Treatments

Regenerative Medicine & Non-Surgical Treatments in Indiana

Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

At Joint Health Center of Indiana, we focus on lasting improvements in musculoskeletal health and quality of life for patients throughout Indianapolis and Indiana. Whether you’re dealing with a joint condition, a tendon injury, or chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, our goal is the same: get you better without surgery, and keep you better long-term.

Do these treatments actually work?

Yes. Clinical research consistently shows that high-dose PRP produces significant, lasting improvements in pain and function across multiple joints and conditions. Studies have tracked these benefits for up to two years, with many patients reporting sustained relief well beyond their initial treatment.

Shockwave therapy has similarly demonstrated durable results for tendinopathies and soft tissue conditions across multiple high-quality studies. Our protocols are built on this evidence:

Supporting Research

Magalon J et al. Platelet dose influences PRP efficacy. Arthroscopy. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28684722/
Optimal frequency of PRP injections in OA — 24-month outcomes with structural MRI improvements. PMC. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11992392/
De la Corte-Rodríguez H et al. Shockwave therapy for MSK pain: narrative review. Healthcare. 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10648068/

Is this a long-term solution or just temporary relief?

Long-term. These treatments work by changing the biological environment of the joint or tissue — not by masking pain signals. Clinical studies tracking PRP patients over two years show sustained improvements in pain and function, with structural changes visible on MRI in some cases. Shockwave therapy produces documented relief through 12 months in well-studied conditions like tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis.

Supporting Research

PRP 24-month outcomes with MRI-confirmed structural improvement. PMC. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11992392/
Sundman EA et al. Anti-inflammatory and tissue-restorative mechanisms of PRP. AJSM. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23306448/

Can treatment help me avoid surgery?

For many patients, yes. Our treatments offer a clinically supported, non-surgical path to meaningful pain relief and improved function — and may delay or eliminate the need for surgery in appropriate cases. As a non-operative orthopedic practice, avoiding unnecessary surgery is central to how we practice. We’ll be direct with you if surgery is genuinely the better answer.

Supporting Research

Patel S et al. Randomized controlled trial of PRP — significant functional improvement vs. placebo. AJSM. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23825183/

What is non-surgical orthopedic treatment?

Non-surgical orthopedic care treats joint, tendon, and musculoskeletal pain without surgery. At Joint Health Center of Indiana, we use a range of advanced therapies — including PRP, protein concentrate injections, regenerative biologics, and shockwave therapy — to address the root cause of pain and restore function.

How does this compare to steroid injections?

Steroids can offer quick relief but don’t support long-term tissue health — and repeated use has been linked to cartilage loss over time. Our treatments work differently, targeting the underlying cause of inflammation while supporting the joint and tissue itself. Studies show superior long-term outcomes compared to steroids for many patients.

Supporting Research

Campbell KA et al. PRP vs corticosteroids — meta-analysis showing superior long-term function. Arthroscopy. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30067993/

Who is a good candidate?

Patients who tend to respond best include those with:

  • Mild to moderate joint arthritis in any joint
  • Chronic tendon, ligament, or soft tissue injuries
  • Musculoskeletal pain that hasn’t improved with conservative care
  • A preference for non-surgical options before considering surgery

Not sure if you qualify? We’ll give you a straightforward answer at your consultation.

Supporting Research

Magalon J et al. Platelet dose correlates with treatment efficacy. Arthroscopy. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28684722/

Are these treatments safe?

Yes. PRP and protein concentrate treatments use components from your own blood, making the risk of reaction extremely low. Clinical trials consistently report excellent tolerability. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and FDA-cleared with a well-established safety record. Mild, temporary soreness after treatment is normal and expected.

Supporting Research

Filardo G et al. Safety and effectiveness of PRP. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22967860/

When will I start feeling better?

Improvement is gradual because these treatments work with your body’s biology rather than blocking pain signals. Most patients notice meaningful changes within a few weeks, with results continuing to build over several months. Studies tracking patients over one to two years confirm that benefits are durable — not a temporary effect.

Supporting Research

Bensa A et al. PRP provides clinically significant improvement at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. AJSM. 2025. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03635465241246524

Why choose Joint Health Center of Indiana?

We are a non-operative orthopedic practice — meaning our entire focus is on resolving musculoskeletal pain without surgery. We see patients from across Indiana with joint, tendon, and soft tissue conditions of all kinds. Every protocol we use is grounded in peer-reviewed evidence, and every treatment decision is based on your condition and your goals — not an insurer’s approval.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans don’t yet cover orthobiologic and regenerative treatments, as coverage tends to lag behind clinical evidence. Our direct-pay model gives Indiana patients access to advanced protocols without insurance determining the course of your care.

How much does treatment cost?

For many patients, treatment cost is comparable to or less than their annual insurance deductible — and avoids the cycle of repeated short-term treatments that add up over time. We walk through all pricing transparently during your consultation.