Stem cell treatment is an intriguing advancement in several medical fields, including orthopedics—the branch of medicine that deals with the body’s musculoskeletal system (the bones, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues). A compelling body of evidence suggests that stem cells may help stimulate healing around injured tissues and promote a more efficient recovery for some patients with certain orthopedic conditions.
But first things first—what is orthopedic stem cell treatment, exactly? There are several approaches to stem cell treatment, but for the purposes of this page, let’s explore adult stem cell therapy. This method involves harvesting stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, blood, or fatty tissue, which are then concentrated for maximum effectiveness and injected directly into the injured area to help accelerate healing. Some studies suggest that stem cells have the ability to “differentiate”—meaning they produce daughter cells that may gradually transform to replace various types of damaged tissues (more research is needed to confirm these findings).
When is Orthopedic Stem Cell Treatment Recommended?
Stem cell treatment is most often used to address injuries that affect tendons, ligaments, and joint cartilage. While stem cells can’t necessarily cure a condition, some patients who receive stem cell treatment note a reduction in pain, stiffness, and/or inflammation associated with orthopedic problems like:
- Osteoarthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Meniscus tears
- Labral tears
Some patients who undergo stem cell treatment notice improvements in about two to three months, if not sooner. In other cases, stem cell treatment is used to help facilitate the body’s repair response following orthopedic surgery.
Is Orthopedic Stem Cell Treatment Safe?
Any medical procedure comes with some measure of risk. With that said, orthopedic stem cell treatment uses the patient’s stem cells and does not involve general anesthesia, potent drugs, or large incisions that can lead to complications. This approach significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission, infection, and tissue rejection. The most common side effects associated with stem cell therapy are redness, soreness, or swelling that may last up to two weeks.
When Can I Receive Orthopedic Stem Cell Treatment in Tampa?
Tampa residents don’t have to look far to find a reputable provider of orthopedic stem cell treatments. Located in the heart of South Tampa on Howard Avenue, Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is led by board-certified specialists who offer stem cell therapy and other progressive treatment options like PRP therapy and knee gel shots. Our team excels in autologous stem cell injection, which involves drawing out stem cells from the patient’s own blood marrow.
Stem cell treatment isn’t right for everyone, but it could be right for you. To find out if you’re a candidate for stem cell therapy or another non-surgical treatment, contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today at (813) 253-2406. Our practice is proud to be an affiliate of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic center in the Tampa area.
