Over the past several years, regenerative medicine has come to the forefront of the medical field. After years of research and studies, stem cell therapy has emerged as one of the most beneficial forms of alternative treatment for chronic pain and the repair of otherwise debilitating injuries to extremities and joints.
Stem cell therapy has become one of the most effective forms of treatment in recent years. Stem cells are an integral part of each of us, and they work to repair the body. As we get older or suffer injuries throughout life, these cells often do not work as well as they should. When rejuvenating cells cannot repair the injured area, it typically results in pain and discomfort. Stem cell therapy can solve this problem and improve your body’s ability to heal itself. As a relatively new treatment, we understand you probably have questions for our doctors.
Stem cells are cells within the body that have the potential to support and heal tissues. One of the primary sources of stem cells is human embryos, both highly effective and controversial. However, you can find stem cells in bone marrow, blood, and placental tissue. Right now, bone marrow is the most commonly used source of adult stem cells for regenerative purposes.
Stem cell therapy works by injecting stem cells drawn from other parts of the body, namely the patient’s bone marrow, into a damaged area of the body. These cells continuously divide to create more stem cells, eventually morphing into the tissue that needs to be repaired.
Stem cell therapy is a great solution that can benefit patients suffering from many different ailments. Healthcare experts use it to regrow tissue in place of a joint replacement, to help with osteoarthritis, and to treat patients suffering from knee and hip pain.
We have seen first-hand how effective stem cell therapy is when used alone or in conjunction with other treatments offered at our Texas Partners Healthcare Group locations, such as:
There have been countless studies published that support the healing effects of stem cells for a wide range of conditions, including:
Regenerative medicine has become increasingly popular in recent years as we’ve learned more about its many benefits. This type of medicine replaces tissues or organs that have been damaged by disease, trauma, or other conditions. Whereas the more traditional forms of therapy focus on treating a patient’s symptoms, regenerative medicine delivers outcomes through tissue engineering, cellular therapies, artificial organs, and other medical devices. Stem cell therapy and different types of regenerative medicine aim to promote the natural healing process, restoring function to a specific organ or tissue.
Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions we field about both regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy.
Ans: The body comprises more than 37 trillion cells, each of which has a different role. Cells are “stem” cells when they can divide and reproduce, creating cells of all different types. The more we learn more about stem cells, the more fascinated we are. They have the incredible ability to divide to replenish other cells, repairing whatever area of the body is in need. Each time a stem cell divides, a new cell can either remain a stem cell or become a different type of cell that is more specialized, such as a red blood cell, brain cell, or muscle cell.
Ans: Because stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own body, the benefits are plentiful. Some of the top benefits of stem cell therapy include:
Stem cell therapy, or regenerative medicine, encourages the repair response of diseased, injured, or dysfunctional tissue. We are able to manipulate stem cells to specialize in different types of cells, helping the body’s natural healing process.
Ans: Adult stem cells (also known as progenitor cells) remain dormant until an injury to a specific tissue occurs. When they notice there is a tissue injury, they “turn on,” so to speak. These stem cells then instinctively go to the injured area to start the healing process. While we still have a lot to learn about regenerative medicine, the fact that stem cells are able to transform into the type of injured tissue or cells that are needed for repair is remarkable.
Ans: Stem cells and regenerative medicine can treat a wide range of conditions, injuries, and problems. As far as we know, there is no limit to the type of diseases that stem cell therapy can treat. Regenerative medicine has made numerous breakthroughs in the way we view and treat various conditions and diseases of the human body.
Ans: You must follow your physician’s post-op procedure instructions following stem cell therapy. In many cases, patients will be encouraged to start physical therapy as soon as possible (the first day or two after the treatment). Some patients will experience noticeable inflammation in the area that received treatment, which is quite normal as the immune system starts to do its job. You may need to rest the treated area for a specific amount of time indicated by your physician, but we encourage you to listen to your body and pay attention to any pain and discomfort that comes up.
Ans: No, the actual stem cell injection is not painful, although you may experience some mild discomfort.
Ans: In most cases, you will be able to return to work on the same day as the procedure. However, your physician will advise you if you need to rest before returning to your regular routine and daily activities.
Ans: The number of stem cell injections you need will depend on the type and severity of the injury you are experiencing. Your TXP physician will determine the number of injections necessary and will discuss your specific needs with you.