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Regenerative Medicine · Physician-Guided

Support your body's own healing — honestly.

Regenerative medicine at Pacific Bone & Joint is part of a comprehensive, surgeon-led approach. We use biologic treatments to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and improve function — applied selectively, only when they're genuinely likely to help.

Am I a Candidate? → Call (808) 439-6201

Straight talk about biologics

Some patients experience real symptom relief from PRP and BMAC. But the evidence is still evolving, and these treatments:

  • Are not a cure
  • Are usually not covered by insurance
  • Aren't a substitute for surgery when it's indicated

We'll tell you honestly whether they're likely to help you.

Our Approach

A stepwise pathway to recovery

The goal is to use the least invasive treatment that will reliably improve your outcome — matched to the severity of your condition.

Early stage

Non-invasive and supportive therapies — activity changes, physical therapy, and modalities like MLS laser.

Moderate stage

Biologic treatments — PRP or, in select cases, BMAC — to support healing and delay progression.

Advanced stage

When damage is advanced, surgery may offer a more predictable, durable outcome — and we offer that too.

First-line biologic

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Derived from your own blood and concentrated to deliver growth factors that may reduce inflammation and support healing.

Best suited for

  • Early arthritis
  • Tendon injuries
  • Inflammation-driven conditions
More about PRP →
Advanced · select cases

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

Derived from your bone marrow, BMAC contains a concentration of cells and growth factors. It's a targeted option — not a first-line treatment.

May be considered for

  • More advanced joint degeneration
  • Bone marrow lesions
  • Patients who haven't responded to PRP
More about BMAC →
Two-column infographic comparing PRP and BMAC injections side by side
PRP and BMAC at a glance — PRP is often a first-line biologic, while BMAC is a more advanced option reserved for select cases.
Non-invasive · Technology

MLS Laser Therapy

Synchronized light energy that works at the cellular level to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support recovery — a comfortable, non-invasive modality often used alongside other treatments.

More about MLS laser therapy →
Joint preservation

Cartilage Restoration

Microfracture, osteochondral grafting (OATS), and cell-based repair (MACI) to repair focal cartilage defects — designed to preserve the native joint in the right, active patient.

More about cartilage restoration →

We'll tell you when to move beyond regenerative treatments

In advanced arthritis or structural joint damage, surgery may provide a more predictable and durable outcome. Because we offer both non-surgical and surgical care, our recommendation is guided by what's most appropriate for you — not by a single treatment.

Clinician performing an ultrasound-guided knee injection
An ultrasound-guided knee injection in progress.

2-Minute Check

Am I a candidate for regenerative medicine?

Answer a few quick questions. This is educational and is not a diagnosis — only an evaluation can tell for sure.

Do you have early arthritis or a tendon injury?

Would you like to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery?

Have you either not yet tried, or not responded to, other conservative care?

Answer all 3 questions to see your result.

Questions, Answered

Regenerative medicine FAQ

Do PRP or BMAC injections cure arthritis?+

No. Some patients experience symptom relief, but the evidence is still evolving, these are usually not covered by insurance, and they are not a cure or a substitute for joint replacement when it is indicated.

What's the difference between PRP and BMAC?+

PRP is concentrated from your own blood and is often a first-line biologic for early arthritis, tendon injuries, and inflammation. BMAC is derived from bone marrow, contains more cell types, and is a more advanced option reserved for select cases — such as more advanced joint degeneration or patients who haven't responded to PRP.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?+

Regenerative injections are usually not covered by insurance. Our team will explain costs clearly before any treatment.

How do you decide if regenerative medicine is right for me?+

We use a surgeon-led, individualized approach based on your condition, imaging, and goals. Not every patient needs regenerative treatment; when surgery offers a more predictable outcome, we'll tell you honestly.

Explore Related Care

Related care

Patient Reviews

What patients say

“Dr. Ronnie Otieno did a very personalized consultation for my chronic knee pain, recommending PRP to aid my recovery since I need to remain active. He is detailed, gentle, kind, patient, and precise — and uses an ultrasound machine to target the exact area for treatment.”

— Kalea· Google review

Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed. Results vary.

Curious whether biologics could help you?

Request a regenerative medicine consult for an honest, evidence-based recommendation — surgical or non-surgical.

Request a Consult → Call (808) 439-6201

Regenerative injections are not a cure and are usually not covered by insurance. Evidence is still evolving. Not everyone is a candidate; individual results vary. This page is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice.

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