Stem cell therapy Austin is a regenerative medicine approach to treat disease, with the goal of repairing or replacing damaged tissue. By delivering new stem cells and proteins directly to diseased tissues, stem cell therapy has been shown to offer relief from pain and reduction in inflammation for those suffering from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one example of stem cell treatment that has become increasingly popular for those suffering from musculoskeletal pain, according to WebMD. PRP is known as "liquid gold" because it contains growth factors that patients have in their own blood. Harvesting the PRP requires taking some of a person's blood, separating it into its components and concentrating the platelets. Because this method uses a person's own blood, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
What are stem cells, and where do they come from?
There are two main sources for obtaining stem cells: (1) Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and (2) Adult stem cells. Some examples of embryonic stem cell sources are the blastocyst, post-implantation embryo, or inner cell mass. Adult stem cells have been discovered in various adult tissues, including brain, bone marrow, blood vessels and skeletal muscles.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Stem cell therapy delivers a concentrated dose of stem cells directly to the affected tissue where they have the ability to grow into healthy new cells that can repair or replace damaged tissue. In certain cases, this type of treatment may be combined with other therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
People seek out stem cell therapy due to its proven safety and effectiveness in treating a number of painful conditions, including osteoarthritis. The therapy is administered intravenously in a procedure that typically takes about one hour. The therapy can be performed as an outpatient procedure, so the patient does not have to spend the night at the hospital or undergo extensive recovery time.
Following treatment, patients will typically be asked to return for follow-up exams and assessments. The doctor will discuss with you whether stem cell therapy can help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life, and if it is the best course of treatment for you overall.
Who is it used for?
Stem cell therapy has been used to treat various forms of arthritis, tendon injuries and knee pain. Outcomes may vary depending on the individual. Talk with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you.
What are some types of stem cell treatments?
Autologous stem cells harvested from the patient's own body are commonly used for treatment. Bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue and amniotic tissue are also sources of adult stem cells that can be used therapeutically.
Stem cell therapies and clinical trials
Combining stem cell therapy with other forms of treatment has been shown to improve results in clinical trials. Surgery, injections and NSAIDs — such as ibuprofen and naproxen — can help reduce inflammation and pain. Active therapies such as physical therapy and different types of injections may also provide relief, but the effects only last a few months before another injection is needed.
Patients should always check with their doctor to find out if they are eligible for a clinical trial or other stem cell treatment.
Stem cells have been used to treat multiple forms of arthritis, as well as tendon injuries and knee pain. The success of stem cell therapy varies from person to person. Talk with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you.
The benefits of using the treatment
safety and effectiveness. Stem cell therapy is an outpatient procedure, so patients do not need to spend the night in the hospital and can go back to their normal activities soon after treatment.
The drawbacks of stem cell therapy include its cost and lack of long-term benefits without combining it with other forms of treatment such as physical therapy or injections.
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