Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative technology is revolutionizing modern medicine, particularly in the field of orthopedics. At the forefront of this exciting medical revolution are two types of nonoperative therapies that can relieve pain and restore function and quality of life without utilizing surgery: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy.
PRP Injections
PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, a small sample of which is extracted, then processed at high speeds in a centrifuge, resulting in a high concentration of growth and healing factors, which is then injected into the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, or joint to accelerate healing. PRP injections have been shown in some studies to be a more effective treatment modality than cortisone injection for certain tendinitis problems, including tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into specific types of cells. The cells used in stem cell therapy can come from a variety of sources. Nonembryonic stem cells have been identified in many human adult organs and tissues including a patient’s own bone marrow. Stem cells are a fundamental part of your body’s normal healing process and can be converted into cells that your body needs. Your body uses stem cells to substitute for damaged or injured cells, thereby allowing for natural healing and the repair of injured or damaged tissue.
You might be wondering what the difference is between PRP and stem cells. PRP helps restore – and sometimes accelerate – your body’s healing mechanism, while stem cells have the potential to replace tissues that are damaged.
At Michele Y. Yoon, MD, PRP injections are performed safely in our medical office and only take approximately one hour, including preparation and recovery time. It can relieve pain in torn ligaments including conditions such as tennis elbow, and tendinitis. It can also relieve joint pain for certain conditions including thumb base (carpometacarpal) joint pain. PRP can provide pain relief without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay, and without a prolonged recovery time. Initial improvement is often seen within a few weeks following the treatment and gradually increases as the healing process progresses. Utilizing sterile techniques, the platelet-rich plasma is collected from a patient’s own blood. The patient’s blood is then carefully processed to ensure that the aspirate is enriched in platelets to be injected back into the affected area to enhance the body’s natural healing process.
Stem Cell Injections
Stem cell therapy is also performed safely in our medical office. This process takes about 2 hours. Utilizing sterile techniques, the stem cells are extracted from each patient by aspirating bone marrow from the patient’s pelvic bone. The aspirate is carefully processed and the patient’s own stem cells are administered to the patient’s affected joint or tendon during the same visit. Like PRP therapy, stem cell therapy doesn’t involve an invasive surgical procedure or an extensive recovery process. Since the stem cells are taken from their own bodies utilizing sterile techniques, patients have a very low likelihood of rejection or infection.
Contact Dr. Michele Yoon today to see if you’re a good candidate for PRP or stem cell therapy.
PRP Treatments and Stem Cell Therapy in Schaumburg, Chicago Northwest Suburbs & Chicago Metropolitan Area
If you are experiencing pain and lack of mobility in your hands or upper extremities and other treatments have not produced the pain relief you want, you may be a candidate for PRP or stem cell therapy in Schaumburg/Chicago Northwest Suburbs/Chicago Metropolitan Area. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Yoon today to discuss your options by calling (847) 957-4183 or use our convenient request an appointment form.
