Regenerative medicine is an increasing point of focus for those who are concerned with the treatment of chronic pain. Here is a look at the different specific therapies within this field of medicine (some of which are more compelling than others, as noted), followed by a brief look at the nature of a stem cell treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
This technique involves extracting blood, spinning it within a centrifuge to collect the platelets, and then reintroducing the platelet rich plasma to your body. There are exciting research results for this therapy. For example, a 2015 study from the Journal of Physical Therapy Science analyzed the response of 102 patients to PRP injections for the treatment of their grade 3 knee osteoarthritis. The results were extremely positive for PRP, with the authors calling it “an effective treatment for functional status and pain in moderate knee osteoarthritis.”
Amniotic Stem Cell Treatment
This treatment approach is problematic. There are no viable stem cells in amniotic fluid. You will sometimes see this treatment offered, but it should not be considered a legitimate regenerative treatment.
Adipose Stem Cell Treatment
Research has shown stem cells sourced from the body’s fat to be effective in improving comfort and functionality of patients when used to treat chronic pain. However, collecting adipose stem cells involves mini-liposuction and disruption of tissue. Mini-liposuction has a 3-10% complication rate.
Bone Marrow Aspiration (Stem Cell Therapy)
The use of bone marrow stem cells has a much longer and more robust research history. Using bone marrow aspiration means that you just insert a needle into the skin like any other needle. In contrast to the higher risk of adipose stem cells, bone marrow aspiration has a complication rate that is well under 1%.
How A Stem Cell Treatment Works
Standard stem cell treatments use adult stem cells (whether adipose or bone marrow). Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that exist among the differentiated cells of an organ or tissue. This type of cell is powerful because it has flexibility and is capable of differentiating into any of various specialized tissues. The reason the stem cells exist within the body is to fix tissue and maintain its health. Note that the term somatic stem cell is sometimes used in place of adult stem cell. Since adult stem cells exist within the body, they can be sourced – using a patient’s own body to expedite healing.
When a doctor administers a stem cell therapy, generally the cells will be sourced either from your adipose tissue (fat) or bone marrow, as indicated above. Blood with adult stem cells is placed in a centrifuge, in which it is concentrated. These cells are injected in the area that needs healing.
Moving Forward
Do you think this treatment approach might be right for you? At OrthoGen, our mission is to lead modern pain treatments away from invasive surgeries and into the new frontier of stem cell therapies. See our story.