Stem Cell Injections
WHAT ARE ADULT STEM CELLS?
Adult stem cells were discovered over 40 years ago when researchers found that cells derived from bone marrow had the ability to form various tissues. Adult stem cells are early stage cells that, under the right conditions, are capable of developing into other types of cells and hold the potential to regenerate damaged tissue.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
In order to establish if you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy we will require your medical history along with recent x-rays and/or MRI studies. If you have not had any previous studies performed our staff will order any appropriate studies as needed.
Stem cell therapy is an appropriate treatment for many conditions, but is not applicable for every condition. Stem cell therapy has been shown to be a viable option for persons suffering from pain. A good candidate for adult stem cell treatment usually is:
- A person that wants to avoid the complications that come with an invasive surgical procedure.
- Someone suffering from pain that is looking for improvement in their quality of life.
- A person looking for an alternative means to feeling better that uses the body’s own stem cells as a method to restore your body using its own regenerative mechanisms.
Each individual is different and the success of stem cell therapy is dependent on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to stem cell therapy.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE LIKE?
The stem cell procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. Bone marrow is retrieved percutaneously from the iliac crest of the hip and then injected into a special filter. The aspirated bone marrow will then be concentrated into a smaller volume, with the removal of plasma and red blood cells and isolating the stem cells. Your concentrated stem cells will then be injected into the targeted site for regeneration.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
We recommend 24 hours of rest, but it is normal to return to work immediately. There should be no weight bearing for 2 weeks.. After a disc injection, you should rest for 2-3 days. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) should NOT be taken for 5 days pre-procedure and one week post-procedure.
WHICH JOINTS WE TREAT
- Ankle
- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Wrist
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A STEM CELL PROCEDURE
In preparation you should not take any anti-inflammatory medications, for at least 5 days prior to the procedure. (Medications such as Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc.)
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FEEL RELIEF AND OBTAIN IMPROVED FUNCTION OF THE JOINT
Every patient is unique and it also depends on which joint or joints you have had treatment on. Some patients have seen relief from pain and improvement in their mobility in as few as 2-3 weeks. For some patients it may take 2-3 months to see improvements in mobility and pain relief. Everyone is different in their response.
HOW LONG WILL I FEEL RELIEF AND MAINTAIN GOOD FUNCTION AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Recent studies have shown that adult stem cell treatments on joints have produced better outcomes than traditional treatments and/or surgical procedures. Most patients have been able to either postpone surgical treatment for many years or even avoid any type of surgery at all.
IS STEM CELL THERAPY FDA APPROVED
The FDA requirements are met for the practice of medicine by using your own bone marrow and an FDA approved device.
