Doctors and regenerative medicine specialists utilize stem cell therapy to stimulate tissue repair and growth, which may aid in wound healing and alleviate pain and inflammation. Stem cells are injected at the site of injury to promote healing without the use of steroids or other medications. Here are a few things to know about the benefits and risks of stem cells:
Understanding Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have not yet developed into specific tissues, organs, or bones. Undifferentiated cells have the potential to develop into any type of tissue, making them suitable for regeneration. Stem cells can be extracted from umbilical cord tissue and amniotic fluid. The cells are purified and injected into the targeted area to relieve pain and inflammation through tissue regeneration. Stem cells help repair torn or damaged tissues and can be used to address a range of conditions, such as orthopedic issues, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Some health concerns for which stem cell therapy may be beneficial include:
- Joint pain, including knee, ankle, and elbow
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Ligament and rotator cuff tears
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Lyme Disease
Benefits of Therapy
Stem cell therapies are used to improve various conditions. Stem cells may also stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which leads to tissue regeneration in injured joints and muscles. The therapy is often tailored to individual needs and can involve your own stem cells, minimizing the chances of rejection. Adipose stem cells are derived from the patient’s fat. This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anesthesia or drilling into bone. These stem cells offer high viability, making them suitable for various conditions.
Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal cells from umbilical cord tissues, also reduce inflammation and pain, promoting recovery from injuries and illnesses. Other potential use cases include healing ulcerative wounds caused by diabetes or injuries. If successful, the therapy reduces the need for invasive surgeries like joint replacement and bone fusion.
Risks of Therapy
Despite the growing use in regenerative therapies, stem cells are not yet approved by the FDA for treating specific conditions. As a result, insurance carriers typically don’t offer coverage for this therapy. Therapy may aid in improving some conditions, such as arthritis, lupus, and chronic pain, but success varies because patients respond differently. Some patients experience immune rejection, especially if the stem cells come from non-compatible donors.
To minimize the chances of immune rejection, regenerative medicine specialists use adipose stem cells. If that’s not an option, stem cells are sourced from amniotic fluid and umbilical cord tissue. These stem cells are usually immune-privileged, meaning they rarely cause an immune response in the recipient. They also have no ethical concerns as they’re extracted with the donor’s consent from tissues that would otherwise be discarded.
Get Started With Stem Cell Therapy Today
Stem cells have the potential to relieve pain and inflammation in muscles, joints, and other damaged tissues. If conventional treatments fail, your doctor may recommend stem cell therapy for its potential regenerative properties. It can be used to complement standard treatments and promote healing. Speak to a regenerative medicine specialist today to learn more about this therapy.
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