By Allen 
Regenerative medicine is not without its accolades as a panacea to pain and trauma, but the truth is that a 35-year-old athlete who runs marathons and a 75-year-old retired person should be given entirely different treatments. The basic science, which is the application of the use of one’s own cell to fix the body, remains the same, but how we use it, what we want to accomplish, and the outcomes vary significantly with the stage in life.
It is important to learn about these differences, not only to set a personal record, but also to walk without pain. At the Restore Wellness Center, we will develop regenerative programs tailored to your needs.
The “Active Adult” Approach: Performance & Speed
The primary aim of active adults (ages 30-55) is to regain performance. Common acute injuries among these patients include torn ligaments, tendonitis, and premature wear and tear from overuse.
- Purpose: To resume sport or activity within the shortest time possible.
- Difficulty: Great hopes of quick recovery and an aversion to surgery.
- Treatment: Aggressive, focused therapies are employed with higher levels of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) used to expedite the process of healing soft-tissue injuries that would otherwise keep an athlete out for several months.
The “Aging Patient” Approach: Function & Longevity
In older patients (60+), the emphasis is on maintaining functionality. As we grow older, our inherent supply of stem cells dwindles, and the rate of healing reduces.
- Purpose: To decrease pain, enhance mobility, and be independent.
- Difficulty: Treating chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or neuropathy, in which the damage of the disease has built up over the years.
- Treatment: The approach focuses on the quality of life. We use regenerative injections with other supportive therapies. In an example, several of our patients with peripheral neuropathy in the clinic report that the combination of regenerative care and nerve stimulation helps them most with brief numbness and pain.
Key Differences in Treatment Approach
The primary disparity in the treatment plans of active adults and older patients is the target of the treatment plan. Active adults need to recover fast and perform well, whereas older patients need to live long and experience steady performance. Regenerative medicine enables doctors to develop therapies that are aligned with these objectives.
Conditions affecting nerves usually require various treatments depending on an individual’s age and the severity of symptoms. The specialized peripheral neuropathy clinics are thus very essential in determining the condition of the nerves and whether the nerve regenerative options will be applicable to them or not.
Why Customization Matters
One size does not fit all. A more advanced patient may require a boosted protocol, i.e., using allograft tissue or increased cell sources, since their own autologous cells may be less responsive. A young adult may just require a specific PRP injection to stimulate a tendon that has stopped.
We are also structural support providers. Misaligned joints also tend to increase pain, and hence visiting the best chiropractor in Scottsdale is also a holistic strategy. The realignment of the skeleton helps the new tissue heal without the strain that caused the injury in the first place.
The Role of Neuropathy in Aging
Nerve damage is one of the major distinctions of older patients. Neuropathy is progressive, unlike sports injuries. Clinics of peripheral neuropathy are essential due to the fact that regenerative medicine has the capacity to repair the small vessels that supply nerves, addressing the initial cause of numbness rather than the symptoms.
This problem does not often occur in active adults either, and therefore, their treatment plan is oriented toward musculoskeletal concerns almost solely.
Conclusion
Regenerative medicine provides an alternative to surgery and medication, whether you are a weekend warrior or in your golden years. The trick is having a team that is aware of the intricacies of your biology.
At Restore Wellness Center, we combine the experience of the peripheral neuropathy clinics with the structural care provided by the best chiropractor in Scottsdale, and combine them to make a fully tailored treatment plan. Speak with us now and today to find out how our customized solution can make your best life pain-free.