Stem Cell Therapy FAQs
If you’re curious about stem cell therapy, don’t let misinformation or lack of information stand in your way. At Dynamic Health Center, most of our patients come in with preconceived notions and general questions about stem cell therapy. We’ve provided this frequently asked questions page to serve as a resource as you consider whether amniotic allograft (regenerative stem cell therapy) is right for you. This list of questions is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a great start as you gather more information about regenerative medicine.
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Take a look at this resource,
and be sure to contact our regenerative medicine clinic in Denver today to speak with us directly!
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General Stem Cell Therapy Questions
WHAT IS AMNIOTIC ALLOGRAFT (STEM CELL) THERAPY?
Amniotic Allograft (also known as stem cell) therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent chronic ailments or diseases. Stem cells are being used in medicine in two defining ways: homologous and heterologous applications.
HOMOLOGOUS VS. HETEROLOGOUS STEM CELL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
The first, most experienced approach is homologous tissue cell restoration. This includes using a patient’s own stored stem cells or stem cells from an immunologically matched donor to restore diseased or damaged tissue of the same type; for example, blood stem cell transplantation.
The second, and presently major approach to stem cell use in medicine is heterologous. This approach utilizes a cell’s self-renewing properties to differentiate itself in order to accelerate regeneration and repair tissues from which they were not derived, hence “heterologous.”
Heterologous applications are used for our stem cell therapy treatments.
WHAT TYPE OF STEM CELLS ARE USED IN THE TREATMENT?
There are three types of stem cells identified: adults stem cells, human embryonic stem cells(hESC), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Each of these cells shares a certain set of properties including their ability to survive over long periods of time, ability to divide into additional cells, and their ability to differentiate into varying cell types within the human body.
Adult stem cells can be found throughout the body as unspecialized cells. These cells are often extracted from the amniotic membrane, adipose (fat) or bone marrow. These cells are multipotent meaning they are limited in the number of cell types they can form into.
Human embryonic stem cells come from embryos that have been fertilized in vitro and possess pluripotent properties, meaning they can grow into any type of cell or tissue in the human body. These cells are illegal to use in U.S. and are not used for stem cell treatments.
Induced pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that have been altered to possess the pluripotent properties of hECS. Some researchers are manipulating cells extracted from amniotic fluid to do so.
We use multipotent stem cells in our stem cell therapy treatments in Denver, which are donated from a consenting mother at the time of a healthy delivery. The amniotic tissue, which is routinely discarded, contains a high number of growth factors, unspecialized stem cells and additional wound regenerating characteristics.
WHY USE AMNIOTIC TISSUE?
Amniotic tissue contains a large number of stem cells, growth factors, and other essential building blocks for wound regenerating such as cytokines and immune-privileged properties. These factors give patients the best opportunity for results.
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Stem Cell Therapy Safety
HOW SAFE IS STEM CELL THERAPY?
More than 30,000,000 patients have been treated without one single adverse reaction.
IS STEM CELL THERAPY TREATMENT REGULATED?
Stem cell therapy is neither approved or disapproved. It is not treated like a drug and therefore not regulated like a drug. Rather, the FDA has set forth safety and ethical guidelines for cellular and gene therapy treatments. The FDA regulations stipulate that stem cells cannot be altered, grown, or cultured. Do not participate in a stem cell treatment that does not take place as an in-office, same-day procedure.
WHAT ARE YOUR ETHICAL AND SAFETY STANDARDS?
Our donors are healthy women between the ages of 18-35. Their blood has been screened for a complete medical history. Initial safety testing is critical. The donated tissue is tested twice before processing, and all our stem cells follow FDA Guidelines and CGTP regulation 21CFR Part 1271 and the American Association of Tissue Banks Rules and Regulations, and stringent United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) testing.
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Stem Cell Therapy Treatment
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR STEM CELL THERAPY TREATMENT?
Prior to a stem cell treatment, you must stop taking any over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc.). Our team will conduct a complete medical history prior to treatment, as well as review any other preparations you need to take before the procedure.
IS THERE A CHANCE MY BODY WILL REJECT THE STEM CELLS?
No. The stem cells found within amniotic tissue are immune-privileged, so your immune system will not reject the cells. Also, they do not contain antigens and will not cause an adverse reaction.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A TREATMENT?
All patients are different, but most patients can return to work or their daily activities immediately following the treatment.
HOW LONG BEFORE I WILL SEE RESULTS?
Most patients start to see significant results within 4-10 weeks.
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Amniotic Allograft/Stem Cell Injections
WHAT IS IN AN AMNIOTIC ALLOGRAFT (STEM CELL INJECTION)?
The injection consists of a concentration of stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines which play a major role in regenerative medicine and promoting wound healing. Cytokines are small proteins released by cells that signal where to go, what to do, and how to respond. Growth factors are soluble proteins that affect cellular processes and play a natural role in promoting wound healing. Growth factors are also known to accelerate the process.
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WHAT GROWTH FACTORS ARE REQUIRED FOR REGENERATION?
The growth factors required for regeneration include collagen, amino acids, carbohydrates, electrolytes, and enzymes. These factors stimulate the growth and regeneration of specific tissues and lubricate the joint for healthy cartilage to grow.
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HOW ARE AMNIOTIC ALLOGRAFT (STEM CELL) TREATMENTS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER PROCEDURES?
Stem cell treatments are cost-effective, non-surgical, have a 1-3 month recovery period, can be performed the same day, and have little-to-no adverse reaction.
HOW DOES THE INJECTION PROCESS WORK?
Stem cells are drawn from the amniotic membrane of the donor during a legally performed C-section. There are no embryonic stem cells involved in this process. The amniotic tissue containing stem cells process and then are injected into the injured joint or tissue to help stimulate tissue growth, reduce pain and inflammation, and restore the injured area back to a healthy state.
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HOW OFTEN DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?
Current studies show a 97 percent success rate! Stem cell therapy has excellent results in treating a wide range of conditions. The majority of patients receive tremendous, if not complete relief from their symptoms.
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IS A STEM CELL TREATMENT COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Insurance does not currently cover stem cells treatments for use in orthopedic therapy. However, some preliminary tests maybe be covered under your plan, and we do have multiple payment plans available to make your treatment affordable.
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Conditions Treated By Stem Cell Therapy
WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TREATED BY STEM CELL THERAPIES?
Arthritis, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, joint separations, carpal tunnel, cervical instability, cervical facet injury, meniscus tear, ACL sprain or tear, ligament sprain or tear, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, nerve entrapment.
DO YOU TREAT ANY PROBLEMS OUTSIDE THE BONE, TENDON, MUSCLE, JOINT, OR LIGAMENT?
Yes, we are currently treating COPD, and other various systemic conditions including many autoimmune diseases very soon. Please contact our health center in Denver to see if your exact condition is eligible for treatment.
DO YOU TREAT
SPINAL CORD INJURIES?
No, not at this time.