Stem Cells

What Are Stem Cells? A Comprehensive Overview

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What are stem cells or medicinal signaling cells? How we use them for damaged joints or tendons, and indications

Stem cells, also known as medicinal signaling cells is a growing topic within medical science. These cells have the potential to bring about a revolution in the way we approach the treatment of injuries and diseases. Stem cells can possess unique abilities as they are blank cells capable of self replication. This unique characteristic enables them to transform into any type of cell found in our bodies or initiate cell signaling pathways that kickstart the healing process for damaged joints, tendons or ligaments. In this discussion we will delve into the nature of stem cells, their mechanisms at work and the various applications in medicine today. Many findings in medical research suggest that such treatments hold potential for debilitating conditions associated with bone, tendon and joint areas within our bodies.

What are stem cells?

There are two categories of stem cells; adult and embryonic. Adult stem cells can be found in tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, fat, brain and skin. These cells have the ability to divide and renew themselves over extended periods. They play a role in maintaining the health and functioning of the tissue they reside in. When a tissue is damaged, our adult stem cells are summoned to repair it. In cases where these stem cells are transplanted to areas like joints or tendons, their primary function is to coordinate the healing process and attract all the components such, as proteins, growth factors and structural elements.

Embryonic stem cells are derived from early stage embryos – typically four or five days old – that have not yet differentiated into specialized cell types. In addition to self-renewing, embryonic stem cells can give rise to every cell type found in the body. This makes them powerful tools for studying developmental processes and for regenerating damaged tissues. However, all clinical treatment protocols in our clinic and throughout the country use adult stem cells for treatment, or umbilical cord derived.

What are medicinal signaling cells?

Signaling cells, which are present in all tissues and organs play a fundamental role in regulating the functions of cells in the body. They have an impact on processes like immunity, inflammation and wound healing.

Stem cells have gained recognition as signaling cells that offer therapeutic benefits for various conditions such as joint, ligament, bone and tendon damage. When tissue is injured it releases signals that attract signaling cells to the site of injury. These remarkable cells then contribute to the healing process by releasing substances that aid in the formation of blood vessels and the regeneration of damaged tissue. These medicinal signaling cells also direct other healing cells within t he immune system to play a vital part of the regeneration of tissue.

The use of stem cells as signaling cells for treating tendon injuries has gained widespread interest due to its effectiveness and positive outcomes. Traditional treatments like surgery, medications or steroid injections often prove ineffective or even damage the tissue further. Physical therapy also has its limitations in the context of healing damaged tissue. In contrast medicinal signaling cells provide the critical pathway to healing that could potentially offer long lasting relief with minimal side effects.

How we use stem cells for damaged joints and tendons

When a joint or tendon gets injured stem cells can be used to repair the damage. The damaged area is injected with these cells under fluorscopic or ultrasound guidance to accurately place these cells where needed. The effect will be that of accelerating the healing process and reprogramming of cells to reduce inflammation. Over time these stem cells stimulate the growth of tissue through various mechanisms in the affected tendon or cartilage.

Stem cell therapy is a way to treat tendon injuries that sustain tendonosis, tendonitis and tendon tears. It has been proven in a wide body of research to promote healing and enhance functionality. This treatment is safe, non surgical and minimally invasive resulting in side effects.

Indications for using stem cells

Knee osteoarthritis or arthritis
Knee meniscal tear
Ligament laxity
Shoulder osteoarthritis or arthritis
Rotator cuff tear
AC joint arthritis
Labral tears
Hip pain and hip arthritis
Lower back pain
Spinal arthritis or facet arthritis
Degenerative disc disease
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis
Golfers elbow
Tendonitis or tendonosis
Tendon tear
Ankle joint arthritis
Subtalar arthritis

Conclusion

Stem cells or medicinal signaling cells are shown to be integral to repairing of damaged joints, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. By carefully engineering these regenerative orthobiologics, our Doctors are able to maximize their healing potentials without any side effects. Furthermore, stem cell therapies also offer a unique opportunity with understanding how diseases affect our bodies and how we can use this knowledge to develop better treatments for all our thousands of patients. At Spectrum Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center our main focus is to use this knowledge and provide better outcomes for improving our patients lives. The use of cutting edge imaging to guide our injections to precise locations where they are needed is also what allows us to give world class treatment.

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