Stem Cells | Medford | Ashland | Southern Oregon

What are Stem Cells?

Stem Cells are the basic cells throughout the body that become replacement cells as needed. The cells that make up the structure of our tissues and organs only have a limited lifespan, and therefore a system of replacement, repair, and regeneration takes place for the tissues and organs to survive and function. Stem cells are capable of self-replicating, and can evolve into more cells with specialized function. They are highly active in some parts of the body that naturally need ongoing replacements on a regular basis, like the GI tract and skin. Other parts of the body, however, do not naturally have the ability to regenerate as readily. Some tissues in the body have no ability to repair and regenerate if injured. Stem Cells can be found in high concentrations in fat tissue and bone marrow, and then mobilized to areas in which they are needed. Today, regenerative medicine physicians are trying to utilize these remarkable cells that are able to rejuvenate tissues to help heal injuries. They can be used in addition to other regenerative treatments, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), to help promote healing.

Stem Cells are currently under intense medical investigation to treat various painful conditions, including discogenic back pain and several different Orthopedic conditions, such as hip and knee pain. Stem cells are aspirated using a minor surgical technique, concentrated much the same way PRP is obtained, and then injected along with PRP into the targeted area. Once in that environment, the cells are able to stimulate growth and regeneration, but at this time the exact mechanism of how this happens remains to be illuminated.

The Stem Cells need to be isolated either from a tissue source, such as bone marrow or fat, or from a commercial source. They are then mixed with Platelet Rich Plasma for injection into an injured area. It is best to restrict activity of the injected area to only mild to moderate activity for the first few weeks. Much like other RIT techniques, healing occurs over the course of 2-4 weeks and the results need to be re-evaluated.

Learn More About Stem Cell Treatmenthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesenchymal_stem_celhttp://cellbanktech.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1.-Caplan-AI.-Mesenchymal-stem-cells-in-JOR-1991.pdf

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Stem Cells | Medford | Ashland | Southern Oregon