Regenerative Medicine Explained: Your Complete Guide to Restorative Care

If you're exploring regenerative medicine as a solution for joint or spine pain, you're on a proactive path toward long-term healing. At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington (IOW), we specialize in advanced, non-surgical regenerative treatments that empower the body’s own repair systems. This comprehensive guide breaks down what regenerative medicine is, how it works, what treatments are available, and how to maximize results for lasting relief.

What Is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is a growing field focused on supporting the body's natural repair mechanisms to treat damaged tissues. These treatments use biological materials like platelets, growth factors, and cells to potentially reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve function in musculoskeletal conditions.

Key Benefits:

• Targets underlying tissue damage, not just symptoms

• Minimally invasive, non-surgical approach

• May reduce dependence on long-term medications

• Supports natural healing processes

Important Note: While promising, regenerative medicine outcomes vary between individuals, and not all patients experience significant improvement.

What Are Examples of Regenerative Medicine Treatments?

At IOW, we offer a full range of evidence-based regenerative therapies including:

Stem Cell Therapy (Bone Marrow Concentrate)

Stem cell therapy at IOW uses bone marrow concentrate (BMC) extracted from your own hip bone. This concentrate contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which play a key role in repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. BMC is commonly used to treat more advanced joint degeneration, cartilage loss, and tendon tears. The procedure is image-guided and tailored to support long-term tissue repair and improved function.

Commonly recommended for:

• Moderate to severe joint degeneration

• Cartilage defects

• Complex tendon tears

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets through a specialized centrifugation process, and injecting the resulting plasma into areas of injury or degeneration. These platelets are rich in growth factors that stimulate the healing of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues. PRP is ideal for treating chronic injuries like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Commonly recommended for:

• Tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis)

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

• Soft tissue injuries

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural irritant solution, typically dextrose, into ligaments and tendons. This controlled inflammation response encourages the body to strengthen and rebuild these tissues. It’s a highly effective treatment for chronic joint instability, overuse injuries, and conditions where connective tissues have become lax or damaged due to wear or trauma.

Commonly recommended for:

• Chronic joint instability

• Ligament laxity

• Certain chronic pain conditions

Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is a targeted injection of hyaluronic acid directly into the joint most often the knee. This substance mimics the natural joint fluid that cushions and lubricates cartilage. For patients with osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation helps restore joint function, reduce stiffness, and ease pain, especially when combined with other regenerative therapies.

Commonly recommended for:

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Patients who haven't responded to conservative treatments

Biologic Scaffolds & Biomaterials

Biologic scaffolds and biomaterials are advanced regenerative tools used to support soft tissue and cartilage regeneration. They act as a structural framework that encourages the body’s own cells to grow and repair damaged tissue. These are often combined with PRP or stem cell therapy to improve outcomes in more complex injuries or surgical repair zones.

Applications:

• Complex tissue repairs

• Enhanced healing in combination therapies

Is Regenerative Medicine Legit?

Yes. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly advancing area of orthopedic care backed by clinical research and used by leading physicians worldwide. At IOW, all procedures are:

• Performed by board-certified specialists

• Image-guided for precision and safety

• Supported by scientific evidence and patient outcomes

We focus on treatments that restore not just manage musculoskeletal health.

Who Are the Experts at IOW?

Dr. Otoño Silva, M.D.

• Founder, Interventional Orthopedics of Washington

• Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

• Fellowship-Trained in Interventional Orthopedics

Dr. Balaji Sridhar, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

• Specialist in Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine

• Expert in Musculoskeletal Health and Stem Cell Research

Our physicians use image-guided techniques for precision and safety following evidence-based protocols tailored to each patient's needs.

What Conditions Can Regenerative Medicine Treat?

Our regenerative treatments are designed for a variety of orthopedic issues, including:

• Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, spine)

• Tendonitis (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles)

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Meniscus and labral tears

• Plantar fasciitis

• Ligament sprains

• Herniated discs and facet joint pain

Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment

Regenerative medicine works best when paired with healthy habits and follow-through. Here's how you can maximize results:

Pre-Treatment Preparation

• Medication management: Discontinue NSAIDs 7-10 days before treatment (consult your doctor first)

• Health optimization: Maintain good nutrition and hydration

• Realistic expectations: Understand that results vary and improvement takes time

Post-Treatment Care

First 48-72 hours:

• Expect mild soreness or swelling

• Apply ice as recommended

• Avoid strenuous activities

First 2 weeks:

• Gradually return to normal activities as tolerated

• Follow specific activity restrictions provided

• Attend follow-up appointments

Ongoing support:

• Engage in appropriate physical therapy

• Maintain healthy lifestyle habits

• Monitor progress with your care team

Lifestyle Support for Better Healing

Nutrition:

• Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids

• Adequate protein for tissue repair

• Consider supplements like Vitamin D, Vitamin C (discuss with your doctor)

Activity and Exercise:

• Appropriate movement promotes circulation and healing

• Weight management reduces joint stress

• Avoid high-impact activities initially

General Health:

• Adequate sleep supports tissue repair

• Stress management

• Avoid smoking, which impairs healing

Regenerative medicine is supported by growing research, but it's important to understand:

• Not all treatments have the same level of evidence

• Individual responses vary significantly

• Long-term studies are still ongoing for many treatments

• These are not "miracle cures" but tools to support healing

What to Expect After Regenerative Treatment

Healing timelines vary, but most patients experience:

• Early symptom relief within 2-6 weeks

• Peak benefits between 3-6 months

• Improved joint stability, mobility, and reduced pain over time

When to Contact IOW:

If you notice severe swelling, fever, or pain that worsens, call us at 425-326-1665. Our care team is here to help.

Are You a Candidate for Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine treatment may be ideal for individuals experiencing chronic joint, tendon, or spine pain who want to avoid surgery or long-term medication use. It's especially suited for those who have not found relief through conventional treatments and are in good overall health, making them capable of following post-treatment care protocols.

Not sure if you're a candidate? Schedule a free discovery call with our care team to find out if regenerative medicine is right for you.