very low concentrations in the bone marrow of adults. These cells are critical in the process of tissue repair but become fewer and fewer as we age. Stem cells can be harvested from a patient's iliac crest and concentrated via centrifugation. These concentrated cells can then be injected into different areas of the body to repair and heal damaged tissue.
Regenerative medicine is field with great promise but it does have its limitations. Clinical evidence for its use is supportive but certainly not conclusive. Additionally, some tissues can be damaged beyond repair. For these reasons, it is important to discuss these treatment options with a knowledgeable and experienced physician who can guide you through the decision making process.