New stem cell procedures help Weekend Warriors recover faster

At the inception of human life, a miraculous process occurs. Cells begin dividing, replicating and changing to create all the muscles, tissues and organs creating a new person. Unlocking that process could be the key to curing virtually any injury, illness or disease.

Regenerative medicine is a game-changing area of medicine with the potential to fully heal damaged tissues and organs.

Although this area of health care and medicine is in its infancy, medical experts are already using regenerative therapy to treat a range of physical ailments common to athletes, whether they are professionals, pick-up game basketball players or occasional runners.

Understanding stem cells

Stem cells can develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth, according to the National Institutes of Health. They can also function as an internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function.

Scientists are researching different types of stem cells from animals and humans for their medical properties. In addition to embryonic and adult (somatic) stems cells, in 2006 researchers successfully reprogrammed adult stem cells into a new type of cell called induced pluripotent stem cells that have the ability to develop into many types of cells.

Promising results and more research

Like many new treatments, using stem cells generates controversy, but top-level sports stars have embraced the option. A therapy that removes stem cells from a patient’s own fat and bone marrow has gained recognition among high-profile athletes, such as, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Major League pitcher Bartolo Colon, notes a Chicago Tribune article. NBA star Kobe Bryant also underwent a stem cell procedure.

And stem cell treatments offer hope for more than just athletes. Clinical trials of embryonic stem cell therapy on humans with spinal cord injuries are currently underway at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Regenerative treatments

One form of stem cell treatment uses amniotic tissue to repair a variety of injuries and to reduce pain. This type of treatment is especially effective for common injuries like those suffered by weekend warrior athletes and runners. One recent study notes amniotic fluid stem cells offer “a promising therapeutic resource for cell-based regenerative therapy.”

The amniotic tissue donations come from live births, where a mother voluntarily donates her amniotic tissue and fluid from a planned cesarean section delivery. The resulting tissue is processed into a liquid form where it is injected into damaged areas. Some of the injuries treated with this method include:

• Tendonitissuch as tennis elbow or carpel tunnel

• Plantar fasciitis

• Inflamed nerves

• Torn muscles

• Repetitive motion injuries

• Knee, shoulder, hip and other joint pain from osteoarthritis

• Pain occurring after surgery

The amniotic fluid injections decrease inflammation and lessen accompanying pain. The tissue provides a cellular matrix or scaffold that allows tissue to rebuild and regenerate. The goal is to have damaged tissue repair itself without the need for invasive surgery.

Some insurance companies won’t pay for treatment. Medical facilities- like Novocur offering regenerative therapy can work with patients to help find coverage. If you are attempting to recover from an injury, regenerative medicine might be an option to reclaim your health.

Dr. Alex Bigham is the owner and CEO of Novocur Pain Management Clinics and has over 18 years of health care experience in private practice and Ambulatory Surgical Center settings. Novocur offers advanced treatment options in a concierge type practice without the concierge price tag. Dr. Bigham appears frequently on local TV and radio programs to discuss the latest in Pain Management or related health topics.