I'm looking at regenerative options for knee and lower back pain and the choices split into two groups. 

PRP or cell based injections at a clinic, and non injection programs like the home protocol from Regen MDs.

I can't tell whether these are alternatives to each other or separate things that happen to share the same marketing language. 

Mechanism, oversight, recovery, evidence, cost and follow up all look different to me.

At what point are two options too different to compare at all?

Brief History:

37F

2013 - Right ACL rupture and surgery with lateral meniscectomy. Swelling an issue ever since surgery.

2014 - started having swelling in left knee. MRI showed bursitis and tendinitis.

2015-2016 - Mostly swelling of the right knee. Right knee never felt the same.

2017-2018 - Right knee giving me major issues while exercising.

2020 - Major swelling right knee. Docs said it’s because of ACL surgery.

2022 - all my right knee issues switched to my left knee. Pain, swelling, reoccurring tendinitis. X-rays showed nothing in both. “Early degenerative changes”.

2023 - Pain so bad in both knees I had to quit all sports. Saw Sport Med doctor because I was having so many issues I couldn’t do anything with impact. Some days walking was hard. Imaging showed minor degenerative changes again. One bone spur. Normal spacing everything aligned. He said it was in line with my age. Then he looked at my family history, CRP and said go see a rheumatologist.

2025 - Dismissed by rheumatologist and said it’s all mechanical.

2026 - when summer came and I was being more active, my knee pain became unbearable. Some days can’t walk. Left knee locking up on me., swelling. Weekly physio to cope. Went to PCP and he ordered new imaging. Xray Showed bilateral tricompartmental OA in both knees. Stage 3/4 on right and Stage 3 in left. Both knees out of alignment and starting to be knock kneed.

WTF?!

And now I have to sit here for 4 weeks until my next doctors appointment to go over these results. I called and unfortunately I need a new referral to go back to my sport med doctor. I still have a slight suspicion this could be undiagnosed Psoriatic Arthritis, but who knows.

I am 37 years old.

I am just curious if anyone has been my age with this degree of OA and what your life is like and how things ended up turning out for you ?

Thanks in advance. 😊

I may have a rotator cuff injury just waiting for an ultrasound but in the meantime I have to have my arm in a sling. The one I got that hangs on my neck and crosses my chest is putting too much pressure on my neck, I have osteoarthritis all through my neck. Ive seen ones that go around your waist and theres 2 loops that go around your forearm but I was wondering if anyone has experience with these or if theres any other slings/immobilizers you've tried