Orthobiologic treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), are revolutionizing orthopedic care. These therapies use your own blood or bone marrow to naturally reduce inflammation, repair tissues, and relieve pain. They are minimally invasive options that may help patients avoid or delay surgery.
At the practice of Dr. Christopher E. Swanson, MD, patients receive expert care from a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, shoulder surgery, knee surgery, and orthobiologics. With clinics in Jacksonville, Fleming Island, St. Johns, and Northside, Dr. Swanson and his team offer advanced regenerative treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re searching for orthobiologics near me or want to consult with an orthopedic surgeon near me, our team is here to help.
Orthobiologics are an exciting way to support your body’s own healing process. Let’s explore how they work and who may benefit from them.
What Are Orthobiologics?
Orthobiologics are treatments that use natural substances from your body, such as blood, platelets, or bone marrow, to stimulate healing. Unlike standard treatments that primarily focus on relieving symptoms through medication or replacing damaged tissues with surgery, orthobiologics aim to repair and restore tissue function from within.
Two of the most common orthobiologics offered today are:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated platelets drawn from your own blood, rich in growth factors that promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC): A solution derived from bone marrow, containing stem cells and growth factors to encourage regeneration in more complex injuries.
These treatments harness your body’s existing healing abilities, making them a natural complement or alternative to conventional orthopedic care.
How Orthobiologics Differ From Standard Treatments
Traditional orthopedic treatments often involve medications, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. While effective, these options may come with side effects, longer recovery times, or the risk of complications.
By contrast, orthobiologics:
- Use your own cells, reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
- Target the root cause of injury by stimulating actual tissue repair.
- They are minimally invasive, often performed in an outpatient setting.
- Offer a shorter recovery timeline compared to major surgery.
This makes orthobiologics particularly appealing for patients who want to stay active, heal naturally, and minimize downtime.
Conditions Treated With Orthobiologics
Orthobiologic therapies are utilized for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that do not heal naturally. Common conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis: Early or moderate arthritis in the knee, shoulder, or hip.
- Tendon injuries: Conditions such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, or rotator cuff tears.
- Ligament injuries: Partial tears or sprains that need help healing.
- Cartilage damage: Areas of wear and tear that may cause stiffness and pain.
- Sports injuries: Overuse or acute injuries in athletes looking to return to performance.
Patients searching for orthopedic doctors near me often learn that orthobiologics can provide an effective bridge between conservative care and surgery.
Benefits of Using Your Body’s Own Healing Factors
Orthobiologic treatments offer several potential benefits, including:
- Reduced pain: Growth factors and healing cells calm inflammation at the injury site.
- Faster recovery: Many patients return to activity sooner compared to surgical recovery.
- Improved function: As tissues repair, patients often regain strength, mobility, and stability.
- Fewer risks: Because the materials come from your own body, complications are rare.
- Delay or prevention of surgery: For some individuals, orthobiologics can postpone or even eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery.
These benefits make orthobiologics a strong option for patients who want natural, regenerative care.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Orthobiologics?
Not every patient with joint pain or injury requires surgery immediately. You may be a candidate for orthobiologic treatment if you have:
- Chronic pain that has lasted more than three months.
- Early arthritis or cartilage wear.
- Tendon or ligament injuries that have not healed with rest or therapy.
- A desire to avoid surgery or shorten recovery time.
- Overall good health that supports the healing process.
During a consultation, Dr. Swanson will review your medical history, symptoms, and imaging studies to determine whether PRP or BMAC injections are the most suitable option for you.
Healing With Your Own Cells
Orthobiologics represent a shift in orthopedic care, utilizing the body’s own healing resources to repair tissue, reduce pain, and restore function. At Dr. Christopher E. Swanson’s clinics in Jacksonville, Fleming Island, St. Johns, and Northside, patients receive advanced regenerative care guided by a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Whether you’re exploring orthobiologics near me or seeking a trusted orthopedic surgeon near me, our team provides personalized solutions to keep you moving.
Take the first step toward natural healing. Call (904) 634-0640 orschedule an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
ARE ORTHOBIOLOGIC TREATMENTS SAFE?
Yes. Since PRP and BMAC use your own blood or bone marrow, the risk of adverse reaction is very low.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?
PRP may improve pain within 2–6 weeks. BMAC often takes longer but can provide lasting results.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
It depends on the condition. Some patients improve after one injection; others need a series.
CAN ORTHOBIOLOGICS REPLACE SURGERY?
In some cases, yes. Orthobiologics can delay or prevent surgery, but severe damage may still require surgical repair.
IS ORTHOBIOLOGICS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Coverage varies. Many insurance plans do not cover regenerative treatments, so costs are discussed during consultation.
