Five Potential Benefits of Using Orthobiologics in Orthopedics

Is arthritis or a sports injury or back pain keeping you from functioning like you used to? Do you wake in the night suffering from pain and stiffness in your muscles, bones, or joints? Are you hoping to avoid surgery or find a way to decrease your pain until you have surgery?

Orthobiologics might be an ideal solution if you've answered "yes" to any of these questions. With that in mind, here is what you need to know about orthobiologics and five potential benefits of using this therapy in the treatment of pain.

How orthobiologics work

There are many different things in our bodies that can be termed orthobiologics.  In general, these proteins and growth factors, and cells give our bodies the ability to repair, regrow, or replace diseased or damaged cells, tissues, or organs. These processes are happening in our bodies all the time.  With orthobiologic injections, the doctor is delivering a concentrated form of these naturally occurring processes directly to a site of injury or pain or dysfunction.  There are several typical sources for orthobiologics, each with different benefits and applications in the treatment of pain.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP contains a high concentration of platelets and many healing and anti-inflammatory factors, all of which enhance your body's own natural healing ability. PRP is made from your own blood in a concentration process that takes less than 10 minutes.  PRP is then injected where it is needed on the same day, typically using ultrasound guidance for pinpoint accuracy.

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections

Like PRP, BMAC als to address your pain.

1. Natural substances

Instead of relying on drugs or chemicals to ease your pain, orthobiologics use natural substances found in your own body. This involves a lower risk than many other forms of treatment since the platelets or bone marrow and cells used are yours.

2. Reduced inflammation and pain

Many published studies have shown that orthobiologics may help build new tissue and reduce inflammation. This combination can relieve chronic pain. These types of solutions are particularly beneficial for addressing pain caused by soft tissue injuries and degeneration like sprained ligaments and muscles or osteoarthritis.

3. Improved function

Another benefit of using orthobiologics in the treatment of pain is that it can also help you improve function. For example, millions of Americans suffer from low back pain or osteoarthritis.  Published studies show one of the potential benefits of using orthobiologics is improved function.  Many published studies have shown that a very high percentage of patients report statistically significant functional improvement after these injections.

4. Potential to avoid or delay surgery

 Successful orthobiologic therapy usually means that patients no longer have an urgent reason to have a joint replacement or other surgical procedure like back surgery or sports-related surgeries.  Instead, you may be able to help your body heal with this minimally invasive therapy.

5. Fast recovery time

Most patients can return to their normal activities quickly. The average rest time is one week which is then followed by progressive range of motion and strengthening exercises. The most common side effects of regenerative medicine include minor discomfort or bruising at the injection site, which should go away after just a few days.

Struggling with chronic pain? Find out if you're a candidate for orthobiologics

If you or someone you love is struggling with joint pain, back pain or leg pain, or a sports-related injury, you owe it to yourself to learn more about orthobiologics as a potential solution. Dr. Buford of Texas Orthobiologics is the authority in regenerative medicine in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate for this groundbreaking option.