Let’s look at the cutting-edge future of joint health.
Arthritis affects over 350 million people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of joint pain and disability. Traditionally, treatments have focused on relieving pain and slowing the disease once it starts. But what if we could actually prevent arthritis from developing in the first place? This is what I’ve been working on with my patients for 30 years now, with diet, nutrition, exercise, chiropractic, and acupuncture. These help most patients, but still are not the best options now for the prevention of this inflammatory condition.
Thanks to new advances in regenerative medicine, that possibility is beginning to happen.
What Are Regenerative Therapies?
As I’ve written in past articles, regenerative therapies use the body’s own healing abilities to repair and restore damaged tissues—like cartilage in your joints. Instead of simply masking symptoms, these treatments aim to regrow healthy tissue, reduce inflammation, and protect your joints before arthritis sets in.
The most common types of regenerative therapies for joints include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A treatment made from your own blood that can promote healing. I’ve written articles about what PRP is and is not. You can access them on my website.
Stem Cell Therapy (HCT) : Using special cells . These come from an umbilical cord donated by the mother of a live birth baby to assist in the regeneration of joint tissue.
Exosome Therapy: Tiny molecules from stem cells that help control inflammation and boost repair. As arthritis is an inflammatory condition, these are a very important part of any regenerative treatment program.
How can these therapies help prevent arthritis?
· Protecting your cartilage
Cartilage acts like a cushion or shock absorber between your bones. As we age or after injury, this cushion can wear down—leading to arthritis. PRP and stem cells may help repair minor damage early, potentially preventing arthritis from ever starting. Many young professional athletes are doing this to prevent the breakdown of their joints and possibly help them to have longer careers.
· Stopping inflammation before it becomes chronic
Inflammation is a major cause of joint damage. These regenerative treatments have natural anti-inflammatory effects that can stop the cycle of swelling and pain before it becomes long-term. They also can help with being able to enjoy the activities and sports you love without having to quit doing them.
· Helping high-risk people stay healthy
If you’ve had a joint injury, are overweight, or have a family history of arthritis, you’re at higher risk. Getting early regenerative treatment might delay or even prevent the disease altogether.
· Slowing down early arthritis
Even if arthritis has already started, regenerative therapies can slow its progress and help people avoid more invasive treatments like joint replacement surgery.
What does the science say?
Studies show that regenerative therapies, especially PRP and stem cells—can reduce pain and improve joint function. Just remember that PRP alone on patients over 60 is not very effective, as we have fewer regenerative platelets at that age.
Imaging like MRIs has even shown signs of cartilage improvement after these treatments. Please visit the home page on my website and click on my photo on the golf course. This will bring you directly to my personal story on how these therapies prevented a full shoulder replacement surgery for a serious accident I had. You will see the before and after MRIs that were done, showing growth and repair.
More research is always needed for all therapies.
What are the downsides?
These therapies are not covered by insurance.
Results can vary from person to person.
Diet, lifestyle, age, and other factors may alter results.
The bottom line
Regenerative therapies offer exciting potential—not just to treat arthritis but possibly to prevent it. While they’re not a guaranteed solution yet, they’re a big step toward a future where joint pain and surgery could become far less common.
If you’re at risk for arthritis or starting to feel early joint pain, talk to me for regenerative options. Combined with a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, weight management, and an anti-inflammatory diet, these therapies could help you keep your joints healthy for years to come.
If you’re committed to naturally maintaining optimum health, vitality, and well-being, and you appreciate the real value of investing in yourself, then we invite you to experience exceptional care tailored specifically for you.
To celebrate my 30th anniversary of graduating, I am offering 30% off regenerative treatments, including stem cells for 30 days only, from April 16th to May 15th. This offer is unrepeatable. Please call my office to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if you qualify for treatments that keep you in the game of life without stressful downtime.
[email protected] or call my office.
Leisa-Marie Grgula, DC
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. #115
(480) 584-3955
