IS STEM CELL THERAPY A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?
There is perhaps no joint in the human body more mobile than the shoulder. The shoulder is constantly in motion and under daily stress. For this reason, shoulder arthritis is common. Particularly osteoarthritis of the shoulder. This condition brings on chronic swelling, inflammation, and joint pain.
Articular cartilage gradually deteriorates with shoulder osteoarthritis. Eventually bones begin to rub against each other as a result of this loss of cartilage. When conservative methods of managing the resulting pain and discomfort are no longer effective, shoulder arthroplasty surgery might be recommended.
But is there a non-surgical way to better manage the painful symptoms of early to moderate shoulder arthritis?
Many proponents of stem cell therapy believe so. They believe stem cell shoulder treatments might just be one of the most viable alternatives to shoulder replacement surgery available today. Especially when combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for arthritis.
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Shoulder Stem Cell Therapy?
As mentioned earlier, the first course of treatment for patients with shoulder osteoarthritis is typically a conservative approach. These methods include rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, prescription pain medication, modified activities, and physical therapy. However, osteoarthritis is unfortunately a progressive condition. There’s no known cure right around the corner. There’s also a strong possibility that even the most basic movements of the shoulder can further damage articular cartilage to the point of a total loss of cartilage.
While there are many ongoing studies to determine the efficacy of stem cell injections in managing shoulder arthritis, the science and data collected thus far shows great promise.
Let’s begin by examining the science. Within the human body are billions of specialized cells. These cells form everything from organs such as the brain to our skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bone. On a daily basis, these cells endure both a degenerative and regenerative process. Older cells die off while new ones are born with the ability to manifest into other types of cells.
However, when there’s injury to tissues, or a chronic degenerative condition, the degenerative process exceeds the regenerative. This is a normal result of aging, overuse, misuse, and injury. There’s more nagging, sometimes even crippling, aches and pains. We lose mobility, become weaker, and less functionality. Our lives and daily activities are impacted. And we just can’t heal and don’t understand why.
Thankfully, advancing science led to the discovery that stem cells found in bone marrow can promote musculoskeletal healing (cartilage, bone, tendons, or ligaments). Even better, this can all be done in one day without the invasiveness or recuperation time that accompanies shoulder replacement surgery. Here’s how it works.
A needle is inserted into a part of your body where stem cells remain in reserve. Typically, this is your iliac bone in the back of your hip region. Marrow blood containing stem cells is withdrawn, concentrated through a lab process, and then re-injected into the degenerated or injured area.
The end result is an enhanced natural repair process utilizing your own cells. Unlike invasive joint surgeries, most patients are able to resume normal daily activities immediately following a shoulder stem cell treatment. That’s right. No lengthy or excruciating periods of physical therapy and rehab. Improvements in how you feel as well as your strength, mobility, and range of motion can be felt and observed for up to 6 to 12 months following a stem cell procedure.