An Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy
John Salley receiving treatment
In today’s world of modern medicine, the typical recommendations of major surgery, cortisone shots and opioid supplements are taking a backseat to alternative methods that support a more holistic approach.
One such option that is leading the charge in treating a variety of degenerative conditions is stem cell therapy, a form of regenerative medicine. Derived from the simple idea of harnessing the body’s ability to heal itself, regenerative therapies make it possible to repair damaged tissue using our own body as the source of medicine. Thousands of patients have been successfully treated using this method, from former NBA player John Salley to the those suffering from chronic pain.
Stem cells can be found in muscle, skin, teeth, bone marrow or fatty tissue (adipose), which is the most abundant source, making it the optimal site for extraction. Extraction begins by obtaining a mixture of cells from healthy fat tissue in a similar, yet less intrusive fashion than traditional liposuction. The short procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes with only the use of local anesthesia and a syringe, making for a minimally invasive process.
This is followed by spinning the mixture of extracted cells to isolate stem cells and growth factors from the fat tissue. The resulting solution is then introduced to the damaged area, either systemically or into the central nervous system for neurological conditions.
When reinjected into the affected area, stem cells work with other healthy cells to repair and regenerate new tissue through cell division. In addition to cell regeneration, the mixture of growth factors promotes the production of new blood vessels. The easily adaptable cells can form a variety of different tissues including bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament and tendon, making its capabilities extremely versatile.
Potential applications for the therapy are almost limitless. Early studies have shown positive results in treating orthopedic (tendon/ligament injuries, osteoarthritis); degenerative (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes); neurological (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury); and autoimmune (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, lupus) conditions.