4 Steps Of Stem Cell Injection Therapy
If you suffer from arthritis, you know how debilitating the stiffness, pain, and joint aches can be. Over time, arthritis can progress until you have a hard time doing the activities you love. NSIADs, Corticosteroid injections, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are the traditional first line of treatment against arthritis. However, if your arthritis doesn't respond to these medications, you may need to try something else. Stem cell injection therapy may help your body naturally regrow cartilage while reducing inflammation, according to Arthritis Health. If you've decided to undergo stem cell injection therapy, here are the four steps of your treatment.
1. Stem cells will be harvested.
Your body's own stem cells will be harvested for this treatment. Your doctor may remove the stem cells from the fat on your stomach or from your bone marrow. Your doctor will remove the stem cells using a long needle, so the procedure is minimally invasive. You won't need to be placed under general anesthesia for this treatment. Some patients prefer to have stem cells taken from their abdomen since bone marrow retrieval can be painful.
2. Your stem cells will be refined.
After the doctor removes tissue from your body, it will be refined into a serum that contains only stem cells. This is done using a centrifuge that eliminates the extraneous biological matter that isn't needed for the procedure. This is done while you wait, since stem cells are most effective when used immediately after being harvested.
3. Stem cells will be injected into your joints.
Next, your doctor will inject your own stem cells into the joints of your body that are affected by arthritis. This isn't any more painful than a corticosteroid shot, which many arthritis patients have experience with. Your doctor may use imagine machines, such as X-ray machines, to help them place the injection in the right location. This is especially important when treating joints that are hard to reach, like your hips.
4. You should rest after your procedure.
Since general anesthesia isn't required for stem cell injection therapy, you'll be able to drive yourself home following your procedure. However, you should still take it easy for the next week. Since stem cell injection therapy involves shots that are placed deep in your joints, you may feel some discomfort for a few days after your treatment. Try to relax the affected joints and take any medication that your doctor prescribes.
For more information about stem cell injection therapy, talk to your doctor.
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