Stem cell therapy may offer patients and physicians new options in treating Orthopedic injuries

/in /by

Stem cell therapy once sounded like something from a science fiction novel. Today, it’s fast becoming an innovative treatment to help a variety of patients, including those with orthopedic injuries. According the Science Daily, 50% of all American adults have some form of musculoskeletal condition. For many of those patients, surgery may not be the best or most attractive option. Surgery can be exceptionally invasive and the recovery time can be lengthy, depending on the injury. And, not every injury has a surgical solution.

How Can Stem Cell Therapy Improve Outcomes?

Stem cell therapy for orthopedic injuries is still fairly new, and more studies are planned, but early results indicate that it can be exceptionally beneficial in recovery. The procedure takes cells from the patient, ensuring a perfect match, which lowers risks associated with outside donors. Many physicians are excited about the possibilities for better patient outcomes. Here are a few promising benefits to stem cell therapy for orthopedic injury:

  • Minimally Invasive. Surgical treatments can be very taxing on the body and may come with risks of complications. Stem cell therapy doesn’t need the recovery time or put any added stress on the injured area.
  • Cellular benefits. BCM stem cells, used in treatment for conditions such as osteoarthritis, offer many benefits. These cells are inherently anti-inflammatory, which is exactly what’s needed to treat the swelling and pain associated with many injuries. They help the body fight infection and can actually aid in building cartilage.
  • Regenerative. Stem cell therapy aids the body in regenerating on its own. Essentially this treatment will help patients rebuild bone and strengthen tendons, rather than masking symptoms with prescriptions or surgical solutions which may mean joint replacement.

Stem Cell Therapy Uses and Prognosis

Stem cell therapy offers a great option for many different types of patients. An older patient may be at a higher risk for surgery and this non-invasive option could work much better. For younger patients, especially athletes whose bodies experience a lot of wear and tear, stem cell therapy gives them a shorter recovery time and can produce better results. Stem cell therapy can also be used in conjunction with other types of treatment. Depending on the injury, surgery may be the only option. If there is a break or tear that the body simply can’t heal from without surgical intervention, a more invasive treatment might be the best option. In those cases, stem cell therapy might be used to aid the body in recovering post-surgery. Stem cell therapy, as it evolves, will offer patients and physicians a new option in prolonged musculoskeletal health.