Alternatives to Meniscectomy
The meniscus is the C-shaped section of cartilage in your knee that acts like a shock absorber. If you’re suffering from a meniscus tear, conventional medicine will typically present two options: physical therapy or meniscectomy. Physical therapy primarily aims to strengthen the surrounding muscles, which helps take the strain off the tear. A meniscectomy involves surgically removing some or all of your torn meniscus.
Unfortunately, a meniscectomy is permanent. Although it’s typically an outpatient procedure, recovery can take one to two months or even more. Moreover, some patients who go through a meniscectomy are more prone to developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
The good news is that you’re not limited to just these two options to heal your injury. A qualified integrative specialist in your neighborhood will inform you about less invasive treatments that bring long-term healing.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Meniscus Tears
One holistic solution for a torn meniscus that’s minimally invasive and without serious risks is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. This therapy involves drawing plasma from your blood, concentrating it, and injecting it directly into the tear.
PRP shots, available in Cincinnati, have numerous beneficial growth factors that promote a “healing response” in the joint. Because of the location of a meniscus tear, it’s difficult for the body to repair it on its own. However, when your doctor injects plasma directly into the injured joint, you can recover fully without surgery.
Meniscus Tears and Stem Cell Treatment
Another alternative for meniscus tears is stem cell therapy, also available in your area. In this procedure, a clinician qualified to perform stem cell treatments will extract cells from your body and inject them into the injured joint. This remedy is like PRP but much more potent. Some patients receive an injection with both stem cells and PRP for a better response.
Comprehensive Healing for a Torn Meniscus
At Blatman Health and Wellness Center, we combine holistic treatments with other therapies, including nutritional consultations, herbal supplements, physical exercise, and more. Proper recovery from a torn meniscus or other injury requires more than addressing the pain. It involves facilitating healing for the whole person. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about our holistic approaches.
