• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Providers
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • Schedule Appointment
  • Services
    • Sports Medicine & non-surgical Orthopedics
      • PRP Injections
      • MFAT Injections
      • Prolotherapy
      • Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling
      • Chiropractic
      • Physical Therapy
      • Shockwave Therapy
      • Massage Therapy
      • MSK Ultrasound
      • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
    • Functional Medicine
      • IV Nutritional Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
      • Acupuncture
      • Nutrition
      • Hormone testing & Functional Labs
      • Massage Therapy
    • Aesthetics
      • Look Better Membership
      • PRP + PRF Skin Rejuvenation
      • PRP + PRF Hair Restoration
      • Injectables
      • Cosmetic Laser
      • Advanced Aesthetics & Clinical Skincare
      • Clinical Skincare
  • Shop Products
    • SkinBetter Science
    • Epionce Skincare
    • Fullscript Supplements
  • About
    • About
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Providers
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • Schedule Appointment
  • Services
    • Sports Medicine & non-surgical Orthopedics
      • PRP Injections
      • MFAT Injections
      • Prolotherapy
      • Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling
      • Chiropractic
      • Physical Therapy
      • Shockwave Therapy
      • Massage Therapy
      • MSK Ultrasound
      • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
    • Functional Medicine
      • IV Nutritional Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
      • Acupuncture
      • Nutrition
      • Hormone testing & Functional Labs
      • Massage Therapy
    • Aesthetics
      • Look Better Membership
      • PRP + PRF Skin Rejuvenation
      • PRP + PRF Hair Restoration
      • Injectables
      • Cosmetic Laser
      • Advanced Aesthetic Services
      • Clinical Skincare
  • Shop Products
    • SkinBetter Science
    • Epionce Skincare
    • Fullscript Supplements
  • 503-232-5653
  • Schedule Now
  • Request Consultation

Understanding Regenerative Injection Therapy

By FoRM Health | March 12, 2025

By Dr. Ryan Minarik, LAc

A Guide to Pain Relief and Injury Recovery

Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT) is a non-surgical treatment designed to promote healing and reduce pain by stimulating the body’s natural repair processes.

Techniques such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolotherapy, and Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) use the body’s own biological materials to enhance tissue regeneration, potentially benefiting those with joint pain, tendon injuries, or chronic inflammation.  Dr. Minarik and his team have over 18 years experience in orthopedic and sports medicine injections, treating thousands of patients with these advanced therapies.  So we have plenty of clinical cases to support their effectiveness but let’s delve into some supporting research that suggests that RIT can help improve function and aid recovery in conditions like arthritis and sports injuries (there’s plenty, but for brevity we’ve highlighted a few below).

Supporting Research

A 2024 narrative review highlighted that PRP therapy might enhance healing in meniscal injuries, with studies under one year showing significant improvements in knee symptoms and daily activities [1]. Research from 2022 demonstrated that PRP injections significantly reduced pain and improved functional scores in knee osteoarthritis patients over six months [2]. A 2024 study indicated that higher platelet concentrations in PRP injections correlated with better clinical outcomes, suggesting that optimizing platelet dose could enhance treatment effectiveness [3]. Additionally, a 2021 study found that a single PRP injection provided significant pain relief and functional improvement in early knee osteoarthritis patients, with effects lasting up to one year [4].

There is also growing evidence suggesting that PRP may contribute to cartilage regeneration. A 2022 study found that intra-articular PRP injections led to significant improvements in pain, joint stiffness, and daily activities for knee osteoarthritis patients, while also contributing to cartilage repair and regeneration, as observed through ultrasonography [5]. A review published the same year highlighted that most studies reported PRP having a positive effect on cartilage injuries and joint function [6].

PRP has also been extensively studied for tendon healing, with research demonstrating its effectiveness in treating partial tendon tears. Studies have shown that PRP injections can reduce tear size and improve function in conditions such as partial supraspinatus tendon tears [7] and Achilles tendon injuries [8]. A systematic review also suggests that PRP may help alleviate pain in rotator cuff tendinopathy [9], while case reports highlight its potential for accelerating recovery in professional athletes with partial tendon ruptures.

Prolotherapy has been around since the 1950s (!) and is a remarkably simple but highly effective technique using concentrated dextrose.  As a result, studies are limited with lack of drug company funding, but an older study demonstrated a significant increase in both the mass and thickness of ligaments following prolotherapy treatments, as confirmed through microscopic analysis [10]. Prolotherapy has also been shown to promote ligament repair by thickening and tightening ligaments, as well as strengthening the ligament-bone interface, known as the fibro-osseous junction [11]. These studies suggest that prolotherapy may be an effective non-surgical option for individuals experiencing ligament laxity or chronic musculoskeletal pain where ligaments are weakened or degenerating.

Another promising regenerative therapy is Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT). This treatment involves harvesting a patient’s fat tissue, which is then processed to isolate regenerative cells that can aid in tissue repair. Unlike traditional stem cell therapy, MFAT preserves the natural environment of these cells, allowing them to function more effectively. Studies have shown that MFAT injections may help reduce pain and improve function in osteoarthritis patients by providing cushioning and promoting joint healing [12]. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential for long-term cartilage regeneration, joint preservation, and tendon, ligament, labral, and meniscal repair.

What about Exosomes, Peptides, or Umbilical Cord Stem Cells?

While regenerative medicine continues to evolve, FoRM Health does not currently use exosomes, peptide injections, or umbilical cord stem cells for orthopedic conditions due to several key reasons. First, legal regulations surrounding these treatments remain unclear, and the FDA has not approved them for orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions outside of clinical trials [13]. Second, there is a lack of high-quality, peer-reviewed human studies demonstrating their safety and efficacy for these applications. Most available research is either preclinical or limited in scope, making it difficult to determine consistent, reliable outcomes. Lastly, efficacy concerns remain, as current data does not conclusively show that these treatments provide superior benefits compared to established options like PRP, prolotherapy, and MFAT. At FoRM Health, we prioritize evidence-based therapies backed by rigorous scientific research to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.  As research evolves, however, we may offer one or more of these therapies so stay tuned!

The FoRM Approach

Because the effectiveness of RIT depends on both the severity and specific condition being treated, FoRM Health requires a comprehensive exam and intake prior to performing any procedures. Complementary treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic rehab, as well as necessary surgical consults, are always considered.  This ensures that each patient receives a personalized approach tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, diagnostic ultrasound plays a crucial role in evaluating soft tissue injuries and guiding treatment decisions. Image-guided injections further enhance precision, ensuring that regenerative therapies are delivered accurately to the targeted areas, maximizing their effectiveness and potential benefits.  Finally, we optimize our results further by using high-dose PRP for optimal platelet concentration and FDA-cleared processing devices for safety.

Contact our front desk today for more information or schedule a visit to treat that chronic injury or arthritis that just isn’t going away so you can Move Better and Feel Better!

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36813547/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35189154/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37456894/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33842442/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35689457/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35147447/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9908802/
  8. https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/4973
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6339617/
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6887078/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27011787/
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32412345/
  13. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/public-safety-notification-exosome-products

Recent Posts

Skin Goals + Preventing Sick Days? You Can Do Both – Key Nutrients That Boost Immunity and your Skin’s Glow 

SKIN CLUES & BEAUTY BLUES: What Acne, Redness & Puffiness Are Trying to Tell You about your Health!

ALWAYS FATIGUED? It may be a chronic infection!

What is Prolotherapy? A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

Chiropractic Massage Therapy Portland, OR

Understanding Regenerative Injection Therapy

READY to FEEL Better?

Receive our FREE (+ delicious) 5-day anti-inflammatory meal plan when you join our community

*By providing your email address here, you are opting in to receive our monthly newsletter

Feeling run down, vulnerable to every bug going ar Feeling run down, vulnerable to every bug going around, or just wanting a proactive boost?

💉 Our IV Wellness Boosts deliver targeted nutrients to boost your immune system — fast.

Think:
⚡ Vitamin C
⚡ Magnesium
⚡ B vitamins
⚡ Glutathione

Unlike oral supplements, IV therapy bypasses digestion and sends immune-supportive nutrients straight into your bloodstream for optimal utilization.

🧠 Great for:

✔️ Post-illness recovery
✔️ Allergy relief
✔️ Ongoing autoimmune support
✔️ Travel prep or burnout prevention

👩‍⚕️ Learn about our wellness boost formulas and schedule with an IV specialist.

📍Book now with us at FoRM Health:
👉 formhealthpdx.com/iv-nutrition-therapy-portland/

#FormHealthPDX #IVTherapy #ImmuneSupport #NutrientInfusion #PortlandWellness #IntegrativeMedicine #FunctionalHealth #IVVitaminTherapy #feelbetter #feelbetterlookbetter #ivnutrition #naturopathicdoctor
Allergies are the WORST. 🤧 But there are a few Allergies are the WORST. 🤧 But there are a few simple solutions to help your sinuses feel way better. We love using NeilMed Sinus Rinse at FoRM! Couldn’t be easier to use. If you need whole body allergy season care — come see us. We’ll take care of your immune system, clear your sinuses, & get you feeling ready to play outside! 

📍Portland Based | Functionally Focused
📞Call us at 503-232-5356 for more info 
🔗Schedule with link in bio
What if your immune system wasn’t “weak”… What if your immune system wasn’t “weak”… but confused?🤔 

Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues.

Instead of just fighting off a foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria, it sees you as the threat.

Common root triggers include:

🚨 Gut imbalances (leaky gut, SIBO)
🌫️ Environmental toxins (like mold)
🍽️ Inflammatory foods
😫 Chronic stress & hormone imbalance

The good news? You can help mellow out an overactive immune system by addressing the underlying immune offenders listed above. It’s not a process that happens over night but takes time, with a step-by-step approach.

A food place to start? With nutrition and functional foods! 🥦

👩‍⚕️ Learn how to support your immune health naturally in our latest blog:

👉 Eat Your Way to a Healthy Immune System (link to blog in our bio)

📍Portland-based, functionally focused. Let’s heal at the root.

#FormHealthPDX #AutoimmuneSupport #RootCauseMedicine #ImmuneHealth #AntiInflammatoryDiet #FunctionalMedicine #PortlandWellness #feelbetter #formhealth #sellwoodmoreland #naturopathicdoctor #naaturopathicmedicine #ivtherapy
Exposing offenders that may be hijacking your immu Exposing offenders that may be hijacking your immune system 🦠

You’re doing “everything right,” but you still feels off and your dealing with chronic symptoms…

👀 Brain fog
😴 Low energy
🤪Worsening hormonal symptoms
🤧 Allergies or weird sensitivities
💥Joint pain
💢 Autoimmune flares

⚠️ It could be more than stress or seasonal changes.

At FoRM, we often see these chronic immune offenders at the root of chronic, recurring symptoms:

🦠 Chronic infections (like Epstein-Barr, Lyme, or C*vid)
🌫️ Mold exposure – especially from homes or workplaces
🦠 Gut imbalance – which can weaken your frontline defenses

These aren’t always obvious — and they’re often missed by conventional testing. But they can quietly keep your immune system stuck in fight mode.

Read the latest blog (link in bio) to learn more about chronic fatigue and a possible underlying cause: Chronic infections

🔍 At FoRM Health, we help you uncover hidden triggers and restore function of our vital systems!

📞 Book a new naturopathic medicine visit today — feel better, sooner!

#FormHealthPDX #ImmuneHealth #ChronicIllness #MoldToxicity #moldillness #chronicinfection # #RootCauseHealing #FunctionalMedicine #PortlandWellness #feelbetter
LOW HISTAMINE RECIPE: Chicken Mango Cabbage Wrap 🥬🥭🍗
- access full recipe using link in bio!

🤔 Ever feel like you have mysterious symptoms such as headaches 🤕, random reactions to food🤢, fatigue 😴 or sudden anxiety 😰? 
You might be dealing with a histamine overload problem, which occurs when your body makes too much and/or can’t break down histamine fast enough. 

Too much histamine can trigger reactions all over the body, often affecting your skin, heart, brain, circulation, gut and more!

Common signs to watch for include:
* 🤕 Headaches or migraines
* 🤢 Digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea)
* 🤧 Itchy skin, rashes
* 😴 Fatigue or brain fog
* 😰 Anxiety or mood swings

Since these symptoms overlap with manage other conditions, it’s easy to assume it’s “just an allergy” or something else. 

That’s where FoRM Health can help! 

Our naturopathic doctors and functional nutritionist can help recognize a histamine overload picture and recommend a low histamine diet, along with additional functional labs and helpful therapies.

Don’t suffer in silence. 💜 FoRM Health is here to help you identify and manage histamine intolerance with a plan just for YOU!

#HistamineIntolerance #Allergies #GutHealth #Wellness #FunctionalMedicine #FoRMHealth #HealthTips #feelbetter #lowhistaminediet #functionalnutrition
It’s that time of year again 😣 🤧 Seasonal It’s that time of year again 😣

🤧 Seasonal allergies aren’t just annoying — they’re a sign your immune system is easily triggered.

When you come into contact with allergens like pollen or pet dander, your body releases histamine — a natural chemical that kicks off an inflammatory reaction:

🔁 Sneezing
🔁 Congestion
🔁 Itchy eyes
🔁 Fatigue
🔁 Brain fog

For some, that histamine response is dialed way too high — and it can be made worse when:

✔️ Your gut is out of balance
✔️ Your liver detox pathways are slow
✔️ Hormones are out of whack and stress high

💡Here at FoRM Health, we go beyond allergy meds. 
We dig deeper to understand why your body is reacting — and how to calm the chaos long-term.

📍 Portland’s premier integrative & functional medicine clinic
📞 Book online or call us to start your personalized plan

#FormHealthPDX #Allergies #HistamineHealth #FunctionalMedicine #SpringAllergies #formhealth #PortlandWellness #RootCauseHealing #feelbetter
✨ QUIZ TIME! ✨ What can Platelet-Rich Therapi ✨ QUIZ TIME! ✨

What can Platelet-Rich Therapies (PRP & PRF) be used for…?

A) Smoother + healthier skin ✨
B) Hair regrowth + stronger strands 💇‍♀️
C) Faster recovery from injuries 
D) Joint & Pelvic Floor Pain Relief💪
F) All of the Above
What’s your guess? Drop it in the comments! 👇

Platelet-Rich therapies are one of the most powerful regenerative treatments out there, harnessing your body’s own healing factors to restore, rejuvenate, and repair—naturally!

📍 Interested in Regenerative Medicine for Pain relief + Aesthetics?
Book a consultation at Form Health today! Visit the link in bio for more info.

#PRPtherapy #FormHealth #PRF #PRPhairrestoration #PRFhairrestoration #PRPforHealing #NaturalRejuvenation #PortlandAesthetics #sportsmedicine #RegenerativeMedicine #LookBetterFeelBetter #TopForm
GloW Up: 💡 Did you know we can make you glow??? GloW Up:
💡 Did you know we can make you glow???
If you want brighter, firmer, more even-toned skin, this is the ultimate glow-boosting package. Perfect for events, self-care, or just feeling like your best self!

🌟 What’s included?
✔ Custom Facial – Smooth, Hydrate + Tone your skin with this advance aesthetic facial made just for you!
✔ LED Light Therapy – Improve skin barrier health, stimulate cellular renewal + GLoW!
✔ Bonus Discounts on Skincare + Botox® – Maximize your glow with clinical skincare routine + optional anti-wrinkle treatment

Get camera-ready skin that’s dewy, smooth, and fresh—no filters needed.
📲 Ready to glow? Book today using link in bio!

#GlowUpPDX #SkincareGoals #PortlandFacials #RadiantSkin #FormHealthAesthetics #HealthyGlow #epionce #skinbetter #glowup #lookbetterfeelbetter #botox #xeomin #dermaplaning #ledfacial #microcurrent #btsculpt
📣 Tuesday Testimonial 📣 Our certified advan 📣 Tuesday Testimonial 📣

Our certified advance aesthetician — O’Brien Kersten — will make you feel seen + heard while providing excellent care for your skin health! With a wonderful intersection of customized facials & craniosacral — you’ll instantly look AND feel better. 🧖‍♀️ ✨
Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture • In T Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture
•
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your skin’s health is deeply connected to the health of your Lungs and Liver : 

💨 The Lungs rule the skin
In TCM, your lungs control the skin and pores. If they’re weak or dry, you might see dryness, dullness, or eczema flare-ups.
👉 Nourish your lungs with:
• White foods like pears, almonds, radish
• Hydrating herbs like lily bulb and tremella mushroom
• Deep breathing + fresh air (ditch the screens, take a walk!)

🌿 The Liver controls the flow of Qi and blood
A stagnant liver can lead to breakouts, redness, hormonal acne, and a tired-looking complexion.
👉 Support your liver with:
• Leafy greens (dandelion, spinach, chrysanthemum)
• Sour foods like lemon or hawthorn
• Stress relief! Try journaling, movement, or acupuncture

💧 Bonus tip: Drink warm water with goji berries + chrysanthemum to hydrate the skin, soothe the liver, and clear heat.

#skinrejuvenation #tcmskincare #holisticskincare
#facialrejuvenation #lookbetterfeelbetter #lookbetter #formhealth
✨ New to Aesthetics at FoRM? Start Here….✨ ✨ New to Aesthetics at FoRM? Start Here….✨

Here’s a sneak peek into the Custom Combo experience at FoRM! 

The Custom Combo is a fan favorite for its versatility + value — it combines 4-5 advanced aesthetic techniques, which would individually cost $150/treatment, for $225. Not to mention the relaxation factor with the bonus addition of craniosacral therapy. 

This comprehensive session begins with a detailed skin assessment, followed by a tailored blend of aesthetic therapies designed to address your unique skin goals and adapt to seasonal changes.

Whether you’re aiming to rejuvenate, hydrate, or refresh, the Custom Combo offers a curated experience to meet your needs. 

It’s also the cornerstone of our Look Better Memberships, providing consistent, customized care for lasting transformation.

Ready to embark on your skincare journey? 

Book your Custom Combo today and discover the FoRM difference.

#FoRMHealth #CustomCombo #biotherapeutics #skinbetter #LookBetterMembership #AestheticJourney #SkinCare #PortlandAesthetics #GlowUp #Skinrehab #agedefy#PersonalizedSkinCare #SeasonalSkinCare #RadiantSkin
💖 Happy Gut = Happy Skin! 💖 📣 We can’t 💖 Happy Gut = Happy Skin! 💖

📣 We can’t stress enough how important the gut-skin axis is!! 

🦠A balanced gut-microbiome makes metabolites like short-chain fatty acids that calm inflammation, energize our cells, & support your skin barrier. 

💥 An out of balance gut microbiome means more inflammation, inflam-aging of the skin, & flare ups like we see in acne, eczema, or psoriasis. 

Keep your gut happy! Research shows
😃 probiotics,
😃 fermented foods,
😃 fiber-rich foods, 
😃 colorful foods,
😃 hydrating
😃 & lowering sugar, processed foods, + dairy (for some) consumption can take care of your gut so it takes care of your skin. 

Nutrition + functional medicine can truly help you glow from within! ✨ ✨

Site Menu

  • About
  • Services
  • Providers
  • Blog
  • Contact

Patient Menu

  • New Patients
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Contact

Phone

(503) 232-5653

Fax

(503) 234-6094

Hours

Mon–Fri 9am-6pm
Saturday 10am-2pm

Office

FoRM Health
8113 SE 13th Ave
Portland, Oregon
97202

Location

Conveniently located in the beautiful Sellwood neighborhood of Southeast Portland.  Easy access to the Lake Oswego, Oregon City and the entire Portland Metro.

Copyright © 2025 FoRM Health. All Rights Reserved.

Get our newsletter