Stem Cell Therapy for Knees – Athletes Turn to Advanced Medicine
Knees are a commonly injured on the body – especially for athletes – who are extremely vulnerable to knee injuries.
As more and more science points to trauma leading to arthritis, (surgery is on the list of trauma that leads to accelerated arthritis) more patients and athletes are seeking regenerative options such as stem cell therapy for knees to relieve pain and continue a career as an athlete.
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, with knee problems, treatments of this nature include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – a technique in which the patient’s own blood is processed to concentrate it down to just the platelets. The platelets have growth factors that aid in the healing process. Stem Cell Therapy adds the advantage of stem cells to the equation. Dennis M. Lox, MD, a Sports and Regenerative Medicine Specialist, explains growth factors work by countering cellular messengers that keep producing inflammation. Dr. Lox further points out, it is not magical science that stem cells are immune-regulators and potent anti-inflammatory agents in the initial stages – thus patients often find pain relief quickly .
Next, the stem cells are also repair cells. They get to work on fixing what’s broken. This sound great for all of us, however the problem is our bodies are not designed to provide high quantities of stem cells as we age, and since joints have a naturally poor blood supply, stem cells do not reach the region of injury that needs help, and the aging process or wear and tear begins. But, what if we change the equation by selectively targeting stem cells to an injured segment? This is especially possible when it comes to stem cell therapy for knees.
Now the dynamics of normal aging and wear and tear from injury can be altered. This is why many athletes, weekend warriors and arthritis sufferers have consulted Dr. Lox.
There is no magical solution, however PRP and Stem Cell Therapy have helped many athletes continue to play even after surgery has failed.
