Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: dtilley on 02/01/2014 07:54:38

Title: Methods of Accelerating Soft Tissue Repair
Post by: dtilley on 02/01/2014 07:54:38

Does anyone out there know of any scientifically verified ways of accelerating soft tissue repair in older adults?  I find it hard to believe that in 2014 medical science is still unable to offer any real solutions for accelerating the healing of damaged tendons and ligaments.  One goes to the doctor with these ailments and is offered only anti-inflamatory medications (which actually slow down the healing process) or cortisone injections (again no real solution) as treatment options.  Beyond stem cell therapy, which is still not officially recognized, and therefore not paid for by insurance plans, are there any real options for older adults whose natural healing process has slowed down to a crawl, or in some cases ceased altogether?  Must we chose between on-going suffering and the ingestion of dangerous pain medications which are themselves laden with side effects? :(

Title: Re: Methods of Accelerating Soft Tissue Repair
Post by: cheryl j on 03/01/2014 03:32:58

Here's two articles you might be interested in. The main research seems to involve stimulating cell division, use of growth factors, etc. I may try the coconut juice thing next time I get a cut :)

New Therapeutics Could Accelerate Wound Healing
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130220100749.htm

Biotherapeutics in orthopaedic medicine: accelerating the healing process?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14498761

Young coconut juice can accelerate the healing process of cutaneous wounds.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23234369

Title: Re: Methods of Accelerating Soft Tissue Repair
Post by: CliffordK on 03/01/2014 05:31:55

I have a diabetic friend who has just completed a course of hyperbaric pressure + antibiotics for a foot ulcer.  It took several months, and many treatments, but it is finally mostly healed. 

However, apparently hyperbaric treatment is useful for some conditions such as refractory dermal infections, and burns, but not for other conditions such as sprains (tendon tears).

Surgery, of course, is useful for some torn tendon issues.  At times, parts of intact tendons are moved to replace broken tendons, for example using part of the patellar tendon to replace the anterior cruciate ligament.