By Contributing Author
Stem cell therapy is an exciting new facet of the medical field. Indeed, many high-profile athletes have opted for stem cell therapy treatments instead of traditional surgeries to deal with muscle and joint injuries. Yet, as with most new treatments or substances (think, CBD oil) there are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding it. And stem cell therapy is no different. Some have even raised concerns about the safety of the treatment method. With that in mind, today we aim to answer the question once and for all: is stem cell therapy safe?
What Are Stem Cells?
Before we can begin to determine if stem cell therapy is safe or effective, it’s first important to define what stem cells are. In brief, stem cells are cells that humans naturally produce that aid in the regeneration of damaged tissue. So stem cells play a vital role in healing muscle strains and quelling joint pain. What’s especially exciting about stem cells is that they’re a “blank slate” so to speak, in that they can be transferred from one part of the body to another and still function.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
Modern stem cell therapy involves only adult stem cells. Where do adult stem cells come from? The obvious answer is from adults! To be more specific, though, stem cell therapy involves taking stem cells located in bone or fat tissue from the patient’s own body, and injecting those stem cells into other areas that are injured (like the knees, shoulders, or back). The stem cells then aid in tissue regeneration and rehabilitation. This process is referred to as an analogous procedure –– meaning that the stem cells come from the very patient in question. Stem cells are not transferred from one person to another, which all but eliminates the possibility of spreading disease.
Is the Procedure Dangerous?
The actual process of injecting stem cells is both safe and straightforward. It is usually an outpatient procedure and doesn’t require extensive recovery time. In fact, some studies have found stem cell therapy to be safer to traditional surgical methods for issues like knee or hip pain. Such procedures have been linked to an increased risk of serious conditions like heart attacks.
Bottom Line: Is it Safe?
In a word, yes. Stem cell therapy is safe when administered by a qualified doctor at a legitimate stem cell clinic. Of course, as with any new treatment, issues may arise. The key is to find a doctor and a facility that is trustworthy. When implemented correctly, stem cell therapy can cure or alleviate a number of issues such as joint or muscle pain, muscle tears, or even erectile dysfunction. So don’t be surprised if stem cell therapy becomes even more prominent in the years to come.
