PROFESSOR PAUL LEE: The Regeneration Man – Prof Paul Lee Biological Approach to Looking After your Joints

Many golfers decide not to seek help for their pain, as they may be afraid of major surgery. Using the latest regeneration techniques, Professor Paul Lee, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at London Cartilage Clinic – MSK Doctors, can help players return to tip-top shape in a matter of days.

Golfers are frequently injured because the golf swing puts a lot of torque and twisting force on the knees, hips and the core of the body. This can lead to overload injuries of the bone, joint and cartilage. If they are ignored and left untreated, it can lead to arthritis or fractures.

“While golf isn’t typically thought of as a high-impact sport, the forces exerted on the joints during a swing can be significant. As part of the ageing process, cartilage and bone becomes more brittle as the collagen content changes and becomes less elastic. The natural shock absorbers such as Cartilage, Meniscus and Tendons are more susceptible to twisting injuries if they are not maintained. ,” says Professor Paul Lee, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the London Cartilage Clinic.

Torn cartilage or meniscus tears are common in golfers but don’t usually heal. Traditionally surgeons would perform key hole surgery and cut the damage away. However, studies show that removing the meniscus can double the load on the knee, which will cause damage to the joint and speed up arthritis.

Professor Lee believes “There are many ways that we can treat the joint, ranging from fat cell injections to keyhole surgery. The technology in biological glue and injectable supplements has also come a long way. Regeneration injections are now very common.”

As medicine has advanced, damage in the joints can now be repaired and regenerated instead of being removed. Although surgery is very powerful, it is not always the only option. The best route to recovery, is early diagnosis and logical treatment options, beware of the quick fix ‘stem cells’ claims! If not, a cartilage tear can begin to damage the surfaces and result in bone-on-bone arthritis for which joint replacement is the only option.

“It is important to apply ‘the regeneration principles’ and respect the body’s biology to maintain your joints.

As a doctor, my job is to create an appropriate environment within the body to allow the regeneration process to happen,” states Professor Lee.

London Cartilage Clinic in Harley Street, London, is an international leader in the world of musculoskeletal regeneration medicine. Professor Paul Lee is a renowned joint regeneration surgeon with double professorships in medical engineering and sports medicine. Besides treating Olympic athletes and UK premiership footballers, he is a recognised centre of teaching excellence by the International Cartilage Regeneration Society and a member of International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy.

“Don’t be put off seeking help. Early diagnosis”, says Professor Lee, “is the best way to keep the biology going.”

Don’t let your body hold you back! London Cartilage Clinic has created an online virtual or face to face consultation, MRI images review and virtual motion assessment package exclusive to readers for just £350. This will establish the status of your joint and provide you with a bespoke onward treatment plan. To find out more or to book an appointment, visit https://londoncartilage.com/regene OR call: +44 2079 657 268 quoting “Golf-Regen”.