Your Specialist for Advanced Healing Therapies
Stem Cell/PRP Injections in Buffalo, NY
For many people suffering from chronic joint pain or soft tissue injuries, the treatment options have often been limited to physical therapy, cortisone shots, or major surgery. While these methods can be effective, they don't always address the root cause of the problem or promote the body's own healing potential. The emerging field of orthobiologics offers a new approach, accelerating your body's natural healing agents as they repair damage, reduce pain, and restore function. This innovative science can be a powerful tool, but it requires the guidance of an experienced specialist who understands its proper application. This includes Stem Cell and PRP injections.
At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis combines his 25 years of expertise with cutting-edge regenerative medicine to offer patients advanced, non-surgical solutions. As a double fellowship-trained surgeon in sports medicine and foot/ankle surgery, he has a deep understanding of musculoskeletal injuries and how to optimize healing. Our solo practice provides a warm, friendly atmosphere where you receive direct, one-on-one care from Dr. Parentis at many of your visits. We are currently accepting new patients and are committed to exploring every option to help you find relief.
If you are searching for "PRP injections near me" and want a physician who will personally guide you through this advanced treatment, contact Buffalo Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation.
What Are PRP & Stem Cell Injections and How Do They Work?
Orthobiologics, a category that includes PRP and stem cell injections, are substances derived from the human body that orthopedic surgeons can use to help injuries heal more quickly. These substances consist of concentrated cells, proteins, and growth factors that are essential for tissue repair. The goal of orthobiologic treatment is to harness and amplify the body's natural healing process and apply it directly to the site of an injury. The two most common forms of orthobiologic injections are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This therapy begins by drawing a small sample of your own blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that signal the body to initiate a healing response. The resulting PRP is then injected into the injured area, such as a tendon or joint.
- Stem Cell Injections: Stem cells are the body's master cells, with the ability to develop into many different cell types. For orthopedic use, they are typically harvested from your own bone marrow or fat tissue. When injected into an injured area, these cells can help reduce inflammation and stimulate the repair of damaged cartilage, tendons, or ligaments.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
Exploring advanced healing options is simple at Buffalo Orthopedics. We are accepting new patients and are ready to help you determine if you are a candidate for orthobiologic treatment. Call our office to speak directly with our friendly staff, who can answer your questions about orthobiologic injections cost and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Parentis
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthobiologics
What Do Orthobiologic Injections Treat or Help With?
Orthobiologic injections are used to treat a wide range of chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions, often providing a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. They are particularly effective for conditions that have failed to respond to traditional treatments.
Common conditions treated with orthobiologics include:
- Osteoarthritis: Especially in the knee, hip, and shoulder, where injections can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Tendon Injuries: Chronic tendonitis conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and patellar tendonitis.
- Ligament Sprains: Partial tears of ligaments in the knee or ankle.
- Muscle Strains: Acute muscle injuries in athletes.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Persistent heel pain that hasn't responded to other treatments.
The primary goal is to promote true healing of the tissue, not just mask the pain, which can lead to long-lasting relief and improved function.
What Happens During an Orthobiologics Appointment?
Your initial appointment at Buffalo Orthopedics will likely be a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Parentis. He will take the time to understand your pain, your history of injury, and what treatments you have already tried. He believes that not everyone is a candidate for these therapies and that a thorough evaluation is key.
Dr. Parentis will perform a physical examination and review your imaging (X-rays or MRI) to determine if your condition is appropriate for orthobiologic treatment. If you are a good candidate, he will explain the specific procedure—whether PRP or stem cell therapy is better for you—and what you can expect. The injection itself is performed in the office. For PRP, your blood is drawn and processed. For stem cells, the cells are harvested, concentrated, and then precisely injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. You will be able to go home the same day.
Are Orthobiologic Treatments Safe?
Orthobiologic injections are considered very safe, primarily because they use healing agents sourced from your own body. This virtually eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction or disease transmission. The procedures are minimally invasive, involving only a blood draw or a small needle for harvesting and injection.
However, as with any injection-based procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation at the injection site. There may also be a temporary increase in pain and inflammation for a few days as the healing response is activated. Dr. Parentis is a fellowship-trained expert who performs these procedures with meticulous care to minimize any risks. He will discuss all safety aspects with you to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.
How are Orthobiologics Different from Cortisone Injections?
This is a crucial distinction. Cortisone is a powerful steroid that works by suppressing inflammation. It can provide rapid and significant pain relief, but it does not heal the underlying tissue damage. In fact, repeated cortisone injections can weaken tendons and cartilage over time. It is a temporary solution that masks the problem.
Orthobiologics work on a completely different principle. Instead of suppressing the body's response, they aim to stimulate and enhance it. PRP and stem cells deliver a high concentration of growth factors and healing cells directly to the injury to promote healing of the damaged tissue. While the pain relief from orthobiologics may be more gradual than with cortisone, the goal is long-term healing and possible structural improvement in the tissue, not just symptom management.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Orthobiologic Injections?
Recovery after an orthobiologic injection is different from surgery. There is typically no lengthy downtime. However, you will be advised to rest the treated area for a short period and avoid strenuous activities to allow the healing process to begin. You may experience some soreness at the injection site for a few days.
The healing process is gradual. You may not feel significant improvement for several weeks, as it takes time for the cells and growth factors to repair the tissue. Physical therapy is often recommended to complement the injection and help restore strength and mobility. Dr. Parentis will provide you with a specific post-procedure protocol. The full benefit of the treatment is often realized over 2 to 3 months.