Stem cell injections are an emerging form of regenerative medicine that can be used to address and treat a variety of orthopedic conditions in patients of all ages. At ThriveMD, we use stem cell injections to regenerate and repair cells so that a patient’s body is able to establish normal cellular functioning in tissues that have decayed or become damaged in some way. Whether a patient has an acute sports injury, normal joint problems stemming from chronic overuse, age-related issues, or even conditions like degeneration disc disease (DDD), stem cells can be injected as a way to initiate cellular regeneration within a patient’s own body using his or her own stem cell reserves. It’s an amazing option for many patients, as it has the potential to offer quick, long-lasting pain relief, as well as potentially dramatically improve the pain, and repair the cause of that pain. But just how long do stem cell injections last? Here’s what you need to know:
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Stem Cell Injections Can Last a Long Time
While the period of time that stem cells can last varies depending on the specific health of the patient and the condition that is being treated, research suggests that the benefits from stem cells can last longer than the results of many other medical treatments. Many studies indicate that the positive results of stem cell injections can last for a considerable amount of time, providing pain relief in as little as a few weeks post treatment and extending for as long as 15 years!
A great example is a study from Iran where eighteen patients received stem cell injections to help their osteoarthritis in their knees, ankles and hips. They were followed for 30 months and given clinical examinations, MRI and laboratory tests at 2, 6, 12 and 30 months post-treatment. All patients exhibited therapeutic benefits such as increased walking distance, decreased visual analog scale (VAS), and total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) scores which were confirmed by MRI.
Similarly, The University of Paris has also conducted an interesting study where they followed 534 patients for up to 18 years after a bone marrow stem cell injection to help with avascular necrosis of the hip. Only 15.7% of patients in this study needed a total hip replacement after treatment. Many of the patients saw their hips stabilize which were confirmed by MRI & X-Rays.
Testimonials from our own patients here at ThriveMD corroborate these findings. In fact, approximately 65% of our new patients come to us after talking to our existing patients, meaning the stem cell injections we offer here are working for the people who receive them. If not, they wouldn’t be sharing their positive experience and referring patients. Stem cell therapy at ThriveMD has proven to be an effective solution for many patients who have struggled to see results from traditional treatments at other clinics.
Why Stem Cell Injections Last a Long Time
Stem cell injections have the potential to last a long time because they utilize special cells called adult stem cells. All adult bodies have limited stores of stem cells, which have the ability to “transform” into the exact type of cell our bodies need at certain times of our lives. They work as part of the normal physiological processes over the course of our lifetime, replacing old, injured or deteriorated cells so that homeostasis can be maintained. When intentionally harvested from the stores in our bodies, however, stem cells can then be strategically placed into areas that might not otherwise have access to them naturally (due to low blood supply, for example).This allows the cells to render improvement in areas that typically have a difficult time recovering from damage and otherwise proceed down a continuum of degeneration.
The ThriveMD Difference
Stem cells sourced from your own body are a safe and effective alternative to many traditional medical treatments which include manufactured materials and highly processed chemicals. The application of stem cells is proven to be a highly effective way to treat common medical conditions using an all-natural source, providing a great option for many patients who have not found relief from other procedures or who might prefer a minimally invasive treatment.
To learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells, including additional information on how long stem cell injections last for your own set of symptoms and condition(s), please contact one of our ThriveMD offices. Our medical director, Scott Brandt, MD, is a leading expert in the field of pain management; he is board certified and remains active in research and publications, working in tandem with our staff to ensure that all our patients receive only the most appropriate treatments with the best potential for long-lasting success!