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Am I a Good Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?
Surgery isn’t the only option for chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, knees, and other joints. A special treatment called stem cell therapy has the potential to decrease pain, heal joints, and help you avoid surgery.
Orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon Matthew Pifer, MD offers innovative regenerative medicine treatments with the goal of restoring function to damaged tissues. Stem cells are powerful tools in treating diseases that go beyond conventional approaches.
If you have a joint injury or degenerative joint condition and are considering stem cell therapy, it's wise to learn more about this future-forward treatment and whether or not you may be a good candidate.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are building blocks from which all other cells are generated. These raw materials can transform into other cells to take on different functions. Different types of stem cells have been identified in different tissues. Some stem cells are capable of transforming into any type of cell, while others can transform into a few types of cells or only one type of cell.
The safest and most effective form of stem cells used for treatment is derived from the client’s own blood.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Adult stem cells are easily harvested for stem cell therapy. They’re found in small amounts throughout your tissues. To harness the power of stem cells, Dr. Pifer makes a concentrated serum using your own blood, fat, or bone marrow.
When injected into damaged tissues, stem cells have the capacity to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. Stem cells go to work stimulating new collagen and repairing damaged tissues, among other things.
Imaging such as ultrasound may be used as guidance for precise delivery to damaged tissues. Stem cell therapy is beneficial for:
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Cartilage damage
- Ligament damage
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
How is stem cell therapy unique?
The regenerative abilities of stem cells stop the progression of the disease by regenerating healthy tissue. The result is pain reduction, improvement in mobility, and restoration of normal joint function.
Am I a good candidate for stem cell therapy?
Visiting Dr. Pifer for a comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for stem cell therapy. Medical screening, review of relevant imaging, and physical examination are key to deciding the best treatment approach to address your pain and joint disease or injury. Following your assessment, Dr. Pifer will recommend a treatment plan.
Patients who have a single joint or cartilage issue that is otherwise in good health may respond well to stem cell therapy, as it works best in healthy people. You can get all of the facts about stem cell therapy and have your questions and concerns answered during your consultation.
If you’re injured, have a joint problem, and would like to avoid surgery, stem cell therapy may help you recover and feel like yourself again.
To learn more and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pifer, contact our Santa Barbara office. Dr. Pifer also offers telemedicine appointments, so you can receive guidance from the comfort of your home.
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