Although mainstream use of stem cell therapy is fairly new, stem cell research has been occurring for over a half a century. Since the first bone marrow transplant back in the 1950s, stem cells have been studied and researched to uncover their potential for tissue repair and healing. At Regenerative Orthopaedics, Dr. Steven Struhl and our medical team have a thorough understanding of the uses of stem cell therapy for orthopedic treatments; but many of our patients are new to this type of medical care. Here are five common misconceptions about stem cell therapy and the truth about this innovative treatment.

  1. Stem Cells Are from Embryos
    There are many types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells. The stem cells we use are harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow. These are “adult” stem cells that can be used for many different types of tissue repair, including bone and cartilage.
  2. Your Body Can Reject Stem Cell Therapy
    While it is true that your body can reject donor stem cells from another person, stem cell therapy using your own stem cells is safe. We harvest stem cells from your bone marrow and use them for treatment the same day to eliminate any chance of rejection.
  3. Stem Cell Therapy Is Time Consuming
    The advances in stem cell therapy have made it fast and accessible. We have a centrifuge at our clinics that can filter the bone marrow sample while you wait. The entire treatment process takes less than an hour.
  4. Stem Cell Therapy Is Painful
    The most “painful” aspect of stem cell therapy is harvesting the bone marrow. An injection into the hip bone is needed to extract a small sample. We use a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort, and the site can be tender for several days after the procedure.
  5. Stem Cell Therapy Is Too Expensive
    While it is true that most insurance companies do not cover stem cell therapy, it is not only for the rich and famous. We offer payment options to help make it affordable for all our patients. In comparison to surgery or other more invasive treatments, stem cell therapy can offer a higher value when it comes to improving your health and quality of life.

If you want to learn more about stem cell therapy and how it can help relieve joint pain or improve healing, contact us at Regenerative Orthopaedics. We can schedule your appointment with Dr. Steven Struhl at our clinics in NYC or White Plains.