Are you dealing with chronic pain and physical problems such as torn ligaments, arthritis, or back pain? You might have been advised that your only option is invasive surgery. But did you know that your body has the natural capacity to heal and regenerate? At Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, we can offer you lasting relief and comfort through Orthobiologics. This revolutionary, non-invasive treatment lets you speed up healing and regeneration through the use of substances derived from the human body.
What Is Orthobiological Therapy?
Orthobiologics are cells, substances, and products that we use to treat injuries faster. It typically contains plasma rich in platelets, growth factors, stem cells, and placental derivatives. These products, made from natural substances in your body, also help to enhance the consistency of your healing process. The result is that you can grow healthier and stronger tissues and less scar tissue. We recommend this revolutionary treatment if you are hesitant to undergo surgery or other invasive treatments.
The most wonderful aspect of the treatment is that it is entirely safe and natural. The materials or substances used for your treatment are usually harvested from your own body. If you believe in your capacity to promote regeneration and healing, this treatment will benefit you the most. It can effectively help you decrease pain and enhance the function of your joints and ligaments when used as regenerating treatment. Orthobiologic substances can help accelerate the healing process of broken bones, damaged muscles, and ligaments if used in higher concentrations.
Treating Injuries Using Orthobiologics
In this form of therapy, cells from your body are harvested and used to treat injured or problematic areas. Most of the cells or substances we use are stem cell-derived. Stem cells are the building blocks of tissue and structure in your body. Other products that can be used in the therapy include rich growth factors, which stimulate anti-inflammation and tissue regeneration. These biological substances can correct or significantly strengthen some chronic conditions that affect the quality of your daily life.
Anti-inflammation and self-healing occur as orthobiologic substances are injected into wounded limbs, torn ligaments, or even the spine. We consider this new, non-invasive treatment a significant departure from the traditional use of pharmaceuticals, which used to be the cornerstone of medical treatment for the last few decades. Also, the proper use of orthobiologic products can prevent any need for invasive surgery.
The Most Common Types of Orthobiologic Therapies
It’s important to properly diagnose and understand your symptoms first before choosing a type of treatment. Depending on your particular needs and expectations, we can implement an appropriate or customized course of treatment. It’s also helpful that you understand the benefits of each therapy that it involves. We have seen outstanding results in many conditions from previous patients, especially problems or injuries related to physical activities.
Autologous Conditioned Plasma
This type of therapy is a promising treatment option that facilitates the natural healing of the body. Are you looking to improve your condition or find alternative ways to treat fractures, overexertion of muscles, or other degenerative diseases? We can recommend this form of therapy for you. In many cases, it can help promote rapid healing after surgery.
During the treatment, a small amount of blood is collected from your veins. We will use a machine that can extract the growth and healing factors from your blood using the centrifugation process. After preparing the substance, you should be ready for treatment. The plasma will then be injected into your treatment area to facilitate the recovery and healing process.
Platelet-Rich-Plasma
This treatment is similar to ACP therapies, but PRP solution concentrations are around ten times more concentrated. The substance for the treatment is derived from your own blood. Plasma is the primary component, but it also contains small solids, such as various blood cells, essential to the recovery of injuries. The platelets contain proteins called growth factors.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate
The therapy consists of blood extracted from your bone marrow. Your bone marrow aspirate includes stem cells that can cure certain bones and joints. Therefore, this therapy is especially useful for bone-related injuries and illnesses. Stem cells may also be derived, depending on the injury being treated. Concentrated extractions from your bone marrow are obtained with minimally invasive methods to avoid the possibility of an open bone grease.
Stem Cells
If you have no stem cells appropriate for the treatment, we can use donor stem cells based on condition and age. Stem cells refer to a specific type of cell in the body and separate from other cell types. At the moment, we are exploring how these stem cells can postpone arthritis development or rebuild the body by enhancing our natural response to damage.
What Substances Are Commonly Used in the Treatment?
The forms of therapy we have discussed have given you some insights into some of the biological substances used for treatment. Are you curious about what other types of substances can help you heal? Orthobiologics is a new form of pathology and biology that focuses on the healing of bone and soft tissue using natural materials and substances. Since it’s relatively new, you can expect to see a range of new orthobiologic items in the medical field.
These biological products may be used alone or in combination to induce a natural, desired healing response. The overall goal is to speed up your healing process without introducing foreign bodies or performing possibly invasive surgeries. What product or product combination is used for treatment depends on various variables, including your current physical condition, expectations from the treatment, and personal preferences. We will discuss your options during the initial consultation.
Blood-Derived Substances
In the blood-derived group, we use PRP substances that are extracted from your blood platelets. These platelets generate growth factors that can help to cure illnesses and promote healing. This group also contains serums and blood plasmas that promote better healing and faster recovery.
Items Containing Stem Cells
Orthobiological products that contain stem cells tend to perform their original functions. Research shows that the treatment may perform better if the quality of the stem cells is higher. It is also possible for us to initiate your therapy using stem cells derived from another organism. The process will involve isolating and cultivating bone marrow, fat, or birth tissues from stem cells used for your treatment.
Extracellular Matrices
Examples of extracellular matrices include fat grafts or amniotic and umbilical cord-derivative birth tissue. Products such as demineralized bone matrix can also be used. Calcium extracted from cadaver bone is often inserted into a non-healing fracture. Some biological substances may come from animals. Pig bladder, for example, may be used to repair the tendons and muscles.
What Conditions Are Commonly Treated Using Orthobiologics?
Many orthopedic and medical conditions can be treated using more natural, non-invasive methods. Are you suffering from chronic pain from injuries? You may consider orthobiologic treatments instead of invasive surgery. Some target areas for the treatment are:
- Muscle
- Tendon
- Ligaments
- Bones
- Cartilage
Various orthopedic diseases can be successfully treated or improved with the help of orthobiological treatments. There are special conditions where we highly recommend natural treatment before seeking invasive methods such as surgery.
Mild To Moderate Osteoarthritis
The word arthritis is a general term for several dozens of joint disorders. If you are familiar with the condition, it can cause physical discomfort that can hamper your everyday functioning or hinder you from engaging in physical or recreational activities. Urgent care and treatment are necessary since it is also a degenerative joint condition.
If you have arthritis, your cartilage and other parts of the joints will wear and tear eventually. This condition is even more common in older adults but rarely appears in children. Arthritis is more likely to result from overexertion or trauma in younger adults. Painful, creaky joints and decreased motion of the hands and weight-bearing joints characterize osteoarthritis. Depending on how your condition is progressing, you might suffer from pain that makes small tasks difficult. On the other end of the spectrum is experiencing permanent disability or persistent chronic pain.
Who Is at Risk for Osteoarthritis?
While everyone will experience some degree of joint problems in their lives, the following people are at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis:
- Are female
- Are overweight or obese
- Have past injuries or surgeries
Tendon Injuries
Ligaments may break due to overstretched tendons. Partially broken tendons can cause swelling and pain. Fortunately, it can be repaired over time with the right care and treatment. Fully broken tendons can cause full mobility loss and possible permanent damage. The most common tendon injury sustained by athletes is on the Achilles’ heel. This injury is often caused by extreme pressure or unsuitable footwear.
The best way to avoid Achilles’ tendon is by warming enough before any physical exercise. You may also apply additional support to the vulnerable region to help prevent injury. Tendonitis is another common ailment, causing inflammation and tendon swelling. It is characterized by painful, rigid, and strained tendons.
Back Pain
Back or neck pain is experienced by many individuals. It can affect both younger and older adults, most of whom suffer from chronic pain. Often, even invasive surgeries are not sufficient when it comes to permanently alleviating pain. If you think you don’t have another choice when it comes to dealing with pain, you can resort to natural and non-invasive methods. Conservative treatments can often aid, acting more like band support and limiting discomfort for a brief period.
What To Expect During the Treatment
The treatment process takes about an hour. A staff member will draw your blood, place it in a vacuum chamber, and inject it into the area affected. The injection site will be covered with a band-aid. A local anesthetic or sedative is administered before the therapy is done. Some swelling may naturally occur, but you will not experience any intolerable pain or discomfort.
Are There Necessary Preparations?
We suggest that you refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medicines one week before the treatment. If you are a smoker, please quit smoking to get the most from your treatment.
After the therapy, you should take proper rest. You may apply an ice compress to the treated area for the first 48-72 hours. Because orthobiologic injections release growth factors for the first two days, it’s vital that you do not disrupt the injection site. For up to two weeks, we will advise you to refrain from participating in intense physical activity.
Heal Better and Live Life the Way You Want To
Injuries, ailments, and chronic pain may be inevitable, but you shouldn’t let them prevent you from living your ideal lifestyle. We can help you get back to your active routine and get moving as quickly as possible. Contact Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, to learn more about how we can help you enhance your body’s natural healing properties through the help of safe, non-invasive methods.