Stem cells are an amazing, natural healing agent that is found right inside the human body. Using stem cells to help relieve pain and repair injuries has produced powerful results. So, what are these famous stem cells, and will this kind of therapy help heal your injury?
What are Stem Cells?
The body’s natural healing power is amazing. Think about how your body already knows how to send the right substances to heal a cut or fight a virus. Stem cells are part of that natural army of healing power.
Stem cells are unique and powerful cells found inside the human body, specializing in the repair of damaged tissue. They are one of the 3 factors necessary for natural healing within the body (the other two being matrix and growth factors.)
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into new kinds of tissue like muscle cells, brain cells, or blood cells. This is why they are often harvested and used by orthopedic surgeons to speed up healing in an existing injury.
Two Types
There are two types of commonly used stem cells: autologous and allogeneic.
Autologous stem cells come from the patient’s own body. They are harvested from blood, fat, or bone marrow. You may hear them referred to as “adult stem cells.” Allogenic stem cells come from outside of the patient’s body. This type of stem cell can be found in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, or exosomes.
Neither type is considered “better” than the other. In fact, a collection of both is often recommended as the best option depending on the specific injury.
For example, Claudia tore her meniscus and Carol suffered from severe arthritis in her hands. Though their injuries were very different, both women were able to find relief using a customized treatment of autologous and allogeneic stem cells at the Albano Clinic. After gaining a clear understanding of their unique injuries and each specific patient’s needs, Dr. Albano was able to create a custom plan for each individual.
What is Stem Cell Therapy Like?
Stem Cell Therapy is a lot like a skin graft. For example, when a burn victim’s skin is damaged, skin from another area of the body will often be moved to the injured area in order to promote the growth of new skin and accelerate the healing process. Stem cell therapy takes cells from other areas of your body and injects them into a damaged muscle, joint, or ligament, promoting the growth of new cells and accelerating healing.
After evaluating your injury and needs, a specific treatment plan will be recommended to you. Gathering of the stem cells and treatment often occur on the same day. To gather the stem cells, you can expect short, non-invasive procedures like having blood drawn. Depending on the type of cells, the substance drawn will be spun in a centrifuge to separate the stem cells from other types of cells.
Once the harvesting is done, the physician will often use an ultrasound or fluoroscopy technology to precisely target the injured area. Precision makes all the difference in achieving the most effective healing process and the fastest recovery time. Then the concentrated mix of stem cells will then be injected into the injured area. You will experience some swelling right after the procedure, but 1-2 days later, you should be back to normal. Most patients see results after 6-12 weeks, but continue to see the full effects after a few months.
Can Stem Cell Therapy Help My Injury?
Stem Cell Therapy is a fantastic alternative to many common, yet invasive, surgeries. People who suffer from joint pain, torn muscles, ligaments or tendons, arthritis, and even nerve pain have all seen powerful improvements as a result of this treatment.
If you suffer from pain that keeps you from doing what you love, we would love to talk with you about a whole-body approach to Stem Cell Therapy. The Albano Clinic is all about prescribing a customized plan to fit your needs. We’ll help you move better, feel better, and live better!
Find out if Stem Cell Therapy is right for you by scheduling a consultation online or by calling (385) 220-9009.