Regenerative Medicine vs. Surgery: When Is It the Right Choice?

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), we believe that not every injury needs to end in the operating room. In fact, for many patients dealing with joint or spine pain, advances in regenerative medicine are opening the door to healing without surgery, and with less downtime.

VSON’s non-surgical and regenerative medicine specialists include:

• Dr. Matthew Gnirke, a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with expertise in musculoskeletal care and orthobiologics

• Dr. Scott Raub, a spine and sports medicine specialist with a focus on minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments

Whether you’re a weekend warrior recovering from a sports injury or an active adult managing chronic pain, the question becomes: is regenerative medicine right for you, or is surgery the better option?

Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to restore damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and support long-term recovery. At VSON, treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy are used to treat a range of orthopedic conditions — from tendon injuries and arthritis to back pain and cartilage damage.

“These techniques are designed to stimulate the body’s own repair mechanisms,” says Dr. Matthew Gnirke. “They’re especially helpful for patients who aren’t ready for surgery or want to explore less invasive treatment options first.”

If you’ve been searching regenerative medicine near me or are curious about non-surgical treatment for orthopedic conditions, these advanced therapies could be your next step.

When to Consider Non-Surgical Treatment First

For many active patients, non-surgical options provide a safe, effective path to relief. PRP and stem cell injections can:

• Reduce inflammation and pain

• Promote tissue healing

• Improve function without a long recovery period

Dr. Scott Raub, VSON’s spine and sports medicine expert, emphasizes the benefits: “Regenerative treatments offer promising results, especially when paired with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Our goal is always to help patients heal without compromising their activity levels.”

Common conditions that respond well to non-surgical treatment include:

• Tendonitis and bursitis

• Early-stage osteoarthritis

• Mild-to-moderate disc injuries

• Ligament sprains and partial tears

If you’ve been Googling stem cells sports medicine, it might be time to talk to a VSON specialist about your options.

When Surgery Might Be the Right Choice

While regenerative medicine offers many benefits, it’s not the right fit for everyone. In cases where structural damage is severe — such as complete ligament tears, advanced arthritis, or spinal instability — surgery may provide the best and most lasting results.

“There are times when regenerative medicine won’t provide the structural repair a patient needs,” says Dr. Gnirke. “In those cases, we’re fortunate to have a world-class surgical team ready to step in.”

Real Patient Story: Getting Back to What Matters

“I had a lingering knee injury from skiing that wouldn’t go away. Surgery didn’t feel like the right move for me, so I reached out to VSON. After a few stem cell treatments and a guided rehab plan, I was back on the slopes within months, pain-free. I’m so grateful to have found this option locally.”

– Tyler M., Vail, CO

Your Partner in Personalized Orthopaedic Care

At VSON, we’re proud to offer both cutting-edge non-surgical treatment and advanced surgical solutions, all under one roof. Whether you’re looking into regenerative medicine near me or exploring stem cells sports medicine, our goal is to help you recover fully and return to the life you love.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today to schedule a consultation. With offices in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards, we’re here to help you take the next step — no matter where you are on your recovery journey.