Regenerative Medicine for Joint Pain

December 22, 2025

Regenerative Medicine for Joint Pain: PRP and Stem Cell Injections as Alternatives to Surgery

In the past, treatment options for chronic joint pain and orthopedic injuries were limited. Many patients were told to rely on medication, physical therapy, or simply learn to live with pain until joint replacement surgery became necessary.

Today, regenerative medicine offers new, minimally invasive options for orthopedic care. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy use your body’s own healing mechanisms to reduce pain, improve function, and, in some cases, help patients delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.

What Is Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics?

Regenerative medicine focuses on repairing and restoring damaged tissue rather than masking symptoms. In orthopedics, this approach is especially effective because many musculoskeletal tissues—such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone—have the ability to regenerate under the right conditions.

By delivering concentrated healing cells directly to the injured area through injections, regenerative therapies promote tissue repair from the inside out. These treatments often require little downtime and help reduce the need for invasive surgery, lengthy recovery periods, and long-term use of opioid pain medications.

Can Regenerative Medicine Help You Avoid Joint Replacement Surgery?

In many cases, yes. While regenerative medicine is not appropriate for every condition, it has helped many patients:

Delay or avoid total joint replacement
Reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation
Improve joint mobility and overall function

These therapies are often recommended for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments or who want a less invasive alternative to surgery.

Expert Insight on Regenerative Injection Therapy

Dr. Brannon Frank, board-certified pain management physician at Direct Orthopedic Care, explains:

“Regenerative injection therapy is an amazing technology that allows us to treat patients who aren’t responding to other interventional pain management treatments or who desire a faster, less invasive option than surgery.”

He adds:

“With stem cell or PRP injections, the body can heal its own tissues damaged by age, trauma, repetitive strain, and disease—without the pain or extended recovery associated with traditional joint replacement surgery.”

Regenerative Injection Therapies Offered at Direct Orthopedic Care

Stem Cell Injections

Stem cells are harvested from your own bone marrow and injected into injured areas to stimulate healing. These cells can develop into bone, cartilage, or other tissue types to support repair and regeneration.

Benefits of stem cell therapy include:

Reduced pain and inflammation
Improved joint function
Faster recovery compared to surgery
Minimally invasive treatment approach

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP therapy uses a concentrated portion of your own blood plasma that is rich in growth factors. When injected into damaged tissue, PRP promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

PRP injections are commonly used for:

Chronic knee pain
Tendon and ligament injuries
Joint inflammation and arthritis

Orthopedic Conditions That May Benefit From Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative therapies may help treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including:

Arthritis and osteoarthritis
Chronic back, knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip pain
Torn meniscus
Labral tears
Partially torn tendons and ligaments
Plantar fasciitis
Repetitive motion injuries (runner’s knee, golfer’s elbow, bursitis, tendonitis)
Spinal conditions and pinched nerves
Cartilage injuries and fractures that won’t heal

Why Choose Direct Orthopedic Care for PRP and Stem Cell Therapy?

Choosing the right provider for regenerative medicine is essential. At Direct Orthopedic Care, our team is trained in the latest regenerative treatment techniques and is committed to improving patient outcomes.

Unlike clinics that limit regenerative treatments to select providers, all DOC providers are qualified to deliver PRP and stem cell therapies, ensuring timely access to care without unnecessary delays.

Explore Regenerative Medicine Options at Direct Orthopedic Care

If joint pain or arthritis is limiting your ability to stay active, regenerative medicine may offer a solution without surgery. Direct Orthopedic Care provides innovative, patient-centered orthopedic treatments designed to restore function and improve quality of life.

Find a DOC location near you and book an appointment today to learn whether PRP or stem cell therapy is right for you.