5 Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is part of the fast-growing field of regenerative medicine. At Utah Stem Cells it combines two things: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared from a small sample of your own blood, and stem cells from ethically donated umbilical cord and amniotic tissue, prepared in a laboratory. The stem cells are not taken from your own body.
Here are the main reasons patients ask about it. Stem cell therapies are not FDA-approved for these uses, results vary from person to person, and whether a treatment is appropriate for you is decided by the physician after an individual evaluation. To explore it for a joint, see our page on stem cell joint regeneration.
What is a stem cell?
According to the National Institutes of Health:
“Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. In the 3- to 5-day-old embryo, called a blastocyst, the inner cells give rise to the entire body of the organism, including all of the many specialized cell types and organs such as the heart, lungs, skin, sperm, eggs and other tissues. In some adult tissues, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, discrete populations of adult stem cells generate replacements for other cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease.”
Five benefits patients ask about
1. A non-surgical option
Stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure rather than an operation. For some patients it may be an alternative to surgery, or a way to put surgery off, though that can never be guaranteed.
2. Minimal recovery time
Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities quickly. Your provider explains what to expect for your treatment area.
3. No general anesthesia
The procedure does not require general anesthesia, which matters to patients who dislike how it feels or who carry higher anesthetic risk.
4. No stem cells taken from your own body
Because the stem cells come from donated tissue, there is no bone marrow or fat harvest for you to go through. The PRP, by contrast, is drawn from your own blood.
5. Care led by a physician
Every plan begins with an evaluation by a physician, Dr. William Cimikoski, who will tell you honestly whether you are a good candidate, and when you are not.
Frequently asked questions
Are the stem cells taken from my own body?
No. The stem cells used at Utah Stem Cells come from ethically donated umbilical cord and amniotic tissue and are prepared in a laboratory. Only the PRP comes from your own blood.
Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?
No. Stem cell therapies like these are not FDA-approved for treating specific conditions, and individual results vary. That is why an honest evaluation of your own situation matters more than any general claim.
Does it carry risks?
Yes. Like any medical procedure it has risks, and some temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site is possible. The physician reviews the risks with you before any decision to treat.
How do I know whether it is right for me?
Book a consultation. The physician will review your history and goals and tell you whether it is an appropriate option.
This article is for general education. It is not medical advice or a promise of any particular result. Stem cell therapies are not FDA-approved for these uses. Treatment suitability is determined by the physician based on individual evaluation.