Game Changer: A Knee Pain Success Story in High-Level Athlete

Five years ago, Justin, a then 28-year-old fit and high-level athlete, came to us seeking a solution for a persistent pain in his knee. This condition was hindering his passion for sports, causing pain during hockey, volleyball, and even his regular workouts. While already health-conscious, Justin’s dedication to his healing journey with Regenexx at NRO led to truly exceptional outcomes, demonstrating the power of a holistic approach to recovery.

The Before: Justin Meets Regenexx at NRO

Justin first became aware of Regenexx in 2020, when he spotted a Regenexx tent out at the beach during a volleyball tournament.  When Justin came to our Tampa office to see Dr. Torrance, he complained of pain behind the knee and limited range of motion. Justin described his pain as “significant” because of the limitations to his activities. He said he could not squat to even a 24” box without pain, he would experience pain if he went walking for long distances, and if he attempted his key high-intensity sports of volleyball and hockey, his knee would swell up after. Most importantly, Justin sought out a different solution to his issue because after meeting with a prominent orthopedic surgeon in the world of professional hockey, “the doctor said I would never run, play hockey or volleyball pain free again, and I would just have to learn to live with it.”

The doctor [I saw before Regenexx at NRO] said I would never run, play hockey or volleyball pain free again, and I would just have to learn to live with it.

– Justin

That just wasn’t an option. 

The Evaluation 

During their initial evaluation, Dr. Torrance took a detailed history, performed orthopedic and ultrasound evaluations. A major standout was some pain and stiffness during routine range of motion testing, especially in the quadricep muscles. Then, Justin and Dr. Torrance both agreed he should get an MRI of his knee so they could see the underlying cause of this pain at his age and level. The MRI revealed findings consistent with his pain: Bone marrow lesions within the knee joint itself as well as underneath the knee cap. He had severe condromalacia patella (a form of arthritis) with the bone marrow edema under the knee cap. This type of injury leads to swelling after activity. 

Based on the history, orthopedic and ultrasound exams paired with the MRI results, Dr. Torrance recommended a Bone Marrow Concentrate with bone augmentation procedure. Dr. Torrance recommends bone augmentation procedures because of his own experience recognizing their clinical efficacy, but also because the research points to this approach to be the most effective in addressing the underlying pain. 

The After: Procedure Meets Lifestyle

Justin’s success wasn’t solely due to our treatments but rather his unwavering commitment to improving every aspect of his well-being. He began a focused strength training regimen, lifting heavier weights to address muscle imbalances and build stability. Specifically, he added strength training in different “planes of motion,” meaning not just front to back exercises like squatting. He worked with a strength coach to include side to side exercises and rotational drills to help strengthen his body for the many movement patterns inherent to both volleyball and hockey. He also added plyometric workouts, core stabilization drills, skipping and sprinting workouts, and heavy sled pushing/pulling exercises. 

Recognizing the importance of flexibility, he incorporated yoga and corrective exercises into his routine, enhancing his range of motion and overall mobility. He focused on end-range mobility, as is practices in Functional Range Conditioning so that his body could have strength and motion through the full range of his joints. This is a key piece of his puzzle because the bone marrow edema in the underside of his knee cap paired with the decreased quadricep range of motion revealed that his tight muscles led to these painful joint injuries. Justin says, “I’m so conscious of how my body moves now, which has been a huge part of the equation and lasting recovery.” 

Beyond traditional exercise, Justin explored various therapeutic methods. He regularly utilized myofascial release to address tissue restrictions and improve movement quality. He even made a significant change in his footwear, transitioning to barefoot shoes for both training and daily life, promoting better foot health and biomechanics. These seemingly small adjustments played a vital role in his recovery.

Nutrition was another key component of Justin’s transformation. Although he considered himself a healthy person before his procedure, he adopted an exceptionally clean diet, eliminating seed oils, sugars, and processed foods. Justin also utilizes the stem cell support formula during the recovery period after his procedure. This dietary focus not only supported his physical performance but also contributed to his overall health. Additionally, Justin integrated contrast therapy into his routine, alternating between cryotherapy ice baths and infrared sauna sessions to aid recovery and reduce inflammation.

The Takeaway?

Today, at 33, Justin is living an active, pain-free life. He’s back to the activities loves like snowboarding, playing beach volleyball, and competing in high-level hockey, all without limitations. He even took a several-week trip to Japan where he explored, did a lot of walking and even got to try something new: Sumo wrestling. 

Justin said, “Now I can play the same sports for hours with minimal knee pain after, and it continues to get better.” His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, showing that a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to pain relief can lead to remarkable results.

If you’re a high-level athlete that is being told to “live with your pain,” our Regenexx at New Regeneration Orthopedics physicians in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Orlando would be great for a second opinion with other options to reduce your pain.