Welcome back to the Bendy Club blog! This week, we’re delving into a groundbreaking topic that offers hope and relief for those dealing with chronic joint laxity/instability: regenerative medicine. If you’re looking for alternatives to surgery for joint health, regenerative medicine might be the solution for hypermobility you’ve been searching for.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine focuses on harnessing the body’s natural healing processes to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. This innovative approach can significantly benefit individuals with chronic joint problems, especially those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), who often face chronic pain and instability.
Why This Matters
Traditional treatments for joint issues often involve repeated steroid injections, invasive surgeries or long-term medication use, all of which lead to weakening and degeneration of the areas treated. Regenerative medicine offers a minimally invasive alternative that can promote healing and improve joint integrity without the risks associated with surgery.
Types of Regenerative Treatments
Several regenerative treatments are gaining popularity for their effectiveness in joint health:
- Prolotherapy: This involves injecting a high concentration solution of dextrose, into the ligaments, tendons, supportive connective tissues, and the joint itself to encourage the body’s natural healing response.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells, usually derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue, are injected into the affected area to stimulate the repair of damaged tissues.
Why Regenerative Medicine Works for Hypermobility:
Many orthopedic offices offer different types of regenerative medicine, but it is very important that you seek out a provider that uses the correct technique. There is a technique called comprehensive prolotherapy that is ideal for individuals with hypermobility. This involves injecting all of the supporting structures of the affected area.
For example, if someone was dealing with chronic shoulder pain due to ligament laxity the correct treatment would involve injecting ALL of the supporting structures of the shoulder including; biceps tendon, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, coracoid, coracoclavicular ligament, AC joint, Anterior glenoid, Posterior glenoid, teres minor, and intra-articular (into the joint). This procedure could be performed with the dextrose solution, PRP, or Stem Cells depending on the severity of the pathology (degree of arthritis and presence of rotator cuff tears) and the extent of the laxity present.
Contrast this to what is offered in most offices which would be a single intra-articular injection with say PRP. This would not address the connective tissue supporting the joint which is likely the main source of pain in someone with hypermobility.
Benefits of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative treatments offer several benefits over traditional approaches:
- Minimally Invasive: These treatments are typically performed as outpatient procedures, requiring minimal downtime.
- Natural Healing: They leverage the body’s own healing mechanisms, promoting natural tissue repair and regeneration.
- Reduced Pain: Many patients experience significant pain relief without the need for long-term medications.
- Improved Function: Regenerative treatments can enhance joint stability and function, allowing for better mobility and quality of life.
Action Steps for Considering Regenerative Medicine
- Consult a Specialist: Seek advice from a healthcare provider experienced in regenerative medicine, specifically comprehensive prolotherapy, to discuss your specific needs and treatment options. Make sure they use image guidance (ultrasound and or fluoroscopy) during the procedure to ensure they are treating the correct targets.
- Understand the Options: Learn about the different regenerative treatments available and how they might benefit your condition.
- Evaluate the Risks and Benefits: Consider the potential outcomes and any risks associated with these treatments. It’s essential to have realistic expectations.
- Follow Post-Treatment Care: Adhere to any post-treatment recommendations provided by your healthcare provider to maximize the benefits of the procedure. Physical therapy is a must after regenerative injections to continue to build upon the strength and stability provided.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of your symptoms and improvements, and maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider.
Patient Story
Emma, a member of our community, struggled with severe knee pain and instability due to her EDS. After trying various treatments without success, she decided to explore PRP therapy. The procedure was well tolerated and within a few months, Emma noticed a significant reduction in pain and improved joint stability. Her experience highlights the potential of regenerative medicine as a viable alternative to surgery.
Share Your Journey
We encourage you to share your experiences and connect with others on our social media platforms. By building a supportive community, we can help each other navigate the challenges of living with HSD and EDS. Have you ever tried regenerative medicine with a provider that does comprehensive prolotherapy injections? Let us know!
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
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Thank you for being part of the Bendy Club. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
Treatment of joint hypermobility syndrome, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, with Hackett-Hemwall Prolotherapy. Journal of Prolotherapy. (2018, September 28). https://journalofprolotherapy.com/treatment-of-joint-hypermobility-syndrome-including-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-with-hackett-hemwall-prolotherapy/
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.