If you’re experiencing prolonged joint pain and stiffness, you may be a candidate for stem cell therapy.
Call (779) 774-1110 to book a stem cell therapy consultation with Dr. Van Thiel.
+ Conditions can be treated with stem cell therapy
+ Stem cell injection results timeline
+ Duration of stem cell therapy effects
+ Using stem cell therapy with other therapies
+ Side effects of stem cell therapy
+ Candidates for stem cell therapy
+ Get started with stem cell therapy
If you’re dealing with joint pain or other musculoskeletal discomfort, relieving those symptoms is undoubtedly a priority. Today, orthopedic specialists like Dr. Van Thiel offer lots of options for relieving pain and stiffness. One of the most promising innovative treatments is stem cell therapy, a type of regenerative medical treatment that helps your body repair damaged tissue naturally — without surgery. In orthopedics, stem cell therapy is being used to treat both chronic and acute issues. Here’s how to tell if stem cell therapy might be a good choice for you.
What conditions can be treated with stem cell therapy?
Today, stem cell therapy is primarily used for joint problems, like arthritis or torn cartilage. Arthritis is a degenerative, inflammatory condition that slowly destroys the cartilage lining inside your joints. Stem cell therapy helps promote the growth and development of new, healthy cartilage that replaces damaged or worn cartilage. As the new cells develop, inflammation inside the joint is reduced, relieving pain and improving the way the joint works.. In some patients with joint arthritis, stem cell therapy may help delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement surgery. For these treatments, stem cells are extracted from your own body, prepared in our office, then injected into the damaged joint.
In addition to injections, stem cells are also used during orthopedic surgery to help speed healing. Before the incision site is closed, the stem cell solution is applied directly to the tissues. During healing, the stem cells develop into new, healthy tissue.
When will I see results of my stem cell injections?
Most people start to experience initial improvements within a few weeks after their treatment. The complete repair process inside your joint takes a bit longer — typically a couple of months.
How long does stem cell therapy last?
That depends in part on the treatment site, the extent of the underlying injury, your health and activity level, and other factors. Generally, the benefits of stem cell therapy for joint repair can last for a year or longer. At the end of that time, you may have additional injections to extend those effects.
Is stem cell therapy used with other therapies?
Yes. Stem cell therapy can be used alone, but in many cases, patients will continue to have physical therapy or other treatments to help them recover and feel their best.
Stem cell therapy is one more way Dr. Van Thiel can customize your treatment for your unique needs and goals.
What are the side effects of stem cell therapy?
The most common side effects are the same effects you might have with any type of injection — swelling, bruising and tenderness around the injection site. All of these effects resolve within a few days to a week or so.
Am I a good candidate for stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy might be a good option for you if you:
- have a ligament or tendon injury
- have osteoarthritis or other joint problems
- suffer from torn or worn cartilage
- haven’t responded to other noninvasive treatments, like physical therapy or medication
- want to explore options that might help you avoid or delay joint surgery
- want to potentially improve healing following a surgical repair or procedure
Getting Started with Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain
Stem cell therapy is relatively new, and its uses are still being developed and tested. As with other treatments, how well stem cell therapy works depends on the condition that’s being treated, your medical history, your level of activity and other factors. Bottom line: The only way to know for sure if stem cell therapy can help you is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Van Thiel. To learn more about stem cell therapy and other regenerative medicine techniques at OrthoIllinois, request your appointment today.
