Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine used to treat a broad range of conditions. The treatment involves your own stem cells harvested from adipose or bone marrow tissue, or donated umbilical cord derived stem cells, and having them administered to the site of an injury.
Stem cells are remarkable because they act as the foundation for all cell types. They also have unique properties, including the abilities to self-renew and reduce inflammation. As such, they possess healing qualities and are especially studied and used for hard-to-treat injuries and illnesses, including orthopedic conditions.
While stem cell therapy is still being researched and new technologies and techniques are being discovered, it has shown to hold beneficial promise in its ability to create new tissue in areas that have been compromised. Here are a few of the orthopedic conditions the treatment is already been used to address:
- Ligament injuries, such as sprains
- Osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage at the ends of bones breaks down
- Bone fractures which haven’t healed with conventional treatments
- Injuries and conditions of the tendons, such as meniscus tears, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tears
How Is Stem Cell Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions Performed?
Unlike invasive surgeries, stem cell therapy is quick and fairly simple. You may undergo a procedure to have stem cells extracted from your tissue; or, donor stem cells may be provided. Thereafter, you’ll receive the injections in an outpatient setting.
To administer the stem cells, the doctor will numb the site and then insert a needle guided by ultrasound. You will be able to go home the same day. Depending on the nature and extent of your injury or condition, you may need to receive a series of injections to promote the best possible outcomes.
Within weeks, most patients notice improved mobility, reduced pain, and greater strength. While the treatment is a viable alternative to surgery, it can be combined with complementary treatments such as peptides and physical therapy, if desired.
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at https://www.stemedix.com. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
