Joint Pain | Osteoarthritis Treatment

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and one of the most common causes of pain. OA, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes swelling. When too much cartilage is lost the bone can start becoming damaged. Secondary effects of OA include muscle weakness and ligaments becoming loose as a result of decreased movement secondary to pain. Overall there is a degeneration of tissue that isn’t replaced as fast as it is being broken down. Currently the most common treatments are pharmaceuticals for pain management and/or surgery.

How can stem cells help treat osteoarthritis?

Stem cell therapy with human umbilical cord tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCT-MSCs) corrects the degenerative process by providing cells that can turn into cartilage that replaces the lost tissue, as well as regenerate the cells that are already in your joint. They do this by secreting healing activators such as growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes to the surrounding environment. Stem cell therapy for OA is one of the most well studied conditions showing significant improvements in symptoms. This therapy is the most highly sophisticated treatment for pain management since it not only “manages” the pain but also heals and regenerates the tissue naturally. Put simply, stem cells provide the joint with the biological material needed to have a healthy joint, decrease pain, improve the joints function, and speed up recovery when the joint is stressed.

What locations of osteoarthritis can be treated with stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy has the ability to improve any joint affected by osteoarthritis, from big joints to little joint. These include locations and conditions such as knee pain, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, ankle pain, neck pain, elbow pain, and even the joints in your hands and feet.

What are the advantages of using allogenic (not the patient’s own) umbilical cord tissue derived stem cells?

• Umbilical cord tissue is one of the most abundant sources of stem cells, producing a greater number and quality of stem cells.
• Stem cells are immune privileged, meaning there is no rejection by our bodies when administered.
• Using HUCT means there’s no need for invasive procedures seen in bone-marrow or adipose derived stem cells. These methods also tend to produce inferior numbers and poorer quality of stem cells.
• There is evidence that HUCT-MSCs are a more viable source compared to other MSC sources. Meaning they perform better at what MSCs do naturally.
• HUCT-MSCs can be administered safely numerous times, each time adding more and more benefit. Unlike steroid injections which end up damaging your joints even more if administered to often.

How is Innate Healthcare’s stem cell therapy protocols different from other clinics?

We use HUCT-MSCs produced in our own lab to control for the highest and purest quality control. We follow very well researched protocols from all over the world that achieve the best results. In addition, we treat using a very holistic, comprehensive approach. Some patient’s protocols may vary, as everyone is treated according to their unique presentation:

• Intra-articular (into the joint) administration of stem cells and/or exosomes with platelet rich plasma (PRP). A numbing solution is applied to the joint before treatment.
• Included with the treatment is acupuncture to facilitate the healing<./li>
• Herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and nutritional guidelines are provided to encourage joint growth after the treatment.
• After 4 weeks another treatment as described above is given.
• Patients are encouraged to return to the clinic weekly for additional care during following months.

How Can I Get Evaluated?

Simply set up a consultation and exam with us and we’ll provide you with the best recommendation for treatment(s). Schedule yourself by clicking the link below, or call us at (602) 603-3118.