Living Pain-Free features Dr. Marc Darrow and Dr. Thomas Grove discussing effective, non-surgical treatments for pain using stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapies. The show educates listeners about regenerative medicine and its benefits for musculoskeletal injuries.

Introduction

Are you living with pain, whether it’s joint pain or muscle discomfort? If so, this program is for you. Welcome to Living Pain-Free with Dr. Marc Darrow, MD, and Dr. Thomas Grove, DO, from the Stem Cell Institute in West Los Angeles. This show is dedicated to offering effective solutions for the pain you’ve been experiencing.

Dr. Darrow, a board-certified medical doctor who studied at UCLA, utilizes stem cell and platelet-rich plasma treatments to promote healing in the body. He educates about the use of stem cells, PRP, and prolotherapy. Dr. Grove is a specialist in regenerative medicine and an expert in ultrasound-guided injections, with a background as an athlete and strength and conditioning coach. Today’s program may introduce you to a new, pain-free life.

Dr. Thomas Grove, your host, is a board-certified physician and fellowship-trained in sports medicine. On Living Pain-Free, he discusses all aspects of musculoskeletal and sports medicine. One of his preferred tools for addressing injuries—whether involving ligaments, tendons, joints, or muscles—is regenerative medicine.

Exploring Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are often misunderstood body parts. While people frequently focus on anatomical structures that are surgically treated, supportive structures around joints, like ligaments, play a crucial role. Ligaments, from the Latin “legare” (to bind or tie), are strong ropes of tissue that connect bone to bone—specifically, to the outer covering of the bone called the periosteum. They stabilize joints and the skeleton, preventing dislocations and subluxations (partial dislocations).

Most ligaments are outside joints, supporting movement and keeping joints in place, though some, like the ACL and PCL in the knee and the long head of the biceps tendon in the shoulder, run within joints (intraarticular ligaments). Ligaments also exist in other areas, such as around the rib cage and even anchoring internal organs. The human body has over 900 ligaments, ranging from the tiny annular ligament of the stapes in the inner ear to the strong iliofemoral ligament at the hip, which can withstand significant force.

Case Study: Meniscus Injury

Alex, a caller, shared his experience with knee pain and a meniscus injury. Diagnosed with a full-thickness tear, he was offered arthroscopic surgery but was told he’d have arthritis for life regardless, and part of his meniscus would be removed, leaving empty space between the femur and tibia. Concerned about post-surgical outcomes, Alex declined the procedure but continues to experience pain, especially during activities like walking uphill or cycling.

Dr. Grove explained that the meniscus—two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage between the thigh and shin bones—not only absorbs shock but also anchors ligaments. Traditional surgery (meniscectomy) removes damaged tissue but can lead to increased arthritis and instability. While surgery is necessary for catastrophic tears, most meniscus issues don’t require it. Regenerative medicine offers a promising alternative, using platelets and stem cells to promote healing and reinforce damaged structures, aiming to preserve native tissue and avoid surgery. Individual assessment and hands-on examination in the clinic are essential for the best outcomes.

Case Study: Ankle Ligament Rupture

James, another caller, discussed his experience with a completely torn ligament in his right foot following multiple sprains. Though not in pain, he described instability and a difference in sensation compared to his left foot, which affects his balance and walking. The MRI confirmed a complete tear, but he chose to avoid further surgery.

Dr. Grove clarified that ligaments house specialized receptors—mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors—that monitor joint position, movement, and load, providing critical feedback for stability. When these are damaged, as in James’s case, the issue isn’t just pain but also proprioception and the risk of falls. While a completely detached ligament is hard to treat with regenerative medicine alone, other supportive structures (like tendons) may benefit from these therapies. Conservative, non-surgical management is prioritized whenever possible. Covering up symptoms with NSAIDs or steroids is discouraged, as these can block healing by interfering with collagen production.

The Nature of Ligaments and Healing

Ligaments are tough structures, slow to heal due to poor blood supply. They consist mostly of water and the protein collagen, arranged in bundles for tensile strength, and contain elastin for flexibility. Proteoglycans and glycoproteins organize the fibers and provide structure, while fibroblasts are specialized cells that produce new collagen during healing. The small blood supply, primarily in the outer vascular layer (epiligament), limits healing capacity.

Muscle strains heal quickly due to better blood flow, but ligaments, tendons, and joints often take much longer. This is why regenerative medicine, which delivers concentrated healing factors directly to the damaged area under ultrasound guidance, is especially valuable for ligament injuries. Accurate diagnosis through hands-on physical examination and the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound is essential, as X-rays do not visualize soft tissues like ligaments effectively.

Conclusion

Ligament injuries are common and can lead to pain, instability, and functional limitations. Regenerative medicine offers a conservative, innovative approach to promote healing and restore function, especially when surgery can be avoided. For more information, free consultations, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Stem Cell Institute in West Los Angeles at 800-300-9300.

Part 2 of this podcast

Common Ligament Injuries | Stem Cell Institute podcast