Exosomes Protect Joints from Osteoarthritis Damage

by admin | Jul 5, 2020 | Exosomes, Osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Therapy

Odds are, you or someone you know has osteoarthritis—it is that common. Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammation and destruction of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is the kind of arthritis most people think of when they think of “arthritis.” The disease usually causes joint pain, stiffness, and limited joint motion. Common sites of osteoarthritis are the hands, knees, feet, spine, and hips.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, there are few good treatments for osteoarthritis. Most people with advanced disease must take analgesics (painkillers) each day to dull the pain. Unfortunately, each painkiller comes with its own problems. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding. NSAIDs like ibuprofen wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system and affect the kidneys. Chronic acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver. Opioids come with the risk of dependence and addiction. The only definitive treatment for osteoarthritis is surgery, which is expensive and usually requires a long recovery period.

Mesenchymal stem cells, also known as stromal cells, have shown remarkable promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis. For example, mesenchymal stem cells taken from bone marrow or fat tissue (adipose) that are then injected into joints can protect the joint from degeneration and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. However, there are some limitations with stem cell treatment. One issue is that only so many cells can be injected in a space at once. For these reasons, scientists have pivoted some of their focus from stem cells to the tiny packets of information stem cells release called exosomes.

Exosomes contain millions of beneficial molecules including small proteins, cytokines, RNA, microRNA, and DNA. One stem cell can release thousands of exosomes. Since the exosomes are so small, many more exosomes can be collected and injected than stem cells themselves.

Researchers recently showed that exosomes collected from mesenchymal stem cells were able to provide the same benefits against osteoarthritis in mice as bone marrow stem cells did themselves. Stem cells slowed down the clinical signs of arthritis in mice just as whole stem cells did. Exosomes also protected cartilage and other joint structures from destruction.

This research demonstrates the developing science to use exosomes to treat osteoarthritis instead of the stem cells themselves. This gives doctors (and patients) considerably more flexibility in how they approach treatment. Exosomes tend to find their way to sites of disease, meaning they may be able to be injected into a vein instead of injected in the diseased joint. In addition, patients may be able to receive a higher “dose” of exosomes when simply purified exosomes are injected. This exciting research will need to be extended to humans, but clinical trials are in the planning phase.

Reference: Cosenza, S., Ruiz, M., Toupet, K. et al. Mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes and microparticles protect cartilage and bone from degradation in osteoarthritis. Sci Rep 7, 16214 (2017).

PRP Therapy – Post Management Care

by Stemedix | Jun 29, 2020 | Pain Management, Musculoskeletal, Osteoarthritis, PRP, Stem Cell Therapy

Many studies support platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to help benefit patients with chronic pain and injuries. This article will cover the major aspects of post management care and the best tips to optimize results.

Important tips to keep in mind:

· Avoid Taking any anti-inflammatory drugs after the procedure avoid for 14 days following the procedure

· Apply heat only for 10-14 days , you may experience some soreness and swelling in this time period.

· Avoid any strenuous activities, exercising and physical therapy for the week following treatment

· Stay hydrated

· Improvements typically begin after 2 weeks

About a week after the procedure, patients should start physical therapy, which involves myofascial release, gentle stretching, engaging the articular range of motion, and core stabilizing exercises.

Other activities (e.g., stationary bike, swimming) are also an appropriate choice during the recovery phase. Interventional imaging techniques such as stimulation therapy and Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) should not be used at this stage.

Once 4-8 weeks have passed, patients can gradually engage in more intense activities, including yoga, Pilates, and light weight lifting. However, forceful rotation and manipulation are not recommended.

Following the correct guidelines during the first few weeks of recovery is crucial for the success of the procedure. The injected cells are quite delicate, hence the need to avoid strenuous physical activities that may cause irreversible damage to the cells.

Patients should also keep in mind that the side effect profile is diverse and can only be evaluated on a case-to-case basis. In other words, one patient might experience pain and inflammation after the procedure, while another presents with no symptoms.

The severity and extent of these symptoms are also dependent on the site of injection, with articulations being the most susceptible to traumatic injuries and side effects.

Recovery by weeks

Weeks 1 & 2

During this phase, you should restrict your movements and physical activity to avoid putting too much tension on your body. However, this doesn’t mean giving up to a sedentary lifestyle as it’s not the best approach.

Expect to experience pain, inflammation, and soreness.

Moreover, remember to avoid running, weight lifting, or any other strenuous exercise. Other activities, such as gentle stretching, are still allowed.

If you experience serious inflammation, consider using ice bags on the affected area , but try to avoid ice and NSAIDS until after the 14 day period. You can also use natural compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, CBD, and arnica.

Weeks 3 & 4

At this stage, the pain and inflammation should slightly subside, which allows you to practice more intense activities, but do not attempt to lift heavy weights or perform high-impact exercises. An appropriate number would be to keep the intensity of the workouts under 50% of what you’re used to. This will allow the stem cells to implant themselves in the damaged tissue and kick start the healing process.

Weeks 5 & 6

In this stage, focus on core-stabilizing exercises to strengthen your core muscles and give time for the joints to get used to the new routine. Activities such as stationary bike, elliptical, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and swimming exercise are permitted.

Weeks 7 & 8

Inflammation and pain might be gone at this time; however, you should still be careful about the type of exercises you’re performing. For patients who are still dealing with pain and swelling, you can use ice bags to accelerate the healing process.

Months 3–6

During this period, stem cells have reached their peak healing potential, which should not get interrupted with intense physical activity. Instead, settle down for less-strenuous workouts that do not involve any compressive, twisting, or pivoting movements. Avoid uneven ground. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!

4 FAQs About Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

by Stemedix | May 11, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Osteoarthritis

Knee issues are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries and can occur in individuals of all ages. The complex joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and fluid, as well as muscles and tendons which allow for movement. When any of these structures becomes injured or diseased, discomfort and limited range of motion may ensue. Knee problems can create significant strain on an individual’s life, from preventing participation in sports to making it difficult to get out of a chair. Here 4 FAQs about stem cell therapy for knees.

There are many causes for knee issues, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. In this condition, the cartilage in the joint erodes over time, leading to inflammation and pain. Sports injuries are also common culprits; even a simple, sudden twisting movement can tear or sprain structures like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), leading to severe pain.

Depending on the severity of a knee condition, prescribed treatment could include rest, rehabilitation, or surgery. Yet, knee problems don’t always improve with these methods, and many patients understandably want to avoid invasive surgery if possible. Fortunately, stem cell therapy is an emerging solution many experts support — find out more about what it entails below.

4 Commonly Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine which uses the body’s natural healing mechanism, stem cells, to rebuild compromised tissue at the cellular level. For knee injuries, the goal of the treatment is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and delay or prevent the need for surgery.

What Knee Issues Can It Address?

Stem cells may be used to address a number of knee issues. In degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy can help slow the destruction of cartilage and even rebuild it, due to the stem cells’ ability to self-renew and mature into specialized cell types. The cells also have anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore aid in quicker, more thorough healing of acute knee issues, such as injuries to the ACL, meniscus, and other knee structures.

What Does The Process Entail?

The process for stem cell therapy is fairly simple. The cells are extracted, either from the patient themselves or a donor, and then inserted directly into the injured tissue. Thereafter, they’ll begin the healing process. Depending on your condition, your practitioner may recommend several sessions to achieve the best possible results.

What Is The Success Rate?

As with any type of treatment, success rates will vary from one patient to the next. With that being said, research has shown that patients who have received stem cell therapy for knee issues still felt better than their baseline five years after treatment. For patients who have responded poorly to previous treatment methods or want to avoid major surgery, stem cell therapy is certainly an option worth exploring.

If you are tired of dealing with the everyday pain and want relief that lasts then contact us today!

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Injection Improves Hip Osteoarthritis

by admin | May 5, 2020 | Osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Research

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a painful condition that can interfere with leg movement and diminish the quality of life. In some, the symptoms are mild, but in others, osteoarthritis can be severe and can even lead to joint failure. Pain is often intermittent in early stages, but in later stages, the pain can be constant with periods of sharp, intense pain. The hip joint becomes stiff and unstable, making it difficult to move around and greatly increasing the risk of falls.

Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments for osteoarthritis of the hip. Management includes pain control with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Steroid injections into the hip are not as effective as they are for knee osteoarthritis, so many doctors hesitate to perform them. Joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are unlikely to be very effective—clinical trials have not provided evidence that they actually work. The definitive treatment for hip osteoarthritis is hip replacement surgery, which is expensive and associated with a long period of recovery.

The main problem in osteoarthritis is that the joint breaks down over time from wear and tear (i.e. microtraumas). At the same time, the joint has a very limited capacity to heal itself. In other words, once the joint breaks down, it pretty much stays that way. Since life is a series of joint microtraumas, the hip gets progressively worse. Indeed, one in four people will have painful osteoarthritis of the hip by age 85, and hundreds of thousands will have it earlier in life.

Scientists have long wanted to find ways to help the body regenerate the joint substances, particularly joint cartilage. Unfortunately, the joint does not receive good blood supply and no known drug or supplement can actually rebuild joint cartilage. That is the main reason researchers are aggressively testing stem cells as a treatment for hip osteoarthritis.

Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to become many different types of cells, including chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Mesenchymal stem cells sense the environment they are in and then become the cell consistent with that environment. So, the theory goes, injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the hip joint can prompt them to become hip joint cells (chondrocytes).

Researchers tested this hypothesis in a clinical study. They injected mesenchymal stem cells taken from fat tissue (i.e. adipose) and injected them into the hip joints of people with difficult-to-treat hip osteoarthritis. They compared the patients’ Harris Hip scores (HHS) before and 6 months after treatment. HHS is a reliable way to assess the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms. An HHS score of less than 70 is “poor” and a score of 80 to 90 is “good.” Before stem cell treatment, patients had an average HHS score of 67.2±3.4 and 84.6±6.3 afterward. Scores also improved in other tests including WOMAC and Visual Analogue Scale. In other words, mesenchymal stem cell treatment reduced pain and improved joint function in these patients compared to levels prior to treatment.

The authors of the clinical study state that “preliminary results are positive and promising.” Further research and studies will help to learn more about this regenerative medicine potential.

Reference: Dall’Oca, C. et al. (2019). Mesenchymal Stem Cells injection in hip osteoarthritis: preliminary results. ACTA Biomedica. 2019, 90(Suppl 1): 75-80.

Stem Cell Treatments Vs Joint Surgery?

by Stemedix | Apr 27, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Osteoarthritis

Joint issues caused by injury and arthritis can be challenging to treat. While conventional methods like physical therapy, over-the-counter medication, and lifestyle adjustments may help patients find some relief, oftentimes the pain lingers and the condition worsens over time. Patients seeking a lasting solution are sometimes recommended for full joint replacement, but the process is invasive, and as with any procedure, comes with potential risks and complications. Moreover, complete joint replacements aren’t always successful, and when they are, they may not last the duration of a patient’s lifetime. Here we talk about Stem Cell Treatments Vs Joint Surgery.

Understandably, medical experts have long been searching for an alternative for joint surgery. Now, it’s appeared in the form of stem cell treatments.

Why Stem Cell Treatments Instead of Joint Surgery?

The issues described above raise concerns about joint surgery. Surgeon Anthony Miniaci, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic explains that patients in their 50s may ultimately wind up needing multiple replacements for the same joint, so the objective is often to delay surgery when possible. In addition to age, factors such as severity, location on the body, and weight may be assessed to determine whether the operation can be put off.

In lieu of surgery, however, patients still need an effective form of relief. Stem cell therapy is one promising alternative. This treatment uses stem cells, which act as the body’s natural healing mechanism, to restore compromised tissues through powerful repair processes and the formation of new, specialized tissue. The cells can self-renew and transform into virtually any cell type in the body. Treatment is non-invasive and simply encompasses injections instead of full-blown surgery.

Experts are using stem cell therapy in joints commonly affected by injury or arthritis, including the hips and knees. Some doctors, including a specialist at the Mayo Clinic, believes the treatment doesn’t just delay the need for surgery in some cases but may prevent it altogether. As stem cell therapy has widely been deemed safe and effective in numerous clinical studies, it offers a viable option for patients who want the relief that surgery could bring without the pain, long recovery period, and potential complications.

How Effective Is Stem Cell Therapy for Hips?

by Stemedix | Mar 30, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Musculoskeletal, Osteoarthritis

Often caused by the natural wear and tear on the joints that occurs with age, osteoarthritis occurs in millions of people throughout the U.S. and typically develops during or after an individual’s middle ages. While the condition may develop in any joint, it’s particularly common in weight-bearing joints, including the hips. Stem Cell therapy can be an option but How effective is Stem Cell Therapy for hips?

At its best, osteoarthritis in the hip may cause mild discomfort and stiffness. At its worst, it can make daily activities like tying your shoes or taking even short walks near-impossible. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, and treatments such as invasive surgeries come with the risk of complications and long recovery periods.

Now, however, there is a new treatment available to help treat osteoarthritis and other challenging hip issues such as labral tears and bursitis: stem cell therapy for hips.

What Is Regenerative Medicine for Hips?

Stem cells have natural healing properties, along with the unique ability to self-renew and mature into specialized cell types. When strategically injected at the site of the damaged tissue, such as the hip, stem cells can trigger the body’s natural healing processes. As a result, the therapy can restore tissue, relieve inflammation and pain, and enhance mobility — even in injuries or conditions which have responded poorly to prior treatments.

How Effective Is It?

Stem cell therapy has been deemed a simple, affordable, and quick treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip. It’s also minimally invasive and improves a number of key symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and physical function. According to research, injections of mesenchymal stem cell (derived from fat tissue) have significantly improved clinical scores in patients. Results indicate that the regenerative effects of stem cells begin to take hold within two to six weeks.

Osteoarthritis isn’t the only hip condition for which stem cell therapy can be administered, however. Physicians have also been leveraging stem cell treatments in place of hip replacement surgery for conditions such as osteonecrosis. Experts believe the therapy could delay or potentially even eliminate the need for hip replacements in some cases. At the Mayo Clinic, for instance, stem cell treatment has slowed the progression of osteonecrosis by at least two to five years in 80% of patients.

In studies, patients who have received stem cell injections to alleviate hip pain have shown up to a 94% overall improvement in their condition. Reduced pain, improved flexibility, and better sleep were just a few of the results reported by participants. Studies also indicate no treatment-related adverse effects, suggesting that this form of regenerative medicine is safe and well-tolerated by patients.

If you are tired of dealing with the pain associated with your daily activities and you would like to benefit from Stem Cell therapy for the hips then Contact us today!

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Exosomes Protect Joints from Osteoarthritis Damage

PRP Therapy – Post Management Care

Important tips to keep in mind:

Recovery by weeks

Weeks 1 & 2

Weeks 3 & 4

Weeks 5 & 6

Weeks 7 & 8

Months 3–6

4 FAQs About Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

4 Commonly Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy for Knees

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

What Knee Issues Can It Address?

What Does The Process Entail?

What Is The Success Rate?

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Injection Improves Hip Osteoarthritis

Stem Cell Treatments Vs Joint Surgery?

Why Stem Cell Treatments Instead of Joint Surgery?

How Effective Is Stem Cell Therapy for Hips?

What Is Regenerative Medicine for Hips?

How Effective Is It?

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