You might have heard about stem cell therapy and its widespread use in medicine, but what is it really and how does it work? What are its benefits and risks? If you have been considering stem cell therapy, but need a little more information, here is everything you need to know.
About Stem Cells
Stem cells are best described by the Mayo Clinic as, “The body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.”
What this means is that stem cells are universal and can be transformed into any other cell in the body. With new technologies, medical specialists are able to use small samples of a patient’s blood to create more of these incredibly valuable stem cells, condense them into highly concentrated solutions, then inject them back into the patients most heavily damaged areas.
Once they are injected, the stem cells then start the second stage of the treatment process, in which they transform into the necessary components and begin repairing nearly any bodily damage.
Benefits
There are several benefits that come with stem cell therapy. They include the following:
– Decreased inflammation
– Pain relief
– Improved functionality and range of motion in the affected area
– Shorter recovery period compared to traditional treatments
– Long-term solution that is natural
How it Works
There are many spots throughout the human body for stem cells to repair injured areas. Stem cells that come from the iliac bone, or the hip bone, can be easily obtained within minutes. Once they are taken out, they can be used for medical treatment.
For the stem cells to be placed accurately, the injections are done with an image guidance like an ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The affected area is then sterilized and numbed. Finally, the stem cells are injected and begin to regenerate and strengthen the weak joints.
What They’re Used For
Stem cell therapy can treat a number of conditions including the following:
– Osteoarthritis in the knee, hip, ankle, and shoulder joints
– Constant tendon tears like the quadriceps, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow
– Cartilage tears of the meniscus
– Muscular tears
– Spinal conditions that include all but not limited to a herniated disc, spinal facet pain, and degenerative disc disease
Healing Process
Damaged tissue can be healed and strengthened with stem cell injections, and pain relief can start to kick in many weeks after the procedure. At two to three months, the healing process should be complete.
Risks
Just like any other procedure, there are minor risks that come with stem cell therapy including nerve damage, bleeding, or infections. Allergic reaction risk is not to be of concern since the healing factors come from your own body.
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About Regional Medical Group
Regional Medical Group (RMG) is a team of highly qualified accident doctors and medical staff who have teamed up with an extensive network of chiropractors that specialize in the treatment and care of patients who have been injured in any form of automobile accident, motorcycle accident, semi-truck accident, Uber auto accident, Lyft auto accident, slip-and-fall, or other work-related accidents. Regional Medical Group helps patients focus on injury treatment without the stress of how to pay for it.
Regional Medical Group is standing by to help with its remarkable network of chiropractors by finding its patients a ‘chiropractor near me’. For more information visit Regional Medical Group online at RegionalMedicalGroup.com or call today.
Regional Medical Group is your one-stop solution for accidental injury care.
