Regenerative medicine is the “process of replacing or “regenerating” human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function.” This is normally done by using the body’s own healing system at concentrated levels to stimulate cellular growth. Our bodies have intricate systems to heal itself.
When you have a cut your body sends extra blood to the wounded area to help with not just creating a scab to protect the inside but also to send oxygen and collagen and other liquids and solids found in your blood to help with pain and generating cellular growth.
Our body is separated into organizational systems that build upon each other:
- a group of cells that turn into tissues
- a group of tissues that turn into organs
- a group of organs that turn into organ systems (i.e. digestive system)
When one of these organizational systems is damaged in some way it can put a wrench into the rest of the systems. With dedicated doctors and regenerative medicine, we can help our body continue doing what it’s already doing: making sure you’re successful.
Different Types of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is part of a science and medicine that focuses on cell engineering and microbiology. It is an umbrella term that can be used for any type of medicine that falls under those two focuses.
While there are many different types and variations of regenerative medicine, at San Antonio Integrated Healthcare, we focus on mesenchymal cells and PRP Therapy.
Mesenchymal Cells
Regenerative cell therapy is not to be confused with other types of cell therapies. These cells are multifaceted cells that can turn into the cell of that organ. The cells we use for treatment are derived from donated umbilical tissue. These cells are young and potent and since they haven’t built an immune system yet, your body won’t reject it.These cells contain healing factors like cytokines, proteins, lipids and other elements that help complement your body’s natural healing abilities. As you get older, your own cells get depleted of these crucial healing elements, which is why we prefer regenerative cells for treatment.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy, or Platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a natural pain relief treatment using your own blood to treat your pain or issue. Our blood is made up of liquids (plasma) and solids (red and white blood cells and platelets). PRP injections are made by taking a small sample of your blood and separating the liquids from the solids through a process called centrifugation (rotating something at high speeds to create a separation).The platelets found in the solids are then used for the injection and administered on the affected area. It works as a medium for the rest of the blood in your body to circulate through the affected area so that it may heal faster.
Our body already regenerates and produces cellular growth. With regenerative medicine, we are simply enhancing it and speeding up the healing process. It is an all-natural healing procedure that allows our bodies to continue doing what it does without any invasive procedures or medications that don’t allow our body to heal itself.