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Stem cell therapy involves harvesting specialised cells that can develop into different cell types and injecting them into damaged tissues to promote healing and regeneration. This procedure aims to reduce pain, improve function, and potentially delay or avoid more invasive procedures for various musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy leverages the body’s natural repair mechanisms by introducing concentrated stem cells to areas where the healing process needs enhancement.
Stem cell therapy may be considered for several conditions affecting joints, bones, and soft tissues when conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Stem cell therapy offers several advantages as a treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions that affect quality of life and physical function.
This technique involves extracting stem cells directly from the patient’s bone marrow, typically from the iliac crest (hip bone). The collected cells are processed to concentrate the stem cells before injection into the treatment area. The procedure can be performed in a single session.
Stem cells are harvested from fat tissue through a mini-liposuction procedure. The extracted tissue undergoes processing to isolate the stem cells, which are then injected into the target area. This method may yield higher stem cell concentrations than bone marrow extraction.
This approach involves drawing blood from the patient and separating stem cells from other blood components. Prior to collection, patients may receive medication to stimulate stem cell production and release into the bloodstream. The concentrated cells are then injected into the treatment site.
A thorough assessment includes physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine suitability for stem cell therapy. Blood tests may be conducted to screen for any conditions that may affect stem cell quality or healing potential.
Certain medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and steroids, may need to be temporarily discontinued. These medications can interfere with stem cell function or increase bleeding risk during the harvesting process, so adjustments are typically made 1-2 weeks before the procedure.
Instructions regarding fasting requirements, hydration, and activity restrictions will be provided. Patients are typically advised to hydrate well before bone marrow or blood collection procedures, while fasting may be required if sedation will be used.
The procedure begins with the application of local anaesthesia to the harvest site and the treatment area. This ensures patient comfort during both the collection and injection phases while allowing the patient to remain awake and responsive.
The selected collection method (bone marrow aspiration, adipose tissue extraction, or blood draw) is performed to obtain the raw material containing stem cells. The harvesting process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the collection site and method.
The harvested material undergoes centrifugation or other laboratory processing to isolate and concentrate the stem cells. This step increases the therapeutic potential by creating a preparation with optimal cell concentrations for injection.
The injection site is cleaned and sterilised to prevent infection. Imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be set up to ensure precise delivery of the stem cells to the damaged tissue.
The concentrated stem cell preparation is injected into the target area using appropriate guidance technology. Multiple injections may be performed in different locations of the same structure to maximise coverage of the damaged tissue.
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After the procedure, patients remain under observation for a short period to monitor for any adverse reactions. The injection site may be bandaged, and instructions for ice application and initial activity limitations are provided to minimise discomfort and swelling.
Most patients can resume light activities within 24-48 hours following the procedure. A gradual return to normal activities is typically recommended, with full resumption of high-impact activities allowed after 4-6 weeks when the full benefits of the therapy begin to manifest.
Regular evaluations track progress and monitor the response to treatment. These appointments may include physical examinations and imaging studies to document structural improvements.
While stem cell therapy is generally well tolerated, patients should be aware of possible adverse effects. These include temporary pain or swelling at the harvest and injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Infection, though rare, remains a possibility as with any injection procedure. Some patients may experience a temporary flare of symptoms after injection before improvement occurs. The body may not respond to the therapy as expected, resulting in limited or no improvement in symptoms.
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38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
Singapore 329563
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
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6 Napier Road #07-15
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Results typically develop gradually over 2-3 months as the stem cells promote tissue regeneration. Some patients report earlier improvement in symptoms, while the full effects may continue to develop for up to 6-9 months after treatment.
Most conditions are treated with a single session initially. Depending on the response and severity of the condition, additional sessions may be recommended at 6-12 month intervals to maintain or enhance the results.
Treatment outcomes can be influenced by the severity and chronicity of the condition, the patient’s age and overall health, post-procedure activity levels, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and the presence of other joint or tissue abnormalities in the treatment area.