State of Regenerative Medicine in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Practice

Musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause of morbidity in our healthcare system today. The field of regenerative medicine (RM) has become an emerging treatment option in the musculoskeletal rehabilitation practice. Regenerative interventions include multiple injections prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma, autologous whole blood, hyaluronic acid, and mesenchymal stem cells. We review the highest level evidence to date in each of the aforementioned treatments. Early studies have provided encouraging results in treating a variety of injuries and conditions. Specific outcomes are variable and depend on interventions and outcome measures. RM is a rapidly expanding field, and with continued research efforts to determine mechanisms, indications, and dosing, it may become a more widely accepted treatment option.