Stem Cell Treatments

A comprehensive guide to stem cell treatments, and how it’s revolutionizing the face of medicine.

Your Guide to Stem Cell Treatments

There has been some major buzz lately around the use of stem cell treatments. The media has picked up on stories of professional athletes and celebrities traveling all over the world to receive these innovative treatments. Although the full range of potential benefits of stem cell therapy is still being explored, an astounding number of people have already taken the plunge. But what are stem cells? How do they work? Arrowhead Health Centers offers stem cell treatments for those who suffer from chronic pain as well as degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, and we’re here to give you the facts behind the hype.

Stem Cell Treatments and Regenerative Medicine

Over the years, many types of stem cells have been discovered and used in medicine. Discovery of these cellular powerhouses is hardly a new thing; research on adult stem cells first started over 60 years ago. Procedurally, stem cells have been in use for quite a long time as well. For more than 40 years, blood-forming cells, better known as adult hematopoietic stem cells, have been used in transplants. Today, these treatments are used for conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, heart failure, multiple sclerosis and various autoimmune disorders. The true potential of stem cell treatments is being unlocked in regenerative medicine, in which stem cells are used to create functional tissue to repair and replace damaged tissue. Regenerative medicine is unparalleled because it empowers the human body to heal itself, offering new treatment options for those with osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Properties of Stem Cells

All stem cells have three basic properties that make them ideal for cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. Stem cells differ from other body cells in a variety of ways. Each organ and tissue in your body is made up of highly specialized cells. These cells can divide a limited number of times and give rise to cells of the same type. Some cells, such as muscle cells, nerve cells and blood cells, don’t replicate themselves under normal conditions. Stem cells are capable of long term cell division, and can actually renew themselves and replenish other cells. Stem cells also possess the quality of being unspecialized, not developing any tissue specific structures or functions, but have the ability to give rise to specialized cells in the process of differentiation. Differentiation happens in stages, and produces increasing degrees of specialization along the way. These cells have the exceptional potential to develop into virtually any cell type in the body, while dividing boundlessly to replace and replenish other cells and tissues. These qualities give stem cell treatment an immense capacity for healing.

Eliminate the Need for Surgery with Stem Cell Treatments

Medicine affords many people with a vast amount of resources to use in their treatment. Although so many effective options are available, non-surgical medical care does have its limits. In some cases, the damage done is too great to mend, in which case there may be surgical options. Surgical procedures can range anywhere from outpatient injections, to full joint replacement and beyond. Although it may be a worthwhile option, surgery isn’t for everyone. Many people seek out treatment for their symptoms in an attempt to delay surgical intervention. Stem cell therapy can not only be used in treatment of chronic pain and degeneration, but can also prevent the need for surgery altogether. Stem cell injections have the power to do more than just heal damage. They have been found to reduce pain, reduce stiffness and improve mobility. These injections can also grow new cartilage, ligament, tendon or muscle tissue. Stem cells produce many major cellular signaling chemicals and growth factors, called cytokines, that can initiate growth and tissue repair. Stem cell treatments can stop a condition in it its tracks and is even capable of reversing damage progression.

Join the Stem Cell Treatment Revolution

The use of stem cells in medicine has come a long way in the past 40 years, and there is still a long way to go. Researchers couldn’t have imagined the far-reaching benefits we are experiencing today. Stem cell treatments are unlocking the regenerative power of the human body, and have lead many people away from surgery and into a healthier, happier life. Arrowhead Health Centers is proud to offer this revolutionary treatment option. If you experience chronic pain or would like more information on stem cell therapy contact us at (623) 777-5587.