Orthobiologics and FAQs

A: Stem cells are early-stage cells that can develop into specialized cells. They are found in various locations in the body, but it’s easiest to access them through bone marrow in the iliac crest (hip bone) among other places. We can retrieve these stem cells, separate them from other material, and inject them into the area of your body that needs treatment — all in a matter of minutes.

A: Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, contains growth factors, anti-inflammatories, and proteins that attract stem cells to a specific location. PRP is different from stem cell injections in that platelets attract stem cells to the area that needs help. In contrast, injecting the stem cells directly places the cells exactly where they need to be to exert their maximal effect. Both procedures are incredibly helpful in promoting healing and functionality! 

A: If you’re experiencing joint pain, nerve pain, or are recovering from a tendon, ligament, or muscle injury, orthobiologics could be the perfect solution. We’ll always review your medical history to determine your best course of treatment moving forward.

A: Orthobiologic therapies are typically not covered by your insurance. We do accept cash, check and all major credit cards. Financing may be available. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Savings Account (FSA) you may use these for your medical care. Please confirm with your Savings Account provider.

A: With both bone marrow aspirate, MFAT, and PRP treatments, you’ll receive week by week instructions to help you through the healing process. Although you’ll require minimal downtime from the procedure itself, regenerative therapies take time to heal and strengthen your damaged cells. Typically, you’ll experience a gradual reduction in pain and increased function over the 3 to 6 months after your initial treatment. If you were treated for a degenerative issue that occurs naturally with aging, you may need subsequent maintenance treatments.

A: Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Cells (MFAT)
Adipose-derived cells are collected from a fat sample from the buttock, waist, or abdomen. There is minimal manipulation of the tissue with no enzymatic digestion or addition of other biological or pharmacological agents. Fat or adipose tissue is rich in healing cells like mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs, growth factors and other proteins that can assist in healing tissues.
The cells derived from bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue produce molecules that direct other healing cells to go the injured region to form new blood vessels, stimulate other stem cells, and stimulate proliferation of other cells to produce healthy tissue.

A: Our biologic treatments using blood, bone marrow or adipose tissue are compliant with FDA regulations. They are performed on the same day, minimally manipulated and falls under the Same Surgical Procedure Exemption. We only use biologics that are autologous (obtained from the same individual) and do not use those that are obtained from donated fluids or tissues. This includes embryonic stem cells or donor stem cells derived from amniotic fluid or other birth tissue products. With these cells, there is a risk of disease transmission or immune reaction. The donor tissues are sterilized to minimize the risk of disease transmission, but living stem cells do not survive the sterilization process therefore no live stem cells have been found in these products. We only use your own cells derived from your own bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue.