The Difference Between Embryonic Stem Cells and Adult Stem Cells

Regenerative medicine is a promising area of medicine in which damaged tissue in the body can be repaired using stem cells. Because of the exponential development of stem cell research, doctors have the ability to treat conditions and traumas that were not possible to cure even a few years ago.

There are many different types of stem cells, but the two main types are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. There are many doctors that specialize in only embryonic stem cell treatment, as well as doctors who solely use adult stem cells for tissue repair.

The use of embryonic stem cells, which is considered a controversial treatment by many, uses the stem cells of a human embryo to create cells that repair damaged tissue in a patient. These stem cells represent the only cell type that has the ability to renew itself indefinitely. Embryonic stem cells are also pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into any of the three germ layers to treat tissue.

Adult stem cells are considered less controversial because they involve using the own patient’s cells to repair the body. Only found in adult tissue, this treatment is non-immunogenic. In other words, the cells used will not cause the immune system to respond negatively. Adult stem cells will stop growing after they have conducting their initial function. They only have differentiation potential to tissues in one germ layer.

As previously mentioned, there are clinics who only focus on treating their patients with adult stem cell treatment. The Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas is a prime example of medical doctors who ONLY use adult stem cells in their procedures. Conveniently located in San Antonio, this medical team focuses on treating osteoarthritis, hip pain, knee pain, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and rotator cuff tears. The use of adult stem cell therapy allows these doctors to confirm that something from your body can heal your body.

Click here to learn more about the Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas, or call (210) 293-3136 to schedule an appointment and start your treatment.

Why Stem Cell Regeneration is a Game-Changer

Osteoarthritis, a joint disease also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It impacts roughly 20 million Americans. When seeking treatment in San Antonio, many people consider options as simple as pain relief medicine and as complex as joint fusion. However, as medical technology has improved, a new, alternative option for osteoarthritis treatment has become viable: adult stem cell therapy. Organizations like the Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas provide opportunities to receive stem cell treatment (regenerative medicine), which has anti-inflammatory properties to help fight pain.

The disadvantage of pain relievers are its temporary relief and side effects, which include the increased risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular problems in higher doses. Your body can also become tolerant of the drugs or experience more severity. Lastly, using pain relievers will not change the course of your arthritis. It masks the pain temporarily but does not improve the root cause of it.

After consulting with your doctor, you may find that surgery is an option for dealing with knee, shoulder, or joint pain. At a young age, osteotomy, a joint-preserving surgery, can improve joint alignment and stability. Joint replacement is also another  surgical process that will help improve function but it is only viable after your osteoarthritis has progressed to a severe case. Ideally, you want to avoid that situation!

Scientists have made enormous progress in the field of regenerative medicine. The idea is not new but, in recent years, doctors have increased the effectiveness and safety of adult stem cell surgery in treating arthritis, frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more. Here is a list of the most commonly treated conditions with Stem Cell Therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cells involved in stem cell transplant and treatment will not be rejected by the body because they are the patient’s very own. According to a study supported by The Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas, only 0.04% of perpendicular bone marrow biopsies had adverse effects.

Regenerative medicine is a safer treatment option than traditional surgical options. Stem cell therapy regenerates healthy cells and replaces diseased cells. This aids the repair of diseased and damaged tissues within the body. For example, a person with heart disease will be able to have cells that contribute to restoring defective heart muscle with the use of stem cell therapy.

With an increased understanding of stem cell therapy, doctors are able to have an alternative for patients that only requires 1-2 injection cycles, allowing them to return to normal activity in as little as 4-6 weeks.

Consult with a doctor at the Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas for an accurate time estimate for your osteoarthritis or other knee, hip, or shoulder problems. Their facility is conveniently located in San Antonio, and setting up an appointment is as easy as filling out a form or giving them a call.

Learn more about adult stem cell therapy here.