Visiting Washington D.C. and StemCell ARTS for Orthopedic Stem Cell Treatments

StemCell ARTS is the Regenexx® Network Provider of the world’s most advanced stem cell procedures in the Washington D.C. area. Just a short distance from both Washington National and Washington Dulles airports, we regularly treat international visitors and are happy to work with you to coordinate and accommodate your travel schedule to the Washington D.C. area.
If you are interested in being treated while visiting this area, please contact us and let us know where you are traveling from. We’ll be happy to work with you on obtaining your medical imaging and arranging a phone review of your condition with one of our doctors to determine if you are a candidate for the regenerative procedures we offer.

Why Stem Cells?

The human body is made of billions of specialized cells that form specific organs like the brain, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bone. Each day these cells go through a degenerative and regenerative process. As older cells die, new cells are born from stem cells with the unique capability of being able to create multiple types of other cells. However, when tissues are injured, the degenerative process exceeds this regenerative process, resulting in structures to become weaker, painful and less functional. While there are several types of stem cells, those promoting musculoskeletal healing (tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone) can be found in bone marrow, which acts as a type of stem cell reservoir.

Healing the body by introducing these stem cells into an injured area

Utilizing the world’s most advanced stem cell protocol, Regenexx, we are able to withdraw stem cells from bone marrow, concentrate them and then re-inject them into injured tissues in other areas of the body. We are enhancing the natural repair process of degenerated and injured tendons, ligaments, and arthritic joints – Turning the tables on the natural breakdown process that occurs on a daily basis from aging, overuse and injury.

How are stem cells being used in our practice?

Innovative stem cell therapy solutions can enable StemCell ARTS to deliver non-surgical treatment options to individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. Now degenerative conditions and injuries can be treated with your own existing stem cells as a viable alternative to invasive surgery.
If you are suffering from one of the following conditions, you may be a candidate for treatment with StemCell ARTS.

Rotator cuff tendonitis and tear Tennis elbow Golfer’s elbow Wrist strain or tendonitis Chronic neck pain Chronic back pain Arthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder or ankle

Tear of the meniscus Hip pain Labral tears of the shoulder or hip Chronic ankle strain / sprain Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendonitis Aseptic necrosis

The Regenexx® Protocol

Regenexx employs specialized procedures for the extraction, purification, concentration and injection of stem cells into any given injured area. The Regenexx Family of Procedures maintains the most experience in its field, having published the most research papers on related topics, and performed the most cases of stem cell treatment worldwide. It is our belief that over the last decade the most refined stem cell techniques have been developed, yielding the most positive results from treatment.
Each of the advanced treatments offered by StemCell ARTS is based upon the Regenexx Family of Procedures, and each patient is entered into the Regenexx patient registry database. Patient participation in the database allows for further perfecting of future stem cell treatments for arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.
StemCell ARTS physicians are each certified in the Regenexx protocols and licensed to perform Regenexx procedures. It is imperative that we follow these protocols as they are based on research that allows for the maximization of positive patient outcomes and the driving force behind our commitment to offering our patients the very best stem cell treatments available in the world today.

How are the stem cells obtained?

• The human body keeps a supply of stem cells available to help repair injured and degenerated tissues at all times, making it fairly simple to retrieve them for therapeutic purposes.
• As stem cells remain in reserve, in the marrow cavity of your bones, we have found the easiest place to harvest these stem cells is from the back of the hip area (iliac bone).
• Procedure is done in the office, under ultrasound or x-ray precision and guidance.
• Patients lay face down as the doctor thoroughly cleans the area before numbing the skin and bone.
• A special needle is inserted into the bone to withdraw marrow blood, which contains the stem cells.
• NOTE: This procedure is not like a bone marrow biopsy nor is it at painful as one. This harvesting procedure is well tolerated by patients and not considered difficult as many patients claim it is not painful.
• After bone marrow blood is drawn, it is taken to our onsite Regenexx laboratory and centrifuged to concentrate and purify the stem cells while other cells that are not needed are removed, leaving a concentrated sample of stem cells used to help heal your injury.
• The entire process is done by hand to enable customized designing of the stem cell specimen for your particular injury.
• A preparation of your concentrated platelets are also gathered at this time for injection into the injury site to release growth factors that “turn on” the stem cells that will later be injected.
• These platelets are injected again 3-5 days later to keep the stem cells activated and promote additional healing.

What next?

The Regenexx Stem Cell Protocol is more than a single procedure.

STEP 1: PROLOTHERAPY

This process begins 3-5 days before the stem cell implant procedure, when the injured area is treated with a session of Prolotherapy. This injection contains an immune stimulant, concentrated Dextrose, to act as a fertilizer to make the body more receptive to stem cells.

STEP 2: STEM CELLS & PLATELETS

After the stem cells and platelets have been processed, the patient is ready for the procedure. Regenexx procedures are unique in that great attention is given to both the processing and precise placement of the stem cells with every treatment. Using the latest in guidance technology, either real-time fluoroscopy or ultrasound is combined with careful planning to place the stem cells on the injured site with exact precision. This improves the likelihood that stem cells will adhere to the damaged tissue and promote healing. After the stem cells are placed, concentrated platelets and other adjuvants are injected to stimulate the stem cells to multiply, and then transform into the repair cells needed to heal your particular injury.

STEP 3: REPEAT PLATELETS

Two to five days later the patient returns for another injection of platelets and adjuvants to ensure continued growth of the previously injected stem cells. This step completes the treatment series for one stem cell treatment as the healing process occurs over the following few months. It’s common for many patients to gradually experience a reduction of pain and improved activity tolerance at this time. While one series of injections is usually enough, a second session may eventually be performed to maximize results.

What are the results?

It’s expected that results of stem cell treatments will vary depending on the many factors of your injury, including its severity, the patient’s overall health, nutritional state and immune function. Regenexx studies provide a database used to determine good candidates for stem cell procedures. While no absolute answer can be provided regarding a patient’s response to treatment, every effort is given to appropriately combine research data, clinical experience and patient expectations to ensure the best outcome possible. We aim to quantify expected results based on these factors.
Our experience, as well as Regenexx data has shown stem cell procedures to be safe and effective in reducing pain and improving function for many patients. Every patient is given a complete evaluation to ensure they receive the best procedure suited for their injury.

Are you a candidate?

If you are visiting from an international location
We are happy to review your case in a phone interview completed after we review any previous MRI and/or x-ray imaging. We will discuss your prior medical history and answer any questions you may have about stem cell procedures. Based on your phone interview and medical review, we will then determine if you are a candidate for treatment. Patients determined an appropriate candidate will complete a formal consultation and physical examination with one of our Regenexx certified physicians and may even begin the injection process the same day as their initial consultation.