How Regenerative Medicine Using Stem Cells Can Help You Avoid Knee Surgery
Chronic knee pain is on the rise in the United States. It affects 25% of adults and leads to serious consequences: persistent pain, limited function and mobility, and a decrease in quality of life. Osteoarthritis, which causes a degeneration and weakening of protective cartilage, is a main cause of chronic knee pain.
And it's only going to get worse. According to the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, every year 600,000 Americans get a knee replacement. In 2030, this number is expected to reach three million.
When NSAIDs or other more powerful medications don't work, patients understandably start thinking about surgery. Many orthopedic surgeons will recommend it; it seems like the only option, but is it? At Chronic Care of Richmond, we are happy to tell you that there's another way: regenerative medicine using stem cells. This non-invasive therapy is more affordable than surgery and has proven to show beneficial results.
Stem cell therapy using regenerative medicine is a breakthrough procedure that has helped countless patients find relief from chronic knee pain. If you've been told surgery is the only option, you may benefit from first trying regenerative therapies. By targeting the source of chronic pain, these therapies encourage the body's natural healing powers. In this article, we'll tell you exactly how regenerative medicine using stem cells work and how it can help you avoid knee surgery.
Introduction to Stem Cell
Stem cells are the basic building blocks of your body. Stem cells form every body part, from your bones to your heart. When your body needs specialized cells, stem cells are divided and developed to perform a specific function. Stem cells also play a major role in your body's natural healing process, by responding to distress signals and forming into the necessary cells needed for repair.
As we age, the number of stem cells in our body naturally decreases. This is why we see physical signs of aging and why injuries may take longer to heal. As fewer specialized cells are created less often, the body is less able to effectively replenish and rejuvenate. This can lead to chronic pain.
Regenerative medicine therapies combat this issue through the non-surgical injection of stem cells. We inject umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as Wharton's Jelly. They all originate from FDA regulated cord banks, ensuring quality and safety for all of our patients.
Stem cells naturally help your body start the regeneration process. While your number of stem cells may be lower than it once was, with regenerative medicine we can enhance this number easily. We inject the cells where your body needs them, allowing your body's natural restorative work to begin straight away.
Our Success Stories
You've read the scientific spiel. You've seen the medical studies. But what a lot of people want to see is actual patients who have benefited from stem cell therapies. In our Testimonials section of our website, you can find several videos of our patients, chronicling their treatment journeys.
One of our favorite stories is that of Robert, a 69-year old who, at the time of the filming of the video, had visited our clinic six months earlier. His success story is common: while the pain isn't entirely gone, the constant crippling sort has been eliminated. He used to have to wear a brace 24 hours a day, every day. He's now able to walk without one! He's also seen a huge increase in range of motion.
Another story that makes our work so gratifying is that of Joy B. Prior to visiting our clinic, she was seen as an ideal candidate for knee replacement surgery. Her knee had already been cleaned out and she seemed to be out of options. Her pain was extreme and often excruciating. In six weeks, she saw far less swelling, was able to start walking up stairs, and just felt better overall. She described her pain after treatment as "nothing" compared to what it was before.
We put these stories on our website not to toot our own horns, but to show you what is possible with regenerative medicine using stem cells. We're not promising complete elimination, and we often combine stem cells with other therapies (such as our very effective anti-inflammatory nutrition plan).
Do We 'Believe' in Knee Surgery?
Some people believe that we don't advise knee surgery just because we provide regenerative medicine using stem cell procedures to our patients. That's not correct. As we mention on the front page of our website, we believe there is a time and place for surgery (and medications!). If you have a specific condition, an injury, or otherwise, surgery may very well be appropriate. Our opinion, however, is that patients are often advised to opt for surgery too early in the treatment cycle.
Regenerative medicine using stem cells, however, offers a safe non-surgical alternative that may help you get back to the activities you love. Let your body activate its internal healing mechanisms, jump-starting the regeneration process that can help limit or even eliminate your chronic pain.
Is Regenerative Medicine Using Stem Cells Right For You?
We'd love to say it is, but regenerative medicine using stem cells is not a miracle cure. Every patient is different. Results will vary depending on pre-existing conditions, how you lead your daily life (lifestyle choices, exercise, and diet, for example), and the severity of your pain. We have seen patients who report minor or no pain following treatment, while others see a big improvement but still suffer occasionally.
We're confident we can help you, however. If you'd like to find out more about regenerative medicine using stem cells, feel free to contact us or reserve a spot on our free education seminar.