Stem Cell Therapy is gaining attention as an innovative option for people seeking alternatives to surgery or long-term medications for conditions including chronic back and joint pain, aging, and some neurological disorders. If you’re considering this as a treatment plan, it’s natural to have questions about what the process looks like and how to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after a stem cell therapy session.
Before the Treatment: Preparing for Your Appointment
- Consultation & Evaluation: Your journey typically begins with a detailed consultation. Our team of experts will review your medical history, current symptoms, and imaging results (such as X-rays or MRIs). The goal is to determine if stem cell therapy is appropriate for your condition.
- Custom Treatment Plan: Not everyone is a candidate so we will design a personalized plan, outlining the type of stem cells recommended (commonly derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue) and the areas to be treated.
- Pre-Treatment Instructions: It is typically recommended to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, alcohol, or smoking in the days leading up to the procedure, since these can interfere with stem cell activity and healing.
During the Treatment: The Procedure Itself
- Collection of Stem Cells: In most cases, stem cells are harvested from your own body (autologous therapy). Common sources include bone marrow (from the hip) or fat tissue. The collection is performed using minimally invasive techniques under local anesthesia.
- Processing: The collected cells are processed and concentrated in a specialized lab to isolate the regenerative components.
- Injection Into Target Area: Guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), we will inject the stem cell concentrate into the damaged or inflamed area, such as a knee joint, shoulder, or spine.
- Time & Comfort: The entire procedure often takes 1–3 hours. While patients may feel some discomfort during the injection, it’s typically well tolerated and far less invasive than surgery.
After the Treatment: Recovery and Results
- Immediate Recovery: It’s common for most people to go home the same day with only mild soreness or swelling at the injection site which typically lasts for a few days.
- Activity Guidelines: A short period of rest is usually recommend, followed by gradual return to normal activity. High-impact exercise should be avoided for several weeks to prevent complications.
- Rehabilitation Support: Physical therapy may be suggested to maximize results, especially for joint or orthopedic conditions.
- When to Expect Results: Stem cells work by stimulating your body’s natural healing processes, so improvements are gradual. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved function within 2–3 months, with continued benefits over 6–12 months.
Conditions Stem Cell Treats:
- Joint pain (knee, shoulder, hip)
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Chronic inflammation
- Back pain and spinal disc issues
- Neurological conditions (in certain cases)
- Signs of aging in skin and hair
Conclusion
Choosing stem cell therapy is a big decision which is why understanding the process is important and can help you feel more confident and prepared for what lies ahead.
If you have any questions about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to stem cell therapy based on your unique situation, schedule a free consultation with our board-certified team by calling 516.682.2008.
Note-Stem cell therapy is not a “miracle cure.” While many people experience significant pain relief and improved mobility, results vary based on age, severity of the condition, and overall health. For some, stem cell therapy helps delay or even avoid surgery, but it may not completely reverse advanced disease.
