It seems almost like the work of a science fiction novelist, using cells injected into the body to encourage it to fix itself. It might sound like fiction, but it is real. Regenerative medicine is an evolving field of medicine where the body uses its own systems to recreate cells and rebuild organs and tissues. Some people call it tissue engineering.
How Does Regenerative Medicine Work?
Tissues in the body are made of cells. Each cell can act in many different ways depending on the signals it sends and receives from varying sources. The cells react based on what the signals tell it to do. In regenerative medicine, medical professionals attempt to tell the cells what to do by introducing a substance to push things along a bit. The goal is for the cells to develop into new, healthy tissue. Also, drug and other therapies often treat symptoms while regenerative medicine attempts to get to the root cause of a problem and eliminate it. Research in the field is happening fast and regulations are trying to keep up with it all.
Three Approaches to Regenerative Medicine
There are three approaches that are interrelated:
- Rejuvenation: Helping to boost the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
- Replacement: Using healthy cells, tissues, or organs to replace damaged ones.
- Regeneration: Finding ways to deliver specific cells to diseased or damaged tissue or organs with the hope of restoring normal or improved function.
Stem cells may be a key to regenerative medicine. They have the ability to develop into many different kinds of cells.
Treating Pain or Injuries with Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine can help treat many painful conditions like joint pain, ligament tears, and more. It is not a substitute for traditional treatments like rest, bracing, or physical therapy. Instead it is part of a comprehensive approach.
Mesenchymal stem cells can produce many types of body cells including cartilage, bone, muscle, and fat cells. Medical specialists, like those at B3 medical, can use these types of cells and inject them directly into the damaged or injured area. This creates a good environment for the body to begin to repair itself.
Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is often part of a pain management plan using regenerative medicine. PRP contains elements of a patient’s own blood and goes through a process to make it even more helpful to the body.
Often, doctors use a combination to treatments for the best results. The professionals at B3 Medical have extensive experience with regenerative medicine and will help you find the best treatments to help you relieve your pain. Contact us today for a consultation.
