Regenerative Medicine

What is regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine, a type of cellular therapy, is the science of living cells being used to potentially regenerate or facilitate the repair of cells and tissues damaged by disease, genetics, injury, or simple aging by stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms. 

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Acellular therapy (Exosomes) is derived from pure mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s) from umbilical cord tissue. They are not a living product, nor do they have DNA. They have hundreds of growth factors and signaling proteins to induce changes of nearby cells. 

Benefits of regenerative medicine

• Anti-inflammatory
• Pain reduction
• Added cushioning in the joint space
• Initiation of the healing cascade and repair
• Cosmetic use (hair loss and scarring)
• Topically support repair and reconstruction of skin tissue
• Stimulation of stem cell activity as a non-surgical option

What conditions does regenerative medicine treat?

• Acute soft tissue injury such as meniscus tear, tendon and ligament injury
• Degenerative joints
• Joint pain (such as arthritis)  
• Chronic pain
• Hair loss
• Scars 

What to expect from regenerative medicine treatment

Patients may begin to feel relief of pain and stiffness the same day of the injection with Acellular (Exosome) injections. Gentle range of motion exercises of the affected joint can help with stiffness from the sudden increase in fluid of the joint space. We ask to take it easy for a few days following the injection. For cellular injections, we may request bracing, such as a knee brace, to protect the live cells placed into the joint space.

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Sometimes, these injections will temporarily increase pain and inflammation for longer periods than the Exosome injections. This will subside within a few days. Refraining from exercise for a period of time is best to allow the cells to do their job. For both Acellular (Exosome) and cellular injections, we ask to refrain from alcohol, steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for a period of time following. We do not want to disrupt the natural inflammatory response associated with healing. 

How to prepare for your regenerative medicine appointment

Following the completion of your medical history, and current symptoms through our EMR portal; patients must also include lab work within the past 6 months and medical testing including diagnostic studies such as MRI, CT scan and X-rays if applicable. Your initial consultation will include an extensive history, including family history and physical examination. 

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Risks and benefits of Cellular and Acellular joint injections will be discussed and whether the therapy is appropriate will be determined at this time. You'll work with Dr. Stephen Sardino who performs the joint injections for the Renew Integrative Health team.

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