Orthopedic Stem Cell division of Integrated Medicine and Nutrition, Stem Cell therapy is an innovative way to use stem cells from your own body to treat your back or painful orthopedic ailments of knees, hips, shoulders, feet, or ankles. The goal of this out-patient procedure is to help you attain pain-free movement and heal faster.

Stem Cell Therapy is not indicated for everyone. At your first visit, the medical staff begins with a history including the review of any test results (MRI, x-rays, blood tests) you may have. If you are not a good candidate for Stem Cell Therapy we will discuss other treatment options with you. If we determine that you are a good candidate for the therapy, we will answer any question you may have and explain how stem cell therapy works and what will happen throughout the process.

What are stem cells and how do they heal?

Stem cells are the repairmen of the body. They have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. They serve as an internal repair system, dividing without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides each new cell has the potential to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function (i.e. muscle cell, red blood cell, brain cell, ligament, tendons, cartilage etc). Distinguished from other cell types they are unspecialized and are capable of renewing themselves through cell division even after long periods of inactivity. Stem cells can be induced to become tissue. Or divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissue.

What is Stem Cell Therapy indicated for?

Stem Cell Therapy is an ideal non surgical alternative for those who suffer from:

Mild and moderate osteoarthritis of ankle, knee, hip, spine (lumbar, thoracic, cervical), shoulder, elbow, wrist, TMJ…
Partial Achilles tendon tear or laxity
Partial ligaments tears: ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL of the knees
Partial Meniscal tears
Augment to ACL, PCL reconstruction
Muscle strain and sprain
Labral tear of hip and shoulders
Avascular necrosis without femoral head collapse
Degenerative Disk Disease
Partial Rotator Cuff tears of the shoulders
Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis of the elbows
Wrist and Hands degenerative conditions
Hair loss, baldness or weakened hair follicles for both men and women
Why do we use fat / adipose tissue?

Recently, specialists have begun to utilize the potential of autologous adipose (fat)-derived from adult stem cells within non-manipulated fat graft structure, combined with high-density PRP concentrates to provide a potent biological therapeutic combination. With high levels of platelet-derived growth factors and cytokines, this combination provides both a living bioscaffold and a multi-potent cell replenishment source useful for enhanced musculoskeletal healing.

Fat is a complex tissue that is not only easiest to harvest, but offers markedly higher nucleated, undifferentiated stem cell counts. This procedure can be done in the office. It is a short, safe, and sterile procedure that just takes a few hours. We perform this procedure on anyone who needs build up of cartilage due to osteoarthritis and many other joint, ligament, and tendon problems.

This treatment using adipose (fat) stem cells from one’s own body has a higher success rate because this is no risk of disease transfer, no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. There is a higher number of stem cells harvested and it is a same day in office procedure.

What is the stem cell injection process?

You will be talking and awake during the procedure. Adipose cells are extracted from your body, usually the abdomen or hip, via liposuction. Only about 60 cc’s (ml) are needed. These cells are then processed. We then inject the stem cells into the injured area to help in healing. The entire procedure will take about 3-4 hours.

How long is the repair process?

Stem cell therapy is a repair process which usually takes 2-3 months, but improvement is typically noted before then. Approximately 4-6 weeks after the stem cell injection, the procedure is repeated. These injections allow the stem cells to continue growing and multiplying into cartilage tissue.

If I am thin, will I be able to get enough stem cells from the liposuction procedure?

Yes. In fact healthier people may have more stem cells per cubic centimeter (cc) of fat than people in poor health.

Will it hurt? And how long is the recovery time?

We use only local anesthetic for the liposuction procedure, which is a tiny incision in your abdomen. The incision may be a bit sore, but most people can go about their daily lives immediately after the procedure.

How often do I need to get it done?

We found the ideal frequency to perform these procedures is every 4-6 weeks.

Are there any side effects?

Since we use the patient’s own stem cells there is no risk of disease transfer, rejection, or allergic reaction. People who have reactions to needles from the anesthetic or IV may have their usual symptoms. Speak with our doctor about this before the procedure.

Is there anything that can augment my results?

A healthy lifestyle, including eating right for your body type and medical condition, exercise, adequate rest and anything else that supports good overall health.

How long does the treatment last?

Depending on the nature of one’s disease and one’s overall health, the length of benefit can be months to years. The stem cells don’t stop working, but one’s lifestyle can augment or detract from the treatment.

When will I start to notice results?

Some people begin to feel results immediately, although it’s more likely that it will take a few days or even weeks to begin to see significant effects on your health or to feel your symptoms lessen. You can expect more energy within 2-3 weeks and for deeper structural problems to improve, it may take 6-8 weeks.

We, at Integrated Medicine and Nutrition, worked with a number of high profile athletes and professional non-athletes over the years, getting back into action without the recovery, rehabilitation and extensive downtime required with surgery. We know the importance of privacy and will do all that we can to protect your confidentiality.

Although insurances do not pay for this procedure, we accept Flexible spending accounts or FSA debit card, also known as flex card.

Call 718-544-1444 today for a free 15 minute consultation to inquire how we can help you get on the road to a healthy, productive and pain-free lifestyle.