Soft tissue and joint conditions are traditionally treated through oral medications, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. While these methods can produce results for patients, many patients never regain pre-injury function or range of motion.
Stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment option that has the potential to help improve patient outcomes. Stem cells can be used as a standalone orthopedic treatment alternative option or as a post-surgical recovery and healing aid.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are unique building blocks that have the ability to multiply and become various kinds of specialized cells, including those found in ligaments and cartilage.
Stem cells can be harvested from one of three sources. Autologous adult stem cells are harvested directly from the patient. These cells are collected from bone marrow aspirate or adipose (fat) tissue. Harvesting stem cells from adipose tissue is the least invasive option of the two.
If a patient does not want to use autologous cells for their treatment, they can elect to use umbilical cord-derived stem cells. These cells are harvested from Wharton’s Jelly, which lines the interior of umbilical cords.
Who is a Candidate for Joint Stem Cell Therapy?
Patients who are suffering from painful joint or soft tissue injuries are viable candidates for stem cell therapy. These ailments may be caused by trauma, overuse, or debilitating conditions. Stem cell therapy can also be used to treat joints like the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder.
In the past, stem cells have primarily been used to treat chronic conditions. However, it is also useful for expediting the healing process after surgery. In many cases, stem cells have provided patients the ability to resume normal activity more rapidly and with less pain while also following post-surgery instructions.
What to Expect During Joint Stem Cell Therapy
When you arrive for your stem cell therapy, the first step will be to harvest the cells. If you elect to use autologous adult stem cells, there is a mini procedure done with local anesthesia. The physician will then harvest bone marrow aspirate or adipose tissue and then process the tissue so that the stem cells can be isolated from other biological materials.
The final stage of the treatment is to administer the stem cells into the problematic joints or muscle tissues. Some more challenging cases may include an ultrasound to help precisely administer the stem cells to the damaged tissue. After the procedure is complete, it will take approximately three to six months to experience peak healing.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for Orthopedic also known as Orthopedic Stem cell Therapy. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.