Chronic pain affects one in five Australians, with over 65% reporting its impact on their daily lives, including sleep, work, and overall self-care. With growing interest in biological medicine, new treatments like Regenokine (also known as Orthokine) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy offer promising alternatives for managing chronic pain and conditions like osteoarthritis.

Regenokine

Developed in Germany by Dr Peter Wehling and molecular biologist Dr Julio Reinecke, Regenokine is recognised for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

How It Works:

  1. Blood is drawn from the patient and incubated to concentrate the body’s natural healing proteins.
  2. The process produces a thick, yellowish serum containing proteins believed to reduce inflammation and encourage cellular repair.
  3. The serum is injected into the affected area, such as a joint.

Results:

Patients can often experience pain relief within 2–3 days, with results varying by individual. Regenokine uses the patient’s own blood, minimising the risk of adverse reactions or infections. However, the longevity of pain relief depends on factors like the patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is another minimally invasive treatment for chronic pain.

How It Works:

  1. A small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
  2. Platelets, containing growth factors, are concentrated up to four times their normal level.
  3. The PRP is injected into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

Purpose:

PRP is used to support tissue repair, strengthen ligaments and tendons, and encourage new cartilage growth. However, some studies suggest a placebo effect may play a role, as participants injected with saline also reported pain relief.

How Are Regenokine and PRP Different?

While both treatments use the patient’s own blood, they differ in technique and purpose:

  • Regenokine: Focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Blood is incubated to activate anti-inflammatory proteins.
  • PRP Therapy: Aims to stimulate tissue repair and healing through platelet growth factors.

Neither treatment corrects structural issues but instead focuses on addressing inflammation and stimulating the body’s healing response.

The Rise of Biological Medicine

Traditional treatments for chronic pain, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or surgery, often provide temporary relief and can further complicate existing conditions. Research has shown mixed results for procedures such as arthroscopic knee surgery, with some studies indicating it offers no better outcomes than doing nothing.

Biological treatments like Regenokine and PRP offer minimally invasive alternatives that avoid lengthy rehabilitation or significant risks.

Considerations for Treatment:

  • These therapies are not currently covered by insurance in Australia or the U.S. and can be expensive.
  • Patients undergoing these treatments are often advised to combine them with lifestyle changes such as improved posture, nutrition, and conditioning for more effective results.

Looking Forward

While further research is needed, the increasing popularity of Regenokine and PRP highlights the growing demand for non-invasive options to manage chronic pain and osteoarthritis.

To learn more about PRP Therapy or explore minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain, contact your healthcare provider to discuss options tailored to your needs.