Convergent Regenerative Strategies in PM&R for Musculoskeletal and Hair Restoration: Integration of PRP, Exosomes, and Physical Modalities

Author(s): Andre Aabedi, Devendra K. Agrawal

Regenerative medicine has emerged as a transformative approach for both musculoskeletal disorders and hair follicle dysfunction by targeting shared biological mechanisms underlying tissue repair and renewal. Conditions such as tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, and alopecia contribute substantially to physical morbidity and psychosocial burden, while conventional therapies often provide limited or symptomatic relief. This Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation-centered review synthesized evidence on convergent regenerative pathways involved in musculoskeletal healing and hair follicle restoration, with a focused analysis of platelet-rich plasma, exosomes and cell-free biologics, and physical modalities, including lowlevel laser therapy and mechanotransduction. Across both tissue systems, these modalities modulate stem cell activity, angiogenesis, inflammatory signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling through shared molecular pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, IGF-1, PDGF, and VEGF signaling. Despite tissue-specific differences in cellular architecture and repair demands, overlapping regenerative mechanisms enable translational application of biologic, photo-biomodulatory, and mechanical therapies across orthopedic and dermatologic contexts. This review highlights clinical evidence, practical considerations, and regulatory challenges, while identifying gaps in standardization, dosing, and outcome measures. By framing hair follicle restoration and musculoskeletal healing within a unified regenerative paradigm, physical medicine and rehabilitation is positioned to bridge these traditionally distinct domains and advance biologically driven, minimally invasive therapies aimed at true tissue regeneration rather than symptom modulation alone.