How Effective is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem Cells Are One of the Most Promising New Therapies in Modern Medicine.
Stem cells have the remarkable ability to differentiate into any type of cell within the body. The USA is the leader in stem cell research with 136 clinical trials, more than double the next leading country.
One of the earliest uses of stem cells was in bone marrow transplants, which have been done in hospitals around the world for more than 40 years and continue to be a key cancer treatment today. In recent years, scientists have been working on new therapies and treatments using that harness the power of stem cells.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are totally unique. The rest of the cells in your body are highly differentiated. They are designed to fulfill one precise function. Your red blood cells can only carry oxygen through the blood. They can not filter waste products like a kidney cell or transmit information like a brain cell. Like the rest of your cells, they are highly specialized to fulfill one function.
Stem cells are the raw materials of the body. They are often described as the body’s “master cells”. They are capable of developing into any cell type within your body. Stem cells are the cells from which all other cells with their myriad of special functions will be generated. They are the only cells in our bodies that have a natural ability to create new, different cells. They have the potential to regenerate, replace, and repair cells.
Does “Stem Cells” Mean Embryonic Cells?
No, when seeking treatment using stem cells, these cells will be harvested from your own body. This removes any of the controversies that can come with embryonic cells, but more importantly alleviates any risk of your body rejecting the stem cells. When the cells are introduced to where they can help, your body will recognize them as their own cells. Using your stem cells in therapy allows your body to heal itself.
How Are Stem Cells Used?
In stem cell therapy in Los Angeles, a patient’s own stem cells are removed and introduced into the area of their body that needs help. Stem cells are removed from a patient, highly specialized equipment is used to concentrate the cells, then they are reintroduced into the patient.
Where Are the Stem Cells From?
In most cases, stem cells will be harvested from the fatty tissue (adipose tissue) from your lower abdomen. The retrieval of the stem cells is a minor, non-invasive, non-painful procedure.
How Can Stem Cells Help?
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is an area of medicine devoted to developing new methods to repair or regrow damaged tissues, cells, and organs. Although regenerative medicine is new, it has a strong track record of success.
As a result of their ability to divide and develop into new, specialized cells, stem cells can be used to regenerate and repair diseased or damaged tissues. For many years, this revolutionary approach to repairing damaged tissue and joints, and reducing inflammation and pain was used primarily with high-level athletes. Regenerative medicine is now available to anyone.
What Are Stem Cell Therapies?
Stem cell therapy in Los Angeles is any treatment where stem cells are the primary way of addressing a disease or disorder. Stem cell therapy in Los Angeles treats minor to moderate conditions with the patient’s own stem cells. Many of these treatments are an alternative to surgery. Your medical team can harvest your stem cells and redirect them to where your body needs them most.
What Are Some Benefits of Using Stem Cells?
Stem cell enhancing therapy can allow your medical team to address your concerns without painful or invasive surgery. The non-invasive use of stem cells also allows you to avoid a long and painful rehabilitation. You will start experiencing the benefits of your therapy right away, without recovery time.
There are significant risks associated with any general anesthesia. Using a non-invasive treatment avoids the potentially life-threatening concerns with an anesthetic.
What Is the Success Rate Using Stem Cells?
The average reported success rate with stem cell therapy is more than 80%.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Each patient is an individual. Response time to therapy and how long the response lasts will vary between patients based on individual history and conditions. Many patients continue to see improvements for six or twelve months following treatment. Some patients will only need one treatment, chronic conditions may need several treatments over time.
For many patients, stem cell treatment will provide months of relief, for some patients the treatment will be a permanent resolution of symptoms. Your medical team will review your history and current concerns and develop a treatment plan that is unique to your health.
Clinical Research for the Use of Stem Cells
There has been significant clinical research into the uses of stem cells in many different treatments. Multiple published studies have looked at the use of stem cells in knee injuries and knee pain. Many studies have looked a the impact of stem cells in treating hip pain and injuries. Numerous other joints have been studied when looking at the impact of stem cells including shoulders, ankles, and wrists.
Who Can Benefit From Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cells can work on any part of the body. They can improve joint health after an injury, decrease the signs of aging, support a healthy immune system, and much more. The wear and tear of aging can take a toll on your body. Stem cells can help repair damage and alleviate signs and symptoms of the aging process.
Chronic Pain
Dealing with chronic pain is exhausting and can have a debilitating impact on your quality of life. Most medical approaches to chronic pain are about management. Stem cells give your medical team the opportunity to alleviate the root of your pain.
When your stem cells are introduced into the area of your chronic pain, they will begin to reduce inflammation and help your damaged tissue regenerate and repair. This will bring you long-term pain relief as your body is being repaired, not just masking your pain. Chronic issues may require a series of treatments as your cells gradually rebuild and repair.
Autoimmune
Autoimmune disorders can be life-altering and life-threatening. There has been significant research into stem cell-based therapies resulting in novel treatment options and even potential cures for autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus have all shown response to stem cell treatment in either humans or animals.
Fatigue
People suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may have new hope with advances in stem cell therapies. The anti-inflammatory effect products by stem cells can help repair tissues and improve your body’s function. CFS patients have reported several improvements following treatment with stem cells, including a reduction in pain and headaches, better sleep, and higher energy levels.
Anti-Aging
The changes you see as your body ages are the accumulation of damage from exposure to the sun, pollutants, etc. over time. Minimally invasive, non-surgical use of stem cells can help reduce the signs of aging, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and restore your natural youthful look.
Many patients experience reduced wrinkles, reduced under-eye puffiness, healthier hair, and healthier and hydrated skin.
Joint Health
Stem cells have the ability to help joint health by aiding the body in repairing torn ligaments and regrowing damaged cartilage. Research has shown five potential areas of impact within joints using stem cell therapy:
1) Provide an anti-inflammatory effect, decreasing inflammation and pain in the joint
2) Repairing damaged tissue within the joint
3) Supporting the remodeling of tissue over an existing scar or damage
4) Inhibiting cell death (apoptosis)
5) Developing specialized cells to regenerate bone, cartilage, ligament, etc.
Using a patient’s own stem cells and injecting them into a damaged joint will enhance the body’s ability to repair the damage. Stem cells have inherent anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Who is a Good Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?
Many people can benefit from medical advances brought by using stem cells. This non-invasive, highly successful approach may be appropriate for you if you:
- Are wanting to avoid a joint replacement surgery
- Have been through years of treatment for joint pain including corticosteroids and opioids and you are seeking a treatment that will address the root cause, not just manage your pain
- Have other medical concerns or conditions that make you a poor surgical candidate
- Want to remain active and avoid treatments and therapies that will limit your activity
How Quickly Will You See Results?
Many patients will have instant responses and their results continue to improve over time. Most patients continue to see improvements for the following six to twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stem Cell Treatment Painful?
No. You may experience some minor discomfort when the cells are retrieved or introduced into your body, but neither is a painful procedure.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Most treatments are complete within a couple of hours and patients go home the same day.
Will I Have Any Recovery Time?
Each person is different, but most patients experience little or no recovery time. Many patients experience an improvement right after treatment and are able to get back to the things they love.
What Conditions Are Commonly Treated With Stem Cells?
Doctors have had great successes in treating osteoarthritis in joints by using stem cells to increase cartilage. Stem cells can aid in healing torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Nerve damage may be repaired with the use of stem cells. Because stem cells have the unique ability to rebuild structures with the body, bone loss can be treated with stem cell therapy in Los Angeles.
Common sports injuries, like a torn ACL or torn muscles, can benefit from the use of stem cells. With their natural anti-inflammatory properties, stem cells can aid in any condition or injury that has inflammation or swelling.
Regenerative Health Customized to Your Body
Stem cells will be one piece of your overall treatment plan. Your full regenerative process will also include an individual diet plan and lifestyle adjustments. Contact us today at Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA to get started towards a customized plan that will get you feeling your best.
