Can Regenerative Medicine Accelerate the Healing Process for My Knee Injury?

Knee injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting athletes and non-athletes alike. These injuries have traditionally been treated with activity changes and, in some cases, surgery, but that’s starting to change. Regenerative medicine may offer similar benefits without the risks associated with an operation.

Our expert team at Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic in Allen, Texas, offers several types of regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosome injections, and prolotherapy. Keep reading to learn how regenerative medicine works and whether it can help your knee heal more effectively.

What is regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine is an umbrella term for several procedures that use your body’s cells or biologics (medications derived from natural sources, like proteins, sugars, and cells) to repair or regenerate damaged or diseased tissue.

Because these treatments use natural byproducts found in the human body, they present fewer side effects than prescription medication. They’re also less invasive than surgery, which lowers the risk of complications, such as infection, pain, or significant downtime.

We offer several types of regenerative medicine, including:

PRP

PRP treatment uses the healing power of platelets (microscopic solids that help your blood clot) to accelerate tissue repair. Injecting PRP into injured knee tissue improves circulation and supports recovery.

Exosome injections

This procedure uses exosomes, tiny vesicles (small fluid-filled sacs) produced by your cells, to promote healing and tissue regeneration. When injected into strategic areas in or around your knee, the exosomes reduce pain and strengthen your body’s healing process.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy injects a dextrose solution (a sterile sugar-water mixture) into damaged knee tendons or ligaments. The solution causes inflammation at the treatment site, encouraging your body’s natural healing response.

How regenerative medicine may help with knee injuries

Regenerative medicine procedures are unique in that they go beyond simply masking knee injury symptoms. Instead, they support your recovery by stimulating your body’s production of healthy new cells and tissue, reducing pain and inflammation, and enhancing healing. 

While not everyone is a candidate, we regularly recommend regenerative medicine to treat various knee injuries, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Meniscus tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tears
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears

Sometimes, we recommend regenerative medicine to help patients avoid or delay surgery.

What to expect from treatment

Regenerative medicine treatments are typically outpatient and last 30-60 minutes. 

If we determine that you’re a good candidate, we prepare a personalized treatment using PRP, exosomes, or dextrose and place it into syringes for injection. Then, we use X-ray-guided imaging to strategically inject the solution into specific areas of your knee, like a torn ligament or tendon.

The number of injections you receive will depend on several factors, including the type and location of your knee injury and the severity of your symptoms.

Afterward, you can return to work and other activities immediately. However, you may not notice any improvement for several days or weeks. Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend each of your follow-up visits. 

It’s also important to note that because regenerative medicine is relatively new, many insurance providers don’t cover it, so you may have to pay out of pocket. 

Schedule a regenerative medicine consultation

Pesky knee injuries, like MCL sprains and tears, can take weeks or even months to heal. If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines, regenerative medicine may be able to speed healing without going under the knife. Contact us today if you’re interested in seeing whether you’re a candidate. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.