Stem cell therapy is a highly specialized and effective method of aiding recovery of broken bones and injured joints. It may sound complex, but your role in the therapy is actually very simple. There is not much preparation that needs to be done to be ready for stem cell therapy, and it is an outpatient procedure.
Consultation
The process begins with a consultation with our specialists. We will examine your medical records and any imaging, and determine if stem cell therapy is right for you. A medical history will be taken, and you will need to supply the doctor with a list of your medications. Some medical conditions and medications are not conducive to stem cell therapy, so this is an important part of the process. Once it has been determined that stem cell therapy will be effective, the procedure will be fully explained.
Local Anesthetic
When you arrive for your stem cell therapy treatment, an area of the back of the pelvis or the abdomen will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Which area your stem cells will be extracted from will be determined during the consultation phase. The local anesthetic allows for the stem cells to be extracted without discomfort.
Extraction of Stem Cells
The stem cells will be extracted with a large needle, either from the pelvis or from the abdomen. After the procedure, you will be left to rest while the bone marrow or fat cells are placed in a centrifuge that separates the stem cells from the other material collected. This process is very fast, so you will not be waiting long.
Injecting the Stem Cells
Finally, the stem cells are injected into the injured area. This is also done with local anesthetic so you do not feel any additional pain from the procedure. Your doctor will then give you instructions for care to assist the stem cells in doing their work. Nutrition is especially important through this process, and you may be prescribed some vitamin supplements.
If you are having difficulty healing from an injury and believe stem cell therapy may be right for you, contact our offices today for more information and a consultation appointment.