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These treatments utilize the body’s own regenerative mechanisms as a platform for healing related injuries while simultaneously relieving pain. Often referred to as Orthobiologics, these following therapy options are spearheading the movement:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - This procedure begins with the withdrawal of a blood sample from the patient. Once collected, centrifugation separates and concentrates the blood’s solid components (white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, protein growth factors) from the liquid component (plasma) so that the PRP injection can be prepared. After they are separated, the slurry of highly concentrated growth factors and platelets are again returned to the plasma – creating the PRP injection. While the exact mechanism of PRP remains unclear – numerous studies and applications in clinical settings have indicated that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP therapy accelerates the healing process. According to the limited number of research studies, the accelerated healing benefits of PRP therapy proves to be most beneficial in procedures involving chronic tendon injuries. It should be noted that many insurance companies do not cover PRP therapy and the results from the procedure do not appear immediately.

Dr. Graf at Intelligent Pain offers PRP therapy. It has been extremely effective for soft tissue sports injuries such as ligament tears, tendonitis or post-traumatic arthritis.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection (HA) Therapy - A wide variety of athletes often suffer from chronic knee arthritis. Years and years of high impact pressure degrade the articular cartilage of the knee — exposing the bone segments within the joint. While icing and compression can mitigate the extent of the pain and discomfort, Hyaluronic Acid injections prove to be more useful and effective. As an FDA approved procedure, a doctor injects a gel-like fluid (HA) into the knee-joint cavity. This gel-like substance complements the synovial fluid—acting as a lubricant – allowing for natural and pain-free movement. Therapy injections can include anywhere from one to five shots over several weeks.

The injections with hyaluronic acid are covered by all of the major insurance companies including Medicare. The brand names include Synvisc or Orthovisc. The injections have been shown to be effective for 80% of patients for an average of 6 months at a time.

Orthokine Therapy - Orthokine therapy became highly publicized in 2012 after Kobe Bryant traveled to Germany in hopes of expediting his Achilles injury via this procedure. This therapy option also begins with the withdrawal of a blood sample from the patient. Following collection, the blood sample incubates upon glass beads at a slightly elevated temperature. This process prompts the blood to release an excess of anti-inflammatory proteins, which is then collected via centrifugation. Once collected, the doctor injects the isolated anti-inflammatory proteins into the afflicted area– concluding the procedure. While limited research exists on this therapy method—patient testimonials point to a promising direction as many claim it has helped.

The top Beverly Hills and Los Angeles pain management clinics incorporate orthobiologics treatments for the benefit of patients to help avoid surgery and obtain pain relief.