What Are the Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis Sufferers?

Osteoarthritis sufferers only had the option of traditional treatments before the emergence of stem cell therapy as a modern alternative. Surgical procedures, oral drugs, and cortisone injections were among the most common treatments, but stem cell therapies can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life for sufferers, and slow — or even stop — the disease’s progression. 

Often referred to as the body’s building blocks, stem cells are responsible for the creation of a range of specialized cells in various areas of the human anatomy. These cells can be harvested and cultivated for use in a range of therapeutic procedures for chronic diseases. In particular, stem cells have proven very effective in the fight against autoimmune, orthopedic, and neurodegenerative conditions. 

Today, there are two main types of stem cells used in regenerative medicine:

• Autologous stem cells — taken from fat or bone marrow.
• Umbilical cord-derived — Taken from Wharton’s jelly found in umbilical cords. 

There are now some clear and powerful benefits associated with the use of stem cell therapy as an OA treatment — here are a few of the most impressive. 

Stem Cells Alleviate Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Where traditional osteoarthritis treatments fail or deliver disappointing results, stem cells often succeed. After the procedures used to administer stem cells have improved, so have the benefits for OA patients. Not only have they been shown to alleviate symptoms, but stem cells have also been shown to slow or stop the progress of the disease. 

Pain and Inflammation Reduction

Stem cells aren’t a cure for osteoarthritis, but they can lessen the severity and frequency of certain symptoms, including pain and inflammation. Both of these ailments can seriously reduce a patient’s quality of life, so anything that can be done to alleviate them can have life-altering consequences. Both pain and inflammation reduce a person’s ability to do the simple things in life, such as exercise or go shopping. And some become confined to a wheelchair. 

But there’s evidence to suggest that stem cell therapy reduces pain and inflammation, thus increasing mobility. And in some cases, these improvements have occurred within a month of the stem cell transplant. Combined with a range of post-treatment care programs, this alternative therapy can deliver long-lasting results. 

Increased Independence

Pain and inflammation can cause serious mobility issues if they’re left untreated. And this can lead to a loss of independence and functionality in everyday life. All too often, chronic osteoarthritis sufferers have to rely on the kindness of others to get around or perform the most basic of tasks. But alleviation of these ailments through stem cell therapy gives people back the ability to remain in control of their lives.

Slow or Stop Osteoarthritis Progression

A few research studies have discovered that stem cell therapy — when administered in the right way — can slow or even stop the progression of osteoarthritis. While not all test subjects reported these effects, the fact that some did is a real cause for optimism. 

Suffering from the effects of osteoarthritis? Looking for relief from the constant cycle of pain, inflammation, and immobility? Talk to the specialists at Cendant today. We’ll discuss how stem cell therapy could alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.