Breaking down the science behind stem cell treatments for joint pain

How do these special cells work?

Stem cell treatments have become a hot topic in recent years for people seeking relief from joint pain. But what exactly are stem cells, and how do they work to ease that pain? In this post, we explain the science behind these treatments, including their benefits and limitations, so you can see how these innovative therapies could help you regain your freedom of movement.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are vital cells that help the body restore damaged tissue. They can develop into other types of tissue and can self-renew to produce more cells. For joint pain, they are used to relieve pain by restoring tissue and improving function.

There are two types of stem cells in the human body: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos and can develop into any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells, by contrast, are found in many tissues throughout the body and can develop only into specific types of cells.

Using stem cells for joint pain is a relatively new treatment option, but it has shown strong results in many clinical trials. Many studies found that patients who received these cell-based injections in their knees had a significant reduction in pain and better function than those who did not. Similar results have been shown for shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendonitis, lower back pain and degenerative disc disease, and most other joint arthritis conditions.

How does stem cell treatment work for joint pain?

There are a few different types of stem cell treatment for joint pain. The most common is autologous therapy, which uses the patient's own cells. This is usually done by taking a sample of bone marrow from the hip, concentrating the important components, and injecting them into the affected joint.

Another type is allogeneic therapy, which uses stem cells from a donor. It is often used when a patient does not have enough healthy stem cells of their own for autologous therapy. Donor cells can be injected directly into the affected joint or infused intravenously. Whichever type of therapy is used, the goal is for the cells to help repair damaged tissue in your joints or tendons.

What are the benefits of stem cell treatment for joint pain?

Stem cell treatments offer several important benefits for joint pain:

• Healing damaged tissue. This regeneration can help repair and improve the function of joints damaged by arthritis or other conditions.
• Reducing inflammation and the pain it causes. Stem cells produce substances that help modulate the immune system and reprogram cell function.
• Restoring function and improving mobility, even for patients whose condition has been getting progressively worse.

Risks and side effects

Stem cell and orthobiologic treatment is surprisingly safe. Other than post-procedure pain and tenderness, all of the complications below are rare:

• Infection
• Tissue damage
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Cancer
• Post-procedure pain and tenderness

Although these side effects exist, they are very uncommon when treatment is performed by a skilled physician.

How to find a qualified regenerative medicine provider

When looking for a qualified provider, check a few key things:

Conclusion

Regenerative medicine treatments can provide a viable, long-term solution for chronic, debilitating joint pain. Once you understand the science behind cell-based therapy and how it works with the body's natural healing process, it's easy to appreciate just how powerful and effective these treatments can be. We hope this article helps you feel confident making an informed decision about the right treatment for you.

At Spectrum Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center in Wauwatosa, our goal is always to educate patients first so they understand the treatment process. At your initial consultation, one of our physicians, Dr. Roman Berezovski or Dr. Alan Locke, will sit down with you and answer every important question so you're prepared to take the next step toward recovery. Call a Care Coordinator at (262) 202-8312 to get started.

Written by our physicians

Every procedure at Spectrum is performed by a physician — Dr. Roman Berezovski and Dr. Alan Locke work side by side, using live ultrasound or X-ray guidance to place treatment exactly where you hurt.

Dr. Roman Berezovski, MD Medical Director

Dr. Alan Locke, DO Clinic Director