Regenerative Medicine
The University of Kentucky Interventional Pain Medicine program offers regenerative medicine treatments designed to help the body heal naturally.
These minimally invasive treatments may be an option for people with ongoing joint pain, arthritis or injuries to the tendons, ligaments or spine.
As part of your care plan, these treatments could help reduce pain, improve movement and support your recovery. They may provide relief when other treatments have not worked well.
Conditions commonly treated
Regenerative medicine therapies may be an option for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Ongoing joint pain
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Myofascial pain conditions
- Selected spine and sacroiliac joint conditions
Your treatment plan will be based on your symptoms, imaging results, past treatments, anatomy and goals for improving function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses concentrated platelets and growth factors taken from a patient’s own blood to support healing and tissue recovery.
Platelets are naturally involved in the body’s healing process. They contain signaling proteins and growth factors that may help support tissue repair.
How PRP therapy works
During the procedure, we:
- Take a blood sample using sterile technique.
- Process the sample to concentrate platelets and growth factors.
- Inject the platelet-rich plasma into the targeted area.
- We often use imaging during PRP injections so we can see the area being treated and place the injection precisely where it is needed.
PRP may be an option for selected:
- Joint conditions
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Musculoskeletal pain conditions
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses injections to help strengthen injured or weakened tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, joints and connective tissue. The goal is to support healing and improve stability in areas that have ongoing pain or weakness.
Prolotherapy may be an option for selected:
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon disorders
- Joint instability
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions
Image-guided regenerative procedures
We often use imaging tools to guide regenerative medicine treatments, including:
- Ultrasound guidance
- Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance
These tools help us see the treatment area clearly and place injections more accurately.
What to expect
These procedures are usually outpatient, with patients going home the same day.
Recovery and activity guidelines are different for each patient. Because these treatments support your body's natural healing process, it may take time to notice improvement.
Insurance coverage
Some regenerative medicine treatments may not be fully covered by insurance. Depending on your treatment and insurance plan, you may have out-of-pocket costs.
Our team will help you understand your options, what your insurance may cover, and any costs you may be responsible for.
Risks
Risks are usually low but may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary soreness
- Bruising
- Incomplete symptom relief
- Temporary increase in pain
Your doctor will review the risks and benefits of treatment when evaluating you.
Multidisciplinary musculoskeletal care
Our specialists work together to design a care plan based on your symptoms and needs. They offer a variety of treatment options for muscle, joint and bone pain, including:
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation strategies
- Medication management
- Image-guided injections
- Regenerative medicine and orthobiologic therapies
- Ultrasound-guided procedures
- Minimally invasive interventions