If you have arthritis, you know it can be a debilitating condition. Beyond causing pain, arthritis limits your ability and mobility. Traditional treatments can be off-putting since they often involve medication or surgery.
What if there was an effective treatment that was quicker, healthier, and less invasive?
Stem cell injections for arthritis is an innovative treatment that uses your body’s own cells to promote healing and reduce inflammation. At NW Regen, we specialize in this type of regenerative medicine and accompany injections with personalized plans to help reduce pain and increase your long-term wellness and vitality.
Below, we dive into the science behind MFAT stem cell therapy, explore its potential benefits, and review insights into this effective and regenerative type of arthritis treatment.
Understanding Stem Cell Injections for Arthritis
Stem cell injections for arthritis are a form of regenerative medicine. They aim to harness the body’s natural healing abilities. The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain. This can improve joint function and potentially delay or prevent the need for surgery.
Stem cells are unique in that they can develop into different cell types. When you have arthritis, stem cell therapy can help regenerate your damaged tissue—giving you a new lease on life, more mobility, and reducing inflammation and pain.
However, it’s important to note that stem cell therapy is not a guaranteed cure. Its effectiveness can vary based on individual factors.
The Science Behind Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy works by promoting tissue regeneration. This is possible due to the unique properties of stem cells which can differentiate into various cell types.
In arthritis treatment, they can become cartilage cells, helping to repair damaged joints.
Stem cells also have anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the chronic inflammation often associated with arthritis.
Types of Stem Cells Used
There are different types of stem cells used in therapy. At NW Regen, we believe your own cells have tremendous value for you. We do not use stem cells from a donor.
Harvesting stem cells from your own body is known as autologous stem cell therapy, which means they are 100% “you” so your body won’t reject them.
Our powerful biocellular injection therapies and stem cell IV therapies use stem cells that are harvested from your own adipose (fatty) tissue, rather than from bone marrow.
The graft from your own body is called MFAT (Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue), which is a fatty tissue that contains a high concentration of pluripotent cells known as Medicinal Signaling Cells (MSCs), a.k.a. Mesenchymal Stem Cells, which are regenerative in nature.
The Procedure of Stem Cell Injections
The procedure of stem cell injections for arthritis is relatively straightforward. It begins with the harvesting of stem cells. These cells are taken from the patient’s own body.
Harvesting stem cells is a minimally invasive procedure. It’s typically done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Our harvesting procedure is done with a closed-based, low-force liposuction process. Every part of the procedure is done using real-time image guidance that is finished in our state-of-the-art, on-site lab.
Harvesting MFAT Stem Cells
Common sources for stem cells for arthritis treatment include bone marrow or adipose tissue. At NW Regen, we choose to ONLY harvest regenerative stem cells from your adipose tissue instead of from bone marrow for several reasons
- Stem cell concentrations from MFAT are roughly 500-2,000X higher than those from bone marrow.
- MFAT contains an extracellular matrix (ECM) or a connective tissue scaffolding which bone marrow does not.
You can think of this as the tissues between your cells or the mortar between your bricks, which is what holds your cells together, providing structure for your body to heal.
Once harvested, the stem cells are processed and prepared for injection.
Administering MFAT Stem Cells
After harvesting, your stem cells are processed in our lab. This involves separating the stem cells from other cells and substances.
The final step is administering the stem cells directly into the affected joint.
Dr. Ryan Wood injects the prepared stem cells into the affected joint. At NW Regen, this is always done under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.
Benefits and Effectiveness of Stem Cell Injections
It’s important to note that stem cell therapy is not a cure for arthritis. But it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Stem cell injections offer lots of potential benefits for arthritis patients. They may help reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. This can lead to decreased pain and improved joint function. However, results can vary based on individual factors.
Stem Cell Injections for Shoulder and Hip Arthritis
Stem cell injections can be particularly beneficial for shoulder and hip arthritis. These are joints that are often heavily impacted by arthritis.
Stem cell therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility in these areas. This can make daily activities easier and improve overall well-being. Yet, as with any treatment, results will vary. It’s always important to discuss expectations and potential outcomes with your healthcare provider.
Considerations and Expectations
Stem cell injections are a promising treatment for arthritis. However, they are not a guaranteed cure. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, stem cell injections carry some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, there may be complications related to the anesthesia used during the procedure. It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider before deciding on treatment.
Consult with your Physician
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are both common types of arthritis that can cause joint pain and stiffness, but they have different causes and symptoms.
As one of the leading experts in MFAT stem cell therapy in the Portland community we find it to be particularly effective when it comes to treating both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Our goal is always to achieve the highest quality treatment, with the least amount of discomfort, and the best possible outcome. Having the ability to effectively perform natural, non-surgical treatments such as MFAT stem cell therapy is a significant part of our tailored approach. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
NW Regen
We offer regenerative and interventional medicine – tailored to empower you with a more vibrant, active lifestyle.
