One of the most exciting and promising areas in sports medicine is the use of biologics to treat injured and inflamed joints. Warren J. Strudwick, Jr., M.D., an early proponent of orthobiologics, helps the high school, college, and professional athletes he treats at Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists in Emeryville, California, to achieve relief without invasive surgery. To learn more about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem Cell Treatment, and Synvisc-OneⓇ injections, schedule an orthobiologics consultation by calling Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists today.
Archive relief from Injured & Inflamed Joints
What are orthobiologics?
Orthobiologics are naturally occurring substances used to increase healing and reduce pain for athletes of all ages with injuries to their joints, muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
YOUR OPTIONS
Dr. Strudwick primarily uses three types of orthobiologics:
Viscosupplementation
Synvisc-One is a single-dose injection that supplements the fluid in your knee. Made from a natural substance called hyaluronan, it mimics the same substance found naturally in human joints. It acts as a lubricant and cushion, enabling joints to move more smoothly and with less discomfort. This treatment is ideal for adults with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Multiple studies have supported the use of this product in the clinical setting. There are other similar products including Hyalgan, Orthovisc, Monovisc, Euflexxa, Gel-one, and Suparfz.
Platelet-rich plasma
Human blood includes small components called platelets that contain growth factors that promote healing. After drawing some of your own blood, Dr. Strudwick uses a process called centrifugation to increase the platelets in your plasma. He then injects that PRP concentration into the site of your injury to speed up the healing process.
Stem-cell treatment
Stem cells are found in the human body, and unlike specialized cells found in bone, cartilage, and fat, stem cells are influenced by their environment. When injected at the site of an injury, they automatically change to become the type of cell needed to help heal bone, cartilage, ligaments, or muscles. Stem cells are harvested from your own body or that of a donor.
What are the benefits of orthobiologics?
Dr. Strudwick finds orthobiologics to be ideal for many men and women for a number of reasons. Orthobiologics may be right for you because they:
▸ Are made of naturally occurring substances
▸ Are minimally invasive
▸ Eliminate the need for medication or surgery
▸ Encourage healing
▸ Improve the quality of life
▸ Increase mobility
▸ Reduce pain
▸ Restore function after treatment
Dr. Strudwick treats patients of all ages suffering from a wide range of conditions using orthobiologics.
Am I a good candidate for orthobiologics?
After a comprehensive orthopaedic consultation and diagnostic imaging to determine the cause of your pain and symptoms, Dr. Strudwick may recommend orthobiologics for you.
Ideal candidates for these innovative treatments generally:
▸ Are in good overall health
▸ Have an injury of the joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments
▸ Have realistic goals for their results
▸ Have tried other treatments with limited results
▸ Prefer an alternative to invasive surgery
▸ Understand and want to participate in the recovery process
If you’re tired of living with pain and want to get back in the game, call to schedule a consultation with Bay Area Orthopaedic & Sports Specialists today.
Get back in
the game
