As physicians, we know that any surgery comes with the potential for complications, and also the hardship of taking time away from work and other activities during recovery. Steroid injections also come with their own host of potentially harmful side effects. Adult stem cell therapy offers patients a non-invasive alternative to surgery, treating many injuries using the body’s own natural healing mechanism. It is not only safe, but also eliminates the potential injury to surrounding muscles and other structures of the joints and spine. Stem cell therapy was specifically designed to target damaged areas, restoring and creating new tissue.

How Does It Work?

Adult stem cell therapy uses a needle to deliver healthy cells back into damaged areas of the body. During the procedure, stem cells are extracted from the patient’s hip, concentrated in a special machine, and then injected back into the injury site. Stem cells have the ability to become different types of cells, producing bone, muscle and cartilage. They can then be used to regenerate the damaged or injured areas of the body. This is all done in the comfort of the physician’s office without the need for general anesthesia.

What Does It Treat?

Adult stem cells can be used to treat a number of injuries and conditions, including osteoarthritis. They can be used to treat injuries of the spine, hip, knee, foot and ankle, as well as the shoulder and elbow. The following are the most common:

SPINE

• Discogenic back pain
• Facet arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Kyphosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Saroiliac joint syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis

HIP

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Labral tears
• Articular cartilage injuries
• Congenital deformities of the hip
• Bursitis

KNEE

• Osteoarthritis
• Partial ligament tears (ACL and PCL)
• Partial meniscal tears
• Augmented ACL or PCL reconstruction

FOOT AND ANKLE

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
• Tendon inflammation
• Partial Achilles tendon tear

SHOULDER

• Partial rotator cuff tears
• Labral tears
• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

ELBOW

• Tendon inflammation
• Osteoarthritis

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

Stem cell therapy is a very safe procedure with very minimal side effects. The most common complaint is discomfort at the injection site. Local tenderness and swelling generally resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Since this is a non-surgical procedure there is very little to no down time and patients can go back to their normal daily activities immediately.

What is the Difference Between Adult and Embryonic Stem Cells?

Adult stem cells are found in mature adult tissues, and taken directly from a patient’s own body. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from donated in vitro fertilizations which raises many ethical concerns. OAWF ONLY uses adult stem cells.

Is This Covered by My Insurance?

Adult stem cell therapy is a relatively new procedure here in the United States. For this reason, it is not covered by most insurance companies. The cost of the treatment varies depending on the procedure being performed. Our office staff can assist you with payment options.