No. These treatments are typically nonsurgical and are often considered before, after, or instead of surgery in selected cases.
When joint pain, tendon injuries, or other musculoskeletal conditions do not improve with initial treatment, orthobiologic therapy may be considered as part of the next step in care. At Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI), fellowship-trained specialists in PM&R, pain management, and sports medicine use advanced regenerative medicine techniques to support the body’s natural healing response. These nonsurgical treatments are delivered with image-guided precision and are integrated into a comprehensive, individualized care plan designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support long-term recovery.
Orthobiologics are biologic substances, often derived from your own body, that are used to help support healing in injured or damaged tissues. In orthopedic care, these treatments may be considered for certain tendon, ligament, joint, cartilage, and soft tissue conditions. At SCOI, orthobiologics are not used as a one-size-fits-all solution but are carefully selected based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, activity level, and overall treatment goals.
Orthobiologic treatments may be considered for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including: arthritis, degenerative joint disease, ligament sprains, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, trigger finger, and selected knee, hip, shoulder, spine, and ankle conditions. Because every case is different, an evaluation with an orthobiologic specialist is the best way to determine whether this type of care is appropriate.
These treatments are often used to support healing in tissues with limited blood supply, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Each treatment is selected based on the patient’s condition and is typically combined with other therapies to support optimal outcomes.
SCOI offers several forms of orthobiologic therapy as part of comprehensive orthopedic and pain management care:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP uses concentrated components from your own blood and may be considered for problems involving tendons, ligaments, and certain joint conditions. It is commonly discussed in relation to issues such as meniscus tears, rotator cuff problems, plantar fasciitis, and injuries involving the spine, hip, or elbow. PRP is often used to support healing in areas where traditional treatments have provided limited relief.
Bone Marrow Aspirate or Adipose-Based Cell Therapy
These approaches use the body’s own biologic materials to support tissue healing in carefully selected cases. They may be considered for arthritis, cartilage injuries, labral tears, partial rotator cuff tears, ACL sprains or tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other degenerative or soft tissue conditions. These treatments are considered on a case-by-case basis following a detailed evaluation.
Image-Guided Orthobiologic Injections
At SCOI, orthobiologic injections are performed using advanced image-guided techniques to ensure precise placement and accuracy. This level of precision helps maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk. Image guidance helps place treatment accurately, while integration with PM&R, pain management, and sports medicine helps ensure the injection fits into a broader recovery strategy.
The following table provides a general overview of common orthobiologic options and how they may be used:
| Treatment | Typical Use Cases |
| PRP | Tendon injuries, ligament problems, plantar fasciitis, and selected joint issues |
| Bone marrow aspirate-based treatment | Cartilage injuries, arthritis, partial tendon tears, and selected joint degeneration |
| Adipose-based treatment | Soft tissue and joint conditions in carefully selected patients |
| Image-guided injection approach | Precise delivery for targeted musculoskeletal treatment |
Orthobiologic therapy may be appropriate for patients who
A consultation with a SCOI specialist is the best way to determine whether orthobiologic treatment is appropriate for your condition.
No. These treatments are typically nonsurgical and are often considered before, after, or instead of surgery in selected cases.
These treatments are generally considered safe when performed by experienced specialists using proper techniques and patient selection.
The number of treatments varies depending on your condition, response to therapy, and overall treatment plan.
Recovery varies by condition, treatment type, and activity level. Many treatments are outpatient, but improvement can take time and may be gradual.
Often, yes. SCOI emphasizes regenerative orthopedics as part of a larger care plan that may include rehabilitation, activity modification, imaging, and follow-up.
Coverage varies. Our team can help you understand what may or may not be covered before treatment is scheduled.
If you are dealing with joint pain, a tendon injury, or a chronic orthopedic condition, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether orthobiologic therapy is right for you. SCOI specialists provide expert diagnosis, image-guided precision, and personalized care plans designed to support recovery and long-term function. Request an appointment today.
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