Regenerative medicine procedures use the body’s own cells to facilitate healing. When injected into an injured site, these concentrated cells release growth factors and other components at the site to start the body’s natural healing response.

RAYUS offers regenerative medicine treatments using platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).

A PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection is a regenerative medicine procedure performed using your own concentrated blood platelets to promote healing. When injected into an injury site, PRP can lead to a more rapid, efficient and thorough restoration of the tissue and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) is a regenerative medicine procedure performed using stem cells from your own bone marrow to help the body heal itself. These cells, when injected into an injury site, can lead to more rapid, efficient restoration of the tissue and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

At RAYUS, regenerative medicine (or stem cell) treatments involve taking a small amount of your own cells and separating the components of those cells. Then, using imaging guidance to monitor the position of the needle, the radiologist will inject the concentrated cells into the area that is injured or degenerated.

Depending on which regenerative medicine procedure that you’re having done, the cells will either come from the platelets (PRP) in your blood, or from bone marrow taken from an area on the back of your hip (BMAC). We only use plasma or stem cells from your own body.

Regenerative medicine can be used to treat cartilage loss, disc degeneration, chronic or acute joint pain, mild or moderate osteoarthritis, non-union fracture, muscle strain or tear, TMJ disorders, tendonitis or tendon damage, and ligament sprain, strain or tear.

Yes, stem cell therapy (or regenerative medicine therapy) can be an option for treating joint pain. The treatment encourages new tissue growth and inhibits degeneration. This helps repair and strengthen the treated joint.

Yes, regenerative medicine procedures can be used to treat arthritis.

Depending on the degree of the injury, most patients require only a single regenerative medicine treatment. However, for patients who experience significant relief that plateaus or have chronic injuries, a second injection or procedure may be necessary.

While it’s up to each individual patient to determine which treatment path is right for them, regenerative medicine procedures offer a promising, non-surgical treatment option for some individuals looking to avoid a hip, shoulder or knee replacement.

Regenerative medicine procedures are typically not covered by insurance and do not count toward your deductible. However, you should check with your insurance company. Some health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) cover the cost of the procedures – check with your insurance administrator to learn more about your specific plan allowances. Also, some labor groups are now covering regenerative medicine injections.

While a majority of regenerative medicine procedures are not FDA approved, research and clinical data show regenerative medicine injections using a patient’s own biologic material are extremely safe. There is minimal risk for any adverse reaction or complication when performed properly. Regenerative medicine procedures at RAYUS will only be performed using your own cells for the treatment.

At RAYUS, subspecialized radiologists who are specifically trained, complete injections for joints, tendons, muscles and spine. With vast experience, the radiologists perform over 20,000 injections every year throughout the Twin Cities market. All procedures are performed using image guidance (US, Fluoroscopy, or CT) to ensure both maximum safety and accuracy.

RAYUS treats every regenerative medicine candidate on a case by case basis. We are conservative in our selection process to maximize the potential of success for patients. We stand by our process and only recommend an injection if we believe there’s a good chance the patient will have a positive outcome. RAYUS relies on clinical history, advanced imaging, and consultation to determine if regenerative medicine is right for you.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for a successful regenerative medicine injection. Some patients may not be a candidate for regenerative medicine due to underlying conditions such as active cancers, blood disorders, no identifiable pain generator, previous joint replacement, severe spinal stenosis, or a full thickness tendon/ligament tear. If you are not a candidate, we can help most patients with an alternative treatment plan such as: steroid injections, RF rhizotomy, vertebroplasty, trigger point injections, or facet nerve injections. It is our goal to help patients feel the best they can regardless of the direction they go. Additionally, RAYUS Pain Care specializes in evaluating pain and underlying conditions to identify which tests and treatments will best resolve your pain.

RAYUS is committed to patient safety. To reduce the chance of infections, and increase the probability of a successful injection, we only use blood or mesenchymal (adult) stem cells harvested directly from the patient on the day of the procedure.

Other biologics such as Wharton’s jelly (from an umbilical cord), stromal vascular fraction (adipose cells derived typically from a person’s stomach fat), amniotic fluids (derived from donors after giving birth) or embryonic (derived from an embryo) stem cells have a variety of safety, ethical, or legal issues surrounding them, and RAYUS does not use any of those products.

The harvest and injections are completed the same day. Patients can plan on being at the RAYUS center for less than 2 hours typically. We safely harvest the PRP or BMAC, separate the components using a two-stage centrifuge device and inject into the injured area. After monitoring patients for a short period after the procedure, patients are able to return home that day.

Regenerative medicine has been utilized safely for decades in spine and extremity injections. By harvesting autologous (meaning directly from the patient) PRP or BMAC, the chances of infection or disease transmission are greatly reduced. Additionally, the radiologists perform every injection using image guidance to ensure the injection is going into the correct target. RAYUS does not culture, grow or manipulate cells at our centers.

Anytime a needle is inserted into the body (even for a simple blood draw), there is a chance of infection or injury, but these are extremely rare occurrences and every precaution is taken to avoid them.

Pricing is determined by the specific procedure performed. PRP injections cost less than BMAC injections because it involves a simple blood draw versus retrieving marrow from your hip area. We will work with patients to provide pricing information (based on the specific procedure being performed) and payment options.

Most patients will see signs of improvement between four to eight weeks after their procedure. The body needs time to heal the affected area, and it does take time for tissue regeneration. Some patients may find relief in less than four weeks, while occasionally a patient may not see results for up to three months as the body promotes healing.