REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Common questions

WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

A stem cell is a cell that has the potential to turn into any cell. Think of it as a "blank slate". They are highly adaptable and divide quickly, making them perfect to regenerate new tissue.

WHERE DO STEM CELLS COME FROM?

Stem cells can be derived from a number of sources including adipose tissue (fat cells), bone marrow, but as the donor ages, so does the efficacy of the cells. For this reason, we use stem cells obtained from donated umbilical cord blood tissue that come from healthy volunteer women and their babies and cause no harm whatsoever to the donor.

HOW ARE STEM CELLS USED FOR TREATMENT?

Stem cells have the unique ability to grow into many types of tissue including muscle and cartilage and enhance the body's natural ability to heal. By injecting the stem cells into a focused area, the stem cells can help in actually re-growing lost tissue.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE?

Expect to spend roughly 1 hour from start to finish during your appointment. During this time, you will receive a quick physical to ensure that you are healthy enough to receive the injection that day.  The the stem cells will be thawed and drawn into a syringe. Your skin will be cleansed with 2 forms of antiseptic and then a cold numbing solution will be spraying onto your skin to ease any discomfort.  The stem cells will then be injected into the site.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR THE INJECTIONS?

A few important points:
-Come well hydrated
-Do not take any NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) in the week preceding the injection.  This includes Aleve, Advil, ibuprofen, naproxen or piroxicam.  Please call with any specific concerns
-Avoid nutritional anti-inflammatories: turmeric, fish oil

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE INJECTION?

Essentially, you will be able to return to life as normal.  But remember the following things:
-Avoid anti-inflammatories for the next 6-8 weeks 
-Don't ice the site of injection
-For post-injection discomfort, you may apply warm compresses to the site or take acetaminophen (Tylenol)
-Observe the site over the next day or so for any signs of infection: redness, increased pain, swelling, drainage, heat.  Call immediately if you develop any of these.