At the Penn Regenerative Sports Medicine and Orthobiologics Program, we use leading non-surgical treatments to strengthen the body’s natural healing process. Whether you are sidelined with an injury, living with arthritis pain or recovering from surgery, our advanced methods can help you get on with life faster and heal more fully.
Regenerative medicine works to repair and regenerate tissue that has been damaged by disease, injury or congenital issues.
We offer safe, non-surgical treatment in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, using the platelets from your own blood. The platelets in your blood are a rich source of natural healing factors that your body uses to boost tissue regeneration, heal wounds and repair cartilage.
Our regenerative medicine program was developed by renowned sports medicine specialist Arsh S. Dhanota, MD, CAQSM, who spent years developing an exceptional protocol that is supported by – and even ahead of – leading research from around the world. Dr. Dhanota’s science-based treatments have yielded impressive results and helped patients of all ages and abilities get back in action.
Conditions Treated by the Penn Regenerative Sports Medicine Program
Our regenerative medicine team may recommend treatment for the following conditions but not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Recovery and rehabilitation after surgery
- Sports-related injuries
- Prevention of progression of osteoarthritis
Our team will provide a thorough examination to determine if you are a good candidate for regenerative medicine treatments. Once approved, a personalized treatment plan will be developed for each patient.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
PRP treatment begins with a simple blood draw. Your blood is then then transferred to a cutting-edge device which uses light sensors to separate your body's platelets from the other components of your blood.
Next, the separated PRP is injected into the site of your pain or injury, where it releases healing factors that help accelerate and augment the healing-regenerative process in the body. In some cases, ultrasound imaging is used to guide the PRP injection.
In a quick and simple outpatient procedure, PRP injections can help patients:
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed post-surgical recovery
- Increase flexibility and range of motion
- Improve balance and coordination
- Build strength
- Recover mobility
- Regenerate cartilage
Why Choose Penn's Regenerative Sports Medicine Program
Regenerative medicine research shows that the formulation of the platelet-rich plasma in the injection is a direct factor in the success of the treatment.
While most providers inject PRP at a set formulation for every patient, we use a unique protocol that personalizes the composition and concentration to the patient and condition being treated to achieve the best possible outcome. State-of-the-art injection equipment enables a higher precision of the injection itself, resulting in better results.
Since PRP treatments are developed according to each patient’s specific needs, procedure costs vary. Currently, regenerative medicine treatments are not covered by insurance and are an out-of-pocket expense.
The Penn Difference
Our program was founded and is directed by Arsh S. Dhanota, MD, CAQSM, a sports medicine specialist who has earned numerous awards for his work with patients and athletes of all ages, including NCAA Division I and professional athletes. Prior to entering the field of medicine, Dr. Dhanota was an electrical engineer and worked on the first fiberoptic network in the United States.
Dr. Dhanota spent more than five years researching and gathering data on the safest, most effective regenerative sports medicine and orthobiologic treatment methods from around the world. He has brought that knowledge back to Penn and developed the leading science-based program and most technologically advanced system in regenerative medicine.
The Regenerative Sports Medicine and Orthobiologics Program is also part of the Penn Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IRM), a world leader in the field of regenerative medicine.