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FAQ: Common Patient Questions About Stem Cell Therapy

Patients who are struggling to cope with the aches, pains and uncomfortable symptoms related to their condition may consider what treatment options are available to them. As a knee pain doctor in Collegeville, PA  at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, dealing with such unrelenting symptoms can have a serious impact on our quality of life, and hinder our ability to do things we enjoy. A patient may eventually hear about stem cell therapy, and wonder if they may find relief after receiving treatments. Those who have never tried stem cell therapy before, may be apprehensive about what to expect. When meeting with a stem cell doctor, a patient may have plenty of questions similar to the ones we have answered below: 

 

What should a patient expect when getting a stem cell treatment?

Stem cell therapy uses a patient’s own naturally created stem cells to replace damaged cells, while healing tissues and alleviating intense pain. The stem cells are taken from the patient’s body, specifically within bone marrow and fat tissues through a minor procedure. The cells are then injected into the area of the body that is troublesome for the patient. 

For example, a patient suffering from chronic knee pain may have stem cells injected into their knee to encourage healing and pain reduction. A patient can anticipate seeing some changes within the few weeks after a stem cell treatment. However, how soon a patient experiences relief varies depending on the individual and the diagnosed condition. Those who want to know if their condition could benefit from stem cell therapy, can meet with a stem cell doctor for a thorough consultation. 

 

Why do patients become drawn to stem cell therapy?

In traditional medicine, sometimes a physician will prescribe heavy doses of pain killer and muscle relaxers to ease the pain a patient experiences. While this may work in the short term, it can come with side effects and may result in the root of the problem not being addressed. Stem cell treatments can be a great alternative to pain medication. Many patients like the idea of treating their ailments with their very own cells, versus taking an unnatural pill or substance.

 

Why may stem cells be needed at all? 

When we suffer an injury or illness, our system uses stem cells to repair the body. However, sometimes our body does not send enough cells to the area that is required for full healing. The approach to such treatments is to help the body do what it normally would have instinctually, through using naturally occurring stem cells. 

 

What conditions may stem cell treatments help with?

Patients who experience chronic pain can benefit from stem cell treatments. Research continues to be done by both researchers and doctors to determine just how much of a profound impact these treatments can be on a patient’s quality of life. Other conditions that may benefit from stem cell treatment include:

  • Heart attack recovery
  • Neurological conditions
  • Insulin production for diabetes 
  • Sports injuries
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Osteoporosis
  • Ligament and tendon pain
  • Back and leg pain
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Joint pain