Stem cell therapy is an emerging form of regenerative medicine which uses the body’s own natural healing agent to promote repair at a cellular level in illness and injuries. Although the potential applications for stem cell treatment span far and wide, there are a few specific conditions for which the therapy is already being used. Find out if you could benefit from stem cell therapy below.
7 Qualities That Indicate You’re a Good Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) results from the natural wearing down of the cartilage which cushions the joints over time. Or, it can develop earlier in life after an injury in what’s known as secondary OA. As the cushioning deteriorates, you may experience significant discomfort. Stem cell therapy has been shown to regenerate cartilage, helping to minimize pain and improve the joint’s function.
Sports & Athletic Injury
Sports and athletic injuries such as tendinitis and ligament tears can leave you sidelined with pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. When ligaments, cartilage, and tendons wear out, there are few remedies which can provide relief. Even invasive surgeries sometimes fail to help patients make a complete comeback. Now, however, it’s possible to regenerate compromised tissue from stem cells, prompting quicker and more complete healing.
Musculoskeletal Condition
Factors like overuse and the simple process of aging can wear away tendons and ligaments. Complete functional recovery is often challenging — these tissue groups have a limited capacity to heal on their own, so orthopedic surgery often remains the only effective treatment option. Stem cells, however, have been shown to accelerate healing and repair in muscle injuries, meniscus tears, tendon and ligament injuries, rotator cuff injuries, and intervertebral disc and spine issues.
Neurodegenerative Conditions
While not a cure-all, mesenchymal stem cells can be administrated in patients with neurodegenerative conditions to manage symptoms and increase energy by replacing damaged cells with new ones. Patients with multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease may be good candidates for the treatment, in addition to individuals with traumatic brain injuries and post-stroke syndrome.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions are those in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, sending out fighter cells to attack healthy tissue. Stem cells have the remarkable ability to modulate the immune system by traveling to areas of inflammation and generating anti-inflammatory agents. Individuals with COPD, Chron’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and lupus may benefit from the treatment.
Female/Male Wellness Concerns
Conditions such as erectile dysfunction in men and declining sexual pleasure in women are frustrating and uncomfortable but not uncommon. In lieu of medications, stem cell therapy can be used to promote tissue repair which can improve blood flow and sensation, promoting a healthier sex life without the need for pills or invasive procedures.
Cosmetic Concerns
In addition to its many medical applications, stem cell therapy is also being increasingly leveraged to address cosmetic concerns. With their rejuvenating properties, stem cells can be incorporated into facials and other aesthetic services to achieve a natural yet more youthful appearance. Good candidates for stem cell treatments include anyone experiencing hair loss or concerns with the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we offer Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa, this therapy naturally acts to rebuild and regenerate neural tissues that are lost from the progression of all different types of diseases.