Osteoarthritis can affect every aspect of your joints. Some think it and its effects are inevitable as we get older, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis can help you experience improvements in the use of your joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect people of all ages. It can result in pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and even locking. At Stem Cell Institute, we treat the condition using specially selected mesenchymal stem cells called Golden Cells™, which are collected from donated and screened umbilical cords. These innovative stem cells are then implanted into the body with the purpose of helping to relieve your symptoms, and in some cases, postpone or even eliminate the need for surgery.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis – affecting over 32.5 million people according to the Centers for Disease Control. This degenerative disease can cause joint pain in any part of the body by affecting the tissues. It is usually considered a “wear and tear” disease associated with aging in people over 50, but some never develop it.
It can also affect much younger people. This is especially true for those who have experienced an injury such as a torn ACL. In cases like these, osteoarthritis can set in much more quickly. This can even be in the span of just a few years in some instances.
Osteoarthritis can affect the entire joint, including the:
- Bone
- Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Fat and tissue lining the joint (synovium)
Over time, it can erode the bone shape and degrade the cartilage of your joints. This results in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility due to inflammation caused by damaged tissue.
Watch our video to learn how stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis changed William’s life!
Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis
There are a variety of treatments available for treating osteoarthritis. These include traditional treatments such as medication, surgery, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). However, one of the most promising forms of regenerative treatment is stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis.
Unlike other cells in your body that already have a function like skin cells, stem cells are a blank slate. Adults retain a small number of them in various bodily tissues and organs. We use specific types of stem cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cords to administer treatment for osteoarthritis and help provide the possibility of pain relief for our patients.
Click here to learn how inflammatory diseases can affect your body and how stem cell treatment can help!
How It Works
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis begins with the collection process. Potential umbilical cord donors are screened, which includes completing a consent form, questionnaire, and blood sample. Once the cord is collected, it undergoes extensive testing for infectious diseases. Approved donations are processed to extract the cells to be used in stem cell therapies.
Safety is a top priority at Stem Cell Institute. All donated umbilical cords are from healthy, normal births. Our screening process tests for sterility as well as a wide variety of infectious diseases. This process meets international blood bank standards to ensure your safety during stem cell treatment. It is important to note that all cord donors have neither had COVID nor been vaccinated for COVID.
Next comes the implantation process which can be done in a number of ways. The type you receive will be based on your particular ailment and physical condition. Most patients receive at least three intravenous infusions during their course of treatment.
The three types of stem cell administration for osteoarthritis are:
- Intravenous (IV)
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intra-articular (IA)
Intravenous is the simplest and safest method for delivery. It doesn’t require anesthesia, but a Lidocaine topical spray may be used to numb the injection site beforehand. Intravenous sessions usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. Intramuscular administration involves cells being injected directly into the muscle and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Intra-articular administration is when stem cells are injected directly into the joint, often for arthritis. This is performed by an experienced, licensed, orthopedic physician and doesn’t require anesthesia.
To learn more about osteoarthritis and stem cell therapy, click here!
What to Expect
You will need to submit your requested medical information and receive approval to begin your stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis. A staff physician will design a treatment protocol to treat your osteoarthritis with the goal of reducing pain and improving your joint function.
Below is an example of a stem cell treatment protocol:
- Treatment length: 5 – 6 nights (Monday – Friday)
- Physical examination and blood testing: Day 1
- 3 intravenous infusions of Golden Cells™ (allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cords) + intra-articular and/or intramuscular injections (as needed): Remaining 4 – 5 days
The above is a sample treatment protocol. Our staff physicians design every protocol based on the individual health and needs of our patients. This ensures that your stay with us is both as comfortable and effective as possible.
Your stay in Panama City, Panama, is included in the cost of your treatment. Every patient enjoys a VIP experience as they are greeted at the gate of the airport upon arrival. You will also have the benefit of customs clearance and complimentary transportation between the hotel and the airport.
Stem Cell Institute is located in BICSA Tower, sharing space with the beautiful Hilton Panama. The cost of treatment includes a standard hotel room as well as Wi-Fi, breakfast, and other convenient amenities included at the Hilton.
Would you like to learn what stem cell treatment can do for you? Apply for treatment today!
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the body’s joints. Over time, this can cause symptoms such as tenderness, pain, swelling, and stiffness. At Stem Cell Institute, we collect stem cells from donated and screened umbilical cords to treat conditions like this and many others. The cells are then implanted into your body, which can help relieve your symptoms and bring you comfort.
Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama is at the forefront of applied stem cell research. Since our inception in 2006, we have performed over 25,000 procedures, helping thousands of families across the United States and around the world embrace the opportunity for a better life. Our medical team prioritizes the health and well-being of all our patients through top-notch stem cell treatment and care.