Biologics
Jumpstart your body’s natural healing process with biologic therapies, also called regenerative medicine. These advanced treatments use substances found in your body to reduce pain and inflammation. Ask your doctor how they fit into your personalized care plan at Torrance Memorial Lundquist Orthopedic Institute.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelets are part of your blood, and they help injuries heal. PRP therapy works by giving an injured joint many more platelets than usual to speed up recovery.
Before this treatment, a health professional draws some of your blood. The blood goes through a process in a lab to increase the concentration of platelets. Then, you receive an injection of these extra platelets at the site of your injury.
What PRP Therapy Treats
Your doctor may recommend PRP therapy on its own or with other treatments for:
- Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Runner’s knee and jumper’s knee
- Surgical pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Ask your insurance provider if it covers PRP therapy for your condition.
Joint Fluid Therapy (Viscosupplementation)
Your joints contain a fluid called hyaluronic acid, which lets bones move smoothly over each other. If you have osteoarthritis, your joints have less of this lubricant. Viscosupplementation delivers injections of the fluid to an arthritic joint to reduce pain and stiffness, so you can move more easily.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells can develop into other types of cells, such as cartilage or bone. If you have osteoarthritis, an injection of them may be able to stimulate the growth of new soft tissue.
To treat your condition, a doctor first gathers stem cells from your fat, blood, or bone marrow. Then, the cells are separated from other substances. Next, the doctor injects the stem cells into an arthritic or injured joint to help you recover.
Ask your insurance provider if it covers stem cell therapy for your situation.
