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Frequently Asked Questions:

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What are stem cells?

Stem cells have the unique potential to change into many other types of cells in your body during your early life. When stem cells divide, each new cell can either remain as a stem cell or transform into a cell that has a specialized function, like muscle, brain, or red blood cells.

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Stem cells also play a vital role in your internal repair system, dividing almost limitlessly to restock whatever cells your body has lost. Stem cell therapy harnesses these abilities to boost your natural healing processes and repair tissues that have long-term damage.

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From where do the stem cells used for my treatment come?

Stem cells are present in many parts of your body, but there are particularly high concentrations in your bone marrow. Dr. Graf can harvest mesenchymal stem cells from your bone marrow, or you may choose to use donated cells.

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Stem cell injections that use your bone marrow are called bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy. Products containing donated stem cells are known as umbilical cord tissue cell therapy.

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What conditions can stem cell therapy treat?

Bone marrow stem cells are effective for treating orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). At Intelligent Pain & Regenerative Medicine Solutions, Dr. Graf regularly injects stem cells to combat degenerative arthritis into various joints such as:

• Knees

• Hips

• Shoulders

• The facet joints in the spine

Research indicates that stem cell therapy produces tissue regeneration and pain reduction for between six months and several years. Serial MRI scans confirm the reversal of arthritis in patients’ joints.

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Stem cells can also help with bone healing and regeneration if you sustain a fracture and are often used to treat common sports injuries like strains, sprains, and tendonitis.

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What happens when I have stem cell therapy?

If you’re using your bone marrow for stem cell therapy, the first stage is for Dr. Graf to harvest some marrow. He uses a simple, virtually painless procedure to aspirate (withdraw) your bone marrow, which he then places in a centrifuge.

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The centrifuge spins the bone marrow at high speeds, separating the stem cells. This concentrated solution is then ready for injection into your damaged or diseased tissues. To ensure optimal accuracy, Dr. Graf uses imaging guidance technology to view the needle and ensure it follows the correct path.

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It’s likely to take at least a few weeks from your injection for the stem cell therapy to start having a noticeable effect. However, you should feel a gradual reduction in pain and improved mobility that can last for months and sometimes years.

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To find out how you could benefit from stem cell therapy, call Intelligent Pain & Regenerative Medicine Solutions today or request an appointment online.

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