New England Stem Cell Institute Blog

Back pain—millions of Americans of all ages experience it every day, and you’re likely feeling it as you read this. You’ve tried stretching, exercise, rest, and medication, but it keeps coming back or getting worse. The only option left is surgery, right? Fortunately, that’s not the case thanks to regenerative medicine. Before you decide to go under the knife, be sure to talk to a doctor about how these four lesser-known treatments might be able to provide the lasting relief you’ve been looking for.

For people dealing with osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine is extremely promising. It’s not a stop-gap solution like medication that simply reduces symptoms while leaving the underlying problem alone, and it isn’t as extreme as joint replacement surgery. For millions of patients around the world, it has been the key to reduced pain, increased strength, better range of motion, and an overall improved quality of life. But, the way it works is a bit different than what most people think. What does regenerative medicine actually do for those with OA? Keep reading to find out.

On paper, PRP sounds like a medical miracle. “You mean you can use a small sample of my own blood to create this extremely effective healing substance?” Yes, that’s pretty much how it works! But what exactly is PRP used for, and what conditions is it commonly recommended to treat? Can your problem and pain be fixed with the help of PRP?

Two of the most popular treatments in regenerative medicine are PRP and stem cell therapy. So, as you can imagine, patients often end up asking, “What’s the difference?” Why should someone choose one or the other if they essentially do the same thing (which is accelerate the healing process)? There are quite a few differences between them, but today, we’re going to touch on the two that tend to matter most to people.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lot of people to reexamine their daily habits and evaluate how they influence their health, causing many to take a close look at their diet. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy body and ensuring it’s ready to fight off any infections, and for those who can’t get everything they need through their diet, nutritional supplements can provide a convenient and effective helping hand. The following supplements may be able to help fill gaps in your diet so your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay in tip-top shape.

People are spending more time than ever looking at screens, and more specifically, looking down at them. Whether it’s a phone, laptop, or tablet, this slouching posture forces the neck to support the head in a way it’s not designed to, leading to persistent pain that doctors have dubbed “tech neck.” Needless to say, it has become more prominent over the years, but thankfully, the solution you’ve been searching for might be flowing through your veins at this very moment. Using PRP, a doctor can fix the source of your problem and give you lasting results, all without surgery or painkillers.

When you hear the word “ultrasound,” what picture pops into your head? If you’re like most people, it likely has something to do with expecting parents being able to see their child on a screen in a doctor’s office. While this is the most popular use of ultrasound, it is also a big component of regenerative medicine. With it, a qualified doctor can diagnose and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries to improve daily function and stop chronic pain. How does it work? Find out about some of ultrasound’s lesser-known applications here!

For people healing from injuries like a sprained ankle or partially/fully torn muscle, taking a little time to rest and relax can offer a nice break from the routine…at least initially. Things can quickly get boring, however, and one of the easiest ways to alleviate this is snacking. This can lead to its own set of problems, but fortunately, you can actually leverage your diet to make your recovery quicker and more comfortable. Just make sure your plate is regularly filled with the following items:

One of the best things you can do if you suffer a musculoskeletal injury is simply rest—give the affected part of the body the time it needs to heal. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially for those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Often, the problem is connected to work or sports, and taking time off isn’t always an option. Thankfully, there are a few simple exercises you can do to proactively handle the condition, and we’re going to share 4 of the most effective ones today.

Snap. As soon as it happens, you realize that you’ve just torn a muscle. In an ideal world, you would be able to quickly go see a doctor. But, because muscle tears are typically not considered an emergency, it may take a day or two before you can schedule an appointment. However, you don’t have to just sit and suffer in the meantime. Here are the top 3 ways to handle a muscle tear immediately afterward.