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24 Jul 2024Stem cell therapy is one of the most understood medical treatments available. In one study released by the National Institute of Health, over 1,500 patients receiving stem cell treatments were monitored after receiving treatments for conditions including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic cytopenic purpura (a blood clotting disorder), lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
The study found that 43% of those people saw progression diminish and 30% saw a complete turnaround. Five years later, 85% were doing well. Stem cell treatments are effective, safe ways to ease the pain and discomfort of many chronic joint, muscle, and inflammatory conditions, but several myths surround them. We’re going to clear up some of the common misconceptions.
Myth #1: Stem Cells Come From Aborted Fetuses
This is the biggest myth. Somewhere along the line, someone decided that all stem cell treatments use stem cells collected from fetuses. That’s not the case.
While there are embryonic stem cells, they’re not used in stem cell treatments. Those stem cells come from leftover embryos from in vitro fertilization procedures, but most come from umbilical cords. They do not come from aborted fetuses like some would have you think.
If a couple produced 20 possible embryos, the general practice is to only implant two in younger women or five for women over 40. Any unused embryos are frozen. If they’re never needed, they’re disposed of.
The FDA has only approved blood stem cell transplants where the stem cells are collected from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood collected after childbirth.
Most stem cell treatments are experimental and use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which are created in a lab using blood. They’re developed in a way that makes them just as effective as embryonic stem cells. Those reprogrammed stem cells are then reinjected into your tissue to spur the growth and repair of damaged cells.
Myth #2: Stem Cells Cure Anything
Stem cells are certainly powerful, but they’re not a cure-all. They can help reduce inflammation in cells by prompting healthier tissue and impeding the reactions that trigger inflammation. Bone marrow transplants have proven effective in treating certain cancers, but your body also has to do its part in healing.
You won’t find these stem cells curing everything, however. They only help with treatments of chronic joint and skin conditions. Studies also show they have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Myth #3: All Stem Cells Are the Same
Your body has many different types of stem cells and each has a particular role. Only embryos have embryonic stem cells in the first three to five days after an egg is fertilized. These stem cells can generate all tissue within the body. Adults have:
- Epithelial Stem Cells: Maintain the health of tissues to balance cellular loss and production.
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Develop into red and white blood cells and platelets and are found in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, which is the blood that circulates from your heart to carry oxygen and remove waste and carbon dioxide.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Found in the bone marrow and help repair and make tissue that supports cartilage and bone health.
- Neural Stem Cells: Responsible for regenerating the cells in the nervous system.
- Skin Stem Cells: Help with skin repair after an injury and also with skin renewal as you age.
Myth #4: Stem Cell Therapy Is Available Everywhere
Stem cell therapy is not available everywhere. It’s only FDA-approved in specific cases, which means it’s considered an experimental treatment. Some doctors don’t want to perform treatments that are not approved by the government.
If you want to try this treatment, make sure you’re undergoing treatments with a doctor who specializes in stem cell treatments. It’s also important to look at the doctor’s history in this area of treatment. You may not want to put your faith in someone who has very little experience treating patients with stem cell injections.
Myth #5: This Therapy Is an Instant Fix
Stem cell treatments are not an instant fix. It can take a few injections over several days. Many arthritis patients need to return for another injection until a series of three injections have been given over the span of about a week. Many patients at Premium Sports & Orthopedics start noticing a great difference in flexibility and pain reduction within a few months of the treatment.
Myth #6: Stem Cells Cure Conditions Permanently
Stem cells can help tissue heal, but it’s not a permanent cure. The results may last longer if you also take care of yourself.
If you play sports, warm up and know your limits in order to prevent re-injury. Lose weight if necessary to ease the strain on your joints. Eat a healthy diet. Working with a physical therapist or undergoing EMS therapy to help tone muscles is also a beneficial way of protecting your healing joints.
Most people need to return every couple of years, depending on where stem cell treatment was and the purpose for it. If you have severe arthritis, you may need a booster treatment after a year. It all comes down to your body.
Myth #7: Insurance Covers Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is still considered experimental and isn’t covered by insurance. For that reason, it can be an expensive treatment. Discuss the cost with your doctor and see if there are alternative options that your insurance does cover that could be as effective.
You might find that physical therapy and diet work well for you, and your insurance covers them. Or, you could decide that the reduction in pain and increase in mobility is worth the cost. Only you can decide if it fits your budget.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
In a medical clinic, a quantity of your blood is drawn and processed to gather the stem cells needed for treatment. Those cells are reinjected into the joints where they help ease pain by reducing inflammation and encouraging the repair of damaged cells and tissue.
One treatment isn’t enough. A series of stem cell treatments are needed before any noticeable improvement takes place. If you’re offered a one-time cure-all, it’s not realistic. Your body needs time for the stem cells to do their job and help repair and regenerate damaged tissue.
If you’d like to learn more about the pros and cons of stem cell treatment and get answers to your questions, we’re here to answer the questions you have and discuss the best options for the issues you face. Whether you’re dealing with chronic arthritis or repeat injuries to a joint from overuse, Premium Sports & Orthopedics has treatments designed to get you back into the game or ready to tackle your daily work and personal routines.
