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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

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Injury prevention part 1. This is what injury pre Injury prevention part 1.

This is what injury prevention looks like for a 40-something soccer player who likes to train hard (sprint intervals and heavy-ish weights 3-4/wk) in between games and has a history of partial quad, hamstring and calf tears.

Chiropractic care with @drpaulmolina about 2 hours after a hard training session includes:

🙌🏽 Soft tissue mobilization/ manual therapy to release tension throughout the muscle and fascia in the overworked areas like hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.

💪 Chiropractic adjustments to improve mobility of hips and spine joint to allow for better mechanics.

🙆‍♀️ PT exercises for homework to offset the regular wear and tear.

Staying active and injury-free requires a concerted effort but so worth it! No injuries this soccer season!

Prevention is the best medicine!

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Prevention, the best medicine for injuries! We be Prevention, the best medicine for injuries!

We believe the best approach to injury is prevention. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a dedicated athlete, a busy parent or simply looking to stay active and pain-free, regular care can make all the difference.

Our injury-preventing services—dry needling acupuncture (with or without manual therapy), chiropractic care with manual therapy—help maintain mobility, correct imbalances and faulty movement patterns, and keep your body resilient.

Outside of the clinic, building muscle on your own time is a must if you want to set yourself up for injury resiliency. Strong muscles stabilize joints, support better movement patterns, and helps buffer the physical wear and tear that can lead to injury.

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Think injury prevention is only for hardcore athle Think injury prevention is only for hardcore athletes?

Think again.

🧑‍💻 Desk job causing back pain?
🧍‍♀️ Lifting toddlers or groceries?
⛰️ Love weekend hikes but wake up sore?
👟 Starting to notice joint stiffness as you age?
⛹🏽‍♂️Enjoy a friendly competition on the weekends?

FoRM’s team of integrative practitioners works with people at every stage of fitness to help prevent injuries before they start—so you can keep doing what you love, in top FoRM!

#FoRMHealth #PainFreeLiving #formhealth #formhealthpdx #TopForm #sellwoodmoreland #movebetter #FeelBetterMoveBetter #painfreenaturally #healnaturally #prp #regenerativemedicine #orthopedicmedicine #nonsurgicalsolutions#acupuncture #dryneedling #guasha #cupping #chiropracticcare #physicaltherapy #sportschiropractor #massagetherapy
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Prevention is the best medicine—especially when Prevention is the best medicine—especially when it comes to staying active.
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For the month of June, we’ll highlight how FoRM can help you stay injury-free!

Here are the top injury-preventing services at FoRM:

🪡dry-needling and sports acupuncture 
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🔍 Curious what your personalized prevention plan looks like? Let’s talk.

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🌿 Modified Autoimmune Protocol 🌿 If you’r 🌿 Modified Autoimmune Protocol 🌿

If you’re struggling with auto-immunity & want to give your gut a reset — The AIP diet helps calm inflammation + supports your immune system by removing common triggers & focusing on nutrient-dense, healing foods. 🥑 

🛑 Avoid:
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• Dairy + Eggs
• Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)
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• Sugar

✅ Load up on:
• Leafy greens & colorful veggies
• Wild-caught fish & grass-fed meats
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• Hemp, Chia, Pumpkin seeds

AIP is just a pause to discover your triggers & what your body loves so you can feel nourished + grounded 💚

Think this might be of benefit? Schedule with our nutritionist to learn more about personalized recommendations + AIP meal planning. 

📞 503-233-5356
🔗 Link in bio to schedule online!
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📍Book now with us at FoRM Health:
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📍Portland Based | Functionally Focused
📞Call us at 503-232-5356 for more info 
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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:

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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

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