How Can Cell Therapies Help Sports Injuries?
Knee and Shoulder: Two Common Cases Treated in Tijuana
Cellular therapies have transformed how we treat sports injuries, particularly in joints like the knee and shoulder. Using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and growth factors such as PRGF, recovery times can be reduced while improving pain and function. At Baja Regenerative, we have seen promising outcomes in both young athletes and active adults. This article reviews our clinical experience and scientific evidence supporting these treatments, offering a less invasive alternative with better outcomes than traditional surgery.
Persistent pain, long rehabilitation periods, and the possibility of surgery are common scenarios for many patients with sports injuries. However, regenerative medicine has opened new possibilities – less invasive options with shorter recovery times. At Baja Regenerative, located in Tijuana, we combine orthopedic clinical expertise with advanced biotechnology to offer cell therapies that accelerate and optimize recovery from joint injuries.
What Are Cell Therapies and How Do They Work in Sports Medicine?
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are specialized cells capable of modulating inflammation, stimulating tissue regeneration, and supporting the repair of damaged cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. Unlike conventional treatments, these therapies do not just aim to relieve pain – they promote the regeneration of the affected tissue.
At Baja Regenerative, we primarily use:
– Allogeneic or autologous MSCs, depending on the case.
– PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors), a purified and bioactive version of PRP that enhances regenerative effect and reduces pain.
These therapies are ideal for athletes, active adults, or individuals seeking to avoid or delay major surgical procedures.
Clinical Applications in Knee and Shoulder
Knee injuries – such as cartilage wear, sprains, or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries – and shoulder injuries – such as tendinitis or rotator cuff tears – are among the most common.
At our clinic, we use a personalized protocol that may include:
– 1 to 2 initial PRGF sessions to prepare the injured tissue.
– 1 joint infiltration combining MSCs + PRGF, adapted to the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, and activity level.
These infiltrations are performed on an outpatient basis and guided by ultrasound, allowing for precise application directly into the affected joint.
What About the Results?
One of our youngest patients, a 16-year-old athlete who recently underwent arthroscopic surgery for a torn ACL, received a single infiltration with PRGF and 10 million MSCs just 10 days after surgery. The result: full recovery in 40 days, with complete return to physical activity.
Although we do not have full details of his surgery performed in the U.S., his clinical progress was extraordinary and consistent with reports in the scientific literature.
While these results are individual, they align with various studies showing improvements in pain, functionality, and structural regeneration with the use of cell therapies in sports injuries.
What to Expect from the Treatment
– Outpatient procedure (no hospitalization required).
– Minimal discomfort post-application.
– Faster and more functional recovery.
– In many cases, reduction or elimination of anti-inflammatory use.
– An alternative to surgery or a complementary approach to enhance outcomes.
Conclusion
Regenerative medicine is transforming the way we treat sports injuries. Thanks to the combination of MSCs and growth factors, we can now repair and regenerate – not just relieve. At Baja Regenerative, we are committed to safe, effective treatments grounded in scientific evidence.
References
- Murray IR, et al. “Safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in orthopedic surgery.” J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016.
- Filardo G, et al. “Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular knee injections for the treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis.” Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011.
- Anz AW, et al. “The use of PRP in sports medicine: a review.” Clin J Sport Med. 2014.
- Wang Y, et al. “Intra-articular injection of autologous mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.” Arthritis Res Ther. 2017.
- Andia I, et al. “Regenerative medicine for tendon disorders: current options and future perspectives.” Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2015.
