Joint pain changes how people move through the world. For some, it starts as a dull ache in the knee after a long walk. For others, it builds over the years, creeping into daily routines until even standing becomes a negotiation. At a certain point, many are told the next step is surgery. But that step isn’t always the only one available.
Joint Replacement Has Its Place, But Also Its Costs
Surgical joint replacement is often recommended for advanced osteoarthritis and related conditions. It works. Many patients regain mobility and experience less pain. But it is major surgery. The risks include infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. The recovery can take months. And the artificial joint has a limited lifespan.
These procedures are not taken lightly. They are often the final step in a long process. The question some patients ask is whether that step can be postponed. Or avoided entirely.
A Different Approach at Regenerative Orthopedic Institute
At Regenerative Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, the goal is different. Instead of replacing joints, their treatments aim to preserve what is still working. The idea is simple. Use the body’s own healing capacity to manage pain and improve function before things reach the point of no return.
Dr. Erick Grana leads the institute. He has performed more than 15,000 spinal procedures and over 10,000 joint and tendon injections. The therapies offered include platelet-rich plasma, known as PRP, and a treatment called Regenajoint, which uses stem cells from the patient’s own body.
What Regenerative Medicine Does
The body already has tools for repair. Stem cells and platelets are part of that system. They respond to damage and help regulate inflammation. Injecting these cells into a damaged joint can shift the environment inside the joint space. It may not reverse damage that has already been done, but it can change what happens next.
Some cells send signals that tell nearby tissue to hold steady or even start repairing. Others work more quietly, reducing inflammation in the background. In practice, many patients report less stiffness and pain after PRP therapy for joint pain. Some are able to return to walking, biking, or working without constant discomfort.
The Research Behind It
Studies have shown promising results. Research published in the journal Medicine in 2020 found that mesenchymal stem cell implantation achieves better outcomes in patients with grade 3 knee osteoarthritis than those with grade 4, suggesting these treatments are effective in preventing or limiting the progression of knee osteoarthritis at the early stage. Other research points to reduced pain, improved range of motion, and better daily function.
It is not a cure. It does not rebuild cartilage from scratch. But it is a shift in strategy. The goal becomes maintenance rather than replacement.
Patients who want to know more about this approach can read about Regenajoint stem cell therapy.
Comparing the Two Paths
| Feature | Regenerative Therapy | Joint Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Injection-based | Invasive surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local | General or spinal |
| Recovery | Days to weeks | Months of rehab |
| Risks | Low (mild soreness) | Moderate to high |
| Outcome | Preserve joint | Replace joint |
| Best For | Mild to moderate damage | Severe degeneration |
| Repeatable? | Yes | Complex revision only |
Each option has a place. Surgery is often the right choice for those with severe, bone-on-bone degeneration. But for patients earlier in the process, regenerative care offers a chance to hold the line.
Not Every Patient Will Qualify
Stem cell and PRP therapies are not one-size-fits-all solutions. They work best in patients who still have some healthy joint structure. Those with full collapse of the joint or severe mechanical issues may not benefit as much.
A consultation is essential. Dr. Grana evaluates each patient using imaging, history, and a detailed physical exam. The goal is to find the right match between treatment and condition.
Those considering their options can explore patient success stories to hear how others approached the decision.
A Step Worth Considering
Regenerative medicine offers no guarantees. But for the right person, at the right time, it can delay surgery by years. In some cases, it can make surgery unnecessary. And because the procedures are low-risk and repeatable, they do not close the door to future options.
The next step is a conversation. Patients interested in learning more can schedule a consultation with Dr. Grana to see whether regenerative therapy fits their goals and condition.