Is Regenerative Medicine Right for Your Joint Pain? What to Know in 2026

About one in five adults, or approximately 53 million people across the US, suffer from joint pain caused by arthritis and other conditions. Traditional joint pain treatments, such as ice, rest, and over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine, often provide relief. 

However, for a small percentage of patients, pain persists, affecting mobility and quality of life. For that group, regenerative medicine offers an alternative approach to pain management.

At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic, our expert team regularly uses regenerative medicine to treat joint pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Keep reading to learn what regenerative medicine is and the treatments available.

What is regenerative medicine?

Regenerative medicine is a subspecialty of orthopedics and sports medicine that works to repair or restore damaged tissues, such as bone or cartilage. It uses natural growth factors, such as platelets, bone marrow, and exosomes, to stimulate the body’s healing process. 

Research is ongoing, but many people see noticeable improvement in joint pain following regenerative therapies. Benefits vary depending on the patient’s age, health, and the underlying cause of the pain.

3 Common regenerative medicine treatments for joint pain

We offer several types of regenerative medicine for joint pain, including:

1. Platelet-rich plasma therapy 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, uses growth factors in the blood, called platelets, to spur healing. 

Treatment involves drawing a blood sample and isolating the platelets. The platelet-rich solution is then injected into specific joints, such as the knees, shoulders, or hips. Research shows that PRP can effectively relieve joint pain, especially when it’s caused by osteoarthritis. 

PRP is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes. Many patients begin seeing symptom relief within a few weeks of treatment.

2. Exosome injections

Exosome injections use exosomes, cell messengers found within stem cells that support tissue repair, to reduce inflammation and encourage healing. When injected into painful joints, exosomes may accelerate the body’s recovery and reduce stiffness. Research is limited, but many patients report less pain and improved joint mobility following treatment. 

3. Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting a dextrose-based solution, sometimes called sugar water, into painful joints. The solution also contains an anesthetic such as lidocaine to reduce discomfort. 

Prolotherapy works by irritating the soft tissues surrounding the joint, triggering an inflammatory response that stimulates your body’s healing process. This increases blood flow to the area and promotes the growth of healthy cells and tissue. Some patients benefit from prolotherapy in combination with PRP or other treatments.

How to decide if regenerative medicine is right for you

The best way to determine if regenerative medicine is right for you is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation. After we review your health history, discuss your symptoms, and complete a physical exam, we can determine the source of your joint pain and make personalized treatment recommendations.

Regenerative medicine won’t necessarily cure joint pain, but it can reduce its severity, letting you move more comfortably. 

We can help ease your joint pain

If joint pain is keeping you from your favorite activities, regenerative medicine is worth exploring. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.