Stem Cell Therapy is a natural, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach to regenerating the connective tissue of a joint. This natural cell therapy offers many benefits, including reduced pain and a return of complete mobility.
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine that uses the body’s cells to promote healing. Through this non-surgical procedure, the mesenchymal cells are harvested from the patient’s fat or bone marrow and injected into the damaged joint.
What is Connective Tissue?
Connective tissue is the living network of cells and extracellular material that connects all parts of the body’s organs and structures. It also works to support organs and differentiate between different types of cells.
Connective tissue comprises three main types of cells, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and osteoclasts. These cells are responsible for creating and maintaining the tissues that support our skin, muscle, bone, blood vessels, organs, glands, and nerves.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells can differentiate or develop into several different cell types. In the case of connective tissue, a variety of stem cells called mesenchymal stem cells are used to regenerate damaged tissues.
Mesenchymal stem cells exist throughout the body in large numbers and are responsible for the development of bone and cartilage. These cells are more likely to differentiate into cells that can integrate into existing tissue rather than dividing and forming tumors.
The Method of Stem Cell Regeneration
There are different types of stem cell therapies. Sometimes stem cells are injected into a patient’s bloodstream or tissue and connect with the damaged tissue. Other times, the patient’s cells may be removed and placed in a laboratory, where they are grown into large quantities before being injected back into the patient.
Stem cell therapy for joint regeneration is done by harvesting the damaged tissue that needs to be replaced and injecting that tissue with stem cells.
What is the procedure?
The procedure of using stem cell therapy for joint recovery involves several stages. First, the patient’s damaged tissue is removed with a needle and syringe. Next, the stem cells are extracted from the patient’s fat or bone marrow. These cells are then placed into a small plastic container and frozen until they are ready to be used.
Once the stem cells have been prepared, they are thawed and injected into the damaged tissue. The new stem cells the secrete growth factors and other molecules that stimulate the growth of new tissue and blood vessels. The damaged tissue begins to repair as the stem cells create new cartilage and synovial fluid, and the patient’s pain is reduced.
Extracting stem cells from the bone marrow presents a unique solution because although there are fewer stem cells per volume of fat within the bone marrow, stem cells from the bone marrow have individual growth factors chemically unique to bone and cartilage. Harvesting stem cells from the fat allows for the complete regeneration of tissue.
Stem Cell as an Alternative to Ligament Surgery of the Knee
The knee is a complex joint that serves as the point of articulation for the lower extremity.
Through a complex process, multiple ligaments can keep the joint in place while allowing it to move freely. However, ligaments are susceptible and tear if stressed too far. Ligament tears in the knee can occur for several reasons. Some patients experience a ligament tear after an injury.
This can happen due to falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries. Other patients experience a ligament tear due to overuse. Overuse of the knee joint can occur with strenuous activities, including running, cycling, and jumping. In some cases, a ligament tear can develop without any known cause.
Ligaments are robust tissues that are composed of connective tissue fibers and cells. They work to hold the bones together but are also susceptible and prone to injury. Ligaments can be damaged in many ways, including tears or sprains.
A sprain involves stretching or tearing of a ligament without complete rupture. This type of tear can cause pain, swelling, and a lack of range of motion.
A complete rupture occurs when the ligaments are completely torn. This type of tear does not involve stretching but can cause significant joint instability.
In addition to ligament tears, other structures in the knee can be damaged. These include bones and cartilage. A patient can experience several injuries at the same time. As a non-invasive procedure, stem cell therapy is an excellent option for restoring and repairing the knee joint.
Ligament surgery can be performed mainly to address stability issues. However, fixing ligaments requires several invasive steps, including cutting and tying off the torn tissue. In contrast, stem cell therapy works to replace damaged tissues without cutting into the joint.
In some cases, the procedure involves little more than extracting a small bone marrow sample; once isolated, the stem cells are placed into a small plastic container and then injected into the joint.
Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment for Joint Recovery
Reduces Pain Effectively
A stem cell treatment for knee arthritis involves injecting a patient’s damaged tissue with stem cells. These stem cells then begin to secrete growth factors and other molecules that stimulate the growth of new tissue and blood vessels. As the damaged tissue is repaired, the patient experiences less pain and better mobility.
Faster Recovery
Stem cells can regenerate and repair tissue very quickly. Patients who receive stem cell treatment for joint pain can experience dramatic results within a few months. Fast recovery after stem cell treatment is an excellent benefit of the procedure.
Increased Range of Motion
Stem cell treatment for the knee also has benefits beyond pain relief. Patients who receive stem cell injections for joint tissue damage experience a return of range of motion in the affected area. This is possible because stem cells can stimulate the growth of new tissues and blood vessels.
Fewer Side Effects
Patients who receive stem cell treatment for joint tissue will not experience adverse side effects. This is because stem cells do not require a surgical incision to be injected into the joint. Other invasive procedures may involve complications such as swelling, bleeding, or the need for a second surgery.
Reduced Need for Collateral Damage
The invasive nature of some surgical procedures means that these procedures may have to be repeated. Such techniques can also damage healthy surrounding tissue. In contrast, stem cell therapy is a non-invasive option. As a result, there is no need to repeat the treatment or restrict the use of the affected joint after the procedure.
Prevents Nerve Damage
The stem cells for knee joints can be injected into the damaged tissue to improve mobility, but they also help prevent nerve damage. Nerves are susceptible, and any damage can present long-term issues. Nerve damage can cause a patient to lose feeling in the limb, have difficulty moving, and even be unable to work. Stem cells can help prevent nerve damage after an injury by promoting the growth of new tissues.
Restores Structure and Durability to the Tissue
The stem cells for knee joints can perform several tasks, including restoring structure and durability to the tissue. Damaged tissue tends to weaken over time, making it more susceptible to further damage. It is also stiffer and less able to move than healthy tissue.
Reduces the Risk of Infection
Injuries and surgical procedures tend to promote infections. If a wound isn’t treated correctly, it can lead to disease. Stem cells tend to stimulate the growth of blood vessels in the treated area. These vessels can carry oxygen, removing any risk of infection.
We encourage you to seek a consultation from an orthopedic practice that has extensive experience with this procedure before making any decision. A great example would be Integrated Orthopedics, located in Scottsdale Arizona, before making the decisions if PRP/Stem Cell therapy is right for you.
