Stem cell therapy provides a promising new treatment option for people with knee and shoulder conditions. From osteoarthritis to meniscus and rotator cuff tears, a variety of conditions are now treated using this therapy. The goal of these treatments is to promote healing within the damaged joint. Stem cells are used because of their ability to become bone, cartilage, muscle, and tendon cells. They can also attract other stem cells to the joint, encouraging them to help repair the damage.
Stem cell therapy involves the following steps:
- Stem cells are obtained for the injections. They will typically come from the patient’s own pelvic bone marrow. With the use of local anesthesia, most patients tolerate this procedure well with minimal pain.
- The stem cells are spun in a centrifuge to concentrate and purify the sample.
- The stem cells are injected into the damaged knee or shoulder, with fluoroscopy and ultrasound typically being used to help guide the needle to the exact right location.
- Based on the results of the first round of therapy, other treatments will be recommended as needed in the coming months.
When considering stem cell treatment, it’s important to find a specialist who is experienced in administering regenerative medicine injections. Patients in the Tampa Bay area can rest assured having their treatment provided by Dr. Ira Guttentag, an orthopedic physician and surgeon at Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine who has tremendous success treating athletes of all skill levels.
If you want to determine if you’re a candidate for stem cell therapy, contact Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Guttentag. He looks forward to discussing the treatment options that are available to you.
Proudly serving Wiregrass/Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Zephyrhills, and Brandon FL