When we experience a tear, pull, strain, or sprain of a tendon or ligament, our body responds with increased blood flow to the injured area. This “new” blood has platelets and other growth factors that help the tissue heal by creating new collagen fibers, eventually allowing the injured area to regain its flexibility and strength. Depending on the after-care and the severity of the injury however, sometimes scar tissue forms, which further alters the blood flow so the tissue never really properly heals.
Stem cells
are cells with the ability to divide many times and can differentiate into all types of cells for regeneration. A person’s own blood, fat and bone marrow contains stem cells and additional biological materials necessary to facilitate healing, but minimal blood flow prevents joints, ligament and tendons from healing as well as muscle, skin, or bone. A goal of regenerative medicine is to quickly deliver massive numbers of fresh stem cells, platelet-rich plasma and growth factor proteins to tissues that are damaged to repair and grow new cells. Additionally, these procedures are low risk, outpatient, and partly covered by insurance.