You’ve probably heard of stem cell therapy for conditions like osteoarthritis. If you’re curious how well it works or are new to the topic than this article will help shine some light. A new study has provided further evidence for the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. The study, titled “Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Patients with Osteoarthritis Results in Overall Improvement in Pain and Symptoms and Reduces Synovial Inflammation.”, found that the stem cell injections were safe and likely inhibited the cells that make up cartilage (chondrocytes) from dying.
In this Canadian phase I/II trial there were 12 patients enrolled (seven men and five women) into the trial. They were aged 40-65 and had with osteoarthritis in the knee. The scientists then extracted bone marrow from the hip of each patient, isolated the mesenchymal stromal cells and grew these cells on a petri dish until there were enough cells to transplant back into the patient. Each patient received their own cells via an injection into the knee. The patients were split into four groups with each receiving a different number of cells. The patients were monitored for up to two years after injection.
The studies results were impressive. The researchers screened blood and urine to detect molecules associated with cartilage cell (chondrocyte) degeneration. The level of these molecules remained constant over a 12-month period indicating that the stem cells have a protective effect on the joint cells. The scientists also found a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers present in the knee. This suggests that the stem cells decreased the immune responses in this tissue, resulting in less inflammation. The patients perceived pain was significantly better.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Help Osteoarthritis?
Stem cell therapy heals osteoarthritis through several ways.
- It decreases excessive inflammation
- Regenerates new joint tissue
- Restores the remaining joint tissue
- Builds up the supporting tissue such as blood vessels, nerves, bone, ligaments, and tendons
- Creates a healing environment in the joint (through the addition of growth factors, exosomes, cytokines etc…)
Is Extracting Bone Marrow The Only Way To Help Osteoarthritis?
No. At Innate we don’t use bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells since some research indicates the number and viability (how well the stem cells work) tends to decrease the older we get, or the longer we battle chronic disease and conditions. Stem cells from umbilical cord tissue can have much higher amounts of stem cells and work better than the older cells from bone marrow or fat tissue. Our experience utilizing Umbilical Cord Tissue and Exosomes with osteoarthritis has proved very promising results. We see a decrease or elimination of pain, improving the function of the joint, and increase recovery times. Meaning you’re in less pain and able to do the things you love to do. Read my blog on stem cell therapy for pain management here. And read this article for another great article on stem cell therapy and osteoarthritis
Do You Wish You Knew Someone That Recovered From Osteoarthritis?
Now you do! Meet Deb. Listen to Debs amazing recovery story from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. All she wanted in life was to be able to play with her grandkids and play some golf. Her knee pain was so bad she could barely even bend down to play with her grandkids. Getting up was even worse. After stem cell therapy she’s pain free and playing more golf than she has in years.
Who Is Stem Cell Therapy For?
There are to many conditions to list that can be helped with stem cell therapy. The most common are pain, autoimmune, and chronic conditions such as COPD, heart disease, and brain conditions. Even anti-aging, aesthetics, and sexual health are treated with stem cell therapy. To hear more tales of people getting their life back after stem cell therapy click here.
If you or a loved one is living with chronic pain from osteoarthritis – we can help. Call us at 602.603.3118 or email at info@innateheal1stg.wpenginepowered.com.
