Some orthopedic treatments focus solely on symptom management. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but wouldn’t it be better to actually heal the body rather than just mask the symptoms caused by an underlying problem? Here at Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics, Dr. Pinkston and our team are passionate about helping patients recover as fully as possible from musculoskeletal problems. That is why we proudly offer biologic cell therapy. Read on below to learn how this treatment could empower your body to heal itself.
Biologic cell therapy may also be called stem cell therapy, cellular therapy, cell therapy, or regenerative cell therapy. However you refer to it, the basic concept remains the same. During the procedure, Dr. Pinkston harvests tissues from your own body, usually from your bone marrow or fatty areas. The harvested tissue contains stem cells and other components that can play a role in helping your body to heal.
After the harvested tissue is properly processed, it is injected back into your body at the site of damaged musculoskeletal tissues. The injected substances provide a powerful stimulus and valuable materials that your body can use to repair injuries and damage to the extent possible.
Why are stem cells so effective? Essentially, they can turn into other types of cells and serve as important cellular messengers. They work along with other substances, such as natural growth factors, to help patients recover from persistent and painful musculoskeletal problems.
If you suffer from persistent musculoskeletal pain, come in for a consultation. Many people who experience chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis, labral tears, tendon and ligament tears, and other conditions are excellent candidates for biologic cell therapy. However, it is not right for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Pinkston will learn about your medical history so he can determine which treatments are suitable for you.
Biologic cell therapy may not be a fit for individuals with active cancer or certain systemic infections. If you are taking certain medications, they might need to be discontinued or adjusted prior to the commencement of your biologic cell therapy treatment.
Of course, it is also important that candidates for this procedure have realistic expectations. Biologic cell therapy is not a “cure” for problems that cause pain. Rather, it can help your body to manage damaged tissues in the most efficient way possible, leading to increased mobility, a significant reduction in discomfort, and other benefits.
Some noteworthy benefits of biologic cell therapy include:
Biologic cell therapy is a remarkable form of regenerative medicine! If you are interested in receiving this treatment, get in touch with our team to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you.
Because biologic cell therapy is not yet considered to be mainstream medicine, you might not have heard a lot about it. It is natural that you have questions. We want to help you out. Take a look at the following list of biologic cell therapy FAQs. If you do not see your specific concerns addressed, call our office. Our team will be happy to personally assist you.
Both biologic cell therapy and stem cell therapy involve the use of stem cells. In fact, the two terms are often used interchangeably. However you refer to the treatment, the bottom line is basically the same. We carefully extract and process tissues that we harvest from our patients’ bodies so they can have optimum effects at the site of injuries and damage.
Of course, some practitioners may make some differentiations between biologic cell therapy and stem cell therapy. It is always good to ask questions so you know precisely what sort of treatment you are committing to.
Individuals with osteoarthritis have a lack of cartilage between bones, which can cause extreme discomfort. Many people think that the best solution to this problem is to “regrow” cartilage. However, that is not the primary goal of biologic cell therapy. Rather, it can provide pain relief by slowing the degeneration of cartilage, promoting the production of healthy joint fluid, and decreasing inflammation.
Some patients may experience a slight increase in cartilage after starting biologic cell therapy. However, that should not be expected.
Even though there is significant evidence to support the benefits of biologic cell therapy, it is not yet widely accepted within the realm of conventional medicine. Therefore, it is unlikely that your insurance policy will cover it. Of course, it is still worth double-checking your benefits. Upon request, our team will give you a statement that you can submit to your insurer so you can claim any coverage that you are entitled to.
If you are concerned about being able to pay for your treatment, talk to our friendly staff. Financing or other provisions may be available to help you afford our services.