Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine (orthobiologics) with the potential to repair injured or damaged tissue – without surgery. Doctors and patients alike are excited about the possibilities stem cell therapy offers those suffering from a variety of orthopedic injuries, including arthritis.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Adult stem cells – also called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) – can be found throughout your body, although they may be most readily available and abundant in your bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue.
Stem cells are unique in that they are, essentially, blank slates with the ability to develop into many different types of cells. When these unspecialized stem cells are delivered to specific tissue, the cells can transform into muscle, tendon, bone, ligament, or other types of cells. The cells divide and grow, leading to tissue regeneration and bone formation in an area of injury.
Stem cell therapy is a revolutionary method to help patients heal from a musculoskeletal injury without having to turn to surgery. Dr. Gayan Poovendran at Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence, formerly known as Orthopedix MD, is proud to offer his patients stem cell therapy in addition to various other sports medicine treatments.
How Stem Cell Therapy Is Done
Stem cell therapy is an in-office procedure that takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Typically, you may drive yourself to and from the procedure. The doctor will explain the entire process to you before the therapy.
Most often, adult stem cells are retrieved by taking a sample from your bone marrow. This involves using a special needle to take a sample from the back of your pelvic bone. In some cases, the stem cells may be taken from a tiny sample of fat tissue.
The retrieved sample is then filtered and concentrated right here in our offices. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide an injection of the concentrated stem cell solution into the target area.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
The evidence from stem cell injections is promising, with most patients experiencing reduced pain and improved activity levels after receiving this treatment. An added benefit of using your own adult stem cells means you won’t face the problem of possible immune system rejection.
It is important to note that it can take weeks before the full effects of the stem cell therapy are noticed. This is because it takes time for the cellular turnover – and the regeneration of healthy new tissue – to occur.
Depending on your particular condition and the intensity of your symptoms, Dr. Poovendran may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in addition to stem cell therapy. Ask your doctor what type of therapy regimen is appropriate for you.
Regenerative Medicine Treatments in Ft. Lauderdale & Margate, FL
Find out if your orthopedic injury may benefit from stem cell therapy. Contact the regenerative medicine coordinator at Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence (formerly Orthopedix MD) to find out more and schedule your consultation with Dr. Poovendran. Call Meli Orthopedic at (954) 451-3000. You can also request your appointment now.
