Regenerative care and your athletic goals

Originally published August 02, 2021 · Adapted October 27, 2026

A runner, golfer, racquet-sport player, strength athlete, and active older adult can place different demands on an injured area. A regenerative consultation should take those demands into account without promising a performance gain.

Define the limitation

Explain the activity, training load, recent changes, and the movement that brings on symptoms. Bring the diagnosis if one has been made, relevant imaging, and details of rehabilitation or prior procedures.

Ask what the treatment can reasonably do

PRP and other biologic approaches have different evidence depending on the condition. A procedure should not be selected simply because another athlete received it. Ask how it compares with rehabilitation, training changes, other nonsurgical care, and referral when needed.

Plan recovery before deciding

Discuss activity restrictions, rehabilitation, work or competition commitments, and when progress will be reviewed. Treatment and recovery can take time. There is no universal injection schedule or return-to-sport deadline that applies to every injury.

Bring the rest of your health into the conversation

Tell Dr. Patel about sleep, headaches, symptoms after concussion, medicines, stress, or other concerns affecting your activity. A whole-person discussion can help clarify the care plan and whether coordination with other clinicians is needed.

For competitive athletes

Ask your treating clinician and the relevant sports organization about any applicable medication or competition rules before treatment. A website description cannot establish eligibility or clearance for your sport.

Patient information: Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine regenerative overview ↗. Evidence and suitability depend on the individual condition.

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