Where regenerative medicine and orthobiologics fit in …

Treatment providers know that some injuries and illnesses remain unresolved even after multiple forms of mitigation are attempted. Much to the patients dismay, they simply may be unable to find relief through chiropractic care, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, nutrition balance and many other forms of treatment. The effects of car accidents, for example, can cause a lifetimes worth of neck and back numbness, tingling and headaches. At this point, it is time to pose the option of regenerative medicine and orthobiologics to alleviate symptoms and help the body heal from within.1

Regenerative interventional orthopedics is an emerging field, which includes the injections of orthobiologics (such as bone-marrow concentrate and platelet-rich plasma). Commonly, it is used to enhance strength, improve mobility, treat injuries and mitigate chronic conditions.

Often, when people think of regenerative medicine, stem cells come to mind. However, many forms of this treatment pre-date stem cell research. Previously-introduced methods have become more commonplace over the years.

Here are several types available today, some of which are commonplace in a musculoskeletal-based regenerative medicine practice:

As evident, there are many different types of regenerative medicine, and the applications are vast in regard to its benefits and ways in which chiropractors can integrate with this form of treatment. Furthermore, regenerative therapy and research show no signs of slowing. The benefits can mean the difference between a life of pain and one of recovery.

Some benefits of regenerative medicine that have been shown in the literature include:3

These are all tremendous benefits that extend beyond palliative care and are viable options for a chiropractor to consider working with or referring out for.

While the requirements to administer regenerative medicine treatment are typically beyond the training and scope of practice of most chiropractors, there is a perfect relationship between regenerative medicine and chiropractic care. Chiropractors have the ability to refer out to a medical provider who performs regenerative medicine as well as employ providers depending on the state in which they are located and licensed.

It is important to remember and confirm with the state board in which a chiropractor is licensed regarding the scope of practice in that state and any laws or statutes regarding administering, referring, managing or hiring a provider who performs regenerative medicine. Limiting the risk of injury to patients by adhering to the laws and statutes is an important part of the patient experience and will keep your practice legal and compliant.

Additionally, clinics that often provide regenerative medicine and orthobiologics use MRIs, ultrasounds and fluoroscopy before delivering any injections, which is another step in the process to consider when arranging any regenerative medicine services in your clinic.

In addition to continually defining emerging standards, it is important that chiropractors cooperate with different health professionals when treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. When chiropractors partner with regenerative medicine doctors, they are able to provide a number of additional patient benefits including enhanced medical opinions regarding diagnosis and treatment as well as providing more services for the patient. This is incredibly helpful as each provider has a similar goal in mind.

Regenerative medicine parallels chiropractic medicine because both aim to treat root causes of a patients conditions.1 Regenerative medicine does this by replacing lost cells or organs, whereas chiropractic does so via manipulation and alignment of the body.

While some chiropractors work solo or with other chiropractors, they are increasingly integrating with other health professionals to offer a more comprehensive treatment for pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. This integration can be achieved by working together in a multi-specialty or multidisciplinary spine clinic.6

The goal and scope of regenerative medicine physicians and chiropractors are complementary. Both fields aim to change the way things are done in a non-pharmacological and non-surgical manner by:

Regenerative medicines are used to replenish, strengthen and heal tissues, muscles and tendons. They also help treat injured, weakened and compromised joints. The chiropractic profession has intentionally sought to circumvent the use of non-narcotic and non-surgical care in favor of a system that improves the bodys ability to heal itself. This makes sense given chiropractors focus on anatomy and the self-healing capabilities of the body.

Furthermore, regenerative medicine and orthobiologics have great potential to treat several health conditions outside the scope of treatment for a chiropractor but well suited for a referral such as diabetes, heart diseases, and emphysema.

The aim of chiropractors and regenerative medicine physicians are similar. Both aim to treat conditions without surgical or pharmacological intervention.

Here is an example of how a chiropractor and regenerative medicine professional can work together: Say, for instance, a patient has a neck injury that has caused a measurable degree of instability in the cervical or lumbar spine. Intervention will be used to re-establish the patients comfort and range of motion. However, knowing that the tissues in the neck are damaged, the chiropractor and regenerative medicine specialist decide to take a collaborative approach by creating a plan that includes information from the MRI, examination, and patient history.

The chiropractor will conduct the manipulation of the spine and the regenerative medicine specialist will direct injections to the small ligaments and tissues that are generally damaged in injured spines. These processes complement each other and increase the patients long-term outcomes.

As patient care continues to evolve and patients seek additional treatment options, there are numerous ways for regenerative medicine and orthobiologics to begin integrating with chiropractic offices. Begin your search by meeting with your local regenerative medicine or pain management practitioners and discussing a collaboration as the integrative model of care is on the rise.

ANTHONY CRIFASE, DC, CNS, DACBN, LDN, is the director of professional relations of DocShop Pro. He is double board-certified in clinical nutrition and maintains an active chiropractic practice in Denver, Colo. With experience in multiple different industries and as a seasoned chiropractor who understands the ins and outs of practice management, he is on a mission to help other practitioners maximize their time, revenue and systems. Learn more at docshoppro.com.

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Where regenerative medicine and orthobiologics fit in ...