You may have seen the recent headlines about federal officials shutting down clinics in California and Florida that were offering unproven stem cell therapies that had not undergone standard, regulated clinical trials.
We applaud these efforts because we do not want rogue clinics to discourage patients in pain from seeking out the care offered by legitimate stem cell practices like Stem Cell Arts.
Stem Cell Arts is one of the nation’s leading stem cell-based musculoskeletal practices, with extensive stem cell orthopedics experience. Our physicians are highly trained and licensed to perform the Regenexx® family of stem cell and platelet rich plasma procedures. Regenexx® is a recognized leader in cell-based medicine and has published more data on stem cell safety in peer-reviewed medical research for orthopedic applications than any other group worldwide.
As experts in stem cell and platelet rich plasma therapies, Stem Cell Arts’ physicians regularly contribute to research presentations, publications and other academic work designed to promote greater understanding and advancements in this highly specialized area of orthopedic medicine.
That is why when you or someone you know wants to learn more about stem cell therapy to address conditions such as arthritis, herniated back discs, tendon tears or joint injuries, we encourage you to do your homework. Although the number of clinics offering stem cell medicine has grown rapidly in the last few years, as the recent headlines tell us, many of these facilities do not provide the same level of expertise and peer-reviewed data offered by established, respected providers like Stem Cell Arts.
If you are considering elective surgery or joint replacement due to injury or arthritis, you should know that Regenexx® stem cell and platelet rich plasma therapies can provide effective pain-relief and healing without the lengthy recovery and rehabilitation that often accompanies traditional surgery.
At Stem Cell Arts, we are committed to providing the highest level of care, honesty, and compassion. We review all our candidates carefully to ensure that they meet the physical requirements for stem cell and platelet-rich-plasma therapy. We will not waste your time or your money if we do not believe we can help you.
As an affiliate of National Spine & Pain Centers, Stem Cell Arts’ physicians are board certified in the specialties of sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. We are proud to offer the most trusted and effective orthopedic stem cell procedures currently available. We welcome the chance to meet with you and to add you to our list of satisfied patients.Contact us today.
StemCell ARTS is part of a research consortium that includes clinics from around the globe. At the center, the Regenexx research lab. This location is the site of the research that provides the cutting edge procedures offered at the Regenexx affiliate locations. StemCell ARTS is proud to introduce another procedure being offered to help treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries or degenerative conditions.
Alpha-2-macroglobulin, referred to as A2M, is now available as a treatment option in both ourTysons Corner, VAand Chevy Chase, MD offices. A2M has been shown to provide benefit in those suffering from arthritic joints. Studies have indicated that A2M can reduce cartilage breakdown and inhibits a collagen breakdown protein involved in the progression of arthritis. This new and exciting treatment can be used in patients suffering from swelling of the joints and active patients looking to keep their joints healthy.
It is no secret that regenerative procedures are gaining popularity in the field of medicine. Physicians have an increased awareness of just how successful these regenerative treatment options can be in treating a myriad of ailments. Unfortunately, there are those looking to capitalize on the success of regenerative treatments at the expense of potential patients looking to see if these treatments can benefit their medical condition.
Companies are advertising amniotic “stem cells” that can be utilized for in office use. These companies are claiming that these products offer millions of stem cells. Physicians or chiropractors may buy into this sales pitch without performing their due diligence to determine whether or not these claims are substantiated. Luckily, there are physcians who took the effort to determine if these products were really what they seemed, or if they were too good to be true.
Independent research done by the Interventional Orthopedics Foundation (IOF) and other independent physicians concluded that these products offered no live stem cells. Not only were there no live stem cells, there were no living cells present at all. This makes sense when one considers the harvesting and processing that these cells need to undergo.
While the physicians and chiropractors who offer these amniotic “stem cell” products profit, the patients are the ones who receive the short end of the stick. Patients are shelling out money for ineffective products and procedures performed by ill-equipped providers. Patients are urged to do more research on the topic of amniotic “stem cell” procedures, prior to having one of these procedures performed. The video below offers some information regarding results from the research and testing of these amniotic “stem cell” products.
We often get asked if there are any adverse effects to our stem cell procedures. Like with any medical procedures, there are risks however, we take the utmost precautions to minimize these risks such as careful consideration for sterility and multiple patient identifiers for each personalized sample. Since we are using a patient’s own platelets and stem cells, the risk for adverse reactions are extremely low.
Research Findings
According to a research paper where Dr. Christopher Centeno from Regenexx in Colorado collaborated on, 325 out of 3,012 had reported an adverse reaction. The majority of these reactions were described as post-procedural pain, and pain due to progressive degenerative joint disease. While the post procedural pain is common, pain from joint disease can be expected for patients with severe osteoarthritis. Stem cells, while powerful, are unable to fully halt the progression of arthritis; it simply slows it down. These results were obtained through surveys performed at intervals of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and then annually post treatment. Patients were sent automated emails with questions pertaining to pain levels, function, and general health. So while there are a few adverse events, there are no recorded incidences where the stem cell treatment caused any cases of neoplasm, which is an abnormal tissue growth that is a characteristic of cancer.
Yes, there are risks just like there are with any medical procedure, however, the rates of adverse reactions are low compared to the number of procedures performed. Our physicians and staff at StemCell ARTS take the highest precautions to ensure that your treatment with us will be in line with the standard and proven Regenexx protocol.
One of the main questions that we get asked, is if our procedures are able to help those who have been recommended by their physician to receive a total joint replacement, and the answer is yes! Many people are afraid of the complications and hardware that accompany surgical procedures, which is understandable. We see many patients who are still experiencing pain after their total joint replacement.
Studies on Post-Surgical Pain
In a peer-reviewed journal published in 2011, researchers surveyed 632 total knee (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR) patients. 44% of total knee and 27% of total hip replacement patients reported experiencing pain (of any severity) months to years after their procedure.; with 15% of TKR and 6% of THR patients experiencing severe to extreme, persistent pain. Major depression, and referred pain in other body parts was found to be common in patients with severe pain. Total joint replacements are not small medical procedures, so while it is common for some patients to feel some pain, more persistent and severe pain can occur in others and affect mood and other body parts.
StemCell ARTS Solution
At StemCell ARTS, we are able to provide patients with minimally invasive alternatives to surgery. We are seeing more patients actively trying to avoid total joint replacements, and we hope that we can help! Our stem cell and platelet procedures contain powerful growth factors to help heal sprains, tears, and slow down the progression of arthritis. Make our appointment with us today, to see if you are a good candidate to avoid surgery!
It’s the season to the enjoy the outdoors and activities that you love! Spring is the time for revitalization and we’re here to help you get back to participating in the things you enjoy! We often see patients with old injuries, or pain, that they have put off treating until it starts to negatively impact their normal functioning. Wait too long and some patients may hear that they are recommended to have a joint replacement. The regenerative treatments that we provide at StemCell ARTS help patients avoid those invasive surgical procedures. Although still considered “experimental” in the eyes of insurance companies, the efficacy and outcomes of the procedures are products of months, and even years, of research and data collection; so rest assured we know that our products and techniques work!
Regenexx Research Network
At StemCell ARTS, we are part of a research consortium known as, Regenexx. It is a nationwide program of physicians that perform regenerative procedures to the exact specificity of our headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. Scientists and Statisticians at the clinic track the outcomes of patients across the United States, and have published most of the world’s research on Stem Cell therapy. Part of our clinics revenue are funneled back into the lab in order to fund further studies and development of these treatments. Dr. Christopher Centeno (founder of Regenexx) has written numerous reports and outcome studies from Regenexx. All patients who are receiving regenerative treatments across the country are entered into a large study that tracks outcomes before and after their procedures. They will continue to receive surveys sporadically in order to track their progress. These studies will be essential in the future to assist insurance companies in regards to approving and paying for these procedures.
Watch Dr. Centeno discuss the Stem Cell process and see how these procedures gave patients the ability to perform physically challenging exercises again!
StemCell ARTS is an Affiliate of National Spine and Pain Centers
If the regenerative treatment options offered by StemCell ARTS are not right for you, National Spine and Pain Centers provide more traditional treatments for spine and joint conditions.