Advancements in regenerative medicine have been gaining traction for some time now. Recently, stem cell therapy in particular has received attention for its potential in the field of orthopedics. Stem cells are naturally occurring within the body and have the remarkable abilities to self-heal and regenerate tissue in damaged areas.
Stem cells serve as the foundation for all cell types in the body and can divide and transform into specialized tissue. They can be harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue, making them a renewable resource. Thereafter, they can be strategically injected into the injured area for tissue repair.
Stem Cells for Orthopedic Injuries
Recently, experts have begun using mesenchymal stem cells to treat a variety of sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. These specialized cells can come from directly from the patient, such as adipose (fat) or bone marrow, or from a donated source. The stem cells are administered in a targeted approach and the treatment has been shown to have promising results with the following benefits:
- Pain relief
- Expedited recovery time
- Increased mobility
- Reduced or eliminated need for painkillers and/or invasive procedures
- Avoidance of post-surgery complications
- Stimulation of the natural healing response to address the injury itself, not just its symptoms
- Effective treatment of conditions considered too extensive for repair, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease
Most patients experience noticeable improvements within a matter of days, though several sessions may be needed depending on the severity and type of injury. With that being said, stem cell therapy is an alternative option for the potential of re-growing cartilage, minimizing inflammation, decelerating cartilage damage, and alleviating pain. Patients can also consider diet and supplement changes to help support an optimal environment for the stem cells as well.
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for the joints, also known as stem cell therapy for joints! Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
