For many active adults in Fort Myers, pain from joint injuries or chronic inflammation can become a daily obstacle—interfering with everything from playing tennis to simply walking the beach. Fortunately, a new wave of advanced orthopedic treatments is helping patients heal smarter, faster, and without surgery.
At Gardner Orthopedics, patients are seeing exceptional results from combining two powerful therapies: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and regenerative medicine, including extracellular vesicle treatments. This dynamic duo is changing how joint and soft tissue injuries are treated—offering real hope for recovery without invasive procedures.
“Both PRP and regenerative medicine are powerful on their own,” says Dr. Ron Gardner, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Gardner Orthopedics. “But when used together, they create a biologic environment that can accelerate healing and reduce inflammation more effectively.”
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own blood to help heal damaged tissue. A small sample is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then reinjected into the injured area.
These platelets are packed with growth factors and healing proteins that signal the body to begin repair—especially useful for tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and chronic inflammation.
According to The American Journal of Sports Medicine, PRP has been shown to improve pain and function in knee osteoarthritis patients, often delaying or avoiding surgical intervention.¹
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine refers to treatments that stimulate the body’s natural repair processes. At Gardner Orthopedics, this includes extracellular vesicle therapy, which uses purified cell-signaling components to enhance healing.
Unlike stem cells—which are not used here for regulatory reasons—extracellular vesicles communicate with your cells to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and optimize healing environments within the joint.
“These therapies help reawaken your body’s natural healing intelligence,” Dr. Gardner explains. “They don’t just mask pain—they help fix what’s broken.”
Why Combine PRP and Regenerative Therapy?
Individually, both therapies are effective. Together, they offer complementary mechanisms that target multiple levels of the healing process:
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PRP jumpstarts healing with concentrated growth factors.
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Extracellular vesicles regulate inflammation and promote longer-term tissue repair.
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The combination creates a rich, bioactive environment ideal for regenerating cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
For patients with joint degeneration, tendon tears, or soft tissue damage, this approach amplifies the body’s ability to recover—often with reduced downtime and fewer side effects compared to corticosteroids or surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for PRP + Regenerative Therapy?
Patients in Fort Myers seeking an alternative to surgery or chronic pain medications often benefit from this combination. Common conditions treated include:
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Knee osteoarthritis
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Tennis or golfer’s elbow
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Achilles tendonitis
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Hip and shoulder joint degeneration
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Plantar fasciitis
One patient in her early 50s came to Gardner Orthopedics with persistent hip pain from early arthritis. After one PRP treatment followed by regenerative injections, she reported marked improvement in mobility and pain within 6 weeks—without surgery or downtime.
What to Expect During Treatment
Both therapies are minimally invasive and performed right in the clinic:
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Initial consult with Dr. Gardner to assess condition and treatment plan.
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PRP preparation and injection using guided ultrasound to ensure precision.
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Follow-up with regenerative medicine injection, often 2–4 weeks later, to reinforce the healing response.
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Physical therapy or movement guidance may be integrated for optimal recovery.
Most patients experience little to no downtime and can return to normal activity within days.
“We’re not just treating injuries—we’re helping patients regain confidence in their bodies,” Dr. Gardner notes.
The Gardner Orthopedics Advantage
What sets Gardner Orthopedics apart is not just the technology—it’s the personalized, physician-led approach to recovery. Dr. Gardner combines decades of surgical experience with a deep understanding of biologic medicine to help patients find the best path forward—often without going under the knife.
Located in the heart of Fort Myers, the clinic is built for patients who want access to cutting-edge care without traveling out of town or waiting months for appointments.
Ready to Heal Smarter?
If you’re dealing with joint pain, mobility issues, or recovery plateaus from past injuries, PRP and regenerative medicine might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Contact Gardner Orthopedics to schedule your personalized evaluation and learn how you can experience faster, smarter healing—right here in Fort Myers.
Clinic Overview
Gardner Orthopedics is a full-service orthopedic clinic in Fort Myers, FL, specializing in orthopedic surgery, regenerative medicine, interventional pain management, foot and ankle care, Platinum Physicals, and medical IV therapy. Led by Dr. Ron Gardner, the clinic emphasizes personalized treatment and long-term wellness for adults over 45.
📍 3033 Winkler Ave. Ste. 100, Fort Myers, FL 33916
📞 239-277-7070
🌐 www.gardnerorthopedics.com
