The proper use of stem cells is proving to be a very efficient healing therapy. When you choose stem cell therapy or any other type of regenerative injections to treat your musculoskeletal injury, it is wise to consider the quality and type of injection to be administered, the doctor’s medical training, and the technique used.
Because stem cells have been so successful, some people have gotten into the business of providing them who should not have. To be blunt, some clinics and providers lack the ability or even the credentials to perform such procedures. In their hands, patients not only waste money but risk the worsening of the condition.
Yet, in the hands of a competent, experienced, and trained physician, regenerative injections could be close to miraculous. So when you are looking for a physician to treat you chronic condition, consider these factors to get the most out of your treatment:
- The quality of the injections
The most common regenerative injections are prolotheraphy, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and stem cells. Each one of these injections works to boost the body’s ability to regenerate itself.
There are different types of stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells have been studied extensively in the musculoskeletal field and evidenced to be the most helpful. They are the treatment of choice now for athletic injuries, arthritis, and regular joint pain.
Amniotic, bone marrow, and adipose are the most common type of stem cells used, depending on your particular situation. Knowing what kind of stem cell to use and under what circumstances is paramount to a successful treatment. Make sure your physician can tell you the origin and the kind of stem cell he or she is providing.
- The physician’s background and credentials
A Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) is often the most qualified physician to administer regenerative injections. Osteopaths understand the body as a whole entity. For example, they understand that it is important to treat the joint AND the related ligaments, tendons, and muscles to bring stability to the joint. Treatments designed by osteopaths take into consideration the intrinsic relationship of all bodily systems.
Always make sure you get treated by a licensed, board certified physician. Estheticians and chiropractors are not licensed to administer any type of regenerative injection.
- Experience and technique
Proper technique is another factor that can make the difference between the number of injections required to heal an injury and the success of the treatment. An in-depth knowledge of anatomy and the physician’s unique skills are important factors to maximize the success of your treatment. To develop a less invasive, painless technique requires a set of unique skills learned over years through study, training, and hands-on experience. To ensure the success of your treatment, make sure your physician has enough experience and specific training in the regenerative injection field. Check for continuing education and or certifications and seminars he/she has attended.
- Use of newest diagnostic tools and technology
One of the most important factors in determining if the injection will reach its maximum potential is the correct use of diagnostic and procedure tools. For maximum accuracy, the injection should be administered with the help of ultrasound which uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body.
Make sure your doctor can analyze the injury appropriately. Ultrasounds can help diagnose musculoskeletal injuries, as well as tissue and bone abnormalities. Because they are an excellent way to visualize fluids, they also serve as a guide for assisting with the procedure itself. Ultrasound allows the physician to watch the precise trajectory of the needle for an accurate injection.
More questions? We are happy to answer all. Schedule a consultation at the Osteopathic Center.
