Stem Cell Therapy

Simply put, stem cells are the body’s master cells. These cells can transform into any other type of cell that the body needs. For example, stem cells can develop into nerve cells, muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells and more. Stem cells can be used to enhance your body’s ability to heal. We use stem cells and platelet rich plasma to help heal arthritis, bone and tendon injuries, improve sexual function and more.

While stem cells may be located anywhere in the body, the most concentrated locations are in fat and in bone marrow.

Our technique uses bone marrow aspiration to isolate the most concentrated numbers of stem cells.

This means stem cells from your own body rather than from someone else. This is the focus of our treatments. The major advantage of using autologous stem cells is because the cells come from your own body, there is no risk of rejection or an immune system attack.

This simply means stem cells are donated from another person.

1. Embryonic stem cells are cells that come from embryos that are 3-5 days old. These cells can be very useful, but there are ethical concerns about their use. The embryos used in embryonic stem cell research come from excess eggs that were fertilized at fertility clinics but were never meant to be implanted. The stem cells are donated with informed consent by the donors. They are then grown further in laboratories to produce more cells from that cell line. We do not use these stem cells in our clinic.
2. Perinatal stem cells are recovered from amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds a fetus), umbilical cord, and foreskin of newborns. No babies are harmed during the harvesting of these cells.
3. Adult stem cells: these are typically harvested from bone marrow or fat of healthy adults.

Platelet rich plasma (aka PRP) is a concentrated amount of your own platelets in a small portion of the liquid from your own blood (plasma). Platelets contain helpful growth factors that can help direct the stem cells to heal in time of injury. We draw blood and isolate the platelets to utilize the healing effects of their growth factors.

We typically perform our procedures using a combination of autologous stem cells from your bone marrow combined with platelet rich plasma from your blood.

Wrist, shoulders, elbows, knees, hip (case by case)

Many of our patients have undergone bone marrow aspiration with only lidocaine (local numbing medication). We also offer monitored sedation so that you are completely comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

If you choose to undergo sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. We do offer nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) that does not require a driver.

The bone marrow aspiration site on your hip will typically be mildly sore for 1-3 days. The injected joint will be sore for 1-4 days depending on your response. You should be able to perform your normal activities of daily living the day after the procedure.

Insurance does not cover this procedure. We do offer Advanced Care financing.