17 Jul Top Benefits of Growth Factor Therapy

Growth factors fall under the umbrella of regenerative medicine. They are found naturally in our bodies and help our bodies to speed up the healing process. Growth factors can facilitate healing of wounds, chronic pain, and degenerative diseases amongst other conditions. There are several different types of growth factors that exist naturally in the body. This includes epidermal growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, transforming growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factors, and platelet-derived growth factors. Each plays a different healing role in the body. Below are some of the top benefits growth factors can have in the healing process.

Speeding Up The Healing Process

            The main reason growth factor therapy is used is because it helps to speed up the healing process in a natural way. Growth factors work by binding to receptors on the cell surface. This activates cell proliferation. As a result, new healthy cells are formed which helps replace old and damaged cells.

            Growth factors can be used in the form of injections, or they can be applied topically in the case of skincare. Conditions that benefit from the use of growth factors include arthritis, tendonitis, back and neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, sacroiliac joint pain, and tennis elbow.

Reduction of Discomfort

            Growth factor therapy is key in reducing discomfort patients feel due to painful conditions such as arthritis. Surprisingly, pain is one of the most difficult ailments to treat effectively. Many people who experience chronic pain try everything from medication to physical therapy to steroid injections to surgery. Unfortunately, all of these pain management methods are aimed at addressing the symptom of pain rather than the underlying cause. In addition, many of these methods also come with unwanted side effects. 

            Fortunately, growth factor therapy is a new way of reducing discomfort for patients suffering from chronic pain. It is aimed at addressing the underlying problem of damaged tissue and therefore, allows for a more permanent fix. Growth factors increase the production of new cells in the painful area which replace damaged cells, thus reducing the discomfort the patient feels.

Minimal Side Effects

            One of the biggest benefits of growth factor therapy is the minimal associated side effects. Growth factors are found naturally in the body meaning they are not synthetic. As a result, there are minimal side effects associated with growth factor therapy. The main side effect is the risk of infection at the injection site. However, when the therapy is performed at a reputable clinic with proper cleaning procedures, this risk is extremely low.

Can Be Combined With Other Forms Of Regenerative Medicine

            Growth factors are a form of regenerative medicine and thus can be combined with other forms of regenerative medicine. This means growth factor therapy can be used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, exosomes, hyaluronic acid injections, and more. In fact, when these forms of regenerative medicine are used in combination, they are more effective for the patient than when used on their own. Used together, they amplify their natural healing abilities.