Millions of Americans suffer from knee osteoarthritis, dealing daily with stiff joints and chronic pain. Regenerative medicine is now offering innovative treatments that harness the body’s own healing capabilities to address the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms. Techniques like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and prolotherapy are showing promise in improving joint function and reducing pain through natural tissue regeneration.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood into the knee joint, stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. “Our approach focuses on healing the joint from within, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for surgery,” explains Theresa Ferreter, APRN at Family Integrative Medicine. Prolotherapy, another regenerative technique, injects a dextrose solution into the joint, promoting collagen growth and tissue repair.

Alongside regenerative treatments, Family Integrative Medicine recommends specific exercises to strengthen the knees and improve overall joint health, like straight leg raises and seated leg extensions.

As the healthcare community continues to explore the benefits of regenerative medicine, many patients are experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life. “Our goal is to restore not only knee function but also our patients’ overall well-being,” says Ferreter.