Stem cell therapy is a modern medical procedure that has the potential to help patients who have certain injuries or diseases. The specific details of an injury will determine whether or not stem cell therapy will be effective. However, in cases where it is an effective treatment option, it is a lot less invasive than other procedures. It also tends to be much more effective, especially in the long run.
When it comes to diseases, stem cell treatments are most helpful with certain types, like Parkinson's and diabetes. Stem cell treatments are also beneficial for patients who are waiting on transplants.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells exist naturally in your body. They are a special type of cell that has capabilities that normal cells don't have. For example, they have the ability to duplicate and also to change into different types of cells. This makes them a great tool for replacing damaged or missing cells. For example, if someone is experiencing deterioration of one of their bones, a stem cell treatment might be able to rebuild that bone to be strong again.
How can stem cell treatments repair an injury?
After an injury, your body will be lacking cells in that area or the cells may be damaged. Typically, it will be different types of cells that your body is in need of in order to properly recover. Since stem cells can duplicate and become different types of cells, injecting them into an injury site will allow your body to get the cells it needs to repair the injury.
How can stem cell treatments help with diseases?
With many diseases, the symptoms or side effects from treatments will result in damaged cells. A stem cell treatment will allow new healthy cells to replace the damaged ones. There are also special stem cells that have the ability to stop immune system responses. In many immune system diseases, the immune system is overactive and begins causing damage to the body. If stem cells are able to stop these immune system responses, they may be able to help with these diseases.
What is the process like?
The stem cell treatment process is not nearly as invasive as you probably think it is. The reason for the stem cell treatment will determine the specifics of the process. However, it will typically begin with the collection of stem cells from either the patient or a donor. Stem cells are typically taken from bone marrow or from a blood sample. The stem cells will then be injected into the area of concern or administered through an IV. They will then hopefully begin to correct whatever issues the patient was experiencing.
For more information, contact a clinic that offers stem cell services.