What Is Orthobiologics and Its Potential in Treating Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be a significant setback for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They can range from muscle strains to torn ligaments and cause immediate pain that may lead to long-lasting effects on one's overall health and performance. 

Traditional treatments for sports injuries often involve rest, pain management, and surgery. However, orthobiologics has emerged as a practical approach that allows patients to return to their desired activities in a shorter period. 

Keep reading and discover everything you need to know about orthobiologics and how this innovative field of medicine has emerged as a groundbreaker in treating sports injuries. 

What Is Orthobiologics?

Orthobiologics is a rapidly growing field in orthopedic medicine that uses biological substances to boost the natural healing process. These substances are generally derived from our blood, tissue, or cells and have the innate capacity to regenerate and repair damaged areas. This treatment approach benefits individuals with bone, muscle, joint, and cartilage injuries, or disorders. Orthobiologics offers promising solutions as a less invasive and more holistic approach to treatment. 

Advantages of Orthobiologics for Sports Injuries

Orthobiologics can be an excellent alternative to traditional treatment methods for sports injuries due to its unique advantages that promote better patient outcomes. Some of these notable benefits include:

Minimally Invasive Procedures

One of the primary advantages of orthobiologic treatments is that they involve less invasive procedures, which means less damage to healthy tissues and fewer complications. This can reduce scarring, less pain after the procedure, and shorter patient recovery times.

Accelerated Healing Time

Orthobiologic treatments help injured tissues to heal faster by using the body's natural healing components. These treatments provide the necessary growth factors, proteins, and other substances to reduce inflammation, stimulate cell growth, and enhance the body's healing ability. As a result, patients can recover faster than traditional treatment methods.

Decreased Risk of Infection

Orthobiologic treatments use the patient's biological materials, lowering the risk of infection and disease transmission. Some orthobiologic substances can also minimize the chance of infection during the healing process due to their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Lower Dependency on Pain Medications

After a sports injury, doctors often prescribe opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain. However, these medications can have adverse side effects, especially if used for a long time. Orthobiologic treatments focus on the root cause of the injury and support natural healing, which can help alleviate pain and reduce the need for pain medications. 

Utilizing the Body's Natural Healing Components

Orthobiologic treatments use natural components of the body to help it heal itself. This means they are a safe option and reduce the risk of complications. Using the body's natural healing resources can lead to long-lasting and complete healing outcomes.

Sports Injuries That Can Be Treated With Orthobiologics

The following are the common sports injuries that can effectively be treated with orthobiologic approaches:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder that help provide stability and movement in the shoulder joint. Athletes, particularly those who engage in repetitive overhead motions like baseball, tennis, or swimming, are prone to developing rotator cuff tears. Orthobiologic injection can help jumpstart the healing process, reducing inflammation and promoting the overall repair of the injured tissue.
• Knee Injuries: Knee injuries are common among athletes. Orthobiologic treatments can significantly boost the healing process of the injured ligament or cartilage, reducing downtime and allowing athletes to return to their sports sooner.
• Achilles Tendinitis: This injury is an inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It primarily impacts athletes participating in running and jumping sports. Orthobiologics can help accelerate the healing and recovery process by reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of healthy tendon tissue.
• Joint Arthritis or Degeneration: Wear and tear on joint cartilage from years of athletic activity can lead to arthritis and degeneration. Orthobiologic treatments help restore lubrication and stimulate cartilage regeneration within the affected joint, alleviate pain, and improve overall joint function.

Tips for Orthobiologic Treatment Recovery

It's essential to follow proper post-treatment care guidelines to maximize the benefits of this innovative treatment. Here are some practical tips for facilitating recovery after orthobiologic treatment.

Rest and Immobilization

To avoid further damage to your joints, muscles, or tendons, it is recommended that you refrain from engaging in strenuous activities or exercises. If needed, your doctor may suggest using braces or crutches to provide support during the initial phase of recovery.

Apply Ice

Applying ice to the treated area can help reduce any pain or swelling you may experience after the procedure. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent frostbite, and apply it for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.

Gentle Range-of-Motion Exercises

Your healthcare provider may recommend specific exercises to help you maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness during recovery. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and avoid overexerting yourself. As you continue to heal, you can gradually increase the intensity of your activities, but only under the guidance and approval of your physician.

Take Prescribed Medications

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage pain, inflammation, or swelling. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about side effects.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Attending your follow-up appointments with your doctor is crucial. Your doctor will monitor your recovery progress and make any necessary adjustments to your post-treatment care. To assess how well your injury is healing and determine when you can safely return to your regular activities, your doctor may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A balanced diet and adequate hydration are crucial to promoting optimal recovery. Consume nutrient-dense foods, rich in vitamins and minerals to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Also, staying hydrated helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps your joints lubricated.

Physical Therapy

As you recover, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help restore strength in the treated area. Based on your specific injury and individual needs, a physical therapist will devise a customized exercise and rehabilitation program to ensure a safe and successful return to sports and daily activities.

Discover the Power of Orthobiologics

If you are suffering from a sports injury, and the traditional treatments are not providing relief, then it may be time to consider the potential of orthobiologics. At Chicago Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, we are committed to offering innovative and world-class medical care to treat various hip injuries, including those sustained by athletes. As a leading expert in the field, our facility welcomes numerous international and out-of-town patients every year.

Discover how the power of orthobiologics can enhance your body's natural healing process and get you back in the game faster. Contact us today.