How Mesenchymal Stem Cells Build Tissue & Repair Cartilage

Helping The Body Repair Itself

For most Americans, some sort of tissue or cartilage damage is inevitable. Accidents, arthritis, chronic conditions, or diseases can cause severe damage. Others are caused by side effects of surgery or treatment of another issue. Whatever the cause, repairing or restoring some normalcy is a doctor’s main priority. Over the years, scientists have researched ways for self-healing, leading to a rise in biologic therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells are one of the most effective forms biological therapies available.

What are mesenchymal stem cells?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that medical professionals can isolate from different sources. These stem cells are the body’s raw material and can transform into other types of cells. Types of cells include muscle, tissue, skin, nerves, and much more. Recent technological advancements have allowed scientists to extract these cells from bone marrow, amniotic fluid, body fat, and other sources.

How does it work?

There are different types of stem cells but most will contain embryonic or adult stem cells. The goal of stem cells is to replicate and form into specific cells needed at that part of the body. Embryonic cells are found in embryos and can transform into almost any type of cell in the body. MSCs are adult stem cells with specific properties. These adult cells can be harvested and controlled better than embryonic cells. Once in place, the cells release special compounds to encourage new cell growth, tissue growth, and healing. Since these cells do not activate the immune system, scientists can move MSCs to other parts of the body safely.

Extract, isolate, implement

Patients who are candidates for MSC therapy are in generally good health, besides the current ailment. The medical team will extract stem cells from a part of the body that will respond to the tissue or ligament damage. The gold standard today is a concentrate from the patient’s bone marrow. The MSC is then isolated from the extracted material using special lab equipment. The cells are then multiplied in the lab. A doctor will finally inject the resulting MSC concentrate at the damaged location. The total process is minimally invasive and will take a few hours.

What results could you expect?

MSC therapy happens over a few sessions covering several months. Over time, there is improved healing, reduced inflammation, and faster recovery. Today, MSC help treat spinal conditions, back pain, MS, arthritis, and much more. What’s even more amazing is the cell’s ability to repair the damage without surgery. Partial ligament tears often need months of rehabilitation and even corrective surgery. Studies show that mesenchymal stem cells may help these damaged ligaments like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, and elbow damage. Even with complete tears that need surgery, mesenchymal stem cells can support surgery to speed up recovery.

A new frontier in tissue repair

The use of stem cells is becoming widely accepted in recovery and pain management. Mesenchymal stem cells, in particular, help with ligament and tissue repair. By using the body’s natural ability to generate new cells, patients receive a natural alternative to surgery and opioids. Doctors recommend MSC therapy as a supplement to physical therapy and other healing techniques for the best results. Ask a doctor or pain management center about stem cell therapy to deal with a recent injury.