At Iowa Ortho, we provide orthobiologic therapy, a nonsurgical treatment option that uses a patient’s own biologic material to support the body’s healing processes. This approach may help address a variety of orthopedic conditions involving joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
What Is Orthobiologic Therapy?
Orthobiologic therapy involves processing a sample of your blood (or other biologic source) to concentrate specific components, which are then injected into a targeted area of injury or degeneration. The goal is to assist recovery by supporting the body’s natural biology.
How the Process Works at Iowa Ortho
- Sample Collection: We draw a small sample of your blood, similar to a routine lab test.
- Processing: The sample is processed to concentrate relevant cellular/biologic components.
- Injection: The prepared material is injected into the affected area—often under imaging guidance for precision.
- Recovery & Results: Most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after. Some improvements may begin in a few weeks and continue over subsequent months.
Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on severity and condition.
Conditions Treated
Our orthobiologic therapy may be considered as part of your treatment plan if you have conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, or hip
- Tendon injuries (for example, tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy)
- Ligament sprains or partial tears
- Muscle strains or soft-tissue injuries
Benefits of Orthobiologic Therapy
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Nonsurgical Alternative | This therapy is performed without surgical incisions. |
| Low Risk of Allergic Reaction | Because your own biologic material is used, the risk of an immune reaction is minimal. |
| Reduced Downtime | Most patients resume their usual activities soon after treatment. |
| Symptom Management and Support | This therapy is intended to help reduce discomfort and improve mobility, and it may be used to delay or reduce the need for more invasive treatments in some cases. |
What to Expect During Recovery
After treatment, you may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, and this typically resolves quickly. While responses vary by individual and condition severity, many patients begin to feel improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, with gradual progress up to 12 months. Your provider may recommend more than one session depending on your condition.
Is Orthobiologic Therapy Right for You?
If you have tried conservative approaches such as physical therapy, activity modification, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications without sufficient relief, orthobiologic therapy may be the next option worth discussing. The sports medicine team at Iowa Ortho can evaluate your specific situation and determine whether this therapy is appropriate as part of a personalized care plan.
Contact Iowa Ortho
If you’d like to learn more about orthobiologic therapy and whether it may be suitable for your orthopedic condition, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you explore nonsurgical options and design a treatment plan based on your goals.