Degenerative osteoarthritis is a joint disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the hips, knees, shoulders, spine, hands, and neck. Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy offers stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy designed to reduce osteoarthritis pain and help preserve remaining cartilage.

Osteoarthritis is caused by repetitive actions that injure the cartilage cushioning the joints and create friction between them. It can be painful and even lead to immobility if not treated in time.

Characteristics of Degenerative Osteoarthritis

  • Osteoarthritis is a condition that mostly affects people as they age, with symptoms often beginning on one side of the body and gradually spreading to the other.
  • Unlike some other conditions, osteoarthritis does not affect the entire body. It is typically confined to certain joints, most commonly the hips, knees, shoulders, spine, hands, and neck.

Treatments for Degenerative Osteoarthritis

  • Cold and hot packs can provide effective relief from pain and inflammation.
  • Physical exercise, especially swimming, helps soothe aching joints, while muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises help build strength and flexibility.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed to further enhance pain relief.
  • For more severe cases of pain and inflammation, cortisone injections may help provide additional relief.

Stem Cell Therapy for Degenerative Osteoarthritis

  • Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy have been studied for their ability to reduce osteoarthritis pain and help preserve cartilage, with research from the Hospital for Special Surgery providing evidence of their effectiveness.
  • Animal studies have shown promising results in terms of cartilage restoration, while larger human studies will provide more insight into the extent of the potential benefits.

Degenerative osteoarthritis is one of several musculoskeletal conditions we treat with stem cell therapy. See our Musculoskeletal Stem Cell Therapy overview, or go directly to treatment options for the specific joint affected, including the knee, shoulder, hip, and spine.

For a closer look at how osteoarthritis specifically affects the knee, see our article on stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Degenerative osteoarthritis is a joint disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints. It is caused by repetitive actions that injure the cartilage and create friction between the joint surfaces, and can be painful or even lead to immobility if left untreated.

It most commonly affects the lower back, hands, knees, hips, and neck, as well as the shoulders.

No. Unlike some other joint conditions, osteoarthritis is typically confined to specific joints rather than affecting the entire body, and symptoms often begin on one side before gradually spreading to the other.

Cold and hot packs, physical exercise such as swimming, muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and cortisone injections for more severe pain and inflammation.

Stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy are studied for their ability to reduce osteoarthritis pain and help preserve cartilage. Research from the Hospital for Special Surgery and animal studies have shown promising results for cartilage restoration, though larger studies are still needed to understand the full extent of the benefits.

See our dedicated article on stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis for a closer look at that joint.