As advances in medical technology continue to expand, so do the possibilities for treating sports injuries. Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising treatments available today, providing athletes with a safe and effective way to treat their injuries.
Let’s take a closer look at how regenerative medicine works and how it can help both professional and everyday athletes recover from sports-related injuries.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?
Regenerative medicine is a branch of care that focuses on using cells or tissues to repair or replace damaged tissue or organs. It relies on two main principles: stem cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Stem cell therapy is the process of using stem cells — primitive cells that are capable of becoming any other type of cell — to replace or repair damaged tissue. Tissue engineering, meanwhile, involves using scaffolds (or artificial materials) to create new tissue that can be implanted into the body.
HOW IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE USED TO TREAT SPORTS INJURIES?
Regenerative medicine has proven to be an effective treatment option for many sports-related injuries, including tendon and ligament damage, joint degeneration, cartilage defects, muscle tears, and bone fractures.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
The most common form of regenerative therapy used for sports injuries is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP injections involve drawing blood from the patient’s body and spinning it in a centrifuge machine to isolate platelets from red blood cells.
The platelets are then injected back into the injured area, releasing growth factors that help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Stem Cell Therapy
Another form of regenerative therapy used to treat sports injuries is stem cell therapy. This involves harvesting stem cells from either the patient’s body or a donor source and injecting them into the injured area to stimulate new tissue growth and promote healing.
This therapy is especially effective in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis or joint degeneration due to its ability to regenerate healthy tissue that can last long-term without needing further intervention.
Biologic Tissue Transplant
Finally, a form of treatment called biologics (material derived from any living thing) can be used to restore a number of bodily functions. At Maragal Medical, we’re proud to offer our patients a unique biologic tissue transplant: Wharton’s Jelly Allograft.
Wharton’s Jelly Allograft is a unique regenerative medicine solution created from minimally manipulated amniotic fluid, offering a range of regenerative and protective properties. Composed of amniotic fluid components, it acts as a cushioning and lubricating supplement to tissue and functions to provide the growing fetus with nutrients, cytokines, and growth factors necessary for development.
Our lab has developed its own process that maintains the relevant characteristics of the amniotic fluid during preparation, ensuring it retains its regenerative properties such as anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial benefits – making it an attractive option for clinical applications.
Whether you have suffered an acute injury or have been dealing with a chronic condition for some time now, regenerative medicine offers a powerful tool for treating sports-related injuries safely and effectively. While more research needs to be done before we truly understand the full potential of this advanced treatment option, it’s clear that regenerative medicine has already changed how we approach treating sports injuries — and will continue doing so well into the future!
HOW REGENERATIVE MEDICINE IS HELPING PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES: GABBY PRICE’S STORY
Playing since she was just 3 years old, Gabriella Price began her professional tennis career at the young age of 14, when she qualified for Wimbledon. With over 16 years of playing tennis, Gabby has endured many injuries, including torn ankle ligaments and chronic elbow tendonitis. Knowing how physically demanding this sport is, Gabby and her father began looking for treatment options for her ongoing pain.
As a fellow chiropractor, Gabby’s father knew Dr. Timothy Gallagher very well from chiropractic school. Upon mentioning Gabby’s injury and concerns to him, Dr. Gallagher wanted to meet with her. With a very well-thought-out plan of attack, they then met with Dr. Marciello, who would administer the regenerative medicine injections.
Dr. Marciello mentions in an interview about regenerative medicine, “We think of regenerative medicine as enhancing the healing properties of our own bodies’ capabilities.” And when you’re a young athlete with a promising professional career ahead of you, you want to know that you can depend on your body to bounce back after sustaining injuries.
Gabby, along with her father and the entire Maragal Medical Group, are optimistic that regenerative medicine (using Wharton’s Jelly Allograft) will give her the sustainability she needs to win Wimbledon in the U.S. open one day.
Regenerative medicine isn’t just for athletes; it can be used for a variety of circumstances and lifestyles. If you’re someone that is suffering from an injury or chronic pain, this treatment option may be for you. Not only is it minimally invasive, but results can be seen within weeks.
Maragal Medical Group is here to help you get back to a pain-free life. Contact us today to learn how regenerative medicine can help.
Starting 2023 Off on the Right Foot
Starting 2023 off on the right foot doesn’t have to be hard — there are plenty of small changes you can make that will have big impacts on your overall well-being! By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, eating healthier foods, and practicing self-care habits like yoga or meditation, you can set yourself up for success this year.
Additionally, chiropractic care is an excellent way to relieve stress and tension in the body while also promoting overall wellness — so don’t forget to schedule an appointment at Maragal Medical today!