Stem Cells VS PRP, Which One is More Suitable
The whole orthopedic field is trying to figure out ways that help in saving more and more lives. At the moment, only two ways are attracting the eye: Stem cell therapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy.
Now, a lot of experts believe that PRP therapy is quite safer and liable when compared with stem cell therapy. But, this does not mean that stem cell therapy falls behind. Some physicians in this field believe that stem cell therapy is the real future of regenerative medicine. But, it has not reached that level at the moment.
The thing that worries most physicians is that there are numerous problems stem cell therapy might cause. Dissimilar to PRP therapy, the stem cell is mostly man-made. Therefore, problems might arise. But along with the harmful effects of stem cell therapy, it can provide numerous helpful traits too.
A Quick Overview Of The Platelet-Rich Plasma and the Stem Cell Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy plays a huge part in restoring the body’s existing healing mechanism. In case your body gets stuck in the healing process, PRP therapy can help it out.
If we look at stem cell therapy, it is mostly left out when it comes to healing. The reason why stem cells are still so famous is that it can provide solutions that can help in starting the healing process.
Background Of The Stem Cell Therapy
Before we get to the real topic, we should take a peek at the background of stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy For Orthopedic
The stem cells consist of the human body. Experts believe that stem cells are the fundamental part of the human body’s normal healing system. Stem cells can be easily converted into any cells your body requires. Due to this, the name of raw potential is given to them.
With time, when your body gets older, the amount of stem cells in the body decreases. This is the major reason why the healing process becomes slower when a person gets old. Stem cell therapy can help you out. The stem cell treatment can deal with the shortage of stem cells by injecting extra and healthy stem cells into the damaged parts of your body.
Stem cell therapy may look tough or confusing, but in reality, it is quite a simple procedure. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes. The majority of the patients report significant results in just two days.
Stem cell therapy can save a patient from undergoing any surgical procedure. The majority of the patients report a full recovery within just 28 days. 90% of the results in the US or major parts of Europe show little to no side effects.
Dissimilarities Between the Stem Cell Therapy and PRP Therapy
A lot of people get confused when it comes to PRP therapy and Stem cell therapy. People believe that both these therapies are the same thing. But, this is not true at all. The major dissimilarity between these two therapies is that the PRP therapy is removed from the body of the patient. After it is removed, it undergoes a scientific process. Once this is done, the result is then injected back into the body.
Now coming to stem cell therapy. In stem cell therapy, the cells are taken from numerous places within the body. Once taken out, the stem cells are turned into specialized cells. You may think that preparing the cells might be a confusing and tough procedure. But this is not true. The whole process is done in a safe and sophisticated lab. It takes weeks to grow the stem cells.
Apart from all this, adult stem cells might come in handy as well. But, this is highly rare and experts are trying to recognize the cells in the adult human body tissue.
So, What Is Wrong With The Stem Cell Therapy?
The biggest problem the stem cell therapy possesses is that it can cause big problems if not handled carefully. The goal is not only to save lives but to give the patients a new start. Due to this, all the pros and cons of stem cell therapy should be considered. Here are some of the side effects of stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Can Cause Viruses
We all know that stem cells are foreign bodies. In case the stem cells contain microscopic agents (dangerous viruses in lay man’s terms), things can get messy. Patients who have a weak immune system are the major target of these viruses.
Stem Cell Therapy Can Cause Uncontrolled Growth
I said earlier that the whole procedure is done in labs that are looked after by professionals. But, there is a chance that the cells might misfunction and continue uncontrolled growth after the cells are injected into the patient.
That being said, here are some diseases and conditions that can be treated by stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused the autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system starts to attack the muscles, joints, and organs. People suffering from the autoimmune disease might suffer from fatigue, warm and swollen joints, and severe pain. So, what role can stem cell therapy play here? The stem cell treatment can provide an alternative that will help in healing and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Stem Cell Therapy Can Cause Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is an inflammation in the joints. This condition is caused when the cartilage deteriorates. Due to this, the bones begin to rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness, pain, and reduce the range of motion in one’s joints. At the moment, there is no actual cure for this deadly problem. What stem cell therapy can do is that it can reduce the pain through medications, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy Helps In Shoulder Repair
Shoulder injuries are tougher than you think. But, do not worry, because stem cell therapy is there to help you out. Stem cell therapy can help you be renewing the damaged joints.
Stem Cell Therapy For Joint Repair
Arthritis can cause elbow and hand problems. A wrist and elbow joint tissue including ligamentous injuries and tendon problems might not be treated by stem cell therapy. The physician must check the condition of each patient. This way they can understand whether stem cell therapy is suitable for a certain patient or not.
Stem Cell Therapy for Knee
Knee arthritis is another joint disease that has affected the lives of hundreds of people. A lot of people and even some physicians believe that the major solution to this problem is to go for steroid injections or surgery, Yet, these people are going in a completely wrong direction. Patients can easily benefit from stem cell therapy. But, before the physician goes for this option, the condition of each patient will be analyzed. Once that is done, the doctor will decide whether the stem cell therapy should have opted or not.
Stem Cell Therapy for Hip
Hip arthritis is quite similar to knee arthritis. In some cases, patients try to delay the hip surgery and opt for steroid injections and other methods. This can be dangerous because if you take these injections for a longer period, the tissues near your hips can get damaged. The fact that the fractured hips cannot be treated by stem cell therapy, surgery is the only option left.
