What are stem cells and how do they work?

Stem cells are essentially blank cells that can become whatever type of cells the body needs at the time. They can grow new cells and repair damaged tissues. Stem cells are attracted to inflammation and can therefore seek out the damaged tissues in the body and repair them from within. As an adult, your body naturally produces stem cells in your bone marrow for use throughout the body, but as you age, you produce significantly fewer stem cells than you did when you were younger. This is why you are more prone to injury and it takes longer to heal. Stem cell therapy treats the source of your pain by stimulating the body to heal itself, generating new tissue in the damaged areas. Stem cells will turn into whatever type of cartilage, muscle, bone, or other tissues that the body needs at the time. Stem cells can and will seek out the damaged areas in the body and help the body to regenerate those areas, however the greatest results are achieved when the stem cells are directly injected into the damaged area, such as a knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, etc. These stem cells quickly go to work to renew and repair the area, and pain relief is usually seen within 1-4 weeks.

HUCT( human umbilical cord tissue): The stem cells that we use in our office come from the donated human umbilical cord blood of screened, healthy live-birth babies. The product consists of a very concentrated cord blood stem cell population that includes hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), and mesenchymal stems cells (MSC). These stem cells have the ability to replicate and to release growth factors and cytokines, as well as differentiate into more mature cells. The donors of these cells are heavily screened and the cell product is rigorously tested in a lab to make sure they are viable and free of diseases. These are not embryonic stem cells, and therefore there is no controversy over their use. Now that the healing power of stem cells is widely known, many new mothers will pay to store their babys cord blood for possible future use, but the vast majority of umbilical cords get discarded instead. Those mothers that donate their umbilical cord blood are offering truly life-changing therapies to patients in need.

While all types of therapies have risks associated with them, stem cell therapy has been used in medicine for many years and has shown a very low incidence of adverse effects. Regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells in the general population is becoming more widespread due to the positive results they have achieved over time. Please contact our office for more information or to schedule for one of our informative educational seminars to learn more.

Excerpt from:
Stem Cell Therapy | Neck & Back Pain | Colorado

Medical professionals debate whether or not stem cells therapy is an effective treatment for sports injuries, such as ACL tears and chronic tendonitis. It is a controversial subject and research is ongoing.

See Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

The theories behind stem cell therapyResearchers theorize that when applied to a sports injury, stem cells might:

See Knee Cartilage Repair, Regeneration, and Replacement

Article continues below

Future research will help show if none, all, or a combination of these processes is at work. In the meantime, doctors debate whether or not stem cells are a good treatment option for sports injuries.

The challenge facing researchersThere is no standard recipe for stem cell therapy. The stem cell therapy in one study is not necessarily the same as the stem cell therapy in another study. The differences can include:

Because of these differences, it is difficult for researchers to draw conclusions or make generalizations based on existing studies.

Many sports medicine doctors use stem cell therapy in combination with another regenerative medicine therapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP). These physicians believe that PRP can make the most of the stem cells potential effects.1,2

See Types of Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

PRP is derived from a sample of the patients blood. In the bloodstream, platelets secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that:

See Are PRP Injections Effective?

PRP can be used alone to treat sports injuries, such as elbow tendinopathy.

See What Is the Difference Between Tendonitis, Tendinosis, and Tendinopathy?

Like stem cell therapy, PRP therapy is a not a standard therapy and may not be covered by insurance.

See Pros and Cons of Using PRP for Tendon Injuries

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Does Stem Cell Therapy Work? - Sports-health

How are Stem Cell Injections Performed?

Many patients question, what is stem cell therapy and how is it performed? Stem cell therapy is performed by Dr. Verma and his team as a non-surgical procedure that takes under one hour to complete. During the procedure, Dr. Verma will harvest stem cells from the bone marrow in a patients hip. The stem cells are then inserted into the damaged shoulder, knee or elbow joint. Stem cell injections come from a patients own body so the rejection risk is extremely low.

In some cases, allograft (donor) stem cells can be used in an office based procedure for specific conditions such as arthritis and tendon inflammation. In most cases these cells are harvested from donor placenta tissue which is otherwise discarded after birth. The cells are isolated and processed in a sterile fashion for use in a clinical setting.

Have a question about biologic treatment? Dr. Verma answers frequently asked questions.

It is important to note that stem cell therapy is not for all patients. In general, Dr. Verma recommends this procedure to patients who have moderate osteoarthritis in the shoulder, knee or elbow where a complete collapse of the joint is not present. Stem cell injections are also recommended for a number of tendon injuries that have not responded to other treatments.

It is believed that stem cell therapy will become more common as additional research studies are completed by physicians. Dr. Verma and his colleagues at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush are involved with researching biologic treatments, such as stem cell injections, to learn more about therapy outcomes. The orthopedic physicians also document their patients outcomes to contribute to their research findings. As the science around stem cell procedures evolve, more medical indications will be developed and utilized by Dr. Verma and his team.

For more resources on stem cell therapy or to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell injections, please contact the office of Dr. Nikhil Verma, shoulder surgeon and knee specialist serving the Chicago, Westchester, Oak Brook and Hinsdale, Illinois area.

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Stem Cell Injections | What is Stem Cell Therapy | Chicago ...

In 1964, the tips of my skis hit a snow bank and my bindings didnt release. At the time I knew something very very bad had happened! In the olden days, osteoscopic surgery hadnt been invented, so an incision was made from the medial clear across to the lateral knee and 80% of the cartilage was removed. Skip ahead 5 decades to an arthritic, painful knee that doesnt work well at all (And since the other knee has been taking most of the walking brunt, it isnt in good shape, either).

I was taking pain-pills just to get out of bed and be semi-functional. I asked the orthopedic surgeon at my HMO about alternatives (including stem-cell injections) and he tossed me a metal/plastic contraption that was about as big as a toaster (or so it seemed to me) saying that was as good as I could do.I had been researching stem cell research for several years and throughout I would have to go out of the country for treatment (thereby risking unforeseen consequences then and in the future).Through a series of synchronistic happenings, I discovered ThriveMD took stem cells from adipose tissue and mixed it with a patients own platelet-rich plasma (PRP). They then inject it into joints with the aid of fluoroscopy. I decided to get the procedure, and was jumping off the table and home within two hours. After 10 days, there was no discomfort from the procedure and I began reducing my pain medication. As I write this love note to my benefactors, I havent had to take anything for pain!

MY LIFE HAS CHANGED, MY KNEES ARE EVER SO HAPPY AND IVE NOT HAD TO TAKE ANY PAIN PILLS SINCE THE FINAL INJECTION OF PRP!!!

THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME BACK MY PAIN-FREE MOBILITY AND THE POTENTIAL TO GROW BACK NEW CARTILAGE.*

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Stem Cell Therapy Reviews & Patient Testimonials [Knee ...

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Stem Cell Therapy: Health & Beauty | eBay

Stem Cell Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment within the field of Regenerative Medicine that uses the bodys own healing power to restore itself. Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that can mature into various specialized cells whose functions restore injured and degenerated tissues. Our Stem Cell treatments use Mesenchymal Stem Cells which have the ability to form osteoblasts (bone forming cells), chondrocytes (cartilage forming cells), and myocytes (muscle forming cells). These cell lines are crucial in repairing bone and cartilage, and therefore provide a promising treatment for damaged joints, ligaments, and tendons due to conditions like injury and arthritis. We also use "amniotic allograft," from amniotic fluid donated from healthy pregnant mothers upon their delivery. Amniotic fluid provides many of the growth factors that initiate healing process in the body.

Stem cells are located in several unique areas of the body. Two main sources of the Mesenchymal Stem Cells we use are the bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. These cells are extracted from fat around the abdomen by a mini-liposuction procedure, or from the marrow of the hip bone (iliac) and then spun in a centrifuge to be separated and concentrated. No other additives, chemicals, or manipulations are involved. In the case of amniotic allograft, amniotic fluid is donated by pregnant mothers after being extracted during a healthy C-section delivery. The fluid is then purified and analyzed much like a donated blood product. After assurance of quality and safety, it is sent frozen to our office to be thawed for later use. In all cases, the pure, concentrated stem cells are then re-injected into the treatment area. These reinvigorating cells then begin the repair process by stimulating the growth of new cells and replacing those which are damaged.

The entire procedure is safe, relatively painless, and efficient. In approximately one hour you will be on your way to a healthier body.

A list of commonly treated conditions:

Arthritis Knee Injuries Shoulder Injuries Back Pain Torn Tendons Sprains & Strains Tendonitis Torn Cartilage Sports Injuries Tennis Elbow Heel Spurs Plantar Fasciitis

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated or pluripotent cells that can mature into specific cell types needed for helping repair tissue in areas that are injured or damaged. Stem cells are different from other cells because they have the ability to create copies of themselves (self-renewal), and to divide for a long period of time. They can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions, thus adapting to and fulfilling a wide array of needs for repairing damaged, degenerated, and injured body areas.

Who can get Stem Cell Therapy?

Almost anyone can receive Stem Cell Therapy, and all ages can benefit. If the condition is one that will respond to regenerative medicine, there are very few cases in which a person would not be a suitable candidate. A consultation with one of our experienced doctors will determine if Stem Cell Therapy could benefit you.

Is Stem Cell Therapy safe?

In the hands of a competent practitioner, Stem Cell Therapy is a safe and less invasive alternative to many surgeries. During your consultation one of our doctors will go over the relative risks in more detail and focus on your particular condition and treatment area.

How many treatments will I need?

The amount of Stem Cell treatments you will need is dependent upon your specific injury or issue, as well as other factors such as age and overall health. In most cases, only one or two treatments will be needed to cause a significant benefit to the area being treated.

Does Stem Cell Therapy hurt?

The process does involve needles and the use of a small canula to extract the cells, however our doctors use ample local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Most patients say the pain is very manageable. Also, our patients say that the long term pain relief they get from our treatments is worth enduring a bit of short term discomfort.

What will I feel like after my Stem Cell Therapy?

Most people feel fine after their treatment and are able to return to work that same day. It is normal for the areas where the stem cells were harvested, as well as the treatment areas, to be sore for a few weeks after the treatment. This soreness also represents part of the healing process, resulting from healthy inflammation triggered in the area. Full restorative results occur slowly and progressively after treatment. So although you will not experience immediate 'next-day' results, your condition will continue to improve over the 3 to 6 months following treatment.

Optimum Wellness remains at the forefront of alternative medicine with its Stem Cell Therapy treatments for restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Stem Cell Therapy may help you heal faster, whether it is an old nagging injury, a degenerative condition, or an injury that just occurred.

Patients, whether professional athletes, weekend warriors, or anywhere in between, have discovered Stem Cell Therapy can help heal their injuries and prevent new ones from occurring.

To find out if you are a candidate for Stem Cell Therapy, please call to schedule a consultation at 818-547-5400.

Servicing Burbank, Glendale CA, Pasadena CA, Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, Altadena, Encino, La Crescenta, Monterey Hills, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater, Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Highland Park, Echo Park, and Monterey Park.

I am amazed with the success of stem cell for my left knee torn meniscus that has been a hindrance to me for about two years now. After just about 3-4 months I honestly feel it is healing and I can resume teaching Zumba to seniors in a few months.

Dr Wortham was so personable and knowledgeable and professional and the whole procedure was almost pain free and basically out patient.

CW

Read some scientific journal reviews on Stem Cell Therapy:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4575428/pdf/12891_2015_Article_714.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463777/pdf/jpr-8-269.pdf

References Used:

http://www.eurostemcell.org/stem-cell-faq

http://www.smartchoicestemcell.com/patient-stories.aspx

Dr. Ross Hauser website:

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

http://www.caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/knee-osteoarthritis-treated-stem-cell-therapy/

http://www.vaultstemcell.com/treatments-therapies/adult-stem-cell-success-stories/

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Stem Cell Therapy | Glendale CA Medical Group | What is ...

What is the process for Stem Cell Therapy?

In most cases, 2 oz. (60 cc) of bone marrow aspirate is required. The aspirate includes platelets, mesenchymal stem cells, and other kinds of stem cells used in adult stem cell therapy. After aspiration, the stem cell tissue is separated from non-useful substances and cells via multiple filtration techniques. The bone marrow is placed inside a special container, which in turn is placed into a machine known as a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the material at a high rate of speed, and this process separates the platelets and stem cells from the remainder of the blood products. It is this concentration of bone marrowcalled BMAC, or bone marrow aspiration concentrate that is injected to the site of tissue damage or injury. We use ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance to increase the accuracy of administration

Once introduced, the platelets then release signal proteins and growth factors which activate the stem cells to divide rapidly. Stem cells by themselves are unable to repair the injured area. These cells have to be properly directed, and platelets perform this function. In effect, stem cells are construction workers and the platelets are their supervisors. Once they are activated, these stem cells perform a variety of valuable functions. Apart from repairing damage to the injured areas, they help damaged cells repair themselves and participate in the repairing process.

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Stem Cell Therapy - State of the art treatment for pain

@kdukes52, there are several discussions about stem cell therapy in the Bones, Joints & Muscles group. Here are a few you may wish to review:

Stem Cell Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cell-therapy-for-rotator-cuff-tears/ Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritic-knees/ Has anyone used PRP or Stem Cell Therapy to fix cervical discs https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-used-prp-or-stem-cell-therapy-to-fix-cervical-discs/

While these discussions are not specific to regenerative medicine for the hip, I think you'll find a lot of relevant and related information. I'm also tagging fellow members @gailb @cobweb and @winning to join this discussion.

It is so important to do your homework and due diligence when researching new treatment options. Stem cells offer a lot of hope. But where these is hope, there is hype and charlatans as this FDA warning illustrates: FDA acts to remove unproven, potentially harmful treatment used in stem cell centers targeting vulnerable patients https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm573427.htm

You can read more about stem cells on the FDAs website here: https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194655.htm

Another service I encourage you to take advantage of is Mayo Clinics Regenerative Medicine free Consult Service. If you call them, you will talk to a live person who will provide more information, research, and advice on seeking stem cell therapy from reputable providers, even if that provider is not Mayo Clinic. Their primary goal is to educate and help you find effective treatment.

Furthermore, you can add your name to a database to be notified when additional studies and information become available. Heres more information about the stem cell Consult Service http://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/patient-care/clinical-services/regenerative-medicine-consult-service. Or simply call 1-844-276-2003 to speak with one of our experts.

Phew, that's a long-winded response to your simple question Kdukes. Are you considering a hip replacement?

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Original post:
Stem cell therapy for hip | Mayo Clinic Connect

Many doctors and athletes use stem cell therapy to treat sports injuries, such as Achilles tendinopathy or damaged knee ligaments.

Some physicians use stem cells to repair damaged knee cartilage.Read Knee Cartilage Repair, Regeneration, and Replacement

While increasing in popularity, stem cell therapy is not considered standard practice by sports medicine doctors and not covered by most insurance companies. Patients considering paying out-of-pocket are advised to learn about stem cells potentialand limitationsfor treating sports injuries.

See Treating Acute Sports and Exercise Injuries in the First 24 to 72 Hours

Article continues below

Doctors use stem cells to treat a wide variety of sports injuries, including damage to:

These injuries may be due to a one-time trauma or chronic overuse.

Stem cells can be applied to an injured area via:

See Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

When administering injections, many physicians use ultrasound or other medical imaging to ensure cells are delivered precisely to the site of damaged tissue.

See Types of Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

Stem cells are different than skin cells, muscle cells, liver cells, or any other human cells. What makes stem cells special is that they can:

Many physicians who use stem cell therapy hypothesize that, when placed into a certain environment, stem cells can transform to meet a certain need. For example, stem cells that are placed near damaged Achilles tendon are hypothesized to develop into healthy Achilles tendon cells.

In almost all cases, the stem cells used in sports medicine come from the patient. Clinical use of fetal or embryonic stem cells is banned in United States.

The process of collecting stem cells is often called harvesting. Physicians usually harvest stem cells from the patients fat, blood, or bone marrow.

Before a bone marrow aspiration, a patient is given a local anesthetic and may also be given a sedative.

Mesenchymal stem cellsAll three types of stem cells listed aboveadipose (fat), peripheral blood, and bone marrowbelong to a category of stem cells called mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells, sometimes called adult stem cells, can be obtained from the patients own body and are being increasingly used for treating sports injuries.

See What Are Stem Cells? on Arthritis-health.com to learn more.

Right now, there are no formal medical guidelines regarding who can receive stem cell therapy for sports injuries. Whether or not to use stem cells for treatment is up to patients and their doctors. A lack of standardization further complicates the nature of treatment at one clinic versus another.

See Who Is a Candidate for Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

Some doctors have certain criteria for recommending stem cell therapy. For example, they only recommend it to patients who are healthy and younger (e.g. under 50). Other doctors make recommendations on a case-by-case basis.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Sports Injuries - Sports-health

Heal joint arthritis and other painful conditions using stem cells extracted from your own body fat!

Unlike many other stem cell treatment options, our office utilizes an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved stem cell treatment protocol from Regeneris Medical. To learn more about the Institutional Review Board registry and approval process and what it means for your safety and privacy when choosing a stem cell procedure, you can read about the IRB and registry process here.

Stem Cell Therapy refers to the use of stem cells to treat various medical conditions or diseases. In many cases, Stem Cell Therapy can offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery for a number of painful and even debilitating conditions including joint injuries,joint arthritis and joint degeneration resulting from overuse or aging.

Stem cell technology is evolving rapidly, offering patients an increasing number of options for stem cell treatment. Some major differences exist between these options, particularly with regards to where the stem cells are sourced and how they are processed, in addition to the types of doctors or personnel performing the procedures and ultimately their safety and effectiveness.

For a breakdown and comparison of several popular types of stem cell treatments commonly available, see Understanding and Comparing Your Stem Cell Treatment Options.

In orthopedic patients, the most common areas treated include the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, foot, ankle, neck, back and spine.However, the ability to use stem cell therapy and its effectiveness depend on the specific condition and damage being treated on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Wolf will need to first evaluate you to determine whether stem cell therapy is appropriate for your individual condition and needs, in addition to medically clearing you for the procedure.

Please contact our office to see if your specific condition is covered by the IRB or CRIO registry, and set an appointment with Dr. Wolf for an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy.

A stem cell is a specific type of cell found in your body and those of other animals and multi-cell organisms. However, stem cells have a unique quality that makes them very special and useful for medical treatment: they can differentiate or change into other types of cells. They can also divide, producing more stem cells of the same type.

This means that stem cells can be utilized to help your body heal itself, as they change into the type of cells needed to regrow and repair damaged tissue.

Over the past few years, you may have heard about stem cells taken from human embryos and umbilical cords; however, stem cells are actually found and accessible from several sources in adult humans: bone marrow, blood, and fat cells. Different stem cell treatments may use stem cells derived from different sources, with different levels of effectiveness in addition to potential safety and ethical considerations.

At Advanced Therapeutics, the Institutional Review Board approved protocol we use for stem cell therapy sources stem cells directly from your own body fat, offering both ethical as well as safety advantages to our patients.

Throughout the remainder of this page, well focus specifically on the Institutional Review Board procedure offered at our office. For a comparison of the different stem cell treatment options available, including the procedure offered at Advanced Therapeutics, see Understanding and Comparing Your Stem Cell Treatment Options.

A donor site is chosen in the abdomen, flanks or other appropriate area. Local anesthesia (numbing solution) is injected through the skin into the underlying fat. A very small incision is made and a small fat-removing device known as a cannula is used to gently remove fat cells into a specially designed syringe. Compression is then applied to the donor area.

The fat cells are placed in a special centrifuge that spins the syringes and separates the fat from any excess fluid. Once the fluid is drained off, the fat cells are mixed with Liberase (collagenase) which digests these tissues rich in stem cells. The specimen is then spun once again to concentrate the stem cells in the lower part of the syringe. The resulting stem cell solution, called the stromal vascular fraction, is then mixed with platelet poor plasma to neutralize the collagenase. The stem cell solution is now ready to be administered via joint injection or IV.

You have a choice between many regenerative medicine treatments or products, and we want you to make an informed decision. At Advanced Therapeutics, we follow an Institutional Review Board approved protocol. Dr. Wolf has completed the NIDA clinical trials network training on Good Clinical Practice and has over 20 years of experience harvesting fat, injecting joints and utilizing ultrasound in needle guided procedures.

Our training and experience make us uniquely qualified to provide this extraordinary service to our patients in a safe and professional environment, performed by an experienced, licensed and highly qualified physician.

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Stem Cell Therapy in Dayton OH - Fat Derived Stem Cell ...