Orthopedic injuries and chronic joint pain don’t always need to lead straight to surgery. Thanks to regenerative medicine, many people now have options that use the body’s own healing power to repair damage, reduce pain, and restore function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell injections are two such therapies. Both are available at the Santa Barbara, California, practice of orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon Matthew Pifer, MD.
These therapies represent breakthroughs in medicine and serve as valuable tools in how we treat injuries and chronic orthopedic issues.
PRP therapy starts with your own blood. After a quick draw, the sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate out platelets, which are cell fragments rich in growth factors that help heal injuries. After that, the wounded area is reinjected with the concentrated platelets.
Growth factors in PRP stimulate new cell development, reduce inflammation, and encourage tissue repair. Because PRP comes from your body, it’s safe, natural, and carries little risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
PRP has shown success in treating:
People often experience improved mobility, less stiffness, and reduced pain over time. In some cases, PRP may even delay the need for joint replacement surgery.
Stem cells are unique because they have the ability to transform into different types of cells, such as bone, muscle, cartilage, or ligament. In orthopedics, this makes them powerful tools for regenerating tissue damaged by injury or disease.
Dr. Pifer harvests stem cells from your bone marrow, processes them to concentrate the healing cells, and then injects them into the area that needs repair. Stem cells can be used in the office or during surgery to boost healing.
Orthopedic conditions commonly treated with stem cells include:
Because stem cells can create new, healthy tissue, this therapy may be an option for people with more advanced injuries or degenerative conditions.
PRP and stem cell therapy both use your body’s own healing power, but they have some unique differences. Each works best in different situations, and the right choice depends on your injury, your overall health, and your treatment goals.
PRP is often the starting point for biologic therapy. Because it harnesses concentrated growth factors from your own blood, it’s ideal for injuries where reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair can make a real difference. PRP may be recommended for:
In short, PRP is best suited for early- to mid-stage injuries where faster healing and reduced inflammation can help you recover and stay active.
Because stem cells can transform into new tissue like bone, cartilage, or ligament, they’re better suited for more significant damage where healing requires regeneration, not just repair. Stem cell therapy may be recommended for:
This makes stem cell therapy a stronger option when there’s more structural damage or advanced joint deterioration.
Choosing between PRP and stem cell therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Both offer promising results, but the best option depends on your unique needs.
At his Santa Barbara practice, Dr. Matthew Pifer combines advanced orthopedic training with cutting-edge regenerative medicine to guide people toward the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with joint pain or an injury that hasn’t healed, reach out and give us a call to schedule a consultation to learn whether PRP or stem cell therapy is the best choice for your recovery.
