Considering Joint Surgery? Explore Regenerative Orthopedic Alternatives

Joint pain can affect nearly every part of your daily life. Activities such as walking, exercising, climbing stairs, working, or getting a good night’s sleep may become difficult when pain and stiffness persist. 

When conservative treatments stop providing enough relief, you may assume joint replacement or another surgical procedure is your only remaining option.

However, some patients may benefit from regenerative orthopedic treatments before considering surgery.

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Ronald Cohen, MD, and our team personalize treatment options to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether regenerative medicine may provide an appropriate alternative to joint surgery.

Why doctors may recommend joint surgery

Joint surgery can repair damaged tissue or replace part or all of an affected joint. A doctor may recommend surgery when you have:

• Severe arthritis
• Significant joint damage
• Advanced cartilage loss
• Structural abnormalities
• Substantial loss of mobility
• Pain that interferes with daily activities
• Symptoms despite medication, physical therapy, injections, and activity changes

Surgery can improve pain and function, but it also involves recovery time and potential risks. Depending on the procedure, you may need to take time away from work, limit certain activities, and complete an extensive rehabilitation program.

Exploring nonsurgical options helps you make a more informed decision before proceeding with surgery.

What’s regenerative orthopedics?

Regenerative orthopedics encourages the body’s natural repair response. Rather than replacing a damaged joint or surgically removing tissue, regenerative therapies use biologic materials to target injured or deteriorating areas.

These treatments may help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, improve joint function, and relieve pain. They can address problems affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, ankles, and other joints.

Regenerative treatments can’t reverse every type of joint damage, and they may not eliminate the need for surgery in all cases. However, they may help certain patients postpone surgery or avoid it altogether.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses components from your blood to promote a healing response.

During treatment, we draw a small amount of blood and process it to separate and concentrate the platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that play an important role in tissue repair. We then inject the concentrated solution into the injured or painful area.

Because PRP comes from your own blood, the treatment avoids many of the concerns associated with introducing foreign materials into the body.

Benefits of regenerative orthopedic treatments

Regenerative therapies may provide several advantages for patients seeking alternatives to surgery. These treatments typically require little downtime and don’t involve large incisions or general anesthesia.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced joint pain
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved mobility
• Better joint function
• Shorter recovery periods
• Fewer activity restrictions
• Delayed need for surgery

Results vary depending on your diagnosis, the extent of joint damage, your age, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment. 

Explore your options before scheduling surgery

Joint surgery may be necessary for some patients, but it doesn’t always need to be the first or only solution. Regenerative orthopedic treatments may help you manage pain, improve mobility, and participate in activities you enjoy without facing extensive surgical recovery.

If you’re considering joint surgery, call Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center or request a consultation online today. Dr. Cohen and our team can evaluate your condition and help you determine whether regenerative orthopedic care may offer a suitable alternative.